FOR many, the beginning of a New Year heralds the start of a diet, a membership at the gym and a lengthy list of resolutions that we may never even keep. However, Tourism Northern Ireland (TNI) has come up with a new year’s resolution suggestion that will not only be fun to keep but it will also expand your horizons and knowledge of Northern Ireland.
TNI are encouraging people to visit somewhere in Northern Ireland that they have never been to before. Perhaps it’ll be a trip to the mesmerising Marble Arch Caves in Fermanagh, a Wee Tram tour in Titanic Quarter or a Zorbing adventure at Todds Leap, to name a few – 2016 is the year to see or do something new in Northern Ireland.
Rachel Quigg, Communications & Destination PR Officer at Tourism Northern Ireland explains why there is no better time to discover Northern Ireland:
“The New Year offers people a great excuse to visit different places and learn more about the wonderful wealth of history and heritage in Northern Ireland. Quite often we can become oblivious to the fascinating beauty spots, events and excellent tourist attractions right on our doorstep so this New Year we are encouraging you to become a ‘tourist’ for the day or book a short break away with friends or family somewhere new in Northern Ireland.”
To help get you started, TNI has selected some truly exciting ways to keep your new year’s resolution.
Discover something new in Belfast
Belfast offers visitors a huge range of things to see and do as well as beautiful coastal landscapes and industrial heritage.
Visitors to the Titanic Quarter can enjoy a Wee Tram tour and explore the many attractions nearby, travelling in carriages inspired by the tram cars that ran through Titanic’s historic shipyard. This hop-on hop-off transport service allows passengers to experience the proportions and colour schemes of the 1912 tram cars whilst taking in the world’s largest Titanic visitor attraction.
Explore the iconic Belfast City Hall which was designed by Alfred Brumwell Thomas and built in Portland stone. Free tours of the hall are available daily and the grounds are a favourite of city centre workers, students and tourists for taking a break from the bustling city.
Upcoming event: the Out to Lunch Festival will run from now until January 31 featuring a mouth-watering menu of live music, comedy, spoken word, literature and theatre at various venues in Belfast.
Discover something new in Co Antrim
The Giant’s Causeway is a must see for those who have not visited yet as it is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland and in 2015 was awarded the UK’s Best Heritage Attraction at the British Travel Awards. This iconic landmark is steeped in myth and legend as some say it was carved from the coast by the giant, Finn McCool resulting in a wealth of wonderful tales of folklore.
The Glens of Antrim will prove an exhilarating day out for visitors and consists of nine deep green glens each with its own unique character including, Glenarm, Glencloy, Glenariff and Glencorp.
For a fun afternoon of rambling, visit Glenariff Forest Park known as the ‘Queen of the Glens’ and home to a unique waterfall walkway.
For something a little different, visitors can try their hand at ‘Airbrushing for Beginners’ and ‘Custom Painting’ at SM Designs in Ballymena. Or for those with an interest in horticulture why not visit Ballyrobert Cottage Gardens in Ballyclare to find out about the plants they grow and sell as well as attend a workshop to seek advice on growing plants.
Upcoming event: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, February 6. Enjoy a fun, family day out and be transported to a world of mirth and magic where Shakespeare’s language is made accessible through the use of puppetry, physical theatre and music.
Discover something new in Co Armagh
Armagh may be the smallest of the Northern Ireland counties but it has no shortage of history, culture and scenic landscapes and is known as the ‘Orchard County’ due to its wealth of apple trees.
Navan Fort a well-known tourist spot is a renowned ancient pagan ceremonial site and consists of a large circular earthwork surrounding the summit of a drumlin hill. Visit the nearby Navan Centre that offers visitors a unique insight into the history of the area through a stimulating exhibition packed full of information, artefacts and activities for all the family.
Explore Slieve Gullion an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and what used to be an active volcano around 60 million years ago. The area boasts some of the best scenery in Northern Ireland offering a range of rugged hills and memorable mountain views.
Upcoming event: David Meade Mindreader – Fake Believe. TV’s Million Dollar Mind Reader is back on stage with his amazing new show on January 30 at The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre.
Discover something new in Co Down
Those with a love of the outdoors should follow the Silent Valley Nature Trail which offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the natural environment of heath-land habitats as well as soak up the stunning scenery.
The Mournes area is ideal for outdoor pursuits including walking, cycling and horse riding and even caters for those interested in more adrenaline fuelled options such as rock climbing and coasteering.
Golf enthusiasts will find plenty to love about Co Down as it boasts renowned courses such as Royal County Down, Ardglass, Kilkeel and Warrenpoint. Foodies can do something hands on at the Mourne Seafood Cookery School in Kilkeel where they can learn about sourcing and preparing seafood before cooking their own lunch.
Upcoming event: Big Garden Birdwatch, The Cloughmore Centre, Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, January 30. Bird enthusiasts will get in a flap over this great event which asks participants to record the highest number of each bird species they see before entering their data into the RSPB online counting tool.
Discover something new in Co Fermanagh
Fermanagh is renowned around the world for its stunning scenery and lakelands so is a must-visit destination for everyone in Northern Ireland. There are boat tours aplenty and visitors can cruise along Lough Erne before stopping at Devenish Island, one of the most important monastic sites in Northern Ireland.
There is also a wealth of history to be uncovered at Castle Coole and Florence Court House where families can explore educational tours as well as soak up fantastic woodland views.
Foodies can visit Belle Isle Cookery School and discover the delights of cooking by taking part in a selection of world-inspired cookery classes such as Italian, Chinese and traditional Irish food.
Upcoming event: The Bee Gees Story – Nights on Broadway, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, February 5. ‘Nights on Broadway’ presents a tribute to the Bee Gees through their catalogues of hits over four decades from the 60’s to the 90’s.
Discover something new in Co Derry~Londonderry
Those with an interest in history will appreciate a visit to the Tower Museum and Museum of Free Derry which will enlighten them on the city’s economic, social and contemporary history.
Other nearby buildings sure to interest budding historians are the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, Saint Columb’s Cathedral, the Guildhall and the Craft Village which will take visitors on an exciting journey back to how the city was in the 18th and 19th centuries.
For a spectacular sight, be sure to walk across the Peace Bridge an impressive structure curving across the River Foyle linking Ebrington to the city centre.
Upcoming event: Derry International Music Festival, January 31 – February 7. This festival celebrates the very best in Irish music, both traditional and contemporary and takes place at various venues across the city and includes live gigs, exclusive workshops and master classes.
Discover something new in Co Tyrone
Co Tyrone has lots to offer visitors including a range of top attractions, historical sites and places for food and shopping. The Ulster American Folk Park is an indoor and outdoor museum which provides an educational insight into the story of Irish emigration to the new world. The park is the perfect day out for families as it has many opportunities for fun as well as learning.
The Sperrins are known for their wealth of archaeological sites which includes the Beaghmore Stone Circles discovered in the 1940’s. They are one of the largest and most intriguing finds from the Bronze Age and are considered by many to be a spiritual place to visit.
Co Tyrone’s literary connections may be lesser known but the county has links to well-known figures such as Brian Friel, Benedict Kiely, Flann O’Brien and William Carleton.
Adrenaline junkies will be spoilt for choice on a visit to the county as they can learn how to mountain bike through woods on world class trails at Blessingbourne or go zorbing at Todds Leap in Ballygawley.
Upcoming event: A Night with the Stars, Alley Theatre, Strabane, February 11. Join six of country music’s most popular stars in the company of a live band. Performing stars include Ritchie Remo, John Hogan, Frank McCaffrey, Joe Moore, Chris Logue and Keelan.
For more information on things to do in Northern Ireland visit www.discovernorthernireland.com or your local tourist information centre.
