STAYCATIONS

SUMMER OF STAYCATIONS

With lockdown restrictions easing, we chat to some of our Ulster Tatler Awards sponsors about why Ireland is the ultimate staycation location this summer.

Sarah Kilgore The Lobster Pot, Strangford and The Mariner, Newcastle

Quarry Hill Church, Strangford

As a family we often go abroad at the end of August. Throughout the year we try to fi t in a few mini breaks with friends, love Ibiza for a chilled out weekend in the sun, and France for the Superbikes! This year we have no plans to travel far. We are keeping it very local as I am pregnant and due at the end of July, so we’ve booked a beautiful renovated church- Quarry Hill Church in Strangford. I’ve always admired it when passing, and just thought it would be a lovely vacation for the kids, and my parents who often join us. I’m going to book paddle boarding and aquarium for the kids, and a boat trip up the Lough to explore the area more! Sometimes the best places are on your doorstep, especially if the weather is good!

Gerard Curran So Good Juice

Caroline Purdy Beauty Culture

As the country reopens, we are getting excited as we plan our family staycation at Tullagh Bay Co. Donegal. It has been a fi rm family favourite summer destination for the past ten years! Located on the Inishowen peninsula it is somewhat of a hidden gem! Even before we were married and had our three boys, Catherine and I spent many happy summers there. I think the fact the boys are now with us enjoying the exploring and with it the sense of freedom as much as we did makes it even more special for us now. We will spend most of our time there outdoors: Swimming, surfi ng and taking walks on its beautiful golden sandy beach at the foot of Binnion Hill. It is also great for taking hikes & bike rides through the many surrounding ‘hills of Donegal’ and taking in the breathtakingly beautiful views below. Close by to Tullagh Bay is also ‘Glenevin waterfall’. Our boys enjoy the long and windy paths and the many mythical ‘fairy doors’ scattered throughout the woods towards the amazing sight and sounds of the waterfall! Cannot wait now for this year’s summer adventure to begin!

Tullagh Bay, Co. Donegal Gerard Curran with his wife Catherine and their boys Shea, Oisin and Conor.

Last July my business had only reopened again after the fi rst lockdown so we planned a very last minute family break for a few days. We have two young children so wanted to go somewhere that would have things to do and see. We for a few days. We have two young children so wanted to go somewhere that would have things to do and see. We decided to head up towards Strangford near the Castle Ward National Trust, and stayed in one of the Slievemoyle decided to head up towards Strangford near the Castle Ward National Trust, and stayed in one of the Slievemoyle cottages. Warmly greeted by the farm and cottage owners Greer and Maureen (and of course Max the dog) on arrival, we stayed for there three nights.The panoramic views of beautiful green fi elds, Strangford lough and the Irish Sea from the property were amazing. We even had our very own picnic table sitting at the bottom of our garden to admire them from. We spent

Jasmine and Caleb at Castle Ward country park

We spent the fi rst day at Castle Ward, Castle Ward, walking one walking one of the trails and of the trails and seeing the diff erent seeing the diff erent areas including were the Game of thrones was fi lmed. We also spent a morning heading over to the Aquarium in Portaferry. The children had much excitement getting the boat over to it and seeing all the fi sh and sea lions. We felt very safe and we had plenty of time to explore the Aquarium.

Our favourite restaurant to eat was the Artisan Cookhouse in Strangford. The main course and the dessert were both lovely and service was excellent. We have so many hidden gems of places to stay and things to go in Northern Ireland.

Peter and Zola O’Loan and Frankie.

.Michelle Wilson from

Crawford’s rock, Kilkeel.

Neil, Sean and Oriana Fogarty with Obi the dog.

WARRENPOINT ARTISAN MARKET

.Musicians Dan and John Rooney.

The Artisan Market returned to the beautiful Municipal Park in Warrenpoint recently. Traders welcomed visitors to the market and provided a fabulous range of food & craft products, all of which proved popular with shoppers.

.Polly, Elisaveta and Alex

with dog Archibald. Seamus and Olivia O’Reilly from Freedom Cosmetics.

Sisters Mary and Eileen McGrath. Colin and Belinda Stevenson.z

.David and Emily Coffey.

VISIT THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY

Book your staycation along the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal Town. Let the Central Hotel be your “home away from home” with guestrooms overlooking Donegal Bay, all within steps of the hotel. Enjoy strolls along the pier, the bank walk, tour Donegal Castle, visit Triona to see how Donegal tweed is made. Cruise along the bay on Donegals Waterbus and receive shopping discounts in Donegal Town.

Explore the 1134KM of rugged Wild Atlantic Way during your stay, ensure you visit the highest seacliffs in Europe, Sliagh Liag – the views are sure to impress. A boat ride with Sliagh Liag Boat Trips is highly recommended, and sail in the Wild Atlantic Way looking up at the cliffs. Donegal Golf Club is just 10 minutess away from the hotels with a fantastic 18 links golf course.

Donegal has 12 blue fl ag beaches, so ensure you bring your camera to capture the magical memories.

Enjoy culinary pleasures during your stay with a choice of dining options from Gourmet Burgers in Blazers Burger Bar, Thai fusion at Chapman’s Restaurant in addition to casual dining in the Central Bar. For outdoor dining check out Central Alfresco, where you can dine on the Central Hotel Terrace sipping Cocktails as the sun sets over Donegal Bay. Donegal Town was recently awarded foodie destination in Ireland.

Check out room only rates in addition to bed & breakfast online www.centralhoteldonegal.com

Multi Award Winning company dedicated to producing the fi nest free range eggs in the industry

• Multi award winning, including Great Taste, Irish Quality Food Awards and Blas na hEireann Gold awards • Family run business • Farm to fork • All hens are free range • High welfare standards • British Lion accredited

Cavanagh Free Range Eggs Ltd.

58 Clonkee Road, Cavanagh, Newtownbutler Co. Fermangh, BT92 8FH Website: www.cavanagheggs.co.uk Email: hello@cavanagheggs.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/cavanaghfreerangeeggs.co.uk Twitter: @cavanagheggs Phone: 028 6773 7889 Mobile John: 078 5796 4436 Mobile Eileen: 078 5796 4468