64 | THE LOCAL TOURIST
www.nitravelnews.com
January 2024
Titanic Belfast Wins International Award For Reimagined Titanic Experience
TITANIC Belfast has won the THEA Award for Outstanding Achievement – Visitor Experience Re-envisioned: Limited Budget from the international association representing the world’s leading creators, developers, designers and producers of compelling places and experiences from around the world. This is the second time the world-leading
visitor attraction has
BY ERIN ENGLISH
erin@nitravelnews.com
ARRIVING at Mossley Mill at 8.30am, the clear and sunny conditions had me well prepped for a day exploring County Antrim. The group was welcomed with delicious scones and refreshments to kickstart our day.
Feeling rejuvenated by the bright weather and the light refreshments, I embarked on the bus and got ready for the adventure ahead. Our first stop was Whitehouse,
a
historic building situated in the heart of Newtownabbey. The White House stands as a pocket of history on the picturesque northern shore of Belfast Lough. If the walls of The White House could talk, it would talk of its detailed past as a meeting point for William of Orange and General Schomberg in 1690 during the Williamite and Jacobite Wars.
The White House fell into disrepair in the 1800s, later used as a gospel hall until the late 90s. However, the hard work of the White House Preservation trust saw the building obtain generous funding and aid from Heritage Lottery Fund, Biffa Award, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Ulster Garden Villages. The building that currently stands is a display of the dedication
and commitment of the Preservation Trust. Gifted to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in 2015, the location is now accessible to the public through booked appointments. My visit to the White House was incredibly informative, with interactive and colourful displays and artefacts that provoke thought and valuable insight into the role that Antrim and Newtownabbey played in the course of European History. Standing at 28 metres tall, the next point on our tour was Antrim's Round Tower. Originally a bell-tower for protection against raiders, the Round Tower was built in the 10th century and referred to by locals as the 'Steeple.' Antrim's Round Tower is one of the finest of Ireland's Round Towers and
provides local perspective into the ancient monastic settlement that once thrived in County Antrim. Located just by the side of Antrim's Round Tower is what many refer to as 'The Witches Stone.' According to local legend, a witch who was upset by the tower's construction in the 10th century climbed to the top of the tower before launching herself off it, landing on a bullion stone nearby. Folklore suggests that if you take a peek by the stone, visitors can catch a glimpse of the indent that the Witches' knee and elbow made on the boulder. A subjective tale that is argued amongst fact and folklore
believers.
Whether fiction or truth, this tale into local legend certainly caught my attention as I glanced at the Antrim Round Tower in all its
might. After visiting the tower, the tour then took a quick pitstop at the Dunadry Hotel where we were taken on a tour of the hotel and its' luxurious facilities. I then managed to make use of the great photo opportunity in the Hotel's stunning courtyard, where the 'Peace Tree' stands. A symbolic landmark of the Good Friday Agreement, where two lime trees merge into one said to represent peace and harmony. Next on our itinerary was a stop at Pogues Entry, an entryway nestled in the bustling centre of Antrim town. Step through this entry and escape to the childhood home of Alexander Irvine, an Antrim born author most notably known for his novel, 'My lady of the Chimney Corner.' A book that recalls Dr Irvine's earlier years growing up in the Pogue's Entry Cottage, along with a recount of the lives of country folk in post-famine Ireland. Kept in its original state, a walk-through Dr Irvine's home is a truly insightful step back in time. Located just off Castle Way and Church Street in Antrim, Pogue's Entry truly is where the 21st century Antrim and 18th century Antrim intertwine.
Having passed through Antrim Castle
Gardens many times in recent years, I was aware of its beautiful landscapes and clear canals. However, the walking tour of Antrim Castle Gardens gave fascinating detail of the layout and history of the Castle and the surrounding natural beauty.
The gardens
were once the sight of Antrim Castle which stood decadently on the grounds until it was destroyed by a fire in 1922. What remains in its place is a singular tower and the ancient motte. Incredible dedication and work were implemented to show how magnificent the castle was as marble squares and an archway were erected to show the outlay of the historic building. On our tour of Antrim Castle Gardens, we were told of the ghostly tales of the white-lady and the canal carriage ghost which is rumoured to appear only on the 31st of May each year. The tour then lead us through Her Ladyship's Pleasure Garden,
a
garden which 10th Viscount Massereene & 3rd Viscount Ferrard, John Skeffington built as a garden for his wife, Olivia to enjoy. The pleasure garden is an extensive area of Beauty, with winding paths, fountain garden,
and fragrant flowers. This trip to Antrim Castle Gardens was truly a remarkable and refreshing stop on our tour of Antrim's Hidden Gems. To round up, the tour's last stop was Shane's Castle, where I was given exclusive access and tour of the grounds which featured in the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. Shane's Castle is owned by the O'Neill's of Calanaboy. Located on vibrant greenery, the remains of the castle are magnificent. A walk around the estate was a remarkable experience with plenty to feast your eyes on. Shane's Castle offers a breath-taking expansive view of Lough Neagh, a brilliant sight to round up my daytrip around Antrim's Hidden Gems.
absolutely delighted to once again receive international recognition with our second award from the Themed Entertainment Association. We first won a THEA Award shortly after Titanic Belfast opened and it is apt that this second award is for the reimagined Titanic Experience which opened in March following a multi-million- pound refreshment programme. We have introduced four exciting new themed galleries and a stunning new artefact collection, providing our most spectacular visitor experience to date. Since opening our doors in 2012, we are proud that Titanic Belfast continues to play a vital role in attracting visitors from around the world to the island of Ireland and this award once again confirms it on the global stage. I would like to thank the fantastic teams across the business for the incredible work they do every day in making the visitor experience world class.”
at Titanic Belfast truly Ellvena Graham OBE, Chair of
Tourism Northern Ireland said: “Congratulations to Titanic Belfast on winning a second THEA Award for the reimagined Titanic Experience. More than a decade on, this world-class attraction continues to put Belfast and Northern Ireland on a global stage.” The reimagined Titanic Experience opened earlier this year following a £4.7m investment which was fully funded from the Titanic Belfast Gallery Refreshment Fund, established when the building was opened as part of the commercial operator agreement and held by charity owner Maritime Belfast Trust.
been recognised by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), having won the
Visitor Centre
Outstanding Achievement Award in 2014.
Titanic Belfast is the only winner to have ever won twice for the same experience reimagined in the 30-year history of the highly coveted global awards which recognise achievement, talent and personal excellence from those who bring incredible experiences to life for people around the world. Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast said: “We are
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