It is not often that I offer a sweeping statement like that, but I would like to make an exception in this case. With poor financial conditions, and even poorer weather, the British holiday industry is under pressure in a way that is unprecedented in recent times. Mind you, overseas destinations are not tearing up trees either, it is a just a general malaise throughout world tourism. It is at times like this that British holiday destinations that may not necessarily be at the top of everyone’s list need all the help that they can get.
This why my attention was drawn to the Northern Ireland Tourism site. In truth, I was checking my Northern Ireland connections to keep an eye on the progress of the City of Derry and its cultural extravaganza in 2013. It has been my experience that destinations such as Derry tend to start misbehaving once they have been awarded such a prestigious honour, and I am pleased to report that Derry appears to be doing just that, to everyone’s joy and entertainment!
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| Northern Ireland's tourism industry is booming! |
I was however waylaid by the Northern Ireland tourism site on the way through, so an update on Derry will just have to wait. I know as much about Northern Ireland as many people, but I suspect that it is still not enough. May I take the time to show you a couple of things that caught my eye.
Time together in Tyrone and the Sperrins...
Day 1
• Spend the morning shopping in Dungannon - The Linen Green is a must, boasting a number of internationally renowned Irish designers
• Have lunch in Viscounts Restaurant known for its excellent food and unique medieval theme
• Visit Dungannon’s newest attraction, The Hill of The O’Neil and Ranfurly House Arts and Visitors Centre, to learn more about the Gaelic O'Neills and subsequent Plantation of Ulster
• Visit the impressive early 17th century Castle Caulfield in the nearby village named after it
Day 2
• Head for Omagh and spend the morning in the Ulster American Folk Park, where you can travel from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale emigrant ship, to the log cabins of the American frontier
• Have lunch in the nearby Mellon Country Inn.
• Depart for Cookstown and visit Lissan House where you can take in the magical story of Elizabeth Dolling.
There was also an article that dates back to February, but extols the virtues of a new hill top path to Belfast’s highest hill, which is known as the Divis Summit Trail. This is something that I would like to touch upon sometime later, but safe to say that walkers who involve themselves will be treated to spectacular views over Belfast and every county in Ulster as well as parts of Scotland and England.
Pop onto the site in the meantime and give it a whirl.
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