20 NORTHERN IRELAND NEWS


their status upgraded, the towns awarded include Bangor (Northern Ireland), Colchester (England), Doncaster (England), Douglas (Isle of Man), Dunfermline (Scotland), Milton Keynes (England), Wrexham (Wales), along with Stanley (Falkland Islands.) When applying for city status, Bangor focused their


A Bangor New Appointed city Wirefox Acquires Historic


North Coast Hotel WIREFOX, a Holywood-based investment company, has acquired The Bushmills Inn Hotel and restaurant, through its Marram Hotel Partners entity. The property was acquired from owners Alan and Zoe Dunlop for an undisclosed sum.


A former coaching inn, dating back to 1608, which in more recent years has been extensively restored and extended, this historic property is seen as one of Northern Ireland’s best-known tourism assets. Located on Dunluce Road in Bushmills, County Antrim, the property is located within the stunning Causeway Coast and Glens, an area of outstanding beauty just 2.5 miles from the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site.


In the village that is home to the world’s oldest licensed distillery, between the Giant’s Causeway and Royal Portrush Golf Club, the award-winning four star Bushmills Inn boutique hotel encompasses more than 40 rooms and suites and a popular restaurant, bar and loft.


The property will continue to operate in its current form with the existing team in situ.


Kathryn Robinson, Investment Director at Wirefox,said “We are delighted to welcome this fantastic team and impressive property to our growing portfolio of interests and look forward to acting as custodian of such an iconic asset in the months and years ahead.” Adding that, “The Bushmills Inn Hotel is one of Northern Ireland’s best-known luxury hotel destinations, renowned for its warm hospitality and award-winning restaurant. The hotel is in an enviable location and surrounded by many of Northern Ireland’s most important tourism assets.”


Wirefox was advised by Belfast-based Davidson McDonnell Solicitors in relation to the acquisition. Welcoming confirmation of the sale, Alan Dunlop,


who has been managing director of The Bushmills Inn Hotel for more than three decades, said “The Bushmills Inn Hotel has played an important role in Northern Ireland’s tourism development for generations and we’re proud of the role we have played in supporting its success and in creating value, jobs and economic wealth for the community and region.


“We’re really pleased that, at this juncture, we are transferring ownership to leading investment company Wirefox. We are delighted by the exciting, visionary plans it has for its future which will ensure it will remain a major tourism focal point for the region to be enjoyed by visitors for many years ahead.”


Last year, Wirefox acquired one of the UK’s most


famous hotels – The Scores Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland, a historic 36-room establishment with a bar and restaurant – next to the oldest golf course in the world. Wirefox is undertaking an extensive 18-month refurbishment


and repositioning to enhance the


property. The hotel plans to employ approximately 70 local staff members when it reopens. Wirefox is currently in the final stages of completing a major development of The Paper Exchange, a 200,000 sq. ft Grade A professional office and mixed- use development in Belfast city centre, revitalising the former Oxford and Gloucester buildings at 46-63 Chichester Street, adjacent to Victoria Square shopping centre, just south of Belfast City Hall.


The Ancient Cathedral City of Armagh is undoubtedly one of the most visually stunning and historically intriguing locations on the island of Ireland. From pre-historic landscapes to an unmatched Georgian architecture, modern day Armagh is built against a rich backdrop of antiquity, clearly visible through its iconic buildings and beautiful open spaces.


One of the best ways to discover the delights of the city, and become immersed in its culture, past and present, is through an official guided walking tour. Under the guidance of an experienced tour guide, you can walk through Armagh’s vibrant and varied history as you hear stories and anecdotes about the area,


bid on the ‘heritage, heart and hope’ that the new city embodies. Councillor Mark Brooks, Mayor of Ards and Down


commented on Bangor’s success, stating that, “I am delighted by the news of Bangor’s success in the City


WIN Travel Solutions Summer Holiday Package with Derry City FC! As the summer holiday season is almost ready to take off, City of Derry Airport and award-winning travel partner, Travel Solutions, have teamed up with Derry City Football Club to offer a simply amazing summer holiday prize package for one lucky winner! Travel Solutions Managing Director, Peter McMinn, explained:


before they set off for the sun!


“The team at Travel Solutions are looking forward to welcoming our first holiday charter flights to City of Derry Airport next month, and we are pleased to partner with Derry City Football Club and the airport to give a lucky supporter the opportunity to win a one week holiday to either Majorca or the Algarve”. The winner will be treated to a 7 night holiday for two in either Majorca or the Algarve (the choice is at the discretion of the winner!), which includes flights and accommodation, and treated to a VIP airport experience with complimentary airport parking and access to the Amelia Earhart Lounge at City of Derry Airport where they can enjoy a bottle of bubbly and some refreshments


Robert Martin, Director at Derry City FC commented: “Derry City FC are delighted to partner with Travel Solutions and City of Derry Airport to offer our supporters the chance to win a summer sun holiday to either Majorca or the Algarve. As normality slowly returns to our lives, it’s the perfect opportunity to escape to the sun and perhaps watch the Candystripes live on LOITV from your poolside while enjoying a refreshing cocktail!”


Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport added: “We are thrilled to support Travel Solutions in offering this prize, and it’s fantastic to be hosting the competition via Derry City FC, a great club in the heart of the North West.


The closing date for entries is midnight on Wednesday 15th June For more information on this amazing prize package courtesy of Travel Solutions, visit the Derry City FC website: www.derrycityfc.net.


Five Star Service from The Grand Central Hotel One of Ireland’s tallest hotels, the Grand Central


Hotel, has been awarded a five-star rating by the AA, joining Hastings Hotels’ other five-star property in Belfast – the Culloden Estate and Spa.


The 300-room Grand Central in Belfast was promoted from its


four-star ranking, with the AA


inspector’s report highlighting its ‘friendly and engaging team’ and ‘highly accessible location’.


It also noted how the hotel’s ‘diverse, spacious and versatile public areas present extremely well, having benefited from some serious investment’ with bedrooms and bathrooms furnished to a high standard. Since opening its doors in 2018 following a £53million (€64million) investment, the Grand Central Hotel has won numerous awards and welcomed many high-profile guests – most recently social media influencer, Molly- Mae Hague, who was a guest last week. Others include President Michael D Higgins, Prince Charles, singer Shania Twain and actors Jamie Dornan and Jodie Kidd.


Set in the Linen Quarter in the heart of Belfast, the Grand Central is regarded as the perfect hub for exploring what Belfast city has to offer – from the Titanic Quarter to the Cathedral Quarter’s cobbled streets, pubs and eateries.


It boasts Ireland’s tallest bar – the Observatory


cocktail lounge on the sky-high 23rd floor – which offers unique views over Belfast and beyond.


The hotel’s Seahorse Restaurant has also been


awarded an AA Rosette, an accolade given to restaurants that achieve standards that stand out in their local area, serving food prepared with care, understanding and skill and using good quality ingredients. “We are thrilled to have been awarded a five-star rating by the AA and I would like to pay tribute to every single member of staff as it is because of them that this recognition has been made possible,” said Stephen Meldrum, General Manager of the Grand Central Hotel.


“When we opened almost four years ago, we wanted


to bring a different experience to Belfast and we have achieved that. From the very beginning, we have provided a five-star proposition, so it is fantastic for this to have been made official.


“It is great, not only for Hastings Hotels, but also for tourism in Northern Ireland as we continue to produce a first-class offering both in terms of the product and the people. “The Grand Central offers first-class service, luxurious accommodation and a fabulous selection of dining options serving an array of culinary delights, using the very best of local produce.”


s part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Bangor in County Down has been awarded city status. Eight locations have been selected to have


June 2022 Travel News Bangor Celebrates Successful Bid for City Status


Status Competition. It would be an honour for the town and people of Bangor to receive at any time but coming as part of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations makes it extra special. City Status isn’t judged on the size of your town


and isn’t dependent on having particular assets such as a Cathedral, rather it’s about heritage, pride and potential. When putting forward the case for Bangor we found evidence of each of these in abundance. I would like to put on record my thanks to all those who contributed to Bangor’s application – both in terms of their words of support but more importantly in terms of their practical and ongoing work in the local area. Bangor has been given a great boost today and I’m


extremely proud of this new and significant accolade.”


Belfast One Brings a Pop of Colour to Belfast this Summer


Belfast One BID is bringing a pop of colour to Belfast City Centre this summer as part of their Belfast One Summer Days campaign. The campaign, part of a year-long programme of initiatives and events, will help to enhance the look and feel of the City Centre as well as showcase the wide retail and hospitality offering. This summer, visitors to Belfast City Centre can


enjoy: A specially designed 11m ‘Belfast’ floral installation


located in the grounds of Belfast City Hall until Thursday 26th May. A great setting for that perfect photo moment. Also, brightly colored lanterns will decorate trees along Donegall Place, Royal Avenue, Corn Market and Fountain Street.


Belfast Summer Cinema is back! Belfast One in association with Belfast Film Festival will host a free pop-up cinema experience in the grounds of Belfast City Hall on Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th July. Movie-lovers will be treated to a programme of family film across two days including The Goonies and the award-winning film Belfast, by Belfast native Sir Kenneth Branagh. Tickets and show times available from 10am on Friday 24th June at www.belfastone.co.uk and www.belfastfilmfestival. org


The Belfast One Way Edit hosted by fashion stylist and radio personality Rebecca McKinney, will take place at Belfast City Hall on Sunday 14th August. Showcasing over 50 retailers throughout Belfast City Centre, the fashion show will reveal the vast amount of fabulous style on offer in the City Centre, as well as hair and makeup demos from top beauty brands and an all- important goodie bag! Tickets are limited and will go on sale Friday 29th July via www.belfastone.co.uk. Announcing details of the Belfast One Summer Days campaign, Clare Maguire from Belfast One said: “We are delighted to reveal details of our fantastic summer campaign – Belfast One Summer Days. We are very excited to bring a pop of colour to Belfast City Centre through the unique experiences of the Floral City Dressing, Belfast Summer Cinema and the Belfast One Way Edit. Belfast One Summer Days is part of our ongoing work with businesses and alongside key partnerships, which supports with increasing footfall as well as enhancing the look and feel of the City Centre. It is also the perfect opportunity to showcase the amazing range of retail, hospitality, and leisure on offer in the City Centre. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have supported Belfast One Summer Days and we look forward to seeing visitors enjoy all the City Centre has to offer this summer.” Michele Devlin, Festival Director of Belfast Film Festival, commented: “Belfast Film Festival is delighted to be back and to partner, once again, with Belfast One to present a unique weekend of great films in the open air this July as part of Belfast One Summer Days. We will be filling the grounds of Belfast City Hall with big screen delights, props from the films and cos play. There will be something for everyone so, why not join us and enjoy seeing your favourite films in this beautiful outdoor setting!”


Belfast One Way Edit host, and radio personality, Rebecca McKinney said:


“ Make it a date for your diary – Belfast One Way Grand Central Hote ljoins sister Culloden with 5 Star rating Discover Armagh With Official Walking Tour


learn about the city’s renowned Georgian architecture and take a leisurely stroll along the distinct cobbled streets as you uncover some of the city’s hidden gems along the way


Guided walking tours operate Thursday – Saturday at 11am, Sunday at 2pm from 16 June until 11 September. The meeting point is the main entrance to Armagh County Museum on The Mall. Each tour will last approx. 90 minutes, with the tour conducted entirely outdoors.


Sensible footwear and clothing is recommended and please note some uneven, steep or narrow streets will be part of the tour.


Tourism Ireland Promote Northern Ireland at the British Masters


Tourism Ireland attended the British Masters in Birmingham last week, to promote world-class golf. Five tourism companies from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland – including City Hotel Derry and Portrush Atlantic Hotel – joined Tourism Ireland at the event, which took place at The Belfry Hotel & Resort. Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Great said: “Our presence at


Britain, experiences. “ this year’s British


Masters was an excellent opportunity to remind golfers that the island of Ireland offers some of the very best golf in the world, as well as spectacular scenery and fantastic


Belfast One Colour’s Belfast


Edit, Sunday 14th August in the stunning Belfast City Hall. This not to be missed event will feature over 50 retailers, from across Belfast City centre, showcasing a mix of fashion trends and styles for all ages, budgets and body shapes. It is going to be a fantastic evening of fashion and I hope to see you there.”


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