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Tourist News - 20/12/2000

Ballycastle to Campbeltown Ferry to return?

The Ballycastle-Campbeltown ferry could be up and running next year and creating 200 new jobs, thanks to the determination of a think-tank that is committed to the re-establishment of the route. The group have agreed on a five point plan that should lead to the tenders for the service being advertised in January 2001.
The group have also applied to the Department of Environment to gain Public Service Obligation status for the service, which would result in financial support from the government. The group - which includes representatives from Moyle District Council, Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll and the Islands Enterprise, the Scottish Executive and the Scotland Office - believe that the case has been strengthened by a report that has highlighted the social and economic benefits of the service.
Apart from showing the obvious benefits of 200 extra jobs, encouraging tourism and inward investment, promoting historical and cultural links, the report also highlighted that the existing economic conditions in Kintyre and Antrim are likely to worsen without the significant intervention that projects such as the ferry represent.

Giant's Causeway for sale!!!

The Giant's Causeway will indeed be up for sale in the very near future thanks to the development of a new Ulster edition of Monopoly by Winning Moves. Also up for grabs will be locations such as Botanic Avenue, Donegal Place, Great Victoria Street, Central Station and City Hall!
There are already similar editions for Wales and Scotland also available that have proved very popular with all ages and it is hoped that the Northern Ireland edition will do well also.
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Glenariff well and truly on the map

Glenariff Forest Park is among 28 new sites being developed by the Northern Ireland Orienteering Association (NIOA). It is hoped that the Ł150,000 project that is already underway will be completed by December 2001. Thereafter it will be maintained by orienteering clubs so that anyone can turn up and take part at anytime.

Moyle B&B's of a high standard

Colliers Hall on the Cushendall road, Ballycastle came runner-up in the 'Farmhouse ' category of the AIB & Irish Farmers' Journal Rural Tourism Awards 2000. Maureen and Gerard McCarry were presented with the award by Kevin McGarry, Moyle Council's Recreation and Tourism Development Manager. The accommodation is in an ideal location on the main coast and hence has proved very popular with tourist over the years. An extension, converting the adjoining farm buildings, due to be finished for the 2001 season shall see the facilities offering 14 bed places in double en-suite rooms, a kitchen and lounge area.

Schools light up the Marina

In a unique event for Northern Ireland nine schools took part in designing and making 16 lights that are now brightening up Ballycastle Marina over the Christmas season. Participants from the winning schools and groups went along to the workshop session in Corrymeela to help build the lights that where switched on on Saturday 2nd December 2000.