Local Tourism Providers Enjoy the Visitor Experience in Newry, Mourne and Down

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has hosted a series of familiarisation trips of the district for local tourism businesses, representatives from Tourism Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Visitor information Centre staff.

The familiarisation tours of local businesses and attractions aimed to create an awareness amongst the industry of what there is to do and see for anyone visiting the district. 

The recent four-day series kicked off in Downpatrick where participants got first-hand knowledge of the new developments within the Saint Patrick Centre and Down Cathedral.  They participated in a variety of experiences including making Saint Brigid’s Crosses, the Irish Hedge School, Dancing at the Crossroads, the Down Gaelic Games Experience, and baking Irish Soda Bread in Denvir’s Coaching Inn. To conclude the day, Castle Ward estate staff provided a comprehensive tour of their building, and the Legends of Lecale Peninsula updated the participants on upcoming events.

The second familiarisation tour started in the Millbrook lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch and moved to Montalto Estate where participants saw the gardens and trails and were informed by staff on further developments. Following on, the group moved to Rademon Estate Distillery for a tour and talk on Shortcross Gin and then to Life Adventure in Castlewellan for an update on all the outdoor activities available to visitors. After calling in Hillyard House and receiving an update from the Red Kite Tours the participants went to visit Pine Tree Hollow Glamping, the Burrendale Hotel and the Slieve Donard Hotel.

Day three packed in a full programme starting in Warrenpoint at the Whistledown Hotel.  The group visited Knockbarragh Hostel in Rostrevor for an update on the activities available at East Coast Adventure. An interactive visit to the award-winning Cranfield Alpacas was followed by a cookery demonstration in Mourne Seafood Cookery School and then a visit to Hanna’s Close Holiday Cottages, Fairy River Glamping and the FFI Centre in Annalong.

The final day covered the Newry and Ring of Gullion area.  The participants were met in Bagenal’s Castle by Museum staff who updated the group on what there is to see and do in the Museum.  Following a visit to the Canal Court Hotel the group moved to Bluebell Lane and experienced the Neolithic Woodturning, Willow Weaving and Sing for your Supper experiences. In Killeavy Castle Estate, the group enjoyed a guided tour of the hotel and farm shop.  They participated in the Fused Glass Ogam and Xhale experiences.  The final stop was in Two Stacks Whiskey where they learned about whiskey blending and the new experience on offer for visitors this summer.

According to the 2019 local government statistics supplied by NISRA, the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area enjoyed 516,000 overnight trips to the district which is the third highest in Northern Ireland, coming in just after Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway.  Tourism expenditure in the district equates to around £83 million, an increase of 8% on 2018 figures.  Figures for the last few years have been impacted by COVID-19 but future forecasts are very positive.

Conor Mallon, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Director of Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism said, “These familiarisation trips are extremely important as they give local businesses an opportunity to network with each other and enhance their own personal knowledge on what there is to see and do in this great district that we live and work in. Those who interact with our visitors will be able to give a more informed choice to their guests when they are looking for suggestions of what to do and see whilst staying or visiting the area.

“Newry, Mourne and Down has a wealth of tourism products and outdoor activities, and is rich in heritage, culture and good food.  We are all ambassadors for the district, and it is important to know what we can offer to the visitor.”