With more than 15,000 visitors a year the Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail is going from strength to strength.
Since opening in 2017, the Fairy Trail has been enchanting visitors of all ages, and families can now book to take their children around the magical experience from its base, the magical Toadstool Cottage.
Special events are held throughout the year at Easter, Halloween, Christmas and over the summer holidays.
“We have families and school groups at our seasonal events that are based on an interactive outdoor experience,” said Stacey Mellon of the Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail. “When the children arrive, they are given a special trail map with a range of interactive clues and puzzles to solve through the spectacular woodland trail in the heart of the Galgorm Castle Estate.
“They can complete it at their own pace whilst observing social distancing and discover some of the unique places through the forest.”
From a Wizard School to a Troll Swamp, every addition has been painstakingly designed by local craftsmen to enchant children.
“All the features have been specially created and many hand-carved,” said Stacey. “There are fairy houses, little fairy doors, gates and tunnels, and even a fairy library and the ever-popular Wizard School
“All the stops along the trail have a different theme and name to keep it interesting and stimulating for our visitors, and there are some lovely surprises as they explore.”
Taking up to two hours to complete, the trail is an integral part of the historic Galgorm Castle Estate near Ballymena, which boasts a café as well as the Galgorm Resort’s Castle Kitchen + Bar restaurant.
In October, the forest is turned into a magical Halloween wonderland.
“At the Halloween events we introduce a wide range of live characters to the trail, to really bring the experience to life. Stacey explained. “Large as life fairies, zombies, mummies and other characters, created to entertain rather than frighten the younger children.
“At the Christmas event, a troop of elves lead our fairy-seeking visitors into the forest, where they encounter festive characters along the trail and at the end Santa is waiting to meet them.”
All the special event guided tours can be booked in advance with set booking times, for up to 40 people.
School and other groups can also book, with additional activities available, including crafts.
The Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail is open to visitors all year, seven days a week from 10am to 7pm (peak season) and 10am to 4pm (off peak) and maps available to collect on arrival. The trail can cater for up to 60 people every 30 minutes.
Seasonal trails and special events vary in times and run over specific dates on a ticket only basis due to demand.
Perched just a couple of hundred yards from The Gobbins Cliffs, Audrey Kyle offers a unique art workshop, helping people learn the skills of painting as well as connecting with nature.
Folklore and the landscape of the Islandmagee peninsula, shaped by the sea, offers a stunning backdrop to learn art away from the daily hustle and bustle of modern life.
Audrey Kyle Art operates on a simple premise – learning a new skill in a tranquil setting.
It is a concept Audrey developed after re-discovering her affinity for painting.
“I had been working in the corporate world in HR, but eight years ago I took a change in direction and haven’t looked back,” she explained. “I began painting, started to get commissions and my new career started from there”
Audrey opened the Gobbins Studios to showcase her own work, but has since opened the studios for classes.
This Saturday August 1 from 12pm – 4pm, Audrey will be hosting an open studio where she will be displaying some brand new pieces that incorporate organic materials.
“What is offered is quite different to what other art classes offer,” she said. “As well as learning the skills of watercolours it is very much aimed at creating a relaxing, mindful experience.”
It also helps that the studio is part of a working farm with a livery stable and a flock of 50 Suffolk ewes.
“Where we are situated means we have a stunning landscape and an active farm,” Audrey said.
“There are so many aspects that can be drawn upon. And, as it changes through the seasons it offers many different inspirations.
“For example, in the summertime we do watercolour workshops and experience days where the people that visit can go for a walk through the meadow and through the woodland, we collect wild grasses and wildflowers and then they come back to the studio and paint them.”
Most classes last for three hours and can accommodate up to six people. However, there are also special summer sessions.
“In summer I host experience days, which last for five hours including lunch, and woodland and cliff top walk along with the watercolour practice.
“This enables the folklore to be incorporated to build experiences of the folklore of Ireland and really embrace the spirit of this remarkable area.”
Art Fans are welcome to join Audrey Saturday August 1 at The Gobbins Studio from 12 pm- 4 pm to view some of the artist’s latest work.You can find out more and book classes at audreykyleart.com or contact Audrey directly on 07712464966
Dr Adam Hunniford, founder of PiP Chemicals inside PiP Chemicals in Newtownards, Co Down
Photo by: Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press
For more information contact Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305354209, tina@excaliburpress.co.uk
Keywords: chemicals, biocides, hand sanitiser, automotive, adam hunniford, pip chemicals
Ards businessman, Dr Adam Hunniford is urging Northern Ireland businesses to seize the opportunities created by the contentious Brexit NI Protocol.
Dr Hunniford, of PiP Chemicals said that whilst the issue remains politically divisive businesses can use the unique position of Northern Ireland to boost existing trade with the EU and develop new contracts.
“The Irish Sea Border means that for EU companies buying from Great Britain, they cease to be simple distributors who can rely on their suppliers meeting the regulatory requirements” he said.
“Rather, they become importers who must ensure these are all met – themselves – and shoulder the responsibility should there be failings.
“The same is not the case for EU buying from Northern Ireland, as Northern Ireland is in both the EU and GB regulatory systems. So a PiP Chemicals competitor in GB trying to sell to an EU company causes the EU company a set of issues they never had before that do not exist when buying from PiP.
“In real terms what that means is that if you get your supplies through GB the EU can ask about regulations, compliance and any relevant duties.”
Dr Hunniford said that this has created the circumstances that can be capitalised on.
“The opportunities lie in the EU market for Northern Ireland companies,” he explained.
“At the moment Northern Ireland is still operating in the EU system, comply with the rules and customers in Ireland remain a distributor and which means any compliance issues remain with the Northern Ireland company.”
He explained that already the Irish Health and Services Agency is clamping down on GB companies trading to the Republic of Ireland leading to many no longer supplying south of the border.
The Co Down businessman said that now was the time to promote Northern Ireland’s position.
“We should be shouting loud that we are still part of the EU, you can buy from us, there are no delays or regulatory hurdles,” he explained.
“It may be politically sensitive, but the reality is that we are now in direct competition with Britain.
“We are separate but we can offer something that GB cannot and so we should be saying ‘buy from Britain, have difficulties, buy from us, they will be fewer’.”
Dr Hunniford acknowledged that this will not be a popular strategy for many.
He said: “The broader government, of course, won’t like that companies like ours are attempting to take this strategy and it may not go down well with the public at all if Northern Ireland companies started stealing business from other regions of Britain, but that’s what has been created, whether we like it or not.”
He also explained the Brexit situation has been taking place within the context of the global pandemic, meaning most have been trying to cope with unprecedented pressures.
“Shipping containers are in the wrong place, and it will take some time to resolve this,” he said.
“Add into that is there are fewer haulage drivers across the UK. A lot of the lorry drivers were often Eastern European, and they have gone home, and that means there are fewer lorries coming and going.
“Hauliers will not be able to supply services at the same level, as the paperwork and lack of full containers going back and forth to GB is hitting their bottom line and that leads to increasing prices.”
However, whilst there are opportunities to be had, Dr Hunniford also warned there are inflationary pressures building.
“It is imperative that companies look to the current unique position of Northern Ireland to look to EU solutions, including transport and seeking new markets,” he said.
“PiP Chemicals have tried to mitigate the issues by having more stock and supplies, but that has extra storage costs. Had we not had to do that we may have been able to hire extra staff.
“Every company is facing cash flow problems, and that too will lead to price increases.”
PiP Chemicals, based in Newtownards, specialises in designing, formulating and manufacturing products for the automotive business and wider industrial uses. It sells directly to the automotive trade
Slemish Market Supper Club
Photo by Kaja Choma / Excalibur Press on behalf of the Storify My Business programme for Mid & East Antrim Council.
More info contact Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305354209, tina@excaliburpress.co.uk
The popular Slemish Market Supper Club is set to offer food fans a new experience next month as their exclusive dining experience returns for another six-course event featuring well known chef Rob Curley.
Based in the beautiful surroundings of the greater Ballymena area, the unique pop up dining experience, Slemish Market Supper Club, creates an array of bespoke meals using only the finest local produce.
Hosted by the award-winning chef, Rob Curley, Slemish Market Supper Club runs across a number of venues across the greater Ballymena area in County Antrim.
At each fine dining experience, Rob will be on hand to allow you to learn more about each dish by explaining the ingredients, where they are sourced and the inspiration behind the creation of the distinctive cuisines.
“I love surprising people by taking a humble ingredient and turning it into something extraordinary,” said Rob.
The delectable dishes consist of six courses that will include a drink, a wee bite, a starter, a fish course, a meat course and a dessert.
“We want our diners to have more than a meal,” explained Rob, adding: “We want them to understand what is on their doorstep, what they too can prepare and have a great time as well as great food.”
Each event differs from the rest, as the ingredients used are done so when the produce is at its finest, making each experience special. Not just that, the menu is a surprise which Rob reveals on the night.
Offering the best summer creations, the next pop up event is due to take place on Saturday August 7 at Incredible Edibles Community Gardens in Cloughmills, Co. Antrim. The unique event not only offers the finest of cuisines but creates an intimate setting allowing you to meet new people and learn top tips from an award-winning chef.
“It Is a delight for me to showcase what we have on our doorstep,” said Rob. “And when our diners experience the freshness it can be a revelation.”
Northern Ireland is renowned for its quality food and hospitality, and with Slemish Market Supper Club, they combine these two elements to create innovative and unforgettable experiences.
Tickets for the Slemish Market Supper Club at Incredible Edibles Community Gardens are £60 and can be booked at slemishmarketsupperclub.com
To find out more or book a place, phone Rob Curley on 07547804975, go to their Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter
Tourism NI’s head of digital explains plans for recovery
Digital development, increasing use of data and a vision of transformation for how the tourism industry gears up for the post-pandemic recovery are some of the priorities for Tourism NI as it prepares to revive Northern Ireland’s world-leading tourism status.
The recent Tourism Recovery Action Plan, launched by Tourism NI and DfE, has identified the need to support with adopting digital technologies to improve business processes and productivity, bolster online presence and revolutionise access to digital marketing platforms.
Tourism NI’s Chief Digital Officer Dave Vincent explained that the work the organisation had been doing prior to Covid-19, as well as since the outbreak of the pandemic, will enable the Tourism Recovery Plan to be effective.
However, Mr Vincent was clear that digital tools, data sets and transformational plans needed to be considered as part of all tourism business planning, large and small, over the next 18 months.
“We have been doing a lot of work to improve how we support the sector,” he said.
“But what we provide has to be seen as a business outcome as opposed to a digital outcome.
“In the coming months and years we want people to think of it as their digital strategy, not just about their digital transformation.”
This doesn’t diminish the need for creating and distributing good, compelling content on websites and social media. What Tourism NI is doing is supporting businesses through the development of the organisation’s web portal.
When the pandemic struck, a Covid-19 Business Support Hub was established on TourismNI.com to provide support to the tourism community. The ability to create the hub is part of the vision to provide more support through the site.
“Part of our development is through the use of a destination management platform. It has a host of features such as listings, offers and partnerships” explained Mr Vincent, adding: “It’s in 900 destinations around the world, and we are using it for the Discover NI site and we have provided access to all 11 council regions.
“Visit Causeway, Visit Mourne, Visit Derry, Visit Lisburn and Castlereagh are already live and more will come, meaning visitors can see the same quality and content. They will be able to look at what is in each area and book, plan and make their time here better.
“It will mean we have the first real, collaborative platform which is certainly the direction of travel we at Tourism NI want to take.”
One challenge facing everyone in the industry is the ability to gather quality data on visitors. Tourism NI is working to further develop its own data hub and dashboard of information which will enable the sharing of data.
“We are developing a dashboard that will be on the Tourism NI site and we aim to have as much data as possible for the industry” Mr Vincent said.
“This includes questionnaires completed at airports, sensors recording activity at places like the Mournes and Derry Walls, and a range of other data that can be shared.
“We’ve got the sensors, they tell a story about where people are. We have also acquired credit card data, so we can tell what our key markets are spending, where in the destination they are spending and what they are spending on.
“I’ve got telecoms data, and we’re also collecting review data in real-time so I can look back on the visitor experience.”
The Chief Digital Officer explained with the aggregated datasets the service to individual businesses becomes such that they are able to look at content, see the direction they may want to go in and use it as a service platform.
“The aim is for businesses to register and get access to a range of tools. They will also get access to application forms, they can see the status of claims, grants, mentoring,” he said.
“It also means when the business has content we can share with a distribution platform, at the push of a button, have the content out on Visit GB, Trip Advisor, Booking.com, and many more. That will be even more powerful when people share their information.”
Part of what is enabling Tourism NI to action these plans is that they were in development for a period of time.
“When the lockdown happened we were ready as an organisation,” said Mr Vincent.
“Our Cloud-based services were ready to support the industry and we had the platforms ready.
“From a digital perspective, there is no difference to those we work with if we are in the office one day and working from home the next.”
He added that Tourism NI’s lead role on working groups demonstrated the value of the organisation.
“All of a sudden we had the industry talking to Tourism NI and representing the industry in surveys, getting us feedback and responding and showing the value we have,” the Chief Digital Officer said.
“Some in the industry might have thought we just sit in our offices and not understand what we do, but the journey through Covid-19 showed many what we can do with engagement and partnership.
“It showed it wasn’t just about grants, but we add value to the sector as a whole.
“Before there were aspects of what we do that were the only encounter businesses had, such as inspections and certifications.
“It has been quite transformational in terms of how we are perceived and understanding what we can do.”
Part of that has been the number of programmes Tourism NI has been able to deliver.
“From a business plan perspective there are many schemes we implemented last year,” he said.
“We were able to tackle website development turnaround, as part of my role in influencing the direction of grants.
“Quite a lot of companies received investment in a website audit, with content and videography, so we are capitalising on that for both sides.
“This means businesses can engage in digital storytelling and their videos, website, and social media work together to explain what they do. Marry that with the Destination Management Platform and the business can work better, and we at Tourism NI have more tools to attract visitors. Our work with Tourism Ireland, also, is about making the online space one which funnels people to choose a visit to the island of Ireland.””
Mr Vincent said he understood the difficulties many businesses are having, and whilst there are many resilient in the uncertainty, others are struggling, and need to tackle some of the basics of working in the sector.
However, he is keen to support those, as the next period can help change attitudes.
“What the lockdown has done is accelerate some of the thinking around the digital-first customer experience and journey” he explained, adding: “This all works towards creating a very attractive proposition for potential visitors”.
Graduates to exhibit as part of exiting creative team in Makers House
Ulster University graduates from Belfast School of Art are set to showcase their work in Makers House at The Designerie in Bushmills.
This partnership feels like a natural evolution for The Designerie. A social enterprise, which is operated by Enterprise Causeway, it’s committed to supporting small businesses in the arts and creative sector.
All involved are delighted to welcome the creative talent that Belfast School of Art have nurtured and help them grow in their business journey and the team at The Designerie and Makers House will now support them as they showcase their work on the beautiful North Coast.
The first graduates to show their work will be Bethan McDonnell and Gillian Brownlow, their textile and fashion designs will be a welcome addition to the already diverse offer in Makers House and they join the established team of Linen Lane, Laura McIlveen Photography, Susan Francesca Hunter, Fee McToal Design and of course Taylor Yates.
Jayne Taggart, Chief Executive of Enterprise Causeway said the partnership with Ulster University was another step in the journey of The Designerie’s creative space.
“The collaboration with Ulster University is hugely exciting and brings yet another cohort of creatives –this time with a focus on up and coming talent,” she explained. “This fits so perfectly with our purpose”.
The collaboration reflects Ulster University’s commitment to student and graduate employability and the growth of support initiatives for further developing enterprise and self-employment as viable career options.
Jackie Smyth, Ulster University Careers Consultant said, “The development of the residency programme for graduates is reflective of the changing economic landscape that many of our graduates will enter and this is a great example of the support programmes now in place for those seeking self-employment opportunities”.
Louise O’Boyle, Head of School – Belfast School of Art, has championed this collaboration due to the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the creative sector, she said “our graduates will really benefit from this additional support and will thrive in this creative environment.
“The Designerie is a beautiful space and has such really lovely, interesting products in it,” she said. “For the graduates to be able to speak to the buying public in a very different type of workplace will be invaluable for them.”
Louise is looking forward to the mentorship Enterprise Causeway will provide the team in terms of business acumen / support and with the retail environment Makers House provides and the skills of the creatives and team on site “You couldn’t have asked for a better launch pad” for our graduates.
Leeanne Irwin, Business Manager at The Designerie said the collaboration is something all involved are really excited about.
“The graduates will gain valuable experience from the established team in Makers House from product development to making your pieces commercially viable,” she explained. “This will include merchandising and engaging with customers. It will help them showcase their products to a wide range of customers and ensure they are able to grow their business. All in the supportive environment of The Designerie where the team are always on hand for advice.”
This will be great news for The Designerie’s customers, the new addition of creatives to Makers House will give more options in terms of products and of course they’ll be able to meet the people behind the products and talk to them about their creative journey.
The Chief Executive of Enterprise Causeway, Ms Taggart said this was the next step in the evolution of The Designerie, with the £4m investment in regenerating The Old Court House to a new state of the art creative space, on the horizon it’s very exciting times for all concerned.
The Designerie has established itself as a destination for the customer looking for something special and unique and the Ulster University graduates will get to be part of this incredible journey.
If you’re thinking of a staycation this year Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter has everything you need to have the perfect experience, from Instagrammable murals to delicious local dishes.
With a thriving nightlife, a whole host of arts and culture events and venues and some of the city’s best restaurants you won’t be stuck for something to do.
Here are 5 Hotels in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter that are perfect for your city centre staycation:
1. Ramada by Wyndham
For those looking to be situated in the heart of Cathedral Quarter, a stay at the Ramada by Wyndham is the perfect choice.
Located just a stone’s throw away from the Belfast Cathedral, known locally as St Anne’s Cathedral, and within walking distance of renowned local bars and restaurants in Commercial Court and the famous Hill Street, the Ramada by Wyndham is ideal for those looking to be at the heart of the action.
Inspired by the Titanic, this boutique hotel situated near Custom House Square combines a sleek and contemporary style with luxury.
For the weary shopper, or for those looking to enjoy a night out on the town, Malmaison promises a taste of luxury at an affordable price. Their own Chez Mal brasserie even serves up fresh, locally sourced dishes alongside a refreshing cocktail.
For those seeking comfort on a budget, the Premier Inn located on Alfred Street puts you right in the heart of Cathedral Quarter.
The local bars and restaurants that make Cathedral Quarter come to life are just on your doorstep. Located just a five-minute walk from Victoria Square and the other highstreet shops that make up Belfast City Centre, the Premier Inn is the ideal spot for staycationers.
The Merchant Hotel promises five-star luxury in the heart of Cathedral Quarter. The impressive Grade A listed building contains a luxurious spa, a rooftop gym with panoramic views of the city centre, and a jazz bar for people to sit back and relax after a long day exploring all that Belfast has to offer.
The Art Deco inspired rooms with bespoke furnishings offer guests a lavish stay at one of Belfast’s most famous hotels.
Sitting on the banks of the River Lagan, AC Hotels by Marriott offers guests a sophisticated haven within walking distance of the very best Belfast has to offer.
The AC Hotel by Marriott has thoughtfully considered each amenity to ensure guests are treated to an effortless relaxation experience. From glass enclosed double showers, to 49-inch smart TVs, to the delectable dishes served up at Novelli, led by multi-Michelin-starred chef, Jean Christophe Novelli, The AC Hotel by Marriott has something for everyone.
As the incidence of oesophageal-gastric cancers continues to rise, the contribution of the healthcare professionals, who take charge of patients’ care has never been more vital.
Louise Collins is one of three oesophageal-gastric (OG) Clinical Nurse Specialists based at the City Hospital in Belfast. Louise and her colleagues, Karen Graham and Maureen Toner, look after anyone in the Belfast Trust, who is diagnosed with OG cancer.
“Once a patient is diagnosed with OG cancer,” Louise said, “we pick them up through multi-disciplinary meetings, emails from consultants who have diagnosed them and outpatient clinics. We try and make contact with them as close to diagnosis as we can and support them through the whole pathway of their care.
“Once we’re in contact with them, we act as key workers by phoning them, or seeing them at clinic or on the ward if they’re admitted. Some people may already be experiencing symptoms and will require admission for nutrition. We see them in a variety of settings – new patient clinics, obviously during chemotherapy, during radiotherapy or during the time they’re admitted for surgery. We also provide a telephone follow-up service where, when people are discharged, we contact them for a period of time and then, after that, they can contact us as well if they have any questions or concerns.
“We work with people at all stages of the cancer journey. We are Macmillan nurses but many people presume that Macmillan are for end of life and they worry, so we tend to introduce ourselves as OG nurse specialists and then, later on, we tell them we’re Macmillan.
“Once we pick people up, we follow them through to ensure they get all the tests and investigations that they need. We link in with their consultants, make sure that things are requested and then we follow through to make sure all of the tests are followed up and that they’re their case is discussed at the multi-disciplinary meetings. A lot of our work involves reassuring patients that we know about them and ensure that things move as quickly as possible. There has been a new initiative in the Belfast Trust that, once someone has their endoscopy and the consultant sees a cancer, there are a series of steps that they have to take. The consultant orders the relevant tests at the time and emails us and the MDM co-ordinator. We follow up to ensure the tests are done in a timely fashion and link in with the OG MDM coordinator to ensure their case is discussed. That was a new initiative established a couple of years ago.
“While there are three of us in the Belfast Trust, there are also OGCNSs in the local Trusts and they will pick up people at, for example, Altnagelvin or Craigavon. It’s really about giving patients advice and information and supporting them.
“Some patients will have issues with their nutrition, such as difficulty with swallowing, vomiting or lack of appetite and we will be involved in helping with those symptoms. We link in with the dietitian who will work along with us. It’s really about providing information and symptom management.”
As with most cancers, Louise is very aware of how important it is to get the message across that people should act quickly when they notice any unfamiliar symptoms or feelings.
“It’s vitally important people get symptoms checked as early as possible,” she continued. “Unfortunately, with OG cancer, the majority of people aren’t diagnosed until they have symptoms where the cancer is a bit more advanced, for example locally in the stomach or the oesophagus. But once it gets to a certain stage, it can go into the lymph nodes and then spread throughout the body, so early diagnosis really is the key. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome.
“One of the problems with OG cancer is late presentation and, by that stage, the cancer is more advanced, which then reduces the long-term outcomes for those patients.”
As with many healthcare issues, the current COVID pandemic has caused more problems for patients: a fact of which Louise and her colleagues are more than aware.
“There’s no doubt that COVID has just made the situation worse. Local Cancer Nurse Specialists would point out that people are presenting a bit later and with more severe symptoms, so the worry is their survival rates aren’t as good. I think over the next year we’ll probably see that being the case, but I think a lot of people don’t like to go to their GP at the moment. I would recommend, however, that if symptoms persist, then people definitely need to go and see their GP.”
Louise is only too aware that, because the symptoms of OG cancer tend to be vague, people are less likely to act on them at an early stage.
“I think with some of our patients they’ll may have had an episode where their food sticking months earlier, but it only happened once. Once that happens, people will adapt their diet and eat more soft foods without actually thinking there’s anything wrong. Or they think they’ve got a hernia. It’s about getting that message out there – if people do notice that they have difficulty swallowing or have unexplained weight loss, then they need to act straight away. Anything that constitutes a change in habits or a change in their bodies needs investigated.”
Historically, OG cancer has been seen as an ‘older person’s disease’ but as Louise and her colleagues fully appreciate, this is not always the case.
“We do know that it is generally a cancer that occurs in the older age groups, but we also have an increasing number of younger people – particularly people in their fifties – now being affected, even though the average age is supposed to be around late sixties. Also younger people need to be aware so that if they see symptoms in their parents or grandparents, they can encourage them to do something about it.
“I think the main stage we see people at is when the cancer has started to affect their eating. They either can’t eat or the food sticks and that puts them off eating the rest of their meal.
“On occasion they may not be able to get food down and that will make them regurgitate their food, so they’re not eating as much and, as a result, will lose weight. People with stomach cancer may feel full very early or they’ve got reflux or indigestion and that puts them off their food, so they’re eating less.
“Anyone who has presented at their GP surgery with such symptoms and the symptoms haven’t improved, needs to go back to the GP within a couple of weeks and let them know nothing has changed. Sometimes people can see different GPs at different appointments, so it’s vitally important that they relay to each GP what has happened before…..join the dots if you like. It’s really just about pushing and saying ‘I need something done about this’. The OG Cancer NI campaign is giving everyone the opportunity to talk about a disease that hasn’t been in the spotlight before and it’s time that this cancer and its symptoms were highlighted so that more people can be diagnosed and treated at an early stage.”
With the weather in Northern Ireland heating up, what better time to get out in the city and enjoy the many beer gardens that Belfast has to offer.
From burgers and pints to cocktails and charcuterie there is really something to suit all tastes available in the Cathedral Quarter.
Here are 7 Beer Gardens in the Cathedral Quarter to check out this summer:
1. The Thirsty Goat
As one of Belfast’s newest offerings in the Cathedral Quarter, The Thirsty Goat boasts a spacious outdoor seating area, right at the entrance of Hill Street.
Offering everything from a perfectly pulled pint to local gin serves, there’s certainly something to suit all tastes.
If you’re looking for a beer garden that has it all then The Dirty Onion is the place to go offering pints and chicken, what more could you want? Serving up their famous Yardbird chicken and sides alongside an extensive drinks menu, The Dirty Onion has quickly become a firm favourite of the Cathedral Quarters visitors.
Offering a wide selection of craft beer options and the option to bring your four legged friend, it provides the perfect spot for chilled weekend drinks.
If you want to soak up the rich arts scene of the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast’s best kept secret, look no further than The Dark Horse Courtyard.
Centering around an oak tree the courtyard features a gallery of custom street art inspired by Belfast’s rich history, including the words of Seamus Heaney cut into stone.
With exclusive access only through the Dark Horse the courtyard provides the perfect escape to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Sunflower has quickly become a favourite amongst Belfast punters.
Serving signature woodfired pizza and a large selection of beers and ciders it’s the perfect place to waste a summer day. Priding themselves on being dog friendly the Sunflower even offers bowls and treats for your furry friends.
Belfast’s newest beer garden on Waring Street offers al fresco dining and pints from 12pm each day.
In lieu of live entertainment the bar is also offering free Bodhran Irish drum lessons, the bar has a strong focus on local artists and their upcoming ‘Handed Down’ sessions will feature traditional music reworked by local artists.
Whilst not strictly known for its beer garden, Maverick’s new outdoor area offers the perfect opportunity to relax in the sun.
Serving their signature Gorge Boards (a charcuterie board packed with a selection of seasonal, cheese, meat and chutney) and Jugs and Kisses cocktails, The Maverick provides the perfect weekend retreat.
With regular drag shows, guests are sure to be entertained during the visit.
Tourism NI recently held its first ever virtual Tourism Conference at Belfast’s ICC. Chief Executive John McGrillen outlines the main themes of the Tourism Recovery Action Plan, launched with the Department for the Economy, which was a key topic of the conference.
By John McGrillen, Chief Executive Tourism NI
We are now half way through 2021 and have spent the last sixteen months dealing with global events that have affected every facet of our lives.
Today with the successful roll out of the vaccine programme, the lifting of restrictions and the opening up of the Common Travel Area I am hopeful that by the end of 2022 the tourism industry in Northern Ireland could be back to 80% of the activity and employment levels of 2019 and see a full recovery by the end of 2024.
Since 2013 tourism has grown by 46% to achieve an unprecedented £1bn in revenue in 2019, of which £731m were export earnings.
The tourism, travel and hospitality sectors employed approximately 70,000 people in 2019, with 12,800 new jobs created since 2013. This was double the growth in jobs experienced in other sectors of the economy over the same period. These jobs were generated in every part of Northern Ireland with over two thirds of jobs located outside Belfast.
Tourism provides passengers for our public transport and supports sea and air routes; it generates revenue to support our culture and heritage assets and can contribute to the protection of our natural environment; it provides revenue for central and local government and promotes a positive image of Northern Ireland overseas, supporting foreign direct investment.
A wide range of tourism interventions have been introduced over the last sixteen months and in May the Tourism Recovery Steering Group, headed by former Economy Minister Diane Dodds, produced an Action Plan that resulted in more much needed and timely support.
The Plan has eight themes. Under Business Continuity a new KickStart programme will help businesses restructure, innovate and enhance their productivity. We will also support businesses to maintain and enhance their marketing activity to increase sales.
We will be providing support to councils to enhance visitor experiences and develop new offerings. There will be a particular focus on food and drink experiences as part of this approach. We will also support with market testing and feasibility studies for future projects, and we intend to continue with our abatement of accommodation certification charges until March 2022.
The second area, Creating Consumer Confidence, will see the continued roll out of the “We’re Good to Go” charter mark to allow the industry to demonstrate that safety is a priority, and that they are committed to the application of COVID safety guidelines.
The third theme, Stimulating Consumer Demand, will ensure that Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland are adequately resourced to generate demand. In the immediate term the focus will be on the domestic, GB and Republic of Ireland markets, with an extension of our cooperative marketing fund.
As an island destination, sea and air access are critical to the tourism infrastructure so Safeguarding Connectivity is the fourth theme, with an immediate priority to re-establish GB routes. I therefore welcome Economy Minister Paul Frew’s announcement of a £4.5million initiative to support air connectivity between Northern Ireland and GB which has also been warmly welcomed by the directors of our three airports.
The Action Plan also supports the industry’s request that the NI Executive continues to lobby for a suspension of short haul Air Passenger Duty (APD). APD has a disproportionate impact on Northern Ireland and has the potential to have a negative impact on recovery.
Enhancing the Competitiveness of the Region is the fifth theme and will highlight the investment required to provide greater access to our natural assets, while ensuring that they are managed sustainably for future generations.
The City and Growth Deals present a unique opportunity for major investment in tourism infrastructure and will build on the success of the Signature Projects a decade ago.
By Enhancing the Capability of Businesses, the next theme of the Action Plan, we intend to support with adopting digital technologies to improve business processes and productivity, bolster online presence and revolutionise access to digital marketing platforms.
Under the theme of Enhancing the Skills of the Workforce we will be working closely with colleagues in the Department of Communities through the JobStart Programme to create new jobs and match job opportunities to prospective young employees. Through the Hospitality and Tourism Skills (HATS) network we will seek to ensure that sector wide skills requirements and career progression paths are effectively communicated and supported.
The final theme of the Tourism Recovery Action Plan is Creating a Supportive Policy Environment and here we seek to develop a new tourism strategy to maximise Northern Ireland’s tourism potential with a unified focus on sustainability and regeneration. Working collaboratively to deliver more sustainable economic, social and environmental outcomes will be critical to ensuring Northern Ireland’s reputation as a world class tourism destination.
Successful delivery of the Action Plan will require us all to work together in partnership, from government departments and tourism agencies to local councils, representative bodies and most importantly the industry.
I am confident that the priorities within the Action Plan will support the recovery of our tourism industry to meet the needs of future visitors, create sustainable employment and make a positive contribution to local communities right across Northern Ireland
