Latest news with #TitanicBelfast
ITV News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
World-famous artist's work on display in Belfast
A free exhibition celebrating the work of Lucian Freud is open at Titanic Belfast; he is one of the most celebrated British artists in his field.
Belfast Telegraph
7 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
With the Open in the rear mirror now is a perfect time to step down after a decade as Tourism NI chief executive
While I have been chief of Tourism NI for the past 10 years, my connection with the local tourism industry goes back much further to 2002, when as a relatively young chief executive of Down District Council I was appointed as a board member of what was then the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB). Those were days of great optimism. Peace had become a reality and with it a real ambition to rebuild the North's tourism proposition. That ambition was matched with a political commitment and resources to deliver what were then known as the five tourism 'signature projects'. Titanic Belfast, The Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre, The Mournes, St Patrick and the Walled City of Derry. These projects would ultimately become the bedrock upon which much of today's tourism industry was built. Not unlike the recent debate around the Mourne Gateway Project, the naysayers and armchair tourism experts of the day branded Titanic Belfast a 'white elephant' and a 'waste of public money', only for it to very quickly become the catalyst for the transformation of Belfast as a 21st century tourism destination. My 16 years at Down and Belfast City councils provided me with the opportunity to have a 'hands on' role in the delivery of some of the important tourism projects of the day including the regeneration of Newcastle into a modern tourism town, the construction of the International Conference Centre at the Waterfront Hall and iconic events such as the MTV European Music Awards and the Giro d'Italia. This investment in both tourism infrastructure and events, which put Northern Ireland onto a global stage, has supported the local tourism industry to grow and to become one of the most important sectors of the local economy. The sector has grown to be worth over £2.3bn a year, bringing with it benefits and employment to every community across the region. With over three million visitors each year, we now welcome more visitors than we have residents with over 225,000 coming on around 150 cruise ships each year, figures which would have been unimaginable 10 years ago. Much of the growth in recent years has been driven by the increase in visitor numbers from the Republic of Ireland and the very lucrative golf tourism sector. And a lot of it is down to the success of the Northern Ireland – Embrace a Giant Spirit brand which has shaped the authentic experiences that our industry now offers the consumer and the associated award-winning marketing campaigns that have changed the perception of Northern Ireland as a short break destination. The growth of the golf sector is something we can be particularly proud of. The mix of world class golf courses, the staging of world class international tournaments – in particular the return of the Open to Portrush in 2019 – and the close collaboration between the industry, Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland in promoting Northern Ireland as a golf destination in overseas markets has all contributed to this growth. In 2019 we could never have imagined the Open would be back here just six years later or that we'd have seen the recent investment by US and local businesses in high end accommodation next to our leading golf courses. Another phenomenon during my time has been screen tourism, or 'set jetting' as it's become known. NI Screen has done a magnificent job in supporting TV productions which have showcased our people and our landscape across the globe. The past decade has also seen great collaboration between Tourism NI and the new super councils, which were formed just before I took up the role of chief in 2015. We all have limited resources, so it makes sense to work together to make the most of what we've got and to grow the industry. The other major trend in the industry during my time as chief executive has been the way digital technology has changed how the sector now works. Tourism agencies have had to respond and much of our marketing activity is now done through digital channels as opposed to traditional media. What I am most proud of however, is how the Tourism NI team and the tourism industry collectively responded to the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic in 2019 and delivering the Tourism Recovery Action Plan. The tourism industry was the first to be closed down by the pandemic and the last to reopen. In the absence of overseas visitors, we had to convince people here it was safe to go out and encourage enough people on the island of Ireland to take a staycation north of the border to ensure our businesses survived. We got huge support from the Economy Minister and Department for the Economy and we worked hard with businesses to improve the visitor experience and reduce costs. I'm also proud to have been involved in setting up the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance, with the assistance of the current and former Tourism NI Chairs, Ellvena Graham and Howard Hastings. Looking to the future, these challenges include the barriers arising from the introduction of the ETA. Digital transformation will also continue at pace. AI is increasingly being used by consumers to create their holiday and short break itineraries. If international visitors numbers and dwell time are to increase then direct air connectivity into our local airports also needs to improve. Despite increasing climate change denial, the focus on sustainable or `regenerative' tourism is here to stay and tourism businesses and agencies will need to continuously consider their sustainability credentials, particularly their impact on the environment and local communities. To deliver on the Executive's Tourism Vision and Action Plan, Tourism NI needs someone at the helm who has the vision, commitment and resilience to deliver over the next 10 years. The incoming Tourism NI chief Laura McCorry will prove to be a brilliant leader. She is a strategic thinker, with great experience and highly regarded by everyone in the industry. The targets within the vision are ambitious and achievable. To deliver the vision however, the ambition must be matched with investment and the current state of the public finances makes that a real challenge. The planned investment in the City Deal tourism projects represents a major financial commitment and vote of confidence in the future potential of our tourism industry by both the local councils, and the NI Executive which is unmatched anywhere else in the UK. As my involvement with Tourism NI comes to an end, I believe these projects can be the bedrock on which the Minister's tourism vision can be delivered in the same way the signature projects did in my early days with the NITB almost 20 years ago.
Telegraph
27-07-2025
- Telegraph
The 21 best things to do in Northern Ireland
It doesn't matter how you like to spend your time – birdwatching on a rugged island, pottering around a food market or getting active on a coastal hike – chances are, there's something that'll fit the bill in Northern Ireland. There are art galleries and unique museums, points of historical interest and a gorgeous coastline peppered with interesting landmarks. And alongside the more visited sights, there are the quirkier activities, like food tours and peaceful lake districts, as well as the attractions that don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon – the Game of Thrones filming locations. Here are some activities to add to your list. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Northern Ireland. Find out more below, or for further inspiration, explore our guides to Northern Ireland's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and beaches. Find things to do by type: Best for families Best for being outdoors Best free things to do Best for culture Best for food and drink experiences Best for families Titanic Belfast Step back in time Set on the very spot where the famous ship was built, this museum is a flashy, high-tech ode to all things Titanic. You walk through the journey of the liner, from construction to the sinking; the stories told both through interactive exhibits and personal stories. And it's all suitable for kids. Insider tip: If you're up anyway, book the early riser ticket, which offers a discount for the first time slot of the day. This includes entry to the restored SS Nomadic, the tender to the Titanic and the last remaining ship from the White Star Line. The MAC Let their imaginations run wild At The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre), you'll find a rotating series of exhibitions in the three gallery spaces, but there is also a whole heap of theatre performances, workshops and a schedule of specialised family activities, like baby time, drawing and crafts. These activities are mainly in the school holidays, but outside of those periods there are creativity stations and activity sheets for kids. Insider tip: While some of the specialised workshops are free and available on a drop-in basis, others have a fee and should be booked in advance – check the schedule ahead of time. Giant's Causeway Uncover mythical landscapes and wild climbs Depending on whose story you believe, the hexagonal basalt columns on the County Antrim shore were created by volcanic activity or an angry giant. But either way, these rock formations – perfectly symmetrical shapes stacked up against the wild coastline – are almost beggar belief. While you're free to roam the columns, you'll need to keep a close eye on the kids, as rogue waves are far from a rarity. Insider tip: If your kids aren't averse to a longer walk, the hike along the two-mile Red Trail gives you a great vantage point of the Unesco World Heritage site from the cliffs above. Crawfordsburn Country Park Explore a fairytale woodland There's a definite fairytale feel to this park, with thick woodland, winding pathways and a huge waterfall. It's an easy stroll with little kids, plus there's a picnic area and a woodland café. Walk the full trail and you'll end up at the beach, or you can stick to the wildflower meadows closer to the village. Insider tip: Pop into the thatched Old Inn afterwards, right by the entrance to the park – it dates back to 1614 and has plenty of cosy tables next to roaring fireplaces, and a bigger restaurant if you're looking for lunch. Best for being outdoors Rathlin Island Take a boat trip to a rugged island It's only a short hop from Ballycastle over to Rathlin and, as there are residents on the island, the ferry runs throughout the year. However, if you can time a visit to fall between April to July, you can see the resident colony of puffins. Stop by the seabird centre in the working lighthouse between April and August, while at other times, you hike around the island or pop into the craft shop. Insider tip: During the summer, there are minibus tours of the island available, if you'd rather not hike. Alternatively, you can rent a bike 15 minutes' walk from the ferry port. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Get a shot of adrenaline Gently swinging almost 100 feet above the sea, this rope bridge over to Carrick-a-Rede Island was first built back in 1755 – but don't worry, it's been upgraded since. The crossing itself doesn't take too long, but it's a thrill ride even for those who aren't scared of heights, with the waves crashing into the craggy, rocky shore below. Insider tip: You need to pre-book your tickets online, but bear in mind the bridge can close at short notice due to weather conditions, so don't be disappointed if your slot is cancelled. The Gobbins Walk a Victorian cliff-side trail Forget about your average walk by the sea. This trail clings to the edge of the cliffs on the Causeway Coast, taking you along a suspension bridge, through tunnels and under sections carved from the rock, with the sea to your side. The only way you could get closer to the cliffs is if you were rock climbing. Be warned that The Gobbins is periodically closed after storms or rockfall; check the website for more information. Insider tip: There are usually a few pairs of binoculars shared with your tour group, but bring your own if you want to get a closer glimpse at the seabirds. Fermanagh Lakelands Visit a romantic lake district This understated region to the west doesn't get too much attention, but that means you have more space to explore the calm, reed-lined lakes and tiny islands. Take a boat trip out on Lough Erne to see the 6th-century monastic ruins on Devenish Island, or walk the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, a raised pathway known as the Stairway to Heaven. Insider tip: Book a night in one of the swish bubble domes in Finn Lough, where you can drink in the night skies from a four-poster bed or a roll-top bath. Strangford Lough Explore the lakeside mansions Considering it's so close to Belfast, Strangford Lough feels like a secluded paradise. There's plenty of interesting birdlife, but also two historic National Trust estates on its shoreline – Mount Stewart has impressive gardens and lavish interiors, and Castle Ward (better known by many as Winterfell in Game of Thrones) has a beautiful estate for walking. Insider tip: If you want to pop from one side of the lake to the other, take the ferry between Portaferry and Strangford to save driving all the way around. Best free things to do The Causeway Coast Embark on a road trip of epic proportions The Republic of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way may get more attention, but the Causeway Coast, stretching 120 miles from Belfast over to Derry-Londonderry, is every bit as impressive. There are wild, wind-battered cliffs, sweeping white sand beaches and pretty harbours, and you don't need to drive the whole thing to get the full effect – just pick a section and follow the coastal road. Insider tip: If you want to see the coastline from a different perspective, book in for a kayaking tour with Causeway Coast Kayaking Tours, which runs trips from Ballintoy and under the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Belfast's street art Walk between impressive murals There are incredible pieces of street art around Belfast, with some of the best-known works found in and around the Cathedral Quarter. These range from giant, lifelike portraits that look like large-scale sketches, to multi-colour three-dimensional pieces reminiscent of the old Magic Eye books. There's even an annual street art festival, Hit the North, held each May. Insider tip: If you want a little more insight, take a guided street art walking tour with Seedhead Arts, whose artist guides know the stories behind each piece. Mourne Mountains Hike the peaks that inspired CS Lewis Whether you want to take a scenic road trip or lace up your hiking boots, the Mournes are home to some of the best views in Northern Ireland. The roads around the foothills are winding and narrow, and the gentle curve of the peaks is romantic, whatever the weather. Insider tip: The hiking trails in Tollymore Forest Park are ideal on more inclement days, as the majority of the walking is sheltered by the ancient trees. When you emerge, you get a killer view of the mountain range and the old Mourne Wall. Slieve Gullion Scenic Forest Drive Tick off some epic scenery on a quick spin It may only take you 20 minutes, but this linear, narrow mountain drive is one of the most scenic in the country. In the summer months, the undulating plains are thick with purple heather, and you get a great view down to Carlingford Lough, too. Plus, there are plenty of lookout points along the way where you can pull over to take in the views. Insider tip: If you don't want to see all the sights cooped up in the car, you can also cycle or walk the forest drive – it's just over six miles one way and a steep climb in places. Best for culture Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne Overlook the sea from a clifftop landmark It's one of the most photographed sights in Northern Ireland, despite the fact you can't even go inside. Modelled on the Temple of Vesta in Italy, this domed temple is right on the edge of the cliffs, built as a library for the Earl Bishop – or his niece, if you believe the scandalous rumours. It's occasionally open to the public for events, and is just as striking on the inside. Insider tip: There are plenty of walking trails on site and a great coffee shack in the car park, where you can pick up a flat white and a slice of Guinness cake. Game of Thrones Discover all the filming locations from the hit show You can't swing a dire wolf in Northern Ireland without hitting a Game of Thrones filming location. From tiny harbours and forests to coastal caves and the tree-lined Dark Hedges, numerous places doubled up as Westeros, particularly in the early seasons of the show. Take a self-guided drive using the free Game of Thrones Locations app, or go on a guided bus tour that departs from Belfast. Insider tip: Real fans will want to pay a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, where you can see the sets, costumes and props up close. Traditional Music Trail Drift between pubs on a musical pub crawl There's loads of live music around Northern Ireland, but if you want a guided experience, then the Traditional Music Trail is a great option. You'll be led between traditional pubs in the pretty village of Ballycastle, catching various musicians playing the fiddle, tin whistle and Uilleann pipe in each cosy, fire-warmed space. Insider tip: Wherever you are, remember that an Irish trad session is something of a sacred space, so resist the urge to join in, unless asked, and avoid loudly chatting near a musicians' circle. Dunluce Castle Visit a striking clifftop ruin Sitting precariously on the edge of the cliffs, Dunluce Castle is a skeletal ruin but impressive nonetheless. Walk around what remains of this medieval structure and you can see remnants of its former life, like giant fireplaces and tall arched windows, as the waves batter below. Insider tip: Keep an eye out for the tiny wildflowers that grow in the grasses and around the old stone – there are several rare varieties, including the 'blue flower of Dunluce', which only grows between Dunluce and Ballintoy. Black Cab Tour Hear the stories of Belfast from the people who know it best The best way to get a handle on Belfast's history is to take a tour led by a chatty cabbie who knows the stories inside and out – because they lived through them. These casual tours take you around the city sights, the geographic tales peppered with snippets of gossip and historical tidbits, before ending up at the Peace Wall. Insider tip: You can fit up to six people in a cab, but most tours are based on a per person rate, so it's not that much more to go as a twosome. Return to index Best for food and drink experiences Old Bushmills Distillery Go behind the scenes at a historic distillery The oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, this riverside spot is home to one of the best-known whiskeys on the planet. On a guided tour, you'll learn about how the whiskey is made, but the best part comes in the cosy old tasting room, where you'll get a taste of three of their single malts – book the premium tour for a taste of the good stuff. Insider tip: Head for a drink (or stay the night) at the nearby, but not affiliated, Bushmills Inn – the bar is lit by gas lamps and, unsurprisingly, there's a great selection of Bushmills on offer. St George's Market Wander around a historic marketplace This redbrick building is a cornerstone of Belfast life, and one of the last Victorian covered markets left in the country. There are stalls selling classic local fare like 'fifteens' (dense, sweet tray bakes made with 15 of each ingredient) and baps filled with all the components of an Ulster Fry. You can pick up fantastic regional produce, too. Insider tip: You can take a guided tour of the market every weekend to learn more about the history of the building, including its use as a morgue during the Second World War. Bear in mind the market is only open Friday to Sunday. Taste and Tour Delve into the Belfast food (and drink) scene Food tours can be hit or miss, but when you get good guides then you're onto a winner. The folks leading these Belfast and Holywood tours know every inch of the city and its food scene, with general tours leading you to all the best places to eat, with a few pubs thrown in the mix too. Insider tip: If you're more about drink than food, they also run specialised gin, craft beer and whiskey tours (not all at once), where you'll sample the best Irish artisanal tipples in different bars. Return to index How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Nicola Brady I'm originally from Sussex, and I went on holiday to Ireland 16 years ago and never came back. While I'm now based in Dublin, I spent a decade living on the Northern Irish border and still visit regularly.
Sunday World
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
How Belfast is staying social in the digital age
There are plenty of ways to experience some digital craic Sponsored by Ireland Betting Sites Belfast has always been a city with a strong sense of community. From the banter in the queue at the bakery to the weekly pints with friends in the local pub, there's a natural warmth and wit that defines how the city connects. While the way we socialise might be shifting with the times, that sense of connection hasn't gone anywhere — it's found new outlets. Today, staying social in Belfast often means mixing the traditional with the digital. From online groups to digital quizzes, local podcasts to virtual pub nights, the people of Belfast have found creative ways to stay connected in the modern world. Historical and educational experiences Belfast is home to many digital experiences that make for a fun activity with family and friends. One of the most popular attractions, Titanic Belfast, is a world-class museum built on the former Harland & Wolff shipyard, the site where the infamous ship was built. The museum allows visitors to explore the history of the Titanic through over nine interactive and interpretive digital galleries and exhibits, using sounds, visuals and technology to immerse visitors in the world of the RMS Titanic. For the kids, W5 is a standout destination. This interactive discovery centre at the SSE Arena has over 250 exhibits across eight zones, offering a hands-on learning experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It also offers daily science shows designed to educate and entertain. Source: Getty Images Gaming and community activities With a fast-growing community of gaming enthusiasts, Belfast has embraced a new range of gaming spaces. Active Reality Belfast offers free-roam multiplayer virtual reality experiences. From epic space battles to solving mind-bending puzzles, it's designed for team events to casual outings for family and friends. Just a short drive from Belfast, Belong Gaming Arenas in Ballymena also offers high-end setups with the latest gaming tech, from PlayStation 5 to Xbox Series X, in a safe, social space ideal for younger players and families alike. For those less into gaming but still looking for interactive group experiences, The Armoury and Prison Island offer fun challenges that mix puzzles, escape-room elements and digital design to create fun group nights out or team-building events. Online platforms like Meetup also offer a way to stay social, helping locals find others with shared interests, whether it's tech or board games, all organised through the digital platform but experienced in real life. For those who prefer online fun, many also explore betting sites that bring a different kind of excitement through sports and gaming options at home. Some focus on local football leagues or UK horse racing, making them popular with sports fans across Belfast. Entertainment in a digital world For younger people in particular, socialising often happens through screens but that doesn't mean it's any less real. Online gaming, streaming, and content creation have opened up entirely new ways to stay connected. Platforms like Discord, Twitch, and YouTube are filled with Belfast voices, from gamers to musicians to artists and vloggers, all using digital tools to build online communities. While some parents may scratch their heads at it, to a new generation, these platforms are just as socially rich as a night at Lavery's or a pint after five-a-side. Whether chatting while playing Fortnite, reacting to new TikTok's, or sending memes, it's all part of how people connect today. For many popular activities like quiz nights, places have adapted to the times by incorporating technology to enhance these fun experiences. Places such as the Haymarket also host Virtual Quiz Night events, while Digital Pub Safari combines the city streets and local pubs to create a unique team-building activity on the award-winning app (which serves as the guide). Fitness with a virtual spin Health and wellness have become a more trending topic, and many gyms and fitness influencers such as Caroline Girvan and Sean Casey, have created platforms that have cultivated online communities that extend beyond the gym floor. Spaces like Better Gym Belfast offer technically advanced gym equipment, from a free weights area to heart rate monitoring in spin classes, including features like the Mywellness app — where users can track workouts, watch equipment demos and access virtual Les Mills classes from home. Staying connected In a world of screen time and streaming, Belfast's social life has adapted without losing its soul. Whether it's chatting with mates on Discord, bonding over 'girl dinner' recipes on Instagram or trying your luck on betting sites, the essence is the same — staying close and staying connected in the digital age.
Belfast Telegraph
17-06-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
NI cladding firm behind Titanic Belfast went into administration owing £1.5m to creditors
New filings have revealed that Spanwall Facades, which created Titanic Belfast's distinctive exterior and survived past troubles, collapsed after failing to win the tender for two projects and facing mounting financial pressures The company that created the distinctive cladding for Titanic Belfast went into administration owing creditors over £1.5m. New filings relating to the administration of construction firm Spanwall Facades reveal that the firm's troubles began with one of its clients going into administration in 2023, and culminated in a failure to win the tender for two projects in March of this year.
