February 2026 Belfast Hotel


Announces Significant £100,000 Investment


THE Grand Central Hotel has announced the completion of a £100,000 investment in the tallest cocktail bar in Ireland, The Observatory. 2025 was a year of significant investment for the


Belfast hotel following the opening of The Cavern, a unique private dining experience. The upgrades to The Observatory have included a new


10-seater Presidents Table, new interiors with crushed velvets in muted gold, voluptuous cushions, new high tables and oversized marble tables. New custom-designed staff uniforms specifically for the bar’s staff have also been introduced, tailored to complement its elevated aesthetic. Adding to the investment programme,


is the new


appointment of Observatory Manager, Kyle Murphy, whose vision and expertise have seen the curation of a new cocktail menu and enhanced guest experience. Jake McHugh, General Manager of the Grand Central said, “We are proud to continue investing


Hotel


www.nitravelnews.com


THE LOCAL TOURIST | 49


Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Unveil Details of 2026 Events Programme


in


exceptional guest services and our interior and operational enhancements combined with the appointment of Kyle Murphy, who has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, marks an exciting


new chapter for The


Observatory. “This investment marks the end of an exceptionally


busy year for the Grand Central Hotel and we are confident that it reinforces our commitment to continuing to redefine Belfast’s luxury hospitality,” Jake concluded.


NI Science Festival Set To Showcase Vibrant Programme of Events


THE upcoming NI Science Festival is set to explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, the arts and maths with support from Tourism Northern Ireland. Taking place from 11–22 February 2026, a vibrant programme


of events will be held at venues across Northern Ireland, which will include workshops, tours, talks and interactive activities for people of all ages. World-class


scientists will discuss cutting-edge research


and what the future might hold, while there are also scientific debates, comedy, music and film screenings planned. A range of wellknown science communicators and innovators from across


Game of


Thrones Studio Tour Reports Strong Visitor Growth in 2025


THE Game of Thrones Studio Tour, located in Banbridge, Co. Down, is reporting strong visitor growth during 2025. Visitor numbers increased by 28% in 2025, with growth


accelerating in the second half of the year to approximately 33%, demonstrating sustained momentum and rising local and international demand for the attraction. This


performance follows visitor growth of 35% in


2024, after a year-on-year increase of over 30% in 2023, highlighting a consistent multi-year growth trajectory. Since opening in February 2022, the award-winning £55


million Studio Tour has established itself as one of Northern Ireland’s most distinctive and internationally recognised tourism attractions. Investors behind the attraction are hopeful of a positive


planning decision in Q1 2026 to allow the development of a permanent on-site car park. This critical piece of infrastructure would enable the business to streamline its operational structure, bring costs in line with industry norms, and unlock further sustainable growth. Speaking on the performance of the business, Andrew


Webb, Chair of the Board of Game of Thrones Studio Tour, said “We are delighted to report strong visitor growth in 2025, building on the significant momentum achieved in 2024. This performance is testament to the quality of the experience we offer and the dedication and professionalism of our team.”


“We believe the business can make even stronger progress.


Whilst the management team has worked diligently to refine the customer journey, visitor feedback consistently highlights the absence of permanent on-site parking as a significant barrier.” The current parking solution – required as part of the


original planning consent – relies on a shuttle bus service operating from a nearby retail park. This workaround is costly and operationally restrictive, equating to over £600,000 per year.


Andrew added: “The ability to implement normal


commercial and operational efficiencies – something any business would routinely do – is currently constrained by this single infrastructure issue. Addressing it would allow us to restructure operations, significantly reduce costs, and reinvest


in growth, jobs, and the overall visitor experience. “Directors remain actively engaged with Armagh City, Banbridge


and Craigavon Borough Council and other


stakeholders in seeking planning approval, and are hopeful of a decision in early 2026.” The Studio Tour currently supports over 90 jobs, with


further employment growth anticipated as the business continues to scale.


MUDFEST returns to WWT Castle Espie from 7th to 15th February 2026 to celebrate all things outdoors. The event, designed for children and famillies,


will


encourage visitors to dive into nature with their jam-packed programme of messy, nature inspired activties. Activities will range from cooking up muddy masterpieces


in the mud kitchen to discovering the tiny creatures living beneath the surface of wetlands. Paul Stewart, Centre Manager at WWT Castle Espie, said,


“Mudfest is messy, playful and a brilliant way for children to connect with nature in a really memorable way. Mud might just look like dirt, but it’s incredibly important for wildlife. Mudfest helps bring that message to life in a fun, creative and hands-on way.”


HILLSBOROUGH announced


Castle and seasonal Gardens has


featuring new openings, family adventures and


a vibrant 2026 programme spectacles from


stunning


gardens to a major US anniversary to a riotous Beano takeover, all played out across the estate’s 100 acres of gardens, parkland and ornamental woodland. The 2026 programme


celebrates Hillsborough Castle


the UK and Ireland will be taking part, including aerospace engineer and judge on Netflix’s ‘Baking Impossible’, Andrew Smyth.


Siobhan McGuigan, Head of Events at Tourism NI, said: “The festival boasts a host of engaging events across


the region with many taking place at innovative venues such as the Seamus Heaney Homeplace and at Armagh Planetarium, which will attract visitors of all ages, outside the peak season.” Sarah Jones, Director of the NI Science Festival, said:


“We are grateful to Tourism NI for its support through the ITEF. This investment has enabled NI Science Festival to significantly increase our activity this year, delivering events right across Northern Ireland – from Rathlin and Portaferry to Enniskillen and beyond.


and Gardens’ local, national and international connections. Highlights range from splendid seasonal gardens, to displays exploring transatlantic ties and playful family trails that bring the estate’s history to life. The year will commence with the arrival of new Head of


Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Caroline Walker, who joins in January 2026 to lead the site into this next phase of growth, engagement and cultural ambition. Throughout 2026: America 250 at Hillsborough Castle In 2026, the United States marks 250 years since the


Declaration of Independence. Hillsborough Castle and Gardens has long played a role in US–Northern Ireland relations, hosting distinguished visitors such as Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and serving as the backdrop for conversations that have supported peace and partnership. Less known is its link to America’s independence story: in


1771, US founding father Benjamin Franklin met with Secretary of State for the Colonies, Wills Hill— the man who built the


castle —to discuss American affairs. Their cordial dialogue over five days later soured when Hill blamed Franklin for his political downfall. To mark America 250, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens will present a curated display of related letters, portraits, and artefacts, along with the return of the popular American History tour. Spring 2026: A spectacular start to the season TBulbs & Blooms (14 March – 4 May) will see the return of


Hillsborough’s 100-acre gardens filled with an abundance of colour as hundreds of thousands of bulbs bloom across beds, pots, and barrels. Visitors can expect vibrant tulips, fragrant hyacinths and a


showcase of Northern Irish daffodil varieties, transforming the estate into a breathtaking celebration of spring and marking a vibrant start to the year. During Easter, families can enjoy the Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt (28 March – 12 April) with little ones searching for hidden Lindt GOLD BUNNY statues. Summer 2026: Beano Hijinks at Hillsborough Castle and


Gardens Following previous blockbuster family partnerships with


Peter Rabbit and Disney Winnie the Pooh, summer 2026 brings a riotous new adventure at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens from 27 June – 31 August 2026. Next summer, dive into 100 acres of time-travel trouble as Dennis, Minnie, Harsha, Rubi and Gnasher from Beano find themselves stranded in history as their bonkers go-kart time machine goes haywire, scattering its vital pieces across the historic gardens of Hillsborough Castle! Autumn 2026: Seasonal splendour at Hillsborough Castle


and Gardens Visitors can look forward to walks around the gardens


transformed by autumnal colours, seasonal trails, and engaging experiences for all ages. Winter 2026: Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens Details of the 2026 Christmas experience will be revealed


later in the year, building on the success of previous winter partnerships – including The Snowman™ and The Snowdog – which has transformed the gardens into a sparkling, story-led adventure in 2025.


Boots On! February Half-Term Brings Muddy Mayhem to Castle Espie


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