56 | THE LOCAL TOURIST
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Belfast Castle Marks 90th Anniversary with Reopening of Cellar Bar and Restaurant
Translink Unveil New Self- Serve Ticket Vending Machines
TRANSLINK has announced the roll out of new self-serve ticket vending machines (TVMs) at train stations across the network. The new tech will make it faster and easier for passengers to buy their train ticket before they travel. This step follows the successful introduction of TVMs at all Glider halts and other key locations including the two Belfast Airports, marking a further step in
the implementation
digital-led Future Ticketing System, a strategic project to enhance the customer experience.
BELFAST Castle marked its 90th anniversary by unveiling that The Cellar Bar has now re-opened to the public and the team behind Crumlin Road Gaol has taken up the reigns, creating 25 new jobs. Phelim Devlin from Crumlin Road Gaol is heading up this new project. He says; “I am very excited about our new collaboration with Belfast City Council here at Belfast Castle.We are delighted to be taking over the catering and beverage offering at the castle including the Tavern coffee shop and the Cellar restaurant. We first established ourselves in North Belfast 12 years ago when we partnered with the then OFMDFM to operate Crumlin Road Gaol and a few years later we added Cuffs Bar and Grill. Our main aim in both these businesses was to have a product that is not only to serve the tourism industry but one which is accessible to the local residents also. North Belfast is sometimes seen as the forgotten part of the city, but it is the area which is home to some of the most significant cultural and historic buildings and areas of natural Beauty.
Belfast Castle and the Cave Hill contribute
greatly to this offering. It is a playground for children, a recreatioonal area for residents and a treasure chest of historical importance for visitors. We are delighted to have secured the services of Ben Brett, former head chef of Six by Nico, to lead our Kitchen team and he will be ably supported Eoin and Kyle and the rest our front of house team to deliver a quality service to our visitors.”
Lord Mayor of Belfast Ryan Murphy, who officially opened the Cellar Bar, said he’s proud to be a resident of North Belfast. He says; “As Lord Mayor of Belfast and a
proud resident here in the North of the city it is an honour to be in Belfast Castle today for the reopening of the Cellar Restaurant in what is a very special Milestone year for Belfast Castle. 90 years ago, this year (In 1934), Belfast Castle and its surrounding estate were gifted to the citizens of Belfast by the Right Honourable the 9 th Earl of Shaftsbury, Anthony Ashley Cooper, a North Belfast resident, who I’ve been told also served as Lord Mayor of this great city in 1907, 117 years ago.
The castle as we all know and love is steeped in history, and with over 120,000 visitors each year, it is widely known for its beautiful gardens and views over Belfast City, the walks on Cavehill and of course the Castles’ architectural grandeur, all the things that blend its rich history, natural beauty and cultural significance together. This is a very important occasion, not only
for Belfast City Council, but for North Belfast and its residents who use the park on a daily basis.”
Belfast Castle will continue with their 90 th Anniversary celebrations by developing an array of events. In June they will host a family fun day, there will also be yoga in the gardens, walks on cavehill, a summer Ceili and it will also welcome 70 visiting supercars in July.
Northern Ireland Named Best Golf Destination in Western Europe
TOURISM Northern Ireland has released new figures showing that the overall value of golf tourism reached a new high last year, and now far exceeds pre-pandemic levels, driven by more spend by golfers from Great Britain and North America. Research conducted by Sporting Insights for Tourism NI’s annual Golf Tourism Monitor showed that the overall value of Golf Tourism in 2023 increased to £68.2m, the highest figure ever recorded for golf tourism in NI, and well above the £52m recorded in 2019, the year which saw The Open Championship return to Royal Portrush. The figures have been published as
the region’s golf industry is celebrating Northern Ireland being named the Best Golf Destination in Western Europe by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). The IAGTO awards, which are voted for by 660 golf tour operators around the world, recognise the destinations, golf resorts, golf courses and destination management companies that delivered outstanding service to their clients.
William McGookin, Head of Ticketing T echnology at Translink said,
machines,
Lough Erne Resort Welcomes First Brand Ambassador
“These new incorporating
the
ticket latest
technology, will offer passengers more choice and flexibility alongside a faster and more convenient way to buy tickets or top up smartcards before boarding their train, whether using contactless credit/debit card, ApplePay/GooglePay or cash. “There has been much passenger interest in the machines since we started the installation process. Now, following a period of commissioning and training for our staff, passengers will be able to access this new facility.
“The new machines are equipped with modern touch screen interfaces, as well as offering adjustable screen height, voice commands and braille
stickers to help
guide customers through the purchasing process. Passengers can simply buy local Adult and Child paper tickets or use their yLink and 24+ student railcard to get discounts.
INTERNATIONAL star, Nathan Carter has been appointed as Lough Erne Resort’s first brand ambassador. The country star who, although born in Liverpool, has strong Fermanagh roots, will assist in the promotion of the luxury resort as part of the new partnership. Lough Erne Resort General Manager, Gareth Byrne, said he was delighted Nathan had agreed to accept the resort’s invitation to become brand ambassador. “Nathan is well known to so many in the Fermanagh region, but is a massive international artist, so we’re
thrilled
There is also the option for Free and Half Fare Concession Smartpass holders to obtain their tickets. “Alongside these new TVMs other popular prepaid tickets will remain available such as mLink mobile tickets and online ticketing
options. We are encouraging passengers to buy their tickets in advance where they can, however, we will continue to offer passengers the option to purchase tickets at station ticket offices and on- board trains” William concluded.
DERMOT’s Taste of Ireland, a new series fronted by TV and radio pre- senter Dermot O’Leary, will be seen by millions of people across GB when it airs on ITV1 and on the streaming service ITVX later this year. Filming for the five-part series is taking place this week in Belfast and is supported by Tourism Ireland. The series will follow Dermot as he tours, tastes and bakes his way around Belfast, Kinsale, Cork city, Wexford and Dublin, meeting with local food producers, chefs and restaurateurs along the way. Judith Cassidy, Tourism Ireland’s Deputy Head of GB, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to support the production of this new five-part series, Dermot’s Taste of Ireland. With millions of people across GB set to tune into the series later this year on ITV1
he has agreed to support us in sharing everything that’s great about this wonderful resort. Nathan is a former owner of one of the private residences within the resort and has been a regular visitor for many years, enjoying our golf, spa and dining facilities with friends and family, so this is a great natural fit.” Nathan Carter said he was proud to begin what he described as an “exciting partnership”.
“Many will know that I have been a huge fan of Lough Erne Resort for a long time. It’s a unique luxury location, nestled on its own private peninsula, where guests can enjoy the world-renowned Fermanagh welcome, fantastic golf, world-class food, and the most amazing spa.
I’m really looking
forward to spending more time with the great team there.”
Dermot O’Leary Films Latest Episode of New ITV Series in Belfast
June 2024
of Translink’s
and on the streaming service ITVX, it’s a great way to shine a spotlight on Northern Ireland – showcasing our delicious local produce, wonderful culinary offering and beautiful landscapes. “Publicity
and broadcasts like
are a key element of Tourism Ireland’s programme of promotional activity,
wish-list.”
this to
encourage travellers in GB, and elsewhere around the world, to put Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland on their holiday
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