Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has unveiled 13 brand new visitor experiences, designed to strengthen the region’s tourism offer and attract more domestic and international guests.
A cohort of enthusiastic new tourism entrepreneurs gathered at The Halfway House, Banbridge, for a celebration marking their completion of the borough’s first-ever Tourism Experience Development programme. Launched in August 2024 by ABC Council and delivered in partnership with tourism experts RUNDA, the initiative was aimed at cultivating home-grown talent and drawing fresh ideas into the local tourism sector.
Thirteen entrepreneurs were shortlisted for the programme, embarking on an intensive journey of workshops, mentoring and market testing. For many, it was their first foray into the tourism industry, and they embraced the challenge with imagination and dedication. From crafting unique visitor journeys to developing market-ready experiences, each participant worked closely with industry mentors to refine their offer and build commercial viability.
The newly launched experiences cover a vibrant range of themes – from culture, heritage and history to food, nature and the arts – giving visitors even more reasons to explore the borough.
Here are the 13 new experiences set to make their mark:
- Farmyard Tales at Ardress House
- Armagh Road Bowling Experience
- Mud Walls of Memories – Dan Winter’s Cottage
- The Spirit of a Rural Irish Pub – Halfway House
- Gelato Making – Alice’s Kitchen Table, Moo Valley
- Whisk It Up – A Traditional Sauna Experience – Hot Rocks Sauna
- Illustrations of Armagh: A Journey of Angels and Gargoyles – Jonathan Hackett Art
- Native and Wild Cook Up – On the Hoof
- ELN Custom T-Shirt Design – ELN Studio
- The Spirit of Armagh – Cathedral and Museum Discovery
- Imprints of Nature: Explore, Forage & Expression – Tina McGleenan, Artist
- The Art of Coffee – Gallery Coffee
- Meet the Celts – Navan Centre & Fort
Each concept brings something original to the table, adding texture to the borough’s visitor offer while championing local talent and storytelling.
The council’s tourism team will continue working with each entrepreneur to further develop these experiences and connect them to wider regional and international markets.
For more information, please contact:
📧 joanne.mcelmeel@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk or visit here.