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Yorkshire Times
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Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
@philhopkinsuk
9:00 AM 14th July 2020
travel

A Giant Causeway To Celebrate!

 
One of Northern Ireland’s leading luxury hotel brands, the family-owned Hastings Hotels, is once again welcoming guests to its seven properties.

A brand new ‘Peace of Mind’ policy has been put in place along with all social distancing and hygiene measures.

Reopening Dates
Grand Central Hotel Belfast - OPEN
Ballygally Castle - OPEN
Slieve Donard Resort & Spa - OPEN
Stormont Hotel Belfast - OPEN
Culloden Estate & Spa - 17th July
Everglades Hotel Belfast - 14th August
Europa Hotel Belfast- 26th August

Why Northern Ireland?
Transport -

Catching a short flight to this nearby haven is once again possible from multiple UK airports and for those wishing to steer clear of flying a little longer, the option of ferry transport is available from Liverpool to Belfast, avoiding airports, tight security measures and potential crowding. Enjoy a stress-free staycation without having to worry about changing currency or packing your passport (pound sterling and ID required).

Incredible Landmarks
Northern Ireland is arguably a must-see destination with legendary natural attractions, such as the mystical World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway and newer arrivals such as Belfast Titanic. Hiring a car is an excellent option enabling visitors to enjoy the beautiful beaches, dunes and rolling waves at Portrush where, if feeling brave, can take yourself for a dip. An easy 10-minute drive west and you can stroll through the picturesque village of Bushmills, bringing you to the ruined medieval Dunluce Castle perched precipitously on the cliff edge.

Memorable Activities and Experiences
Recently, waves of tourists have been embarking on a trip to Northern Ireland to cast their eye on 20 key filming locations from Game of Thrones, celebrating this ever popular and successful TV series. With much of the filming taking place in Belfast and across various locations in Northern Ireland, two of Hastings’ fabulous properties, Slieve Donard Resort & Spa and Ballygally Castle are ideally located to explore these key sites and channel their favourite characters.

Slieve Donard Resort & Spa
Nestling at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa stands in six acres of immaculate private grounds and is a top choice for those seeking an active break immersed in an idyllic location. A golden strand of beach borders one side while the mighty Royal County Down Golf Links frames the other. This lovingly maintained Victorian hotel is now home to one of Europe’s finest resort spas and is equally suited to a short relaxing break or activity fuelled getaway. Just 30 miles south of Belfast and 90 miles north of Dublin, the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa is the perfect choice for touring and sightseeing.

Slieve Donard Resort & Spa (hastingshotels.com / 028 4372 1066) offers rooms from £70 per person on a B&B Basis.

For further details on Hastings Hotels’ ‘Peace of Mind’ Policy, please visit: www.hastingshotels.com/peaceofmind.html.