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With an unrivalled location and exceptional infrastructure, Mid & East Antrim is one of Northern Ireland’s strongest options for tourism related investment.
Tourism accounts for around 4,226 jobs. There were over 500,000 visits to visitor attractions in Mid and East Antrim in 2019, with Carrickfergus Castle and the Gobbins Visitor Centre the most visited attractions, generating a spend of £57.4million. In order to harness the potential of this sector, major tourism infrastructure projects are now underway as part of the Belfast Region City Deal including the Phase II development of the Gobbins and Carrickfergus Regeneration.
Key attractions include; The Gobbins; Causeway Coastal Route – Mid and East Antrim links the region’s must-see destinations of Belfast and the Causeway Coast, which was listed as Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018 Top 10 Regions; the world-renowned Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort; Game of Thrones filming locations and Carrickfergus Castle, one of the best-preserved and most imposing medieval castles in Ireland.
- Mid and East Antrim has the highest level of occupancy (alongside Belfast) for hotels in Northern Ireland 2019 – 70% room occupancy rate
- Almost 300,000 trips, £57.4m spend
Most Popular
Carrickfergus Castle was one the most popular attractions in Mid & East Antrim LGD in 2019.
Why Mid & East Antrim?
The area benefits from a mix of accommodation options, visitor attractions, outdoor activities, leisure pursuits and heritage. As a business tourism destination, Mid and East Antrim offers an array of venues for conferences and incentive travel.
We have unique portfolio of hotels including; the internationally renowned luxury Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort which has recently invested £2m in its thermal village and spa provision, Ballygally Castle Hotel, Adair Arms Hotel, Londonderry Arms Hotel as well as hotel chains such as; Premier Inn.
Key events and celebrities continue to raise the profile of the Mid and East Antrim area and have proven to be major tourism drivers. This includes hosting both the Irish Open and NI Open at Galgorm Castle Golf Club, and Mo Farah’s participation in the Larne half marathon in September 2020.
There are key development opportunities for hotels and conference facilities within the Borough both in town centre and out of town locations. To make an initial enquiry, please complete your business requirements on our Property Request form.