Northern Ireland’s giant spirit highlighted

While the doors are currently closed, media participants were brought on a virtual tour through some of Northern Ireland’s leading tourism venues.

Media were transported from their armchairs to the surroundings of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens to explore the stand-out food and drink that is making Northern Ireland a must-visit destination. Simon Dougan MBE, a leading chef and Managing Director of Yellow Door was joined by NI Food ambassador, chef and radio broadcaster Paula McIntyre MBE for a walk through of some of Northern Ireland’s finest local producers and ingredients.

Musical recitals were performed against the backdrop of the beautifully decorated Ulster Folk Museum in Holywood. A moving performance featured ROE, the 19-year-old multi-instrumentalist from Londonderry, who has performed at Glastonbury, alongside Belfast-born Neil Martin, a composer whose work has been performed across the world from Ground Zero to The Royal Albert Hall. Both artists were involved in the recently launched ‘Folk Park Live’ at The Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, a new tourism initiative which takes visitors through a 300-year musical journey.

The atmospheric Titanic Belfast was also the location for a performance from Ryan McMullan. The Portaferry native, who in recent times has toured with Ed Sheeran and Snow Patrol, gave a spine-tingling version of ‘Belfast City’.

The media event was brought to a close against the backdrop of The MAC, the award-winning cultural venue in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and part of Northern Ireland’s internationally renowned eclectic arts scene, where Belfast-born West End singer Rachel Tucker performed within the empty theatre.

County Down’s Patrick Kielty and Derry Girls’ Jamie-Lee O’Donnell also joined hosts, Holly Hamilton and Connor Phillips, to explore just what makes ‘home’ so special to them.

The virtual event brought to life the Embrace a Giant Spirit brand.

Internationally renowned Belfast born artist, Colin Davidson, who was involved in the creation and design of the brand also participated in the virtual event.

Tourism NI, Director of Marketing, Naomi Waite said: “This virtual event has brought to life some of the very best of Northern Ireland. It paid tribute to our wonderful venues and tourism attractions, as well as our outstanding food and drink and the giant spirit of our people. We are grateful to journalists for their support at this event which recognised the resilience of our people.

“While things certainly look different at the moment, one thing that won’t change is the giant welcome you will receive from us when it is safe to do so.”

Designed to inspire discovery of Northern Ireland’s giant spirit, some of the performances are now available online via https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmYjzUD3z3hh5qjr2mm5I9V2sLPYeF30V Tourism NI is reminding people that while our tourism providers are adhering to restrictions at present it is still possible to book ahead so you can enjoy the anticipation of taking a small step to a giant adventure at a later date. Discover Northern Ireland has a range of experiences that will allow you to truly Embrace our Giant Spirit, visit: www.discovernorthernireland.com.