78 | THE LOCAL TOURIST
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Tourism NI’s Young ‘Adventure Ambassador’ Embraces Giant Adventures Through Little Eyes
FROM exploring the depths of the Marble Arch Caves to the world-renowned Giant’s Causeway and even the stars above at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Northern Ireland is perfect for making core family memories. You’re only a small step away from giant
experiences as Tourism Northern Ireland’s ‘Adventure Ambassador’ eight-year-old Anna McGuinness and her family have been discovering. Having won TNI’s Giant Memory Making competition
earlier this year, Adventure Ambassador Anna, and her family, have been busy enjoying fun-filled day trips and short breaks across Northern Ireland and have put together a host of videos showcasing their giant adventures. Narrated by Anna, the three videos provide a
showcase of the McGuinness family’s trips to County Tyrone, County Armagh, County Fermanagh and the Causeway Coast. “It has been great fun exploring Northern Ireland
with my family,” said Anna. “There are so many amazing places to see and
things to do here and they’re all just a short journey away from our home. “My sister (Bonnie) and I have had an amazing
time so far and we can’t wait to continue our giant adventures across counties Armagh, Down and Londonderry with our mum, dad and dog Pepper.” In County Tyrone, the intrepid explorers enjoyed zip-
lining and mountain climbing at Todd’s Leap Activity Centre, stepped back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park and learning all about the night sky at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory. They also came face to face with a giant when they met Ceoldán: The Stargazer at Davagh Forest, part of the Sperrin Sculpture Trail. On the Causeway Coast they spent time at
Broughgammon Farm before departing Ballycastle harbour for a tour along the North Coast with Kintra Boat Tours. The family enjoyed lunch with Pepper at the Marine Hotel Ballycastle and stopped at Dunluce
WWT Announces Award Winning Nature Writer Dara McAnulty as Latest Ambassador
WWT has appointed the award-winning nature writer and naturalist Dara McAnulty as their newest ambassador. Dara, who grew up near WWT’s Castle Espie
wetland centre in Northern Ireland, often visits the nature reserve and credits the close encounters with its wildlife for fostering his love of nature. His debut book, Diary of a Young Naturalist, won
the 2020 Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing, making him the youngest ever winner of a major UK literary prize. As well as this he has published two children’s books
and was the youngest recipient on King Charles III’s first New Year’s Honours List, being awarded a British Empire Medal for services to both nature and the autistic community. Dara is a passionate campaigner for the natural
world, a dedicated fundraiser and wildlife recorder. He divides his time between studying at the University of Cambridge and County Down, where he lives with
his family. Speaking about joining WWT as an ambassador Dara
said: “I am overjoyed to have been invited by the WWT in joining their vision for the future of wetlands, by becoming an ambassador. Wetlands are some of the most biodiverse habitats in the world and we must continue to do all we can to protect them. WWT do such important work and I, as a student ecologist, conservationist and nature writer, want up to support them in any way I can. I grew up visiting WWT Castle Espie many, many times to see visiting Brent Geese and the reserve holds such a special place in my journey as a young naturalist. I also believe that storytelling as communication is vital in conservation; I look forward to supporting the work of WWT in imaginative and imaginative ways. I’m thoroughly delighted!” Dara will join WWT’s impressive roster of wetland ambassadors including David Gray, Ollie Olanipekun and Nadeem Perera of Flock Together, Lucy Hodson (aka Lucy Lapwing) and Sir Mark Rylance.
Renovated Irish Clachan in Co. L’Derry Receives Certification from Tourism NI
Castle. They learned about the legend of Finn McCool at the Giant’s Causeway and then dipped their toes in the water at Whiterocks Beach before heading to dinner at Ramore, Anna recommends the brownie. Before heading to County Fermanagh, the McGuinness family stopped by Portadown to enjoy the Orchard County at Long Meadow Farm. After they tasted the fresh apple juice and treats, they made their way to a lakeside lodge at the Killyhevlin Hotel before exploring Devenish Island and Enniskillen Castle on the Erne Water Taxi. The Marble Arch Caves were also a hit with the young family. Watch on to find out what else they got up to on
each of their short breaks and for more information, and other family-friendly giant adventures in Northern Ireland, visit
discovernorthernireland.com.
Summer Sees Significant Progress for Belfast Region City Deal Over £60m of Belfast Region City
Tourism and Regeneration Projects AS VISITORS continue to flock to the Belfast Region this summer, behind the scenes, significant progress
is being projects
transformative tourism and regeneration
made that
on will
attract new tourists to the region who stay longer and spend more.
Deal (BRCD) investment has been unlocked for three significant tourism projects with the signing of Contracts for Funding for The Gobbins Phase 2, The Mourne Mountains Gateway Project, and Destination Royal Hillsborough. The Belfast Region City Deal has committed
September/October 2024
£210m in total towards seven key tourism and regeneration projects which will secure investment of around £350 million across the region. Contracts for Funding have now been agreed for six of these projects, with the last Contract for Funding for Belfast Stories expected in summer 2025.
AN old Irish settlement near Maghera in Co. Derry/ Londonderry, which has been fully restored as two holiday lets, has been certified by Tourism NI. Barney’s Ruins was originally made up of a cottage, which
dated back to 1830, and a small, adjacent outbuilding. Award-winning architect, Patrick Bradley took on the ambitious
renovation of the old ruins in memory of his great-great uncle, Barney, who once lived in the cottage. The two holiday properties can collectively accommodate four
adults. The renovation has won several prestigious architectural
awards, including the 2024 Royal Society of Ulster Architects’ Sustainability Award and Small Project of the Year.
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