April/May 2025


Marine Hotel Ballycastle: Small Hotel, Big Plans for 2025


FOLLOWING its prestigious AA four- star award r ecei v ed at the end of 2024, the Marine


Hotel


in Ballycastle, situated on the breathtaking Coast,


Causeway is embarking on


an exciting new chapter for 2025 with a series of ambitious business updates and expansions aimed at enhancing guest experiences and further establishing its position as one of Northern Ireland’s premier seaside hotels. Exciting New


Developments Looking ahead, Marine Hotel


is set to expand significantly with planning permission approved for the development of 16 additional bedrooms, 10 self-contained apartments on the former country club site, and a rooftop bar and terrace overlooking the sea. These exciting projects will further enhance the hotel’s offering, attracting both leisure and business guests seeking a luxurious and scenic retreat on the Causeway Coast. Diversifying The Offering Thanks to its idyllic position


on the Causeaway Coast, Northern Ireland’s renowned coastline, Marine Hotel benefits from its close proximity to an abundance of nature, coastal walks and adventurous activities. With so much available on its doorstop, Marine Hotel attracts a diverse clientele. From families seeking a seaside staycation to adventure seekers who want to explore the outdoors, and culinary connoisseurs who appreciate local flavours and produce.


Titanic Belfast to Host Ireland’s First-of-its-Kind Art Showcase


BELFAST will be the first port of call of the Lucian Freud’s Etchings: A Creative Collaboration


exhibition as


part of a global tour. The world- leading visitor attraction is the only location on the island of Ireland that


the artwork is


being displayed. Lucian Freud’s Etchings: A Creative


Collaboration will feature highlights from a unique collection of etchings, many of which have never been previously exhibited. The trial proofs tell the story of Freud’s long collaboration with master printer, Marc Balakjian including one of his most contemplative and psychologically rich achievements in Donegal Man (2007). The sitter for Donegal Man was Pat Doherty, Chairman of Titanic Belfast, giving this exhibition a very special connection to the venue. The pieces are on loan from the V&A,


a family of museums dedicated to the power of creativity. This is the first time the exhibition has ever been seen outside of London. Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of


Titanic Belfast said: “It’s an honour to announce that Titanic Belfast will be the first venue to host Lucian Freud’s Etchings: A Creative Collaboration as part of a global tour. We are thrilled to display never seen before pieces from one of the world’s most renowned artists and bring yet another reason for people to visit Belfast. The exhibition is particularly special for Titanic Belfast given its links to our Chairman Pat Doherty and will be free for people to view, and we are delighted to enhance our visitor experience over the busy summer period.”


Armagh Region Offers New Experiences for Visitors in 2025 ARMAGH,


Banbridge, and


Craigavon Borough Council have revealed a range of new consumer experiences for the year ahead as the region continues to benefit from visitors travelling from the Republic of Ireland and beyond. The destination currently offers attractions


such as the Navan Centre & Fort (a World Heritage Site contender as part of the Royal Sites of Ireland), the world’s only Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Brownlow Castle, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium and Donna Fox Walking Tours. It is anticipated that the incoming developments – so synonymous with Armagh – will drive further footfall and strengthen the area’s appeal as a destination of choice for families, culture vultures and foodies. Adding to an already rich offering bolstered by the region’s connection to St Patrick and its


while preserving the heritage that defines us and gives us our unique tourism proposition. We are continually evolving to meet the needs of today’s visitors, working in partnership with local businesses and attractions to offer a mix of new, high-quality, value-for-money experiences for everyone.” Armagh has long been a place where


celebrated apple orchard tours and tastings, a range of new experiences to entice visitors are set to be announced at the showcase including the ancient art of Road Bowling or ‘Bullets’ as they are known locally, where guests can try their hand at the centuries old game in Armagh City. Dan Winter’s Cottage, one of Ireland’s longest thatched cottages, built in 1623, will welcome visitors to delve into Northern Ireland’s rich linen heritage and witness traditional skills like weaving in action. Sara McGeary, Tourism Manager at Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, said, “Our region is known for its rich community, culture, and history – from our Georgian architecture and St. Patrick’s connections to our family-owned businesses and signature events like the Armagh Food & Cider Festival that celebrate local producers, chefs and our wonderful Food Heartland. As we move forward, it’s crucial that we continue to balance innovation with tradition, embracing new developments


history and modern appeal intersect. As Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital, it has been – and remains – a major centre of education, with the Armagh Robinson Library, founded in 1771, serving as a key example of this vision for learning. At the Navan Centre & Fort, one of the island’s most important archaeological sites, visitors can explore Celtic history through interactive workshops


and storytelling. The


Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is the longest-running astronomical research institute in the UK and Ireland, and the oldest operating planetarium in the UK and Ireland.


Summer ’25 to Mark Opening Of New Street Food Market in Belfast


BELFAST is set to introduce a brand new authentic street food market, said to be one of the city’s largest ever regeneration developments. Nestled in the former


Europa Buscentre, the development introduce an artisanal food market and bar, creating up to 40 new jobs for the space. Property development


and investment company MRP, lead development of the Weavers Cross project, is aiming to create a vibrant inclusive neighbourhood combining as mix of commercial,


Europe’s First Augmented Massage Experience Arrives in Northern Ireland


GALGORM has announced the launch of a new spa treatment, which


combines therapeutic


expertise with state-of-the- art wellness technology to deliver a unique motion-to- sound ‘augmented massage’ experience tailored to individual client needs. The first spa treatment of its kind


in Europe, the new Symphony of Touch treatment transforms the traditional wellness journey by


blending advanced technology with the artistry of therapeutic touch, creating a deeply personalised experience that evolves in real-time with the movements of the therapist. Built-in sensors within the therapy


bed analyse the therapist’s movements and gestures, converting them into a live, dynamic soundscape – offering a seamless fusion of touch, sound, and relaxation that guides and enhances the treatment. The melodies and rhythms that are generated by the therapist’s movements create a bespoke, ever- changing musical interpretation and truly unique performance for each guest.


This 21st-century massage


experience redefines the art of massage, merging human touch with cutting-edge biofeedback technology to create an immersive and deeply restorative experience. The treatment is designed to heighten sensory awareness, allowing guests to reach a deep state of mindfulness and tranquillity. Tara Moore, Head of Spa


Operations, Galgorm Collection, commented; “At Galgorm, we are committed to pioneering new spa experiences that transform health and wellbeing. The Symphony of Touch is unlike anything guests have encountered before – blending human energy with innovative technology to create an unparalleled sensory journey. “We are thrilled to be the first


spa resort in Europe to introduce this treatment, offering our guests a truly exceptional and immersive spa experience that will melt away their tensions, help them to escape the stresses of everyday life as they focus on the harmonies that surround them, and leave them feeling completely rejuvenated and at peace.”


www.nitravelnews.com


THE LOCAL TOURIST | 59


Tourism NI – The Countdown to The Open Begins...


IT’S not long until The Open returns to Northern Ireland and the build at Royal Portrush is in full swing. A team of more than 6,000 permanent and


temporary staff working for The R&A, contractors and agencies, are involved in the overall delivery of the Championship, from the initial build, to overseeing its staging and the final derig. All eyes with be on the North Coast from


July 13-20 when some of the sport’s top golfers descend on Royal Portrush, one of the world’s top courses, to compete for the iconic Claret Jug. More than 250,000 fans are expected to


attend The 153rd Open, which is expected to deliver a combined economic and media benefit of more than £150 million to the region. Contractors are on site with compounds


already erected, work has also begun on the roll out of the trackway and the first structures are up.


Work will begin to erect the famous


grandstands at the 1st and 18th holes, offering spectators some of the best views of the much- anticipated action.


cultural,


residential and business amenities in the space, which surrounds Belfast’s new Grand Central Station. Subject to planning, the


new food street market and entertainment facility is expected to open in the summer this year.


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