60 | THE LOCAL TOURIST
www.nitravelnews.com Local Hotel Opens New £600k Spa Garden
THE transformation of facilities at
the historic Dunadry Hotel
and Gardens in Antrim continues with the opening of a thermal Spa Garden, offering a new level in wellbeing and tranquillity. The private, adult-only retreat is the
result of a £600,000 investment by the McKeever Hotel Group, which has seen the Dunadry’s former courtyard completely renovated into a secluded haven for a maximum of 20 guests. Situated beside the Six Mile River and
with direct access from ten specially designed bedrooms, the Spa Garden is complete with hot tubs, sauna, plunge pool, and lounging areas including a temperature-controlled glass house. “We’re quite upfront about the
Spa Garden and what this means for the guest experience – it is not therapy for the masses,” said Bridgene McKeever, Company Secretary and Director of Sale & Marketing. “This is a premium, private retreat offering peace, relaxation, and tranquillity for those who need time to rejuvenate by escaping the everyday.” The unveiling of the new wellness
facility coincides with the restoration and recent launch of The Cellar, a private wine and whiskey tasting venue located in the heart of the popular hotel.
TITANIC HOTEL BELFAST SHINES BRIGHT AT IRISH HOTEL AWARDS
TITANIC Hotel Belfast has added two prestigious Irish Hotel Awards to its trophy cabinet with awards for 4 Star Lux Hotel of the Year and Hotel Restaurant of the Year in Ulster, bringing the total number of awards from the Irish Hotel Awards to six over the past three years. The stunning nautical themed 119 bedroom
hotel, situated in the heart of Titanic Quarter, has been open since 2017, and this is the first time the accolade of 4 Star Lux Hotel of the Year has been bestowed upon the hotel. The Wolff Grill has won numerous
restaurant awards in the past eight years but the title of Hotel Restaurant of the Year for 2024 comes on the back of a transition for the restaurant to serving a newly created more casual menu which has been well received by the most discerning of diners. Speaking about the double recognition,
Adrian McNally, General Manager of Titanic Hotel Belfast, said: “The team at Titanic Hotel Belfast consistently delivers and recognition like this from the Irish Hotel Awards solidifies our reputation and what I believe to be our rightful place at the forefront of tourism and hospitality at a local, national and international level. “Being awarded the best luxury hotel in
Ulster for the first time is particularly special as this award celebrates the uniqueness of Titanic Hotel Belfast and its distinct appeal. There is no other hotel that boasts such significant heritage on this island. The architecture, the accommodation and
the history exuding from the hotel are just waiting to be explored and of which we are extremely proud. “As the dining out benchmark is continually
being raised, I am very happy that we have won the title of Hotel Restaurant of the Year in Ulster as we know that the competition is tough and diners are being presented with so much choice. “These awards reinforce our excellence in
both luxury accommodation and dining.” Awarding Titanic Hotel Belfast with 4 Star Lux Hotel of the Year and Hotel Restaurant of
the Year in Ulster, Shane Smith, Managing Director of NI Media, said: “The people who make the industry on this beautiful island are so hospitable and as Sir Isaac Newton said; “If I have seen further it’s by standing on the shoulders of giants.” I want to turn that thought on its head with regard to the Irish Hospitality Industry. The General Managers and Directors of all the properties associated with the Irish Hotel Awards stand on the shoulders of the true giants of hospitality – from the kitchen porters to housekeeping, the warm welcome at reception and the can do attitude of each and every person in every department. They are the true giants and you stand on their shoulders!”
January 2025
RENOWNED for its commitment to innovation and craftmanship, The Copeland Distillery has announced a new exclusive partnership with
Ulster Rugby to develop
Copeland Distillery Announced as Official Ulster Rugby Gin & Whiskey Partner
a unique Ulster Rugby gin and Irish whiskey, as well as a limited edition ‘Centenary’ 5-year-old Irish whiskey to mark 100 years of rugby at the club’s home at Ravenhill, now known as Kingspan Stadium. The partnership – which will see Copeland gins, whiskey, and vodka available in all the bars at Kingspan Stadium going forward- is testament to the distillery’s quality and Ulster Rugby’s support for locally produced spirits.
Queen’s Quay Kiosk Opens to Public on Belfast’s Waterfront
QUEEN’S Quay Kiosk has opened along Belfast’s waterfront. Located between the Odyssey Arena and the Lagan Weir pedestrian bridge, the new coffee kiosk is part of on- going plans to develop Belfast’s historic waterfront as a vibrant, connected experience. Queen’s Quay Kiosk has been
developed by Belfast City Council, Maritime Belfast Trust, and the Department for Communities. Queen’s Quay was once a vital part
of Belfast’s history when the Belfast and County Down Railway Station was established there in 1848. Today, it remains an important gateway, welcoming over 3 million visitors who walk, cycle, wheel and visit the Maritime Mile every year. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky
Murray, said: “It’s fantastic to see Native trading
here at Queen’s Quay Kiosk on the Maritime Mile as a result of partnership between the Council, Maritime Belfast and Department for Communities. I’m looking forward to seeing lots of people enjoying the Kiosk’s wares – from coffee to craft – and I’m really pleased to see both art and our industrial heritage incorporated into the design, as we continue to celebrate our creativity during Belfast 2024 and beyond. “We’ve set ambitious targets through
The Belfast Agenda around city centre living and further boosting our visitor numbers. To achieve those targets, city partners need to create more attractive environments to live in and visit, improve the public realm, connectivity, and access to food and entertainment offerings. The Kiosk is also the perfect complement to the raised planter and seating we helped to install recently – transforming previously unused land into a place to relax, complete with native plants. Together, Queen’s Quay Kiosk and planter offer some of the best views of Belfast’s Waterfront and the Maritime Mile, so make sure to visit!” Chief Executive of Maritime Belfast,
Kerrie Sweeney, said: “Queen’s Quay has developed from a bustling transportation hub to the heart of Belfast’s waterfront, shaped by landmark attractions like Titanic Belfast and the SSE
Arena Belfast. The new kiosk, delivered with support from Belfast City Council and the Department for Communities, adds fresh energy to this historic area – championing sustainability, supporting local communities, and playing a key role in the waterfront’s ongoing regeneration.” Communities Minister Gordon Lyons
said; “I am delighted that my department
could both accommodate the siting of the kiosk on its lands at Queen’s Quay and also provide grant funding to Belfast City Council for the purchase of the kiosk. This collaboration, and the kiosk being a fine example of architectural design, will further enhance the draw of Belfast’s rich maritime heritage, contributing to the sustainable regeneration of this part of the city centre.” The Queen’s Quay kiosk is set to become a key landmark on the Maritime Mile with its coloured sails, striking design, and welcoming atmosphere. Constructed from Corten steel and featuring two trading pods, the kiosk stands at 8m x 15m and is topped with high sails. Operated by Native, the kiosk will offer an inviting “coffee and bake” menu, and will provide a platform for local crafters, artists, and small businesses to showcase and sell their artisan products. Adding to its unique appeal, the kiosk
will feature five portraits by local artist Terry Bradley. They’re inspired by the hardworking
men and women of industrial Belfast, and accompanied by personal stories from former dockers, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich maritime heritage. Queen’s Quay Kiosk is an example
of how collaboration drives creative, community-focused projects. Funded by the Department for Communities, Belfast City Council managed the kiosk’s delivery, with design by MMAS Architects and OGU Architects. Maritime Belfast now owns and manages the kiosk, ensuring its role as a hub of activity along the waterfront. For further details on the Queen’s
Quay Kiosk and upcoming events on the Maritime Mile, visit
maritime-mile.com
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