*NEW ATTRACTIONS*
Titanic Belfast’s multi-million-pound refurbishment - Belfast, Northern Ireland *open now*
Their most ambitious project since opening in 2012, Titanic Belfast has undergone a multi-million-pound exhibition refresh in 2023 after welcoming its seven millionth visitor in 2022. The enriched, emotive visitor experience now showcases a new theme, ‘The Pursuit of Dreams’, which includes new immersive technology highlighting Belfast’s maritime heritage and tells the Titanic story in a respectful and authentic way. Original artefacts from the RMS Titanic are also now on display at Titanic Belfast, such as an original deck chair and the world-famous violin belonging to the ship’s hero musician, Wallace Hartley. The attraction was closed from January for the refurbishment and on 4th March, it reopened to the public, so visitors can now explore the incredible new exhibitions.
HOW: For more information, please visit www.titanicbelfast.com
Mount Congreve Gardens - Kilmeaden, Republic of Ireland *March 2023*
Kilmeaden in Waterford is home to Mount Congreve Estate, built in the 1760s by local architect John Roberts and is often described as ‘one of the great gardens of the world'. Mount Congreve Estate’s owner, the late Ambrose Congreve, had a passion for his spectacular garden which can still be enjoyed by visitors today, who can now view the extensive collection of plants, shrubs and flowers including rhododendrons, magnolias, camellias and flora - one of the largest private collections of plants in the world. With seventy acres of planted woodland, a four acre walled garden, and 16km of walkways, Take a guided tour to learn from the experts and explore the garden’s colourful Chinese Pagoda, stop off at the Classical Temple, check out the rock waterfall and see the stunning Georgian glasshouse. Guests can continue to enjoy the beautiful surroundings with Afternoon Tea at The Stables Cafe, which also uses local produce as much as possible throughout its daily menu.
HOW: For more information, please visit www.mountcongreve.com
Titanic Distillers - Belfast, Northern Ireland *March 2023*
In the heart of the Maritime Mile, where the Titanic once stood is Thompson Dock and Pump House - the home of Titanic Distillers. Inspired by the people who worked in Belfast's shipyard more than a century ago, visitors will now be able to walk in their footsteps in the very pump-house and dry dock that represent such an authentic part of the Titanic story and the history of Belfast. Visitors to the Pumphouse will clock in, as workers did a century ago, to view the workings of the distillery and hear the story of Belfast's whiskey tradition, why it disappeared and how it has returned with the city's first working whiskey distillery in almost 90 years.
HOW: For more information and to book, please visit: www.titanicdistillers.com
Reopening of the HMS Caroline - Belfast, Northern Ireland *April 2023*
Belfast is gearing up for the re-launch of HMS Caroline, the last floating survivor of the 1916 Battle of Jutland and one of the most fascinating heritage tourism attractions in Northern Ireland. The must-see floating museum extends across three decks and allows guests to travel back in time and experience life at sea during the First World War. Visitors will be able to witness what life was like during the Battle of Jutland, explore where the crew lived and slept, and hear their amazing stories from the concert parties they performed on board to the incredible mascots that lived alongside them.Visitors can also get hands-on with the interactive exhibits where they can learn to crack codes, launch torpedoes, and signal ships. The ship, which weighs 3,750 tonnes and is 122 metres long, will add to the wealth of supported heritage attractions on offer in Titanic Quarter.
HOW: For more information, please visit: www.nmrn.org.uk
Mourne Gullion Strangford set to become a UNESCO Global Geopark - Northern Ireland *May 2023*
At the end of May Newry Mourne and Down's bid for full UNESCO Global Geopark status for Mourne Gullion Strangford was awarded, recognising this area's unique landscape and geology. This landscape is varied and beautiful, shaped over aeons by the collision of continents, the appearance and disappearance of oceans, through tumultuous volcanic events, and the rough treatment of ice ages. It has shaped a rich biodiversity and a vibrant cultural life, which the new Geopark will celebrate. The award recognises the area's internationally significant geological heritage, particularly the spectacular landscape of the District's three AONBs, the dramatic ancient volcanic landscapes of the Ring of Gullion, the high granite peaks of the Mournes and the rolling drumlins of Strangford. The designation is an international standard, and a Geopark enjoys the same level of recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
HOW: For more information, please visit www.ringofgullion.org
The island of Ireland’s first National Surf Centre - Sligo, Republic of Ireland *Spring 2023*
The Wild Atlantic Way coastline is well-known for its rugged and unspoiled scenery, calling out to surfers worldwide to come and enjoy the swells of the sea and a crowd-free surf. In spring 2023, Ireland’s first National Surf Centre will open its doors in Strandhill, establishing County Sligo’s reputation as a world-famous surfing hub on Ireland’s west coast. Open to surfers of all levels, the beaches of Strandhill are beautiful and a range of waves gives the opportunity for everyone to visit and try out surfing throughout the year. 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.
HOW: For more information, please visit www.sligococo.ie
New exhibition for Ireland’s patron saint: St Patrick’s Centre - Co. Down, Northern Ireland *Spring 2023*
The only permanent exhibition dedicated to St Patrick in the world is getting set to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint in style this year. Work has been ongoing over the last year to redesign the content of the Saint Patrick Centre in County Down, one of Northern Ireland’s most successful and enduring international attractions. Located in the medieval town of Downpatrick, home to many legends and sites associated with St Patrick, the centre is working with leading exhibition designers and creative digital production teams to create a remarkable new exhibition fit for Ireland’s greatest spiritual and cultural export. Entirely new exhibition panels, more interactive high-tech audio visual presentations, new story boards, new lighting and a new children’s section are being prepared at the centre. There will also be a giant immersive projection table in the shape of Ireland and new high-definition video content with overhead projections, bringing the exhibition to life and showing the importance of Downpatrick in the development of Christianity on the island of Ireland.
HOW: For more information, please visit: www.saintpatrickcentre.com
The South East Greenway - Kilkenny to Waterford, Republic of Ireland *Autumn 2023*
Set to launch in autumn 2023, The South East Greenway will be a 24km off-road cycling and walking trail that meanders through the regions of Ireland’s Ancient East from Mount Elliot and New Ross, along the Great Riverside Walk of the Barrow River before reaching Waterford. Look out for the quaint Glenmore village just a short walk off the track for a visit to the small number of restaurants and pubs, and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge, which is the longest bridge in Ireland and named after Irish-American philanthropist and mother of former US president John F. Kennedy. As visitors near Waterford, they can also stop to see Ballinlaw Castle, which is the ruins of a Norman townhouse, and Sliabh Rua, also known as Slieverue or Red Mountain, another charming village.
HOW: For more information, please visit: www.southeastgreenway.net
New Derry Girls exhibition – Co. Londonderry *July 2023*
A new exhibition dedicated to Channel 4’s hit TV show Derry Girls is due to open in the Tower Museum in July, showcasing original sets, props and the 90’s memorabilia that brought the show to life. A taster display opened in March at the Visitor Information Centre, with local people invited to share their feedback ahead of the launch of the wider exhibition in July. The exhibition will feature set dressings, furniture and original props from the TV show and be an interactive and immersive celebration of the show and spotlight it shone on the city. A walking trail will also be developed taking in the key locations featured in the series.
HOW: For more information, please visit: www.visitderry.com
*NEW ROUTES *
Irish Ferries introduces “OSCAR WILDE”, the largest and fastest passenger cruise ferry on the Irish Sea *June 2023*
Irish Ferries is adding a new cruise ferry to its fleet. The Oscar Wilde will be the largest and fastest passenger cruise ferry on the Irish Sea with an impressive capacity of over 2,080 passengers, 134 cabins, and ample space with over 2,380 lane meters for cars, coaches, and freight vehicles. With the largest duty-free shopping space for any cruise ferry on the Irish Sea of more than 17,000 square feet, it will be an ideal shopping destination for those travelling between Ireland and Britain. One of the most exciting features of the OSCAR WILDE is its speed. With a possible top speed of 27.5 knots, it is the fastest cruise ferry with the largest passenger capacity on the Irish Sea. This will enable Irish Ferries to offer tourism passengers and freight an efficient service, getting them to their destination reliably and comfortably.
HOW: For more information, please visit: www.irishferries.com
McKinlay Kidd launches two new 20-night Ireland holidays to celebrate its 20th anniversary
To celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2023, McKinlay Kidd has launched two brand-new 20-night Ireland itineraries, taking visitors on extended adventures around the island of Ireland. The two new tours, Slowly Through Ireland by Train and Complete Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip, allows visitors to delve deeper and immerse themselves in the destination.
HOW: For more information, please visit: www.mckinlaykidd.com/
ENDS
For more information on the island of Ireland, please visit ireland.com