November/December 2024


www.nitravelnews.com Derry Girls Star Returns Home for a Cosy Autumn Getaway


www.nitravelnews.com


THE LOCAL TOURIST | 79TRADE NEWS | 79 Titanic Hotel Belfast Showcased in Newly Released Footage


FROM viewing original costumes from the planet’s biggest TV show to sampling whiskey in the birth- place of the world’s most famous ship, one of our most loved actors has been on a voyage of discovery to enjoy some of North- ern Ireland’s unique visitor attrac- tions. Kathy Kiera Clarke, or Aunt Sarah


to millions of global fans of the smash hit comedy series, Derry Girls,


recently


embarked on her own giant adventure to explore some of the places and experiences you can embrace in Northern Ireland that you just can’t find anywhere else.


McComb’s Coach Travel Expands Fleet with £500,000 Investment


MCCOMB'S Coach Travel has invested £500,000 in an expansion of its fleet by adding two new coaches, due to soaring demand from customers. This investment was supported by Danske Bank. Established in the early 1990s with


just one small coach, McComb’s began operations running small group tours of Belfast for the limited number of tourists the city welcomed at the time. Over the years as demand has grown, McComb’s has expanded its offering to include daily tours outside of the city, and now takes around 50,000 people per year on scheduled day tours. Aside from tours, McComb’s is also


best known for being the official transport provider to the Irish Football Association, since 2005, and has transported Chelsea FC, the cast and crew of the Strictly Come Dancing Tour, as well the World Premier Tour of Les Miserables Arena Spectacular and more over the years. With increasing customer demand


driving the need for additional vehicles, McComb’s used the investment of £500,000 from Danske Bank to purchase two new stylish and modern coaches. Having surpassed all pre-Covid figures, McComb’s is now doing substantially more business than it did before 2019, leading to an increase in fleet size and staffing numbers. With sustainability at the forefront, McCombs has also ensured that all vehicles are now in the Euro 6 category, meaning they produce the lowest carbon emissions possible in diesel vehicles.


And, as the nights draw in, you can holiday


like a Derry Girl as Tourism Northern Ireland has recreated Kathy’s itinerary on its website, with a few extra stops along the way for inspiration. Kathy said: “I’m born and bred in Belfast


and it’s always lovely to come home. Every time I come back it seems like there is something new to see, there is a real vibrancy about the place. “While I’ve always known this place is special, I am thrilled to see that so many people from all over the world think the same. We are truly blessed to have so many amazing places to visit and they’re right on our doorstep. “For my trip, I wanted to experience


DESCRIBED as one of Northern Ireland’s most unique hotels, the Titanic Hotel Belfast blends historic charm and modern luxury, occupying a legendary location in the heart of Titanic Quarter. While standing as a beacon of the area’s legacy, the hotel can now be seen from a truly unique angle in a newly released dramatic film showcasing the iconic landmark. Harcourt Developments commissioned


Ireland’s leading drone pilot Keith Smith to create extraordinary FPV (first person view) drone films for its Titanic Hotel Belfast and Titanic Hotel Liverpool. Offering viewers a breathtaking


aerial tour of the hotel and its heritage rooms which were originally home to the headquarters of Harland & Wolff, builders of the White Star Line fleet, the three minute film is incredibly captivating. Adrian McNally, General Manager of Titanic Hotel Belfast, said:


Life Begins at 40 Thieves – Cookstown’s Newest Bar Offically Opens


NAMED after one of New York’s earliest known criminal gangs, The 40 Thieves on William Street is an Irish-American style pub that promises to give customers ‘a taste of the Big Apple in the 19th century’. Doors open at 7pm on Saturday


night with lots of surprises lined up including live music, dancers and actors to bring the 40 Thieves story to life – and a free drink on arrival for the first 50 customers! The 40 Thieves gang was founded


Northern Ireland as one of the millions of visitors who come for our world class visitor attractions, award-winning food and drink, giant experiences and amazing scenery. “If you haven’t had a short break in


Northern Ireland for a while, I would highly recommend it.” “There’s never a bad time to visit but


now as the seasons change, a short break is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy the natural landscapes or while away the hours in a snug beside a roaring fire. “You can find great value, too – there


would be no need for Derry Girl, Jenny Joyce to dip too far into her famous trust fund, as a short trip won’t break the bank. “The people I met along the way underlined


how we are a warm and friendly bunch and always ready for a bit of craic. Is it the people or the scenery that makes Northern Ireland so special – that’s a question that could spark endless debate.” Kathy’s trip included a stay in Belfast’s


Grand Central Hotel, an introduction to the Seedhead Arts Street Art Walking Tour, a tour of Titanic Distillers, a stop-off at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace and a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. She also called at Bushmills Inn, the Magheracross Viewpoint outside Portrush, took a NI Black Taxi Tour and marvelled at the beauty of Enniskeen Estate & Forest Spa which is set within the Mourne Mountains.


in 1825 by notorious gang leader Edward Coleman and consisted mainly of Irish immigrants and Irish Americans who terrorised the Five Points neighbourhood of Manhattan between the 1820s and 1850s. With décor inspired by the legendary


characters of this unique underground world, the stylish new 40 Thieves ‘speakeasy’ bar in Cookstown, will bring the spirit of 1820s Gang Life in New York to life with lively music and entertainment, crafted cocktails, and delicious food. Nicky Wright of 1 Oak Leisure


Ireland, owners of The 40 Thieves, said that the bar will bring something completely different to the Cookstown social scene. “With its unique concept, inspired by


the notorious Irish-American gang that once ruled the streets of New York, The 40 Thieves Tavern is an exciting and very welcome addition to the social scene in Cookstown and the wider Mid- Ulster region,” said Nicky. “We are delighted by the look and


feel of the new bar and we cannot wait for customers to experience the atmosphere that we have created, a really cool vibe based on that gritty yet vibrant underworld era where danger thrived, music filled the air, and every drink told a story."


“We welcome visitors through the


doors of Titanic Hotel Belfast from all over the world every day and they are mesmerised by the history and heritage of this wonderful building." "Keith’s skill and mastery as a qualified commercial pilot came into its own as he spectacularly navigated his drone, taking in some of the hotel’s most historic architecture, exploring the Drawing Offices to Thomas Andrews office and The Telephone Exchange. I’m amazed that he made this video, captured using a custom built drone, in just one uncut take!” The drone speedily sweeps around


the hotel soaring over the beautifully presented façade, giving viewers a glimpse of the intricate detail of the exterior of the building from the Titanic Slipways and featuring the awe inspiring Titanic Belfast before showcasing its interior beauty from above and at eye level.


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