January 2026


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THE LOCAL TOURIST | 67


Translink Launch Partnership with Local Programme Dedicated to Inspiring Girls in STEM


Belfast Hits The Right Note as New Music Mural Unveiled


A new mural celebrating the value of music has been unveiled at the Telegraph Building in Donegall Street, marking four years since Belfast became a UNESCO City of Music – still the only city in Ireland to hold this title. The colourful artwork, depicting different musical styles


and genres, was created by artists Friz (Marian Noone) and Gerry Norman and commissioned by Belfast City Council. “This mural really sums up the vibrancy and colour music


North Coast Accommodation Set To Join Prestigious Ireland’s Blue Book


DUNLUCE Lodge is set to join the prestigious ranks of Ireland’s Blue Book, taking its place among the country’s most elegant and characterful retreats known for the highest standards of hospitality to be found anywhere in the world. As the sole five-star hotel on the


Causeway Coast, Dunluce Lodge now stands among Ireland’s most enchanting country house hotels, manor houses, castles, and fine dining establishments. The Ireland’s Blue Book Association


was formed in 1974. There are now over 64 properties in the latest edition, with members selected on strict criteria focusing on their distinctive charm, character, and individuality. Environmental stewardship is a


key focus, with members committed to developing and preserving their properties in ways that are both sensitive and sustainable. Dunluce Lodge General Manager,


Stephen Meldrum, said gaining membership is a testament to the high standards set throughout the hotel. He said: “We leave no stone


unturned in our pursuit of perfection and to ensure our guests feel the warmth of our genuine Irish hospitality. “Every detail is carefully considered


– from sourcing the finest produce to selecting premium marble for our bathroom suites – everything we do reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence. “To stand alongside some of Ireland’s


most iconic retreats in the Blue Book in only our first year since opening is testament to the high standards we have set and consistently maintained. “Our approach to luxury hospitality


is to ensure our guests enjoy stays tailored to their own tastes. This can


brings to our city, whatever genre you’re into,” said Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly. “Since we received our UNESCO designation in 2021,


there’s been a phenomenal amount of work done with our local musicians, venues and industry professionals to support their development and creativity and to maximise this accolade for the benefit of all those who work with, and enjoy, live music. “It’s fitting to see this mural completed during the Sound


of Belfast Festival, which features events at 27 venues city- wide until 16 November, and this week’s NI Music Prize event, celebrating the very best of our local artists. Kelly continued, “The addition of late-night buses to the


city centre later this month will also provide another boost to our music scene, making travel to and from gigs more accessible and affordable, not just for music fans, but for those who work in the gig economy also.” The UNESCO mural is another welcome addition to the


city’s eclectic street art collection – much of which has been funded by council. “So much good music has come out of Belfast over the years. It’s great that this is recognised by UNESCO, so why


mean individual menus, specially curated experiences or treatments in our intimate spa specially crafted for you.” Michelle Maguire, CEO of Ireland’s


Blue Book said, “It’s a pleasure to welcome Dunluce Lodge to the Ireland’s Blue Book family. With its stunning coastal setting and refined approach to hospitality, Dunluce Lodge offers guests a truly unique and memorable experience. “Its addition enhances the richness and


diversity of our collection, showcasing the extraordinary range of places to stay and dine throughout the island of Ireland.” Since opening in 2025, Dunluce Lodge


has swiftly earned a reputation as one of Ireland’s most captivating destinations.


Guests have been left spellbound by


the hotel’s dramatic coastal vistas, where elegant contemporary design meets luxury and heartfelt hospitality. Dunluce Lodge joins other storied


gems which are woven into the fabric of Ireland’s hospitality scene such as The Merrion Hotel in Dublin, Wineport Lodge in Westmeath and Ballymaloe House Hotel in Cork.


POPULAR Belfast pizza group Pizza Crew is celebrating a new partnership as the Official Pizza Partner of the Belfast Giants for the 2025/26 Elite Ice Hockey League season. The deal sees Pizza Crew back Belfast’s biggest sporting success – both in the stands and on the ice – with the iconic Giants’ Zamboni now fully branded in Pizza Crew colours. “We’re thrilled to be part of the Giants family,” said Ciaran


Kelly, founder of Pizza Crew. “We’ve been in the crowd from day one as fans, so to see now our brand circling the ice on the Zam- boni is pretty special. There’s nothing better than great hockey and great pizza bringing Belfast together.” The announcement comes as the Giants gear up for another


action-packed season, welcoming returning defenseman Karl Boudrias and new signings Nicolas Guay and Patrick Grasso. Ciaran continued:“The Giants have put Belfast on the map


Belfast Giants Teams Up with Local Food Provider Ahead of New Season


with their spirit and consistency. Everyone at Pizza Crew is proud to fuel the excitement this season and we wish the team every success on the ice.”


not celebrate it?” said Friz (Marion Noone). “We had the design lined up from last year and myself


and my husband Gerry worked on the mural for 16 days. It was a challenging wall – a real labour of love – as the scale is massive, but it’s been a very rewarding project and a topic we’re both passionate about.” The artwork is also the latest initiative in the council’s Music Matters programme which has seen £400,000 invested into the local music scene in the last year.


NI Five Star Resort Celebrates Global Recognition with Multiple Accolades


GALGORM has achieved international acclaim following a series of major international hotel and spa accolades. At an awards ceremony in Barcelona,


the resort was named Global Winner for Luxury Resort at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, and Global Winner for Luxury Golf Resort Spa at the World Luxury Spa Awards. At the Condé Nast Johansens Awards in London, Galgorm’s celebrated Thermal Spa Village was awarded Best Spa Weekend. At the World Luxury Spa Awards, the


resort also received the titles of Luxury Thermal Spa for Europe and Luxury Spa Resort for Northern Europe. At the World Luxury Hotel Awards, Galgorm was additionally recognised as the UK’s Leading Luxury Wedding Resort and Luxury Golf Resort.


I Wish, the programme dedicated to inspiring teenage girls in STEM (Science, Mathematics),


has announced


Technology, Engineering, and their


partnership with


Northern Ireland public transport provider, Translink, at Belfast Grand Central Station. This collaboration ensures girls across Northern Ireland


can attend the I Wish Festival on 5 February 2026 at the RDS Dublin, which will welcome 4,000 girls from across the island of Ireland. Speaking at the launch event, First Minister Michelle


O’Neill said: “The I Wish Festival provides an incredible opportunity


for girls to explore STEM careers and ignite their potential, and I welcome this partnership between I Wish and Translink that will enable students here to join their peers from across the island at next year’s showcase. “Events such as I Wish are a great way of encouraging


more girls to study STEM subjects and pursue careers in sectors such as science, technology and engineering – something that is vital in order to create a better future for our young people, address skills shortages and grow our economy.” Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “The I Wish Festival


is such a fantastic event for


young girls interested in STEM careers and it is great to see everyone working together to encourage them to go and find out more about the great range of careers and opportunities available to them. I have no doubt that there will be plenty of our local students who will be keen to get involved in this event and will come away inspired to follow a career path in STEM.”


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