With seven hotels across Northern Ireland, Hastings Hotels is planning some exciting outdoor events and new offerings for the summer months – and later this year when it is in a position to re-open and welcome guests again.
Hastings Hotels flagship property, the Culloden Estate and Spa just outside Belfast, is set to host ‘Art in the Garden’ in conjunction with Gormleys Fine Art for the second time from June 25th to July 14th, government guidelines permitting.
Taking place on the grounds of the 12-acre estate, the outdoor exhibition will showcase the very best of Irish and international sculpture. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience over 160 pieces, both life-size and smaller. The five-star hotel’s idyllic private grounds overlooking Belfast Lough is set to be a perfect backdrop to the finest collection of sculpture to be displayed on the island of Ireland.
An outdoor Champagne bus supported by Bollinger champagne will complement the exhibition and remain outside the Cultra Inn on the estate for most of the summer.
The world-famous Europa Hotel in Belfast city centre will mark its 50th year in business this year. In celebration, it will reopen six floors of newly refurbished bedrooms, a project undertaken throughout lockdown to avoid disruption to guests.
A number of socially distanced events to celebrate the hotel’s 50th anniversary are currently being planned, including a concert over three nights with world-renowned musician and Belfast man Van Morrison.
The Grand Central Hotel with the tallest bar in Ireland – the Observatory situated on the hotel’s 23rd Floor – will also be the location for the world’s largest bottle of gin as the hotel launches a new Gin & Tea Experience in conjunction with Jawbox Gin.
This highly anticipated experience will be supported by Tourism Ireland’s Giant Spirit campaign, designed to welcome visitors back to Northern Ireland.
The Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in Newcastle, Co Down and the Culloden Estate and Spa will pay homage to the hit Netflix series, Bridgerton, with the launch of a Bridgerton-inspired afternoon tea. Served in fine bone crockery, it will offer an elegant selection of dainty afternoon tea delights plus an optional glass or two of the finest Champagne that may help get the tongues wagging with all the latest scandal.
The Everglades Hotel in Derry will resume its famous Derry Girls tours and afternoon tea of themed goodies, including the famous cream horn. The guided tour will give guests the chance to walk in the footsteps of a true Derry Girl around the city’s walls and Bogside and visit some of the filming locations.
Ballygally Castle on the Causeway coast will resume tours along one of the world’s most scenic coastline trips to the Giants Causeway from Belfast, including the popular Game of Thrones and Toast the Coast tours. This food-based tour starts at the hotel and stops at local attractions with stories and tastings from local food and drink establishments, including the world famous Bushmills Whiskey distillery, located just three miles from the Giant’s Causeway.
And, finally, the Stormont Hotel, located just outside Belfast city, will resume its famous Sunday buffet lunch while still offering a great base for driving, cycling or walking the County Down coastline with nearby attractions including the National Trust properties such as Mount Stewart and Hillsborough Castle, where royalty reside when in Northern Ireland.
I am sure that just like me this has left you longing for the promise of an outdoor summer…
