Titanic Belfast to undergo multi-million-pound refurbishment
Located beside the Titanic Slipways, where the famous ship was built, Titanic Belfast is set to undergo a multi-million-pound exhibition refresh. The attraction, which welcomed its seventh millionth visitor this year, will close from 2nd January until 28th February 2023 for the extensive works. Their most ambitious project since opening in 2012, the enriched, emotive visitor experience will showcase a new theme: ‘The Pursuit of Dreams’ and include new immersive technology highlighting Belfast’s maritime heritage and continuing to tell the Titanic story in a respectful and authentic way. Throughout the closure period, visitors will still be able to explore the Titanic story with two daily outdoor guided discovery tours showcasing the iconic building and historic slipways, as well as visiting the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line Ship in the world. www.titanicbelfast.com/
Mourne Gullion Strangford set to become a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2023
Three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Northern Ireland’s southeast, The Ring of Gullion, the Mournes and Strangford Lough and Lecale AONBs, are set to become a UNESCO Global Geopark in April 2023. The stunning area is just one hour from Belfast and home to 400 million years of geological history. Defined by its rich archaeology, mythology and heritage, the region is of huge significance both naturally and culturally.
Here you’ll find a veritable open-air playground, with coastal drives, hill walking, rock climbing, Norman castles, nature rambles, photography, canoeing, cycling, horse riding, fishing, and world class golfing. The area is home to The Ring of Gullion, a unique geological landform, made up of rugged hills around the heather clad Slieve Gullion mountain, the Mourne Mountains, considered one of Ireland’s most beautiful mountain ranges, and the ancient shores of the Strangford and Lecale Peninsula home to medieval monasteries, castles, and tower houses and more recently the drastic backdrop to the Game of Thrones. www.ringofgullion.org/tourism-in-the-region/mourne-gullion-cooley-geotourism/
Ireland’s first national surf centre to open in Sligo, delving into the history of surfing in Ireland
Surfers from around the world are drawn to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way for its rugged, unspoiled scenery, range of swells and crowd-free surf. Next year, surfing on the Sligo coastline will become even easier with the opening of the new National Surf Centre Strandhill in spring 2023. The swells of Sligo suit surfers of all levels with an array of surf schools, beautiful beaches, ranging waves and cosy pubs to warm up in. Standhill Beach is one of the most popular surf spots in Ireland, with a long, stretch of sandy beach graced with consistent waves throughout the summer, making it ideal for beginners. A great base for experienced surfers too, with hidden breaks emerging as the swell direction changes, and located no more than a one-hour drive from at least 20 world-class waves.
The new surf centre will cement Sligo’s reputation as a world-famous surfing mecca on Ireland’s west coast and create an invaluable base for the local and visiting surf community. The centre will house an interpretative display around the history of surfing in Ireland, as well as providing practical facilities for surfers such as changing rooms, showers, board storage and off-beach training. www.sligococo.ie/News/NationalSurfCentreStrandhill/
The Dun Laoghaire Baths in Dublin to reopen for first time in 25 years
A new highlight on the Dublin Coastal Trail, the Dun Laoghaire Baths will reopen for first time in 25 years, giving wild swimmers and cold-water dippers a new spot to base themselves when enjoying the sea. The historic baths date from 1843, but for decades have sat derelict on the seafront. Following a renovation, the baths will reopen in 2023 restored to their former glory with a new jetty and pier and incorporating new features such as café with sweeping sea views, artists’ studios, an area for exhibitions and events, a refurbished Edwardian gazebo in the beach garden and a 35m jetty inspired by the swimmers' bench at Sandycove Harbour. In the long-term the council hopes to add a tidal seawater pool and seaweed baths to the site. The new seaside space provides a new attraction along Dublin’s Coastal Trail which launched in May 2022, helping travellers to explore the coastal villages, beautiful beaches, seafood restaurants and ancient sites along the rugged coastline from Skerries to the north of the city to Killiney in the south. www.visitdublin.com/