Virtual Conference
Accompanying Persons Programme
Derry~Londonderry is known as one of the finest Walled Cities in Europe; its ancient Walls and original Cannon celebrated their 400th anniversary in 2013. The city was the inaugural UK City of Culture and has been named by Lonely Planet as a ‘Top 10 City in the World to Visit’!
Guided tour of 17th Century Walled City
Take a guided walking tour of Derry~Londonderry’s 17th Century Walls and discover the city’s unique, complex and often entertaining history!
Tour will include an exclusive visit to St Columb’s Cathedral Chapter House Museum which houses the births, deaths and marriages records dating back to the 1600’s, various artifacts including flags, weaponry and literature from the Siege of Derry, the original locks to the City’s four gates, furniture gifted to the Cathedral by the famous Thomas Chippendale and some of the oldest examples of Irish silver on record.
www.stcolumbscathedral.org
From the Walls you can also view the iconic political Bogside Murals which depict the civil rights era of the 1960s, the early troubles era of the 1970’s and the events of Bloody Sunday in 1972. Bus Tours and Segway Tours also available!
The neo-gothic Guildhall is one of the most striking buildings in the city, home to one of the largest collections of stained glass in Ireland.
A Taste of Ireland at the Craft Village
Following a guided tour of Derry’s famous 17th Century Walls, the centrally located ‘Craft Village’ – complete with original thatched cottage! – A unique venue where delegates can relax, enjoy lively music and sample stunning locally sourced produce. Hosted by acclaimed local musician Roy Arbuckle, delegates can enjoy the traditional sounds of the Irish ‘Bodhran’ and ‘fiddle’ (violin) with storytelling, followed by traditional Irish fare such as soda and wheaten bread, Irish Stew or Guinness and oysters.
An ‘oyster shucking’ masterclass from one of the cities’ finest chefs is an authentic and memorable experience for your guests or why not offer an Irish coffee making demonstration and give delegates the opportunity to experience one of the Island’s most famous exports!
Or what about a lecture in the Craft Village? Charismatic Cambridge educated scholars Dr Billy Kelly and Dr Eamonn O’Ciardha are field experts within Irish Literary & Historical Studies having each published a number of books and produced a series of Television documentaries. Alternatively, Genealogist Brian Mitchell has researched and produced a portfolio of 10 lectures focusing on family history, emigration and the city’s unique links with the USA and Canada.
Giant’s Causeway
Thrill seeker’s Paradise Exploring the Stunning Antrim Coast
Explore the hidden wonders of the North Antrim Coast including the world famous Giant’s Causeway a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the natural wonders of the world. The guides here will enthrall you with local folklore including the famous myth of the giant, Finn McCool! From there take an Indiana Jones trek across Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Swaying 80 feet above the sea this is definitely not for the faint hearted! If you’re brave enough to look down you may even spot local salmon fishermen working in the waters below. www.causewaycoastandglens.com
Lunch in the Bushmills Inn www.bushmillsinn.com
This old Irish coaching inn and mill house has been serving sailors, smugglers and weary travellers for the best part of 300 years! You’ll be immersed in history as original Victorian gas lamps light your way towards a welcoming aromatic turf fire in an old flag-stone floored kitchen with smoke-aged walls.
After lunch enjoy a fascinating tour of Bushmills, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery under the care of the Master Distiller and put your whiskey palette to the test by savouring a few sips in the VIP Lounge, before transferring to Derry~Londonderry by luxury coach for the evening. www.bushmills.com
The Game of Thrones Tour
It’s the most popular TV show in the world right now and is filmed right here in Northern Ireland! HBOs Game of Thrones features many stunning locations from across Northern Ireland, which is the perfect setting for the epic story with our rugged coast lines, historic castles and breath taking scenery. Derry~Londonderry and Greencastle Harbour, Co. Donegal are within close proximity to key filming sites such as Downhill Beach, Carrick-A-Rede and the North Antrim Coast.