Latest news with #TourismNorthernIreland
Irish Independent
26-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Meath and Louth Councils to recieve 300k funding for Home of Halloween project
Over the next three years (2025–2028), up to €300,000 (€100,000 annually) in funding will be invested in the Meath-Louth region to help develop Halloween festivals. The pilot scheme is part of the 'Ireland, Home of Halloween Strategy' which was developed collaboratively by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Tourism Northern Ireland. It aims to deliver immersive cultural Halloween experiences that will extend the tourism season into the quieter months of October and November. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said: 'The Home of Halloween strategy outlines a strong vision for positioning Ireland as a 'must-do' cultural tourism experience.' Mr Burke added that the €1.5m investment will bring Ireland's Halloween story to life, – 'It's a powerful way to celebrate our culture and grow tourism sustainably in the shoulder season,' he said. The announcement is especially significant for Meath, which has already played a leading role in developing Halloween tourism through the Púca Festival—first launched in 2019 by Fáilte Ireland and Meath County Council. Rooted in the ancient Samhain tradition, Púca has grown into a flagship celebration of Ireland's ancestral ties to Halloween. In 2024 alone, Púca attracted 49,050 attendees, delivering €7.11 million in economic impact and supporting 174 jobs across the region. The new joint project between Meath and Louth is expected to expand this success, creating a cross-county Halloween experience that leverages shared heritage, storytelling traditions, and historic sites. Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland, added: 'We were very encouraged by the strong interest and vision from local authorities, and the successful applicants showed real potential to deliver a season of vibrant, authentic festivals. Building on the Púca festival, this scheme fosters partnerships between councils, tourism businesses, and cultural groups, helping to build a sustainable Halloween tourism offering across the regions of Ireland that will resonate with domestic and international visitors and support long-term tourism development in these five destinations.' Other successful local authorities are Galway City Council, Longford County Council and Westmeath County Council (joint project), Kerry County Council, Fingal County Council.
The Guardian
02-05-2025
- The Guardian
Dopamine drive: the road trip to happiness lies along the adventure-filled coast of Ireland
A classic road trip can deliver all the ingredients for the ultimate holiday: freedom, adventure and unlimited carpe diem delights. However, combine two epic routes together – the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland with Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way – and you'll double up on unique attractions, incredible foodie stops and the most soul-soothing of landscapes. In fact, it's little wonder that driving the highlights of these routes, from basalt cliffs to seaside saunas and from secret beaches to a legendary city, can have long-lasting wellness benefits too. 'An open-road holiday adventure can have immense mental health benefits,' says Donegal-based psychotherapist and mental wellness expert Roxane Mullen. 'That sense of anticipation when road tripping, getting in touch with nature, and broadening your perspective through new experiences, are all proven ways of boosting mood and enhancing emotional healing and I think the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way are the perfect settings to do just that.' So what are you waiting for? Here is our highlight by highlight road-trip guide featuring my top recommendations to eat, stay and play along the way. The Gobbins cliff path, County Antrim. Photograph: Dillon Osborne You may have plenty of miles of road ahead of you, but this road trip takes legendary status at the official starting point of the Causeway Coastal Route in Carrickfergus, home to a stunning 12th-century Norman castle. Beyond it, your journey continues north through scenic coastline flanked by the lush Glens of Antrim, where the romantic village of Cushendun and the spectacular Torr Head make for Instagram-perfect photo stops. Between the mainland and Scotland, keep an eye out for Rathlin Island, the island of Ireland's northernmost inhabited offshoot, which makes for a colourful excursion; not least as it's home to no less than three lighthouses (one of which is upside down!) plus a lively puffin colony. Back in the friendly town of Ballycastle, the Ballycastle Traditional Music Trail takes you through the best local watering holes, while guided by talented musicians. The cliffs above the Giant's Causeway, County Antrim (top). Photograph: Kyle Brickley; Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, County Antrim (below). Photograph: Rob Durston/Tourism Northern Ireland Where to stay: a self-catering stay at Blackhead Lighthouse near Carrickfergus is a coastal dream, while there's no more characterful break along the coast than the Bushmills Inn – it's one of the oldest hotels around, having been a coaching inn as far back as the 1600s. Must-see and do: to see the Gobbins cliff walk from a different perspective, try a stand-up paddleboarding trip with Islandmagee SUP. Crossing the one-of-a-kind Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge takes your road trip to new heights. The Causeway Coastal Route is dotted with star attractions, but this leg of the tour features the legendary blockbuster that is the Giant's Causeway. Tip? Arriving at the Unesco world heritage site for sunrise (or indeed sunset) when its hexagonal basalt columns shimmer by the surf and light, is truly mesmerising. Back on the road, chase the sun north-west and you'll find a coast gilded by the shores of Portrush, Portstewart and Benone beaches, all of which make enticing pitstops. In the latter, Hotbox is an authentic Finnish sauna and soothing spot to refresh after a wild Atlantic plunge. It has the added bonus of having the iconic Mussenden Temple as a backdrop and you can admire it with a walk along the seven-mile stretch of beach. Next up, the ever-vibrant city of Derry~Londonderry brings some urban flavour to your road trip. The history-steeped town holds the distinction of being the island of Ireland's only fully walled city – the 1.5 km of walls were a 17th century addition to protect the inhabitants and you can get a good idea of the original town from the walkway. A guided tour with Martin McCrossan City Walking Tours offers a friendly and fascinating insight into the city's storied past and dynamic present. Bearings gathered, uncover attractions from the Museum of Free Derry to The Derry Girls Experience at the Tower Museum – a must-visit for lovers of the iconic series (or simply 90s nostalgia!). Hotbox on Benone beach, County Londonderry. Photograph: Dillon Osborne Where to stay: Derry~Londonderry's newest hotel and spa, the Ebrington, makes for an elegant city base, while Cromore Retreat's luxury bubble dome suites allow you to sleep under the stars. Where to eat and drink: the Walled City Brewery is a happening spot to eat and drink in Derry~Londonderry, while Harry's Shack at Portstewart Strand is a vibe all of its own for seafood and sundowners. Must-see and do: pick up locally made souvenirs at the Craft Village, tucked within the city's old town. Along the Causeway coast, Dunluce Castle makes for a phenomenal photo-stop. The northern lights. Photograph: Tourism Ireland With Derry~Londonderry and the Causeway Coastal Route in your rearview, steer onwards to County Donegal where you'll join the epic Wild Atlantic Way for the next stage of your adventure. The island's profusion of peninsulas make for enticing touring shoot-offs. There's Fanad, famed for its beautiful lighthouse, and Malin Head on Inishowen, Ireland's most northerly point, where you can bask in long summer nights or luck out with a display of northern lights activity. To ramp up the great escape even more, immerse yourself in island life with a visit to Arranmore, Tory or Gola islands or to get active, kayak along their crystal clear coasts – keep an eye out for basking sharks that regularly fish in the waters. Continuing south, take a timeout at the spectacular Glenveagh national park, an unbridled hikers' paradise, where you ramble through valley routes as golden eagles soar above you. Dolphins at Malin Head, County Donegal (top); Wild Alpaca Way, County Donegal (below) offers hiking outings. Photographs: Gareth Wray Where to stay: Lough Mardal's glamping yurts make a colourful base in nature, while Harvey's Point hotel at Lough Eske is a hallmark in Irish hospitality. Where to eat and drink: tuck into seafood and chowder to wow at Nancy's Barn in Ballyliffin, while Olde Glen Bar & Restaurant is a delicious, Michelin Guide gem. Must-see and do: meet bears and wolves at Wild Ireland; a refuge for some of Ireland's former native species, while for a more domesticated brush with nature, Wild Alpaca Way offers hiking outings, where you'll be accompanied by your own biddable alpaca. Surfing at Strandhill beach, County Sligo. Photograph: Brian Morrison County Donegal is renowned for its dramatic landscapes – and seascapes – and they don't get more awesome than at Sliabh Liag (Slieve League), one of Europe's highest sea cliffs which, at a staggering 600 metres, is an epic spot to catch – or lose – your breath at. Inhale the epic scenes from the magnificent viewing platform or get up close with their towering face aboard Sliabh Liag Boat Tours. Continue south to neighbouring Leitrim; and while the county may be home to Ireland's shortest coastline (not quite 2.4 miles!) that belies a trove of undiscovered treasures, not least Glencar waterfall, which you'll find cascading over a backdrop of lush native rainforest with a cinematic magic. Your Wild Atlantic Way journey finally brings you to County Sligo – meaning place of shells in Irish, as well as being 'Yeats country' on account of the stunning landscapes that so inspired the poet – which makes an invigorating base to crescendo any coastal road trip. As Ireland's unofficial surfing capital, Sligo's beaches are the perfect setting to unleash your adventurous side and Strandhill is home of the National Surf Centre and its three surf schools, which offer lessons for all levels. Reward yourself and recoup your energy at Hooked in Sligo Town. It's nothing to do with fishing – the restaurant name comes from the hooks in a traditional butcher's shop. That said, as well as fine meats, locally caught seafood is on the menu and it does a good line in breakfast and brunch. Sliabh Liag cliffs, County Donegal, from the water. Photograph: Tristan Hutchinson/Failte Ireland Where to stay: the Address in Sligo town makes an excellent-value boutique base; in Donegal, Lough Eske Castle makes a fairytale luxury escape. Where to eat and drink: taste the best of local produce with Sligo Food Trail or check out some Donegal whiskey at Crolly Distillery. Must-see and do: step back in time at Glencolmcille folk village, if you're brave, climb sea stacks, or soak in the sweeping panoramas at Mullaghmore Head. Discover more at
Irish Independent
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wicklow looks to Northern Ireland to help maximise film tourism opportunities
Wicklow People Today at 21:00 Over 100 participants from various tourism sectors took part in the second annual networking and workshop event organised by Wicklow County Council held in the Tulfarris Hotel, Blessington. Held on Tuesday, April 29, Liz Steele, tourism manager with Tourism Northern Ireland delivered an extensive presentation on screen tourism, which focused on how Northern Ireland maximised tourism opportunities stemming from popular films shot in Belfast, including Game of Thrones and Derry Girls. While delivering the opening remarks, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr Paul O'Brien said: 'This event was a fantastic opportunity for the tourism trade in Wicklow to network, share ideas, experiences and plans for the 2025 season. With so many films shot in County Wicklow, the insights from Tourism Northern Ireland provided valuable ideas to help us develop our screen tourism potential.' The event began with updates from Wicklow County Council, Fáilte Ireland and County Wicklow Partnership. After Liz's presentation, participants were invited to join a series of workshops centred around screen tourism and seasonal themes for Wicklow. The morning event concluded with a complimentary tour of Russborough House and a visit to the newly opened west wing. Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O'Gorman said: 'We are delighted to have organised this event. Tourism is one of Wicklow's main economic drivers, and the Council is dedicated to maximising the county's tourism potential. We will take the feedback and ideas from the workshops to help our tourism team plan future activities.'
Belfast Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Epic journey to The Open stops off in Portrush
This free public event will showcase Northern Ireland's growing reputation as a must-visit destination for golfers, while sports fans will have the chance to take photos with the world-famous Claret Jug. Tourism Northern Ireland teed off their Epic Journey at Belfast City Hall on Monday, before the drive to Kerr Street Green in Portrush on Friday (11am until 1pm), and then the short chip shot to Londonderry's Ebrington Square on May 7. It will also feature a stop in Tullamore, Co Offaly, on May 21 at O'Connor Square - the home of the 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry. With record-breaking numbers that year, The 148th Open at Royal Portrush was an overwhelming success story and there's no reason to doubt this summer's return to the famous Dunluce Links course – from July 13 to 20 – will be any different. The action was beamed to more than 100m viewers worldwide in 2019 and the championship generated over £100m in economic benefit for the region. Aine Kearney, Tourism NI director of events, said the championship created a tangible feel-good factor right across Northern Ireland when it last took place here. She said: 'Northern Ireland is ready to extend a giant welcome to thousands of visitors from around the globe for The 153rd Open and to showcase the stunning Causeway Coast, and beyond, to a worldwide television audience. 'Bringing the Claret Jug on this epic journey to The 153rd Open allows us all to get involved in the build-up and the excitement to what promises to be an unforgettable week. 'Northern Ireland is made for golf and hosting The 153rd Open solidifies our reputation as a destination for world-class golf, tourism and hospitality and allows us to showcase our rich culture, natural beauty and warm welcome to visitors from around the world.' The Epic Journey to The 153rd Open will also include a giant #TheOpen letter sculpture, designed by Tourism NI and made out of 4,000 golf balls, which was unveiled by global golfing hero, 2014 Open champion and recent Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy, ahead of the 2019 Championship.
