Louth pleasure seekers urged to take Enterprise for last hurrah of summer in NI

For pleasure seekers from Louth searching for a last hurrah of summer, with its hourly service providing the perfect platform, the Enterprise train service from Dublin to Belfast’s new Grand Central Station is the perfect gateway for exploring Northern Ireland.

According to latest figures, last year around 1.6 million daytrips in Northern Ireland were taken by people from Ireland while the Enterprise has recorded over one million passenger journeys since the hourly service launched last October – an increase of over 60%. 

But instead of taking advantage of the Enterprise to make a round trip in the same day, Tourism NI are suggesting to people in Louth and the local region, to use Belfast as the staging post for a great-value giant adventure in Northern Ireland. The surge in popularity of train travel is also being fuelled by the growing preference for sustainable travel and experiences which are more relaxed and offer greater scenic views.

Take the train to Derry along the stretch of coastline globetrotter, Sir Michael Palin described as "one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world" or journey from Belfast to Bangor on the ‘train that hugs the coast’ made famous in the Snow Patrol anthem, I Think of Home.

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Discover Northern Ireland has created the following itineraries to inspire rail travel from Louth.

BELFAST - It’s all aboard for a great city break. Step off the train at Grand Central and straight into Halt, Belfast’s latest culture, music and craic hub, newly opened on the site of the former Great Victoria Street station.

There are a host of great places to stay from the Europa and Fitzwilliam hotels, both just minutes from Grand Central Station to Belfast’s first hometel, Room 2 which runs on 100% electric and low carbon renewable energy. 

Over the weekend of September 6-7 Belfast’s iconic Titanic Quarter will be transformed into a vibrant celebration of sea, ships and stories as the Maritime Festival makes its much-anticipated return. One of this year’s headline moments will be a special open-air concert by Hothouse Flowers, joined by Ríoghnach Connolly and Honeyfeet. 

A trip to Belfast is never complete without a visit to Titanic Belfast, Northern Ireland’s most popular attraction. This award-winning visitor experience tells the story of Titanic’s history over nine awe-inspiring interactive galleries, just a few minutes from where the ship herself was famously designed, built and launched in 1911. HMS Caroline, SS Nomadic and the SSE Arena are all located in the Titanic Quarter.

CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE - Described by Sir Michael Palin as one of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys– this trip is as much about the travel as the destination. You can do it all in one go and marvel at the scenery of the Causeway Coast, the wild Atlantic Ocean and the views across to Rathlin Island. 

If you want to take things a little slower, why not base yourself in Portrush, home of The 153rd Open and choose between the newly opened Adelphi Hotel, The Marcus or even sample the luxuries Rory McIlroy enjoyed when he stayed at Dunluce Lodge during The Open.

From Portrush, trips to some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic landmarks and attractions are within easy reach. The ruins of Dunluce Castle are steeped in legend while The Giant’s Causeway never ceases to amaze the one million visitors it attracts each year and The Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge will provide the perfect Insta moment.

The world’s oldest distillery is always worth a visit, especially when you’ve left the car at home. The Old Bushmills Distillery is where you’ll witness the magic of more than 400 years of master blending. 

A stop off in Castlerock will live long in the memory. From this picture postcard town you can walk along the beach to the stunning Benone Strand where the fabulous Mussenden Temple sits perched on the clifftop at Downhill Demesne looking out to the Atlantic Ocean while trains below disappear into the beachside tunnel. 

DERRY - At the end of this glorious railway line lies Ireland’s only Walled City. With a vibrant night life and a burgeoning reputation for excellence with foodies, Derry is the ideal location for a summer city break.

And the good news is, it won’t break the bank. A survey from fintech company SumUp has found the city scored well in affordability for short breaks with a pint costing on average around €4.60 and a meal €11.60. 

Don’t miss the Derry Girls Mural and Experience in the Tower Museum or the Craft Village as you get under the skin of this warm and friendly city. With a host of outstanding places to stay such as the cool boutique Shipquay Hotel which overlooks the famous walls right in the heart of the city and the hub of Derry’s shopping, arts and social scene. 

Walk across the iconic Peace Bridge to the Ebrington Hotel which combines luxury and Georgian style in a former army barracks with exceptional dining and a sophisticated spa and wellness centre. Raise a glass to the Beer Masterclass at the Walled City Brewery. This experience will see you make your own micro-beer and of course enjoy a taste – along with up to 10 other beers including a creamy chocolate stout, delightfully named ‘Derrymilk’.

BANGOR LINE - As your train leaves the city be prepared to stop off at Holywood, home of Northern Ireland’s grand slam winning golf legend, Rory McIlroy. Follow in his footsteps at one of his regular eateries, the Dirty Duck or visit his home club, Holywood Golf Club

Hop back onboard for the short trip to Cultra and The Ulster Transport Museum where you can learn about one of the most comprehensive transport collections in Europe or learn more about the everyday skills, customs and traditions that were passed down over many generations, at the neighbouring Ulster Folk Museum. 

The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn makes for a perfect base to explore County Down’s ‘Gold Coast’. The Old Inn dates back to 1614 and is labelled as one of the region’s most historic hotels due in part to its links with author and 20th century literary icon C.S. Lewis.  An indulgent treetop spa will transport you to your own version of Narnia.

To help you discover the ‘rail’ Northern Ireland visit www.discovernorthernireland.com