December 29: 2022 has been a year of amazing celebrations for Northern Ireland. Belfast’s rich musical heritage was honoured by being awarded the coveted City of Music status by UNESCO and the city also rejoiced its sustainable efforts by being named in the Top 20 official list of sustainable destinations. [i]
It wasn’t just Belfast in the spotlight this year as Northern Ireland’s historical Walled City also launched the LegenDerry Food Tour and the Derry Girls Food Tour among other highlights, including the John Hume Peace Collection at the Guildhall this month.
Besides the vibrant culture that Northern Ireland celebrated this year, guest accommodation such as Letteran Lodges shone the spotlight in County Derry, giving guests panoramic views of the stunning landscapes at the foot of Slieve Gallion. The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, County Down also welcomed a significant investment including a treetop outdoor spa and Portrush saw Elephant Rock Hotel add a new terrace and bar to its opulent hotel.
To help you embrace the many new and exciting experiences and accommodation offerings, Discover Northern Ireland has formed a list for you to enjoy in 2023.
Accommodation
- The Ebrington Hotel & Spa, County Derry (Opening June 2023)
Experience a luxury city centre sanctuary at the new Ebrington Hotel & Spa coming to Derry city, where you can enjoy a privileged and unique view overlooking the River Foyle in the former listed and historically significant buildings. The 152 bedroom hotel can accommodate every occasion, from a spa break with the girls or a romantic city stay, making it the ideal summer destination. www.theebringtonhotel.com.
- Room2 Belfast Hometel, Belfast (Opening Spring 2023)
The unique Hometel concept arrives to Belfast early next year with the opening of their first Irish hotel right in the City Centre. With 175 unique studio apartments, 4 event spaces, a restaurant, bar, coffee roastery and retail space, it has everything you need for a home away from home. With a focus on sustainability and design – the property will be completely carbon neutral, from its construction to its daily operation. www.room2.com/belfast/.
- Moxy Hotel, Belfast (Opening 2023)
Situated in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, Moxy Hotel will boast 169 luxurious bedrooms as well as a spectacular ground floor bar and restaurant, meeting rooms, a fitness centre – and even a seventh-floor rooftop bar. With more than 100 opulent hotels around the world, Moxy Hotel Belfast will bring a modern and vibrant feel to the city, and with its playful interiors and bold designs, it is perfect for those looking for a stay full of character. www.moxy-hotels.marriott.com/.
- Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, County Down (Refurbishment Summer 2023)
Nestled at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, the magnificent Slieve Donard Resort and Spa stands among six acres of immaculate private grounds. This lovingly maintained Victorian hotel, just 30 miles south of Belfast, is home to one of Europe’s finest resort spas and is perfect for a short break. It is currently undergoing a £40m refurbishment to be completed by summer 2023. The company is focused on making upgrades that amplify the character of the property with design, food and beverage and amenities that pay homage to the destination’s beauty and rich tradition. www.slievedonardhotel.com.
Experiences
- Titanic Distillers, Belfast (Opening in 2023)
In the heart of the Maritime Mile, where the Titanic once stood, is Thompson Dock and Pumphouse – the new home of Titanic Distillers. Once dwarfed by the great ship, the Pumphouse stood in the shadows. Now you can come and walk in the footsteps of the shipyard workers, the air thick with stories of former glory, and experience the new spirit of Belfast’s famous docklands at the whiskey distillery and visitor centre. Learn first hand about the characters that have shaped and inspired the Titanic Distillers story and whiskey. The conversion will include the installation of three large stills on a mezzanine floor overlooking the original pumping engines with internal historic features of the building being retained. www.titanicdistillers.com/.
- Titanic Belfast New Gallery Refresh, Belfast (March 2023)
Titanic Belfast has started work on a multi-million pound refreshment programme which will see the iconic Titanic Experience being reimagined. This comes after a busy high season for the world-leading visitor attraction which welcomed its seven millionth visitor in Autumn 2022. Titanic Belfast will be closed from Monday 2nd January until Tuesday 28th February 2023. Visitors will still be able to enjoy the Titanic story during this time with two daily outdoor Discovery Tours to showcase the iconic building and historic slipways. www.titanicbelfast.com/experiences/the-titanic-experience/.
- Official Launch of Sperrin’s Sculpture Trail, Gortin Glen Forest Park and Davagh Forest, County Tyrone (Opening Spring 2023)
The Sperrin Sculpture Trail will consist of three innovative and unique, yet linked artworks commissioned by an internationally renowned artist which will be installed at key locations within the Sperrins region. Visitors will use the stunning walking trails and dramatic driving and cycle routes to travel between the sculptures enabling them to immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of the area. www.sperrinspartnershipproject.com/sperrins-trail/.
