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05/09/2013
Lighthouse Tourism Trail For NI
Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has launched a Lighthouse Tourism Trail during a visit to Blackhead Lighthouse in Co Antrim.
The Lighthouse Trail is being supported with £2.2m of financial assistance from the European Union's INTERRED IVA Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
The first phase of the project includes three lighthouse properties in Northern Ireland, as well as two in the Republic of Ireland. The three NI sites are Rathlin West Lighthouse, Rathlin Island, Blackhead Lighthouse in Co Antrim and St. John's Point Lighthouse in Co Down.
Emphasising the importance of support for initiatives that seek to enhance the tourism structure of the region, Ms Foster said: "Many of our local lighthouses are historic and beautiful buildings that play an important role in coastal navigation. Not only do they stand tall as reminders of our proud maritime history but they also offer significant tourism potential.
"Across the three lighthouses, this project will see the installation of visitor centres and eight luxury self catering accommodation units within currently disused light keeper cottages."
Following a tour of the lightkeeper's house in Whitehead, Minister Foster added: "Blackhead Lighthouse guided many great ships on their journey, none more famous than the Titanic. The self catering cottages have been fully restored to their former glory and they offer visitors a magical windswept retreat with a difference.
"The lighthouse keeper's house is attached to the lighthouse by a short walkway and there are also a variety of coastal walks for visitors to enjoy. Whitehead is an ideal place for visitors to start a trip along the Antrim Coast and it is also within easy access of Carrickfergus and Belfast."
(JP/CD)
The Lighthouse Trail is being supported with £2.2m of financial assistance from the European Union's INTERRED IVA Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
The first phase of the project includes three lighthouse properties in Northern Ireland, as well as two in the Republic of Ireland. The three NI sites are Rathlin West Lighthouse, Rathlin Island, Blackhead Lighthouse in Co Antrim and St. John's Point Lighthouse in Co Down.
Emphasising the importance of support for initiatives that seek to enhance the tourism structure of the region, Ms Foster said: "Many of our local lighthouses are historic and beautiful buildings that play an important role in coastal navigation. Not only do they stand tall as reminders of our proud maritime history but they also offer significant tourism potential.
"Across the three lighthouses, this project will see the installation of visitor centres and eight luxury self catering accommodation units within currently disused light keeper cottages."
Following a tour of the lightkeeper's house in Whitehead, Minister Foster added: "Blackhead Lighthouse guided many great ships on their journey, none more famous than the Titanic. The self catering cottages have been fully restored to their former glory and they offer visitors a magical windswept retreat with a difference.
"The lighthouse keeper's house is attached to the lighthouse by a short walkway and there are also a variety of coastal walks for visitors to enjoy. Whitehead is an ideal place for visitors to start a trip along the Antrim Coast and it is also within easy access of Carrickfergus and Belfast."
(JP/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
