66 | THE LOCAL TOURIST


www.nitravelnews.com


January 2026


accreditation by 2027. “While our current capacity is 480 rooms across seven locations, we aim to increase occupancy levels by around 10% through a combination of competitive pricing, improved guest experience and a new Central Reservations System,” added Eddie. The data-driven system will become a central hub for all


Belfast City Centre Hotel Acquired By Loughview Leisure Group


LOUGHVIEW Leisure Group has announced that Ten Square Hotel Belfast has officially joined the Hilton portfolio as DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast City Ten Square. The conversion includes


the


renovation of 23 guestrooms within the Grade B1 listed Yorkshire House, originally constructed in 1862 and designed


by renowned architect


Charles Lanyon, as well as a full refurbishment of the hotel’s reception area. The 131-room hotel, featuring Jospers Steakhouse, The Doffer Bar, The Loft roof top lounge and Linenhall function suite,


will remain under the ownership and management of


McKeever Hotels Focus on Growth as Details of Five Year Strategy Unveiled


Loughview Leisure Group. “We are delighted to announce


this next chapter in our journey, marking a decade since we first acquired and developed the hotel,” said


Stephen Carson, Operations Director, Group Loughview


Leisure Group. “Partnering with the globally recognised DoubleTree by Hilton brand enhances our offering and elevates the guest experience, bringing


a


Historic County Down Cottage Certified by Tourism NI


A restored 200-year-old cottage near the Mourne Mountains in Co Down has been certified by Tourism NI. Jackdaw Cottage, located close to Castlewellan, stood largely forgotten for more than a century and at risk of demolition before it was bought and transformed by owner Chris Murphy into a beautiful four-bedroom property, now welcoming guests from all over the world. During the three-year restoration, the cottage was extensively


fresh,


hospitality option to the heart of Belfast.”


AT a stakeholder event to launch McKeever Group’s five-year strategy, ‘Beyond Now’, Managing Director, Eddie McKeever unveiled the group's plans to further growth, performance, and sustainability across the Island of Ireland, and beyond. Building on the positive performance of the last three


years, the ambitious plans reflect the World Tourism Organisation’s 2030 vision to enhance the guest journey through sustainability, personalised


experiences


technology. “While our strategy remains growth focused, we want to


world-class


do so in a way which creates a harmonious balance between success, family values, service excellence and community culture,” said Managing Director, Eddie McKeever. Having added two new properties to the Group since 2023 (The Lodge, Coleraine and Armagh City Hotel), taking its turnover to over £25 million across its seven-strong portfolio, the McKeevers will continue to seek further opportunities to expand with the Republic of Ireland and Scotland on the target list. The growth ambitions are underpinned by a further


£3million capital expenditure across its hotels, with the intention of both The Lodge and Armagh City achieving 4-star


converted with modern comforts introduced such as a wood- burning stove and solar-powered energy, but with its heritage and character preserved. With the name inspired by the flocks of jackdaws that had made the derelict house their home for generations, the cottage can sleep eight people in comfort. It has rich local heritage on its doorstep, making it the perfect place for visitors to hike the nearby mountains, stroll on the beaches, explore the forest parks or just relax and unwind by the fire. The property, which also recently achieved a 4-star self-catering grading award from Tourism NI, enjoys panoramic views, hand- built charm, and total privacy. It is regarded as a perfect retreat for families, adventurers, and anyone seeking peace in nature. Suzi McIlhatton, Accommodation Certification Manager at Tourism NI, said: “Chris Murphy saw the potential in an old derelict building, bringing it back to life in a spectacular way.


and


bookings, enabling smarter pricing, improved profitability and enhanced guest loyalty. It will also help McKeevers to deepen understanding of customer preferences and tailor experiences accordingly. Quality food and beverage will remain a cornerstone of


the McKeever experience, with a newly appointed Group Food & Beverage Executive to lead innovation across all properties. This


platform to improve efficiencies and cost effectiveness. The McKeevers will also continue to support and celebrate


NI’s agri-food sector with each hotel showcasing its own signature dishes including a distinctive ‘McKeever Breakfast’ experience. Sustainability remains at the heart of the Group’s long-


term vision. Its ESG commitments will focus on renewable energy sources, improving operational efficiency and supporting the communities in which it operates through local employment and supplier partnerships. Looking ahead to its 40th anniversary in 2026, Eddie


McKeever concluded: “Our strategy sets out a clear path for continued growth, innovation and community impact. By 2030 we have the potential to employ 600 people with a Group turnover of £45m, all of which will be driven and underpinned by the family values that have successfully defined the brand for the past four decades.”


“He engaged with Tourism NI early on in the project and was able to benefit from crucial start-up advice and support through the certification process. It has been a real pleasure for the team at Tourism NI to watch the evolution of Jackdaw Cottage during its restoration and opening phase.” McIlhatton continued, “Chris’ commitment, time and hard work must be commended. The property’s sustainability credentials are also notable and it is heartening to see how they have incorporated this in a practical yet aesthetically pleasing way. Jackdaw is a real gem in the heart of Castlewellan and we wish the team every success.” Owner Chris Murphy said “The Tourism NI certification process has been invaluable in setting up my business. “From initial contact, to inspecting the house through to grading, the whole process was swift, smooth and highly insightful. “The knowLedge and advice that I was given was extremely


Northern Ireland's Vibrant Culinary Scene Highlighted in Los Angeles


TASTE and Tour NI and Waterman House have joined Tourism Ireland in Los Angeles back in November for Connections Luxury Americas. The three-day event, involving a programme of


bespoke one-to-one appointments and networking, provides an excellent platform for the participating tourism businesses from Northern Ireland to connect with over 250 influential luxury travel buyers from North America, many from the West Coast of the US, who bring valuable tourists to the island – ensuring the destination is ‘top of mind’ for the buyers when recommending destinations to their clients.


Iconic Belfast Venue Celebrates 90 Years on Ormeau Road live music, entertainment at the


The Errigle celebrates


as a local public house to become a multifaceted venue offering great food, drink,


heart of a thriving neighbourhood community, today, The Errigle combines historic charm with modern amenities. As


this


The Strand Unveil Sneak Peek at Brand New Interior


NORTHERN Ireland’s only operational art deco picture house, the Strand has provided a first look inside one of its new film theatres, which will be transformed as part of its landmark £6.5 million redevelopment. Unveiling the design of ‘The Stalls’–


formerly Screen 2 – for the first time, the beloved East Belfast venue has released a new CGI image showcasing the enhanced space. A 316-inch screen surrounded by an art-


deco inspired frame takes centre stage, while state-of-the-art laser 4K laser projection and surround-sound will enhance the audience experience, with newly raked seating designed to provide optimal sight lines. Local craftsmanship will be utilised to reinstate the theatre’s curved ridged walls, the art-deco clock, and original porthole lights, which collectively create the ambience of sitting in the bow of a ship. The major restoration will secure the future of a treasured Belfast landmark, delivering


state-of-the-art screening facilities, enhanced


accessibility,


community arts spaces. To complete


and the redevelopment, the


iconic East Belfast venue must raise the final five per cent of funds (£325,000) and is calling on local businesses to support its final fundraising push. Supporters are invited to make a lasting


contribution through the Strand’s Name a Seat initiative. Donors will have the opportunity to add a personalised message to a brass plaque on one of the seats in the newly refurbished cinema. Each plaque serves as permanent recognition of their support and connection to one of Belfast’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Over 325 individuals and companies including


winning production companies, expanded


THE Errigle Inn will mark a major milestone this December as it celebrates 90 years on the Ormeau Road.


The pub has also produced a limited- edition 90th anniversary commemorative glass, and a range of commemorative merchandise available exclusively at the venue, including t-shirts,


beer mats, featuring striking illustrations of the iconic pub, drawn by local designer Paul McNally. The Errigle has been a firm fixture


Belfast City Airport, award- Sixteen


South Studios and Causeway Pictures, and LA based production house, Nadia Films have already pledged their support to the Name a Seat campaign.


on the busy South Belfast thoroughfare ever since. Under the stewardship of the McGurran family for three generations, Phil McGurran today continues a strong legacy of heartfelt hospitality, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, TJ and father, Philip McGurran. Embodying the evolution of Belfast’s


social and cultural life, The Errigle has evolved with the changing needs of its customers. Growing from humble roots


tote bags and


landmark year, plans are progressing for a significant redevelopment, which it is hoped will progress in 2026. A new ground-floor space is included in the plans, designed to respond to demand from local residents seeking places to meet, work, relax, and connect during the daytime. Commenting ahead of the milestone Phil McGurran said:


anniversary,


“Reaching 90 years is something we’re incredibly proud of as a family. The Errigle has always been more than a pub; it’s a gathering place, a part of people’s stories, and a fixture on the Ormeau Road. We’re delighted to celebrate this milestone with the people who make the pub what it is, and we’re excited for what the future holds as we look toward our next chapter.”


will be furthered through a centralised purchasing


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