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THE LOCAL TOURIST
NI Hotel Once Owned by Winston Churchill Goes on Sale
A NI hotel once owned by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill has been placed on sale. The Londonderry Arms Hotel situated in Carnlough has been put on the market. The 35-bedroom hotel was built back in 1848 which was a coaching inn for previous owner Frances Anne Vane Tempest; At the time she was the Marchioness of Londonderry, hence the name of the hotel. Her great-grandson Winston Churchill inherited the property in 1921.
The hotel has maintained its original look, despite
expanding and growing over recent year under the support vision of the O’Neill family. “The hotel represents what is best about Ireland, both for those living and visiting here,” said Denise O’Neill, owner whilst
speaking with The
Belfast Telegraph. “The hotel is a real gem and its location gives it a huge advantage, situated in what I consider to be simply spectacular surroundings.” Speaking on the sale, Mark Patterson of commercial property consultancy OKT
speculated it will generate significant interest for both NI and oversea buyers. “We anticipate strong interest
in the Londonderry Arms, which is a unique property on the stunning Antrim Coast Road, that has serviced both local and tourist markets for generations,” he said.
“There is space for further expansion,
so it offers
tremendous potential for a new owner to further extend its long history of hospitality.
“This sale presents interested parties with a very rare opportunity to write the next chapter in this famous hotel’s story.”
Image taken from www.
londonderryarmshotel.com
CONTENTS
01 WWT Castle Espie springs into life with year-round events
As winter hops into spring, it’s time to start planning your staycations or days out. There are a range of activities to choose from right at your very door-step! Our local tourist section is your go-to-guide for all things NI. From exploring new exhibitions at Titanic Belfast, to walking tours in historic city of Armagh. Not to mention a trip to Grand Opera House Belfast! NI Travel News is here to provide your 2023 spring inspiration...
www.nitravelnews.com
March/April 2023 THE HOME OF CHURCH OF IRELAND
BY SARAH PICKERING
sarah@nitravelnews.com
ARMAGH; The Orchard County. Known for its re-bust nature, historic scenes and, of course, its many acres of orchards, Armagh hides away in the south of Northern Ireland but this little-big city packs a punch. The county is home to around 175,000 people, scattered throughout her many towns and villages and is the second most southernly county of Northern Ireland. The Armagh Name
Like many places across the Island of Ireland, names have adapted and changed as times moved on, however, Armagh did not stray too far from its original name or meaning.
Commonly referred to being placed upon 7 hills, Armagh is derived from the Irish word Ard; meaning height in English. This, paired with Macha, an Irish surname, created the name we know today as Armagh.
The Curse of Macha
Why is Macha associated with Armagh and why was the city named after it? Before Christian times, Ireland’s pagan countryside was filled with tales of folklore, myths and legends. These stories and tales lived through the word of mouth due to poverty and lack of education throughout the land, thus, instilling such stories in the heart of everyday life for the local people. Macha features in one of these stories. It
SIGNS of Spring are arriving at WWT Castle Espie. From the reserve to the lakes and ponds to the woodland paths, wildlife and nature are beginning to blossom for everyone to discover.
Also, this Spring
02 Discover the land of Saints, Cathedrals and Orchards- this Easter and St Patricks Day
03 Chance to win over- night stay for two at the Armagh City Hotel!
05A Titanic
Spring: Check out the newly opened Ti- tanic Belfast and explore artefacts for the sunken ship.
visitors of all ages can enjoy a range of great events from Wetland Detectives to Birdwatching with experts.
This Spring look out for the star species: terns, black- headed gulls, bats, black-tailed godwit, oystercatcher as well as snowdrops and ducklings. Also listen out as migrating birds return full of bird song. There’s a range of events to suit everyone. Enjoy an exhibition of renowned Scottish wildlife artist Archibald Thornburn (Sat 4 – Sun 26 March) in the Graffan Gallery. Painting mostly in watercolour, his widely reproduced images of British wildlife, with their evocative and dramatic backgrounds, are enjoyed as much today as they were by naturalists a century ago. Last Wednesday of every month join WWT Castle Espie experts as they take a closer look at a variety of birds on the wetland reserve whilst they are at their most active.
Join BBC Radio Ulster presenter
of Your Place and Mine Anne Marie McAleese and birding expert Dot Blakely, Sat 11 March. They will be chatting about their new book Homebirds: Days out getting to know birds and places around Northern Ireland. There will be a signing session for anyone purchasing copies of the book. Make a date with the family for Wetland Detectives, Thur 6 – Sun 16 April. Enjoy a day out of exploration and discovery that will put all senses to the test. ‘Quack the clues’ to
succeed as a Wetland Detective and complete the Easter trail. Investigate tracks, uncover natures hidden secrets and discover more about the wonderful wetlands with activities such as pond dipping and mini-beast hunting. This Mother’s Day ‘mum’s go free’ at WWT Castle Espie (Sun 19 March). This amazing treat is the perfect way to show wonderful mums just how special they are – visit website for details.
The centre has recently reopened its doors closed in October 2022, following
The Department of
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) guidelines, and has worked in partnership with DAERA to take measures to protect the birds at the centre. In order to continue to protect the birds in their care, the resident collection bird section of the site will be temporarily closed with a new visitor path providing access to the rest of the reserve site. Visitors can still see some of the wetland superstars from around the world from the Kingfisher café. Paul Stewart centre manager WWT Castle Espie said: “It’s starting to look a lot like Spring right across WWT Castle Espie. From wildfowl to woodland; the sights and sounds of this beautiful and important place is blossoming and ready for visitors to enjoy. Especially this Easter,
families
can enjoy our Wetland Detectives event and Mums go free for Mother’s Day. Whilst our resident collection bird
section remains temporarily closed, but can still be viewed from our Kingfisher Café, there is still lots to do and see and we look forward to welcoming visitors this WWT Castle Espie Spring.”
Spring into Spring with WWT Castle Espie
BELFAST’S
CATHERDRAL As you approach Armagh, you’ll notice its most distinctive landmarks right away. From opposite hills, two striking cathedrals face each other across a valley, both honoring St Patrick. Saint Patrick first built a stone church on the hill of Armagh in 445AD and there has been a Christian church on the site where the Cathedral stands ever since. The plan of the Cathedral, as it now stands, is the design of Archbishop O’Scanlain in 1268 and it was last restored in 1834. The High King of Ireland, Brian Boru, was buried in the Cathedral grounds in 1014. The Church of Ireland Cathedral of St Patrick, Armagh, is set on a hill from which the name of the city derives – Ard Macha – the Height of Macha. Macha is the legendary pre-Christian tribal princess, some say fearsome goddess of war and fertility.
www.visitarmagh.com
Ooh La La! The Ultimate Bottomless Brunch Arrives in Belfast
chicest restaurant
Parisien has launched a new ultimate Bottomless Brunch to add to its unrivalled city centre dining experience.
Launched on Sunday 5 March, diners can now enjoy a luxurious brunch accompanied by a range of bottomless drinks and cocktails every Sunday from 10am-2pm. Guests can feast on the finest brunch dishes with a classic French twist, Parisien style, and sip on expertly made drinks in decadent, plush surroundings of the main restaurant, or dine al-fresco and enjoy panoramic views of Belfast City Hall and the bustling city scape from its all-weather terrace.
Choose from a range of sumptuous dishes including smashed avocado and whipped feta, shakshuka baked eggs, creamy mushrooms on toast, eggs royale or a traditional cooked breakfast all washed down with a delectable assortment of bottomless drinks and cocktails. Opt for a classic cocktail including bramble,
cosmopolitan or a Bloody Mary, sip on a glass of fizz or wine or keep things simple with a range of bottled beer. Parisien’s Bottomless Brunch is the newest addition to the iconic restaurant’s gastro offering, alongside its popular afternoon tea, café menu and a la carte menu served from Thursday – Sunday.
mimosa,
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