NEWS

Jet2 has unveiled an exclusive new Norway and Fjords programme from Belfast International Airport for Summer 2027, giving travellers in Northern Ireland direct access to one of Europe’s most spectacular destinations for the first time through the airline. The new programme means Jet2 will be the only airline operating flights from Belfast International Airport to the Norwegian city of Bergen during Summer 2027, opening up opportunities for holidaymakers seeking culture, scene

Pictured (left to right) are Colin Johnston, Chief Executive Officer, Galgorm Collection, and Laura McCorry, Chief Executive, Tourism NI, at Roe Valley Resort, as Galgorm Collection announces the latest phase of its £20 million transformation programme for the North West destination. A major transformation of Roe Valley Resort is accelerating this summer as Galgorm Collection presses ahead with a £20 million redevelopment programme designed to reshape the Limavady destination

Benone Holiday and Coastal Park A major expansion of caravan and motorhome provision at Benone Holiday and Coastal Park has moved a step closer after Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council backed plans to explore space for an additional 70 touring pitches. The proposal comes amid growing demand for caravan tourism across the north coast, with councillors saying the current Benone site becomes overcrowded during busy periods and now risks falling behind expanding private hol

A young people’s group is to be given a key role in helping shape plans for a new skate park in Antrim. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has approved proposals for a new “granite-style skate plaza” with floodlighting at the Peace Play Park beside Antrim Forum. Councillors backed the project during a meeting of the local authority’s Operations Committee last month. A report presented behind closed doors said the project would “adopt the design and engagement approach us

Inset: Local woman Jill Stewart of Jill Bakes Clouds of softly whipped cream, crisp shards of sweet meringue, silky custard and juicy berries soaked in fragrant elderflower syrup come together in this irresistibly light summer dessert that tastes like sunshine in a glass. With strawberries at their sweetest and bright raspberries adding a sharp burst of freshness, this berry and elderflower Eton mess feels perfectly made for warm evenings, garden gatherings and those relaxed

A major new report has revealed a striking contradiction at the heart of life in Northern Ireland — while millions of outdoor visits are made every year and most people say nature improves their wellbeing, only a small minority believe they can easily reach greenspace close to home. The findings, published in the latest People in the Outdoors Monitor for Northern Ireland (POMNI), show overwhelming public demand for better access to parks, woodlands, coastlines and natural spa

Golden on the outside with melted Mars bar running through the centre, these fluffy apple scones are the kind of sweet bake made for sunny weekends, iced coffees and slow spring afternoons. The sharpness of fresh green apple cuts beautifully through the gooey chocolate and caramel, creating a bakery-style treat that feels nostalgic without being too heavy for the season. Finished with a drizzle of melted milk chocolate and topped with chunks of Mars bar, they look every bit a

A major new sports bar and restaurant promising live sport, late-night entertainment and a “true taste of the Causeway Coast” has officially opened inside The Portrush Atlantic Hotel. The venue, called Another Round, replaces the hotel’s former Atlantic Bar and forms part of a wider refurbishment programme at the landmark Portrush seafront hotel. Designed as a new social hub in the centre of the seaside town, the concept combines live sports coverage, food, drinks and enterta

Local woman Jill Stewart (Jill Bakes) Sharp citrus, silky lemon filling, crisp buttery pastry and clouds of toasted Italian meringue — these beautiful mini lemon tarts from Portglenone baker Jill Stewart look like something straight from a boutique bakery window, yet they’re surprisingly achievable at home. Perfect for summer weekends, garden parties or simply an excuse to bake something gorgeous, this latest recipe from Jill Bakes strikes that sweet spot between impressive a

Passengers travelling from Belfast are set for a significant boost in choice this winter after easyJet confirmed two new direct routes from Belfast International Airport, opening up both a major European capital and a popular Red Sea resort with year-round sunshine. The airline will begin flying from Belfast International to Sharm El Sheikh on 25 October, followed by Rome on 26 October, with both routes operating twice weekly and forming part of a wider nine-route expansion a

Primark has officially launched its first-ever mobile app in Northern Ireland, marking a significant digital step for the high street retailer as it brings real-time stock checks, personalised notifications and store information directly to shoppers’ phones for the first time. The move means customers across Northern Ireland can now browse favourite items, check availability before travelling to store and receive updates on new collections — a major shift for a retailer whose

The Easter countdown has officially begun—and for local baking favourite Jill Stewart, that means one thing: a show-stopping dessert packed with one of the season’s most loved treats. Her Mini Egg Cheesecake is already proving a hit, combining creamy indulgence with the unmistakable crunch of chocolate mini eggs—making it an ideal centrepiece for family gatherings across Ballymena and beyond. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, the recipe captures exactly wh

(L-R): Laurentiu Ghisoiu from the National Trust, Sheena Dickson from Tourism NI, Oliver McMullan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens and Mel McQuitty of Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust. A spectacular stretch of Northern Ireland’s north coast has been chosen to host the region’s very first “Signature Walk” — a move designed to transform how visitors experience its most iconic landscapes. Launched by Tourism Northern Ireland in partnership with National Trust, Causewa

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is pictured at the Giant’s Causeway. Visitor numbers from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland surged in 2025, delivering a major boost to the local economy with spending jumping by almost a third in a single year. New figures show a 15% rise in trips from the south, alongside a striking 31% increase in visitor spending — a trend being hailed as a powerful sign of growing cross-border tourism momentum. Strong growth in trips and sp

Cotter’s Park glamping site near Randalstown An annual indoor entertainment licence application for a glamping site outside Randalstown has been deferred following discussion at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Operations Committee at Antrim Civic Centre on Monday evening. The application relates to dancing, singing and music – entertainment of a “like kind” – at Cotters Park on Clonkeen Road, operating Thursday to Sunday from 2.00pm until 1.00am, for

Castlewood Holiday Park, in Antrim, unveils new luxury accommodation and enhanced visitor facilities Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has welcomed the completion of the 5-star Blair’s Castlewood Holiday Park development at Shane’s Castle, marking a significant investment in local tourism on the shores of Lough Neagh. The expanded Castlewood Holiday Park introduces new luxury accommodation and enhanced visitor facilities, strengthening the borough’s position as a short-

Jill Stewart (Jill Bakes) with her perfectly fluffy pancakes With Pancake Day falling on Tuesday, February 17, home bakers across Ballymena will be reaching for their mixing bowls in preparation for one of the tastiest days of the year. And according to local food blogger Jill Stewart , known to her thousands of followers on Instagram as Jill Bakes , mastering a good pancake recipe is a true kitchen game changer. “I’m Jill,” she says, “trying to help you be better in the kitc

Visual mockup of the Reception at The Bedford Hotel, Belfast A landmark Belfast building has been brought back into use following a multi-million-pound private investment, with The Bedford Hotel now open for bookings from May 2026, creating more than 100 jobs and strengthening confidence in the city’s hospitality and tourism sectors. The hotel is located within the Grade B1 listed Scottish Mutual Building at Donegall Square, a Scottish Baronial-style property dating back to 1

Finalist in BBC NI’s House Of The Year, Knots Landing, Ballymena Images: BBC NI / Elyse Kennedy A striking detached new build near Ballymena has been named the second home to secure a coveted place in the House Of The Year final, placing the property firmly in the national spotlight. Knots Landing, located outside Ballymena, impressed judges in the current BBC Northern Ireland series, earning its place among the five standout homes competing for the prestigious title. Celebra

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s Ben-my-Chree vessel The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has announced a significantly enhanced ferry timetable for 2026/27, strengthening maritime connections between Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man and opening up new opportunities for passengers, freight operators and businesses on both sides of the Irish Sea. The new three-vessel schedule, which is now on sale, marks the first time in more than 15 years that the Isle of Man has o