Highlights of Northern Ireland 2019
You don’t have to go far to have the time of your life. Northern Ireland has something for everyone
According to the Tourism NI Annual Review 2017-2018, during the year, there was a record number of visitors to Northern Ireland. There were an estimated 4.9m overall trips to Northern Ireland and an increase of 49pc of people from the Republic of Ireland choosing to holiday in Northern Ireland.
The Giant’s Causeway visitors exceeded the one million mark and Titanic Belfast posted its busiest year yet with over 771,000 visitors alone!
In 2017-2018, tourism in Northern Ireland contributed £2.5 million per day to the local economy. This figure looks to be even higher in 2019, with a number of exciting new events and experiences taking place throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for a family activity, something for your group of friends or an experience you can enjoy alone, there’s plenty to choose from.
Here are just a few of the reasons to visit the six counties this year:
The 148th Open
From 14th July 2019 – 21st July 2019, the Open, one of the largest golf Championships in the world, will be shining a global spotlight on Portrush when it is played at Royal Portrush Golf Club. Royal Portrush has one of the best and most challenging links golf courses in the world, the Dunluce Links, and its hidden gem, the Valley Links. The Open was last staged here back in 1951. This is only the second time in the Championship’s 150year history where The Open will take place outside of England and Scotland. Watch the world’s greatest golfers compete for the iconic Claret Jug, alongside golf enthusiasts from all over Ireland and the world.
Championship Days are now completely sold out but, tickets for the Practice Days are still available. So snap them up while they last.
For more on golfing activities, turn to page 8.
Game of Thrones® Exhibition
When travelling to Northern Ireland, experiencing the Game of Thrones® phenomenon is a must. So, step into the world of Westeros when Game of Thrones®: The Touring Exhibition comes to TEC Belfast from 11th April 2019, just ahead of the highly anticipated eighth and final season of the show. Much of the series was filmed over a 10-year period in the location where the exhibition currently is in Belfast, so fans can authentically immerse themselves in the world of the show. Featuring a mix of immersive environments, interactive exhibitions and multimedia content, fans can relive the trials of the Starks, Lannisters and Targaryens. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to get up close with props, costumes and set decorations. This is one not to be missed for big fans of the show.
Tourism NI’s Chief Executive, John McGrillen commented, “The arrival of the exhibition in Northern Ireland will be the first official experience covering up to season seven for fans in the UK and Ireland and will be perfectly timed with the highly anticipated final season of Game of Thrones next spring.”
For more Game of Thrones® activities, turn to page 12.
Hillsborough Castle
Surrounded by 100 acres of stunning grounds, the 250-year old Hillsborough Castle, Co Down, will have a fresh start on July 1st 2019. The Castle is the official home of the Secretary of State in Northern Ireland and has played host to royalty, peacemakers and Presidents. Negotiations for the Good Friday agreement were conducted at the Castle in 1998, and it remains an important, functioning Government building today.
This year, the Castle will open as a yearround visitor destination after receiving a £20 million makeover. Renovation efforts are currently focused on the castle, while another part of the project involves restoring a four-acre walled garden on the estate. It’s a sight to see for everyone visiting Northern Ireland who not only want stunning sights, but also want to immerse themselves in Northern Irish history.
We Are Vertigo
Northern Ireland’s top number one family entertainment complex and Europe’s largest true trampoline park, is We Are Vertigo. This is set to host Ireland’s first-ever indoor Ninja Warrior Assault Course and Inflatable
Action Course!
The adventure company has had a major investment of over £1 million to open its new Assault Course and Action Course from January. This is perfect for families who want a fun day out! It is also centrally located in venues located in South Belfast and the Titanic Quarter, so it’s easily accessible. This is definitely one not to miss!
Derry – Walled City 400
March 2019 will mark the 400th anniversary of the completion of the Derry Walls. Built between 1613 and 1618, they were originally built by King James I as defences to keep the newly planted population safe from Irish rebels besieging the city. To celebrate the anniversary, there is a vibrant programme of events taking place throughout the city.
From musical ensembles and dance audio plays, to historical and contemporary exhibitions, living archaeology demonstrations and symposiums, there is so much to choose from. A full animation programme will run throughout June, July and August 2019. Events have been planned up to March 2020. It is a true celebration of the heritage and history of the city.
For more on the rich and diverse history of Northern Ireland, turn to page 15.
Derry Girls Mural
The cast of the popular Channel 4 sitcom, Derry Girls have been immortalised with a mural in Derry city centre. The five main characters, Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle and James, have been painted on the side of Badgers Bar on Orchard Street, in order to celebrate the second season of the show set to air in March 2019. Painted by Derry-based street artists, UV Arts, this mural is a must-see for fans of the show which has now become a mainstay of Northern Irish entertainment watched all around the world.
As winter turns into spring, it’s the perfect time to take that special break to Northern Ireland and ‘Say Hello to More’.
For NI travel tips, visit www. discovernorthernireland.com