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World Police & Fire Games | Belfast 2013

Find a place to stay for the Games

Time to Spare

See what Northern Ireland has to offer with our helpful itineraries

Top Experiences

A rundown of activities and attractions you won't want to miss

Big Events During the Games

Make sure you get up close to the action!

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After Dark

Great nights out in Northern Ireland
Find a place to stay
Northern Ireland isn't just awash with picturesque panoramas, exciting happenings and delectable places to eat - there are endless wonderful places to sleep over too.

Whether you love the seaside, cityscapes or rural countryside, there's a place to stay that will suit you. Countless venues, lodgings, rooms and crash-pads. With spectacular views, charming owners and a real sense of Northern Irish hosiptality. The range is varied from bunkhouses and campus accommodation to hotels, bed & breakfasts and self-catering.

Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau is the official accommodation booking agent for WPFG2013. Check out the negotiated 'exclusive' best rates available across accommodation in Belfast and Northern Ireland.

To book, visit www.2013wpfg.com

Email wpfgaccommodation@belfastvisitor.com (for individual bookings) or
email terry.campbell@belfastvisitor.com (for groups of 20 or more)
Top Experiences: Belfast

Enjoy a tour - See Belfast city’s key sights, including its famous wall murals from the back seat of Belfast’s most iconic vehicle or sail Carrickfergus or Bangor marinas as part of an organised tour.

Visit the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience - Uncover the story of Belfast’s most famous creation at the state-of-the art Titanic Belfast visitor attraction. The iconic, six-floor building features nine dramatic and interactive galleries and is a must for all.

Soak up Belfast’s cultural scene - Enjoy a show at one of Belfast’s excellent performance venues, which include the Grand Opera House, Lyric Theatre and the MAC.

Discover Georgian gems - Uncover the hidden secrets of the County Down village of Hillsborough.

Top Experiences: Causeway Coast & Glens

Experience the world-class Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre - Go on a journey of discovery and learn about the history, geology, biodiversity, myths and legends of the Causeway area in a building which itself is an architectural masterpiece.

Drive the stunning Causeway Coastal Route - It will be easy to see why these 120 miles (including 9 scenic loops) of driving route were voted 5th in the world’s top 10 scenic views (Jacobs Creek, 2006).

Tee off at the renowned Royal Portrush Golf Club - 2013 promises to be a big year for the club that hosted the 2012 Irish Open, they will be celebrating their 125th anniversary.

Travel the stretch of line between Bushmills and the World Heritage Site at the Giant’s Causeway in style on the Bushmills Railway.

Top Experiences: Armagh

Enjoy a day of culture and learning in Armagh - Visit Armagh Public Library. Then head to nearby No. 5 Vicars’ Hill and view the coin and art collections. Don’t miss a show at Armagh Planetarium – perfect for all ages.

See a scale model of the universe at the Astropark at Armagh Observatory

Stroll around picturesque Palace Demesne

Watch the traditional game of road bowls in Armagh - Played along a 2 mile stretch of road, probably the longest bowling lane in the world!

Top Experiences: Mournes

Get active outdoors - The Mournes area is ideal for outdoor pursuits, from walking, cycling and horse-riding to more extreme options.

Tee off at top golf courses - From world-famous Royal County Down to other excellent courses like Ardglass, Kilkeel and Warrenpoint, this is a golfer’s paradise.

Climb Slieve Croob (AONB) - Walk to the summit and take in the stunning views of the range. Make sure to visit the impressive Legananny Dolmen nearby.

Learn first-hand about seafood - Try a hands-on course at the Mourne Seafood Cookery School in Kilkeel.

Top Experiences: Fermanagh Lakelands

Enjoy an educational haircut - Headhunters Barbers Shop, Enniskillen is also home to a railway museum, so learn some interesting facts about the railway while you are there.

Cruise Fermanagh’s islands - Explore Fermanagh at your own pace. Stop off at one of the islands for a lazy lunch. With an abundance of islands to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice.

Climb Cuilcagh - At 665m, Cuilcagh is the only true mountain in Fermanagh. Take in the breathtaking views from the summit – an unmissable Geopark experience.

Get a different view of Enniskillen - Take the Enniskillen Canoe Tour and discover the secrets of this historic island town from a unique

Top Experiences: Londonderry

Enjoy retail therapy at Austin’s - the world’s oldest independent department store Austin’s has been the cornerstone of the city’s Diamond area since 1830.

Take in a tour of the city – walking, open top bus or taxi Uncover all there is to know with an organised living history tour. Look out for the ‘Hands Across the Divide’ statue, a symbol of today’s vibrant city.

Stroll across the Peace Bridge and explore Ebrington - View the city from a unique angle on the Peace Bridge, then continue across and relax in the newly-opened Ebrington Performance Plaza.

Known as the City of Song - From impromptu traditional music to contemporary music visit Peadar O’Donnells or the Gweedore Bars. The Nerve Centre, Culturlann and many more pubs and clubs are also host to a vibrant music scene.

Top Experiences: Tyrone & Sperrins

Wander around historic Sion Mills - This beautiful model village has 41 listed buildings. Features include a riverside walk, treasure trail and the popular 'Swinging Bridge'.
Indulge in unique retail therapy - Island Turf Crafts in Coalisland offers hand-crafted gifts made from 5,000 year old Irish turf. The Linen Green, boasts a number of internationally renowned Irish designers, while Moy Antiques offers an excellent range of quality furniture.

Pan for gold in the Sperrins - The precious metal can still be found in this upland landscape and guides can arrange mineral prospecting in local streams.

Cook traditional Irish fayre with Norah at Grange Lodge - Learn how to make the best use of seasonal, local produce with a contemporary twist.

Top Experiences: Strangford Lough

Step back in time aboard the Downpatrick and County Down Railway - Enjoy a ride from Downpatrick to Inch Abbey on this full-size, heritage railway (various dates throughout the year).

Tour the stunning Ards Peninsula - Be sure to also experience the crafts the local area has to offer

Enjoy the viewpoints along the lough on the Portaferry Road - Take in The Flood Gates, The Maltings, Barrs Bay and The Gas Works.

Take on Kirkistown and Bishopscourt racecourses - Motorbike and motor sports enthusiasts will love racing these high speed circuits.

Enjoy a boat trip to the Copeland Islands - Take a short boat trip to the main island and enjoy a spot of bird watching while you’re there.

Top Experiences: Lough Neagh

Get a feel for the countryside at Tannaghmore, Craigavon - Meet rare farm breeds and visit the Barn Museum with traditional farming displays and the beautiful rose gardens.
Cycle the Loughshore Trail - This long-distance cycle route encircles the lough, mostly following quiet country roads, and includes most of the area’s main attractions.

Explore Lough Neagh by canoe - Paddle the lough’s bays and inlets along the Lough Neagh canoe Trail – there are over 90 miles to explore plus the adjoining Blackwater and Lower Bann Trails.

Walk the grounds of the grand estate of Brownlow House - Enjoy the setting of Brownlow House a 19th century mansion, located next to Lurgan Park.

Looking for local info?

Tourist Information Centres
across Northern Ireland

BELFAST

Belfast City
Belfast Welcome Centre
Tourist Information (Belfast & NI)
47 Donegall Place, BT1 5AD
T: (028) 9024 6609
E: welcomecentre@belfastvisitor.com

AIRPORTS

George Best Belfast City Airport
Sydenham Bypass, BT3 9JH
T: (028) 9093 5372
E: welcomecentre@
belfastvisitor.com

Belfast International Airport
Arrivals Hall, BT29 4AB
T: (028) 9448 4677
E: welcomecentre@
belfastvisitor.com

COUNTY ANTRIM

Antrim
The Old Courthouse,
Market Square,
BT41 4AN
T: (028) 9442 8331
E: info@antrim.gov.uk

Ballycastle
Sheskburn House
7 Mary Street, BT54 6QH
T: (028) 2076 2024
E: tourism@moyle-council.org

Ballymena
The Braid
1-29 Bridge Street, BT43 5EJ
T: (028) 2563 5900
E: tourist.information@
ballymena.gov.uk

Ballymoney
Ballymoney Town Hall
1 Townhead Street, BT53 6BE
T: (028) 2766 0230
E: touristinfo@ballymoney.gov.uk

Carrickfergus
Tourist Information Centre,
Museum and Civic Centre
11 Antrim Street, BT38 7DG
T: (028) 9335 8049
E: touristinfo@carrickfergus.org

Giant’s Causeway
44 Causeway Road
Bushmills, BT57 8SU
T: (028) 2073 1855
E: info@giantscausewaycentre.com

Larne
Narrow Gauge Road, BT40 1XB
T: (028) 2826 0088
E: larnetourism@btconnect.com

Lisburn
15 Lisburn Square, BT28 1AN
T: (028) 9266 0038
E: tic.lisburn@lisburn.gov.uk

Portrush (seasonal)
Dunluce Centre
Sandhill Drive, BT56 8BF
T: (028) 7082 3333
E: portrushtic@btconnect.com

COUNTY ARMAGH

Armagh
Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre,
Market Street,
BT61 7BW
T: (028) 3752 1800
E: info@armagh.gov.uk

COUNTY DOWN

Banbridge
The Old Town Hall
1 Scarva Street, BT32 3DA
T: (028) 4062 0232
E: tic@banbridge.gov.uk

Bangor
34 Quay Street, BT20 5ED
T: (028) 9127 0069
E: tic@northdown.gov.uk

Downpatrick
The St. Patrick Centre
53a Market Street, BT30 6LZ
T: (028) 4461 2233
E: downpatrick.tic@
downdc.gov.uk

Hillsborough
The Courthouse,
The Square, BT26 6AG
T: (028) 9268 9717
E: tic.hillsborough@lisburn.gov.uk

Kilkeel
The Nautilus Centre
Rooney Road, BT34 4AG
T: (028) 4176 2525
E: kdakilkeel@hotmail.com

Newcastle
10-14 Central Promenade, BT33 0AA
T: (028) 4372 2222
E: newcastle.tic@downdc.gov.uk

Newry
Bagenal’s Castle
Castle Street, BT34 2DA
T: (028) 3031 3170
E: newrytic@
newryandmourne.gov.uk

Newtownards
31 Regent Street, BT23 4AD
T: (028) 9182 6846
E: tourism@ards-council.gov.uk

Portaferry (seasonal)
The Stables, Castle Street, BT22 1NZ
T: (028) 4272 9882
E: tourism.portaferry@
ards-council.gov.uk

COUNTY FERMANAGH

Enniskillen
Wellington Road, BT74 7EF
T: (028) 6632 3110
E: tic@fermanagh.gov.uk

COUNTY LONDONDERRY

Coleraine
25 Railway Road, BT52 1PE
T: (028) 7034 4723
E: info@northcoastni.com

Limavady
Roe Valley Arts Cultural Centre,
24 Main Street, BT49 0FJ
T: (028) 7776 0650
E: tourism@rvacc.co.uk

Londonderry
44 Foyle Street, BT48 6AT
T: (028) 7126 7284
E: info@derryvisitor.com

Magherafelt
The Bridewell
6 Church Street, BT45 6AN
T: (028) 7963 1510
E: thebridewell@
magherafelt.gov.uk

COUNTY TYRONE

Cookstown
The Burnavon,
Burn Road,BT80 8DN
T: (028) 8676 9949
E: tic@cookstown.gov.uk

Killymaddy
190 Ballygawley Road
Dungannon (off A4), BT70 1TF
T: (028) 8776 7259
E: killymaddy.reception@
dungannon.gov.uk

Omagh
Strule Arts Centre
Townhall Square, BT78 1BL
T: (028) 8224 7831
E: info@struleartscentre.co.uk

Strabane
The Alley Arts and Conference Centre
1a Railway Street, BT82 8EF
T: (028) 7138 4444
E: tic@strabanedc.com

After Dark in Belfast

Enjoy the cultural experience beyond Belfast at Theatre at the Mill (Newtownabbey) and Island Arts Centre (Lisburn)

Get spooked with a Ghost Walk in Belfast or a seasonal Graveyard Walk in Bangor
Enjoy live music at our many iconic music venues – try the Empire, Laverys, Duke of York, Black Box, Oh Yeah Centre and An Culturlan. Sessions are also held in the Greater Belfast area.
Take in a Belfast Giants ice hockey match or go the dogs at Drumbo Park Greyhound Stadium, Lisburn.

After Dark in Causeway Coast & Glens

Savour live traditional music in one of the many pubs in Cushendall or Cushendun

Soak up culture with a range of events in the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Limavady, the Riverside Theatre in Coleraine or The Braid in Ballymena.

After Dark in Armagh

Take in a show at the city’s Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre where you will find everything from top quality drama to comedy nights.

For an alternative way to spend an evening, why not take a ghostly walk through the city’s narrow streets on a walking ghost tour.

Enjoy both traditional and modern music in many of the various bars the city has to offer.

After Dark in the Mournes
Enjoy a gig at Brontë Music Club – a former church, this intimate and unique venue has links to the literary Brontë family.

Enjoy live traditional music in one of the many pubs in Newry City, The Mournes or the Ring Of Gullion Areas

Check out what's happening in the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry Town Hall and Warrenpoint Town Hall.

After Dark in Fermanagh Lakelands

Have a pint in historic Blakes of the Hollow, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2012.

Take in a show at the Ardhowen Theatre, overlooking picturesque Lough Erne.

Enjoy fine dining at one of Fermanagh’s many waterside restaurants.

Take an evening cruise with a local boat company – dinner can be included.

Unwind with live music sessions at a range of top venues.

After Dark in Londonderry

Soak up the culture of this vibrant city by taking in a performance at The Playhouse, Millennium Forum, Verbal Arts Centre or Waterside Theatre.
Take a stroll along the newly renovated Queen’s Quay and choose from one of the many fine restaurants on offer.

After Dark in Tyrone & Sperrins

Enjoy a performance at Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Alley Arts Centre, Strabane or the Craic Theatre & Arts Centre, Coalisland.
Go for a pre-theatre meal and a show at The Burnavon, Cookstown.
Enjoy traditional music in Tomney’s Bar, Moy.
Head along to a traditional gig or the weekly music session at Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre, Omagh.

After Dark at Strangford Lough

Enjoy a performance at the Web Theatre, Newtownards.
Historical walking tours of Comber, Donaghadee, or Newtownards.

After Dark at Lough Neagh

Enjoy a regular traditional music session at The Crosskeys Inn, near Toome – an atmospheric thatched pub thought to date from around 1740.
Watch live performances and film screenings in the historic surroundings of The Old Courthouse, Antrim.

Enjoy a play or performance in an intimate local venue such as the Bardic Theatre, Donaghmore or Millennium Court Arts Centre, Portadown.
Visitor Questions
Getting Around Northern Ireland

Translink Bus and Train Services
T: +44 (0) 28 9066 6630, W: www.translink.co.uk

General Information

Passport/Visa Requirements
Passport Advice Line (UK) T: 0300 222 0000
www.ips.gov.uk
UK nationals can travel without a passport but will need photographic identification. Individual airline and ferry company requirements can vary. Passports are not required for travel between Northern Ireland and the Republic. For further information, contact the British Embassy in your country of origin.

Bringing a pet?
UK Pet Travel Scheme helpline: T: +44 (0) 870 241 1710
www.defra.gov.uk

Medical Insurance
T: 0845 606 2030 / +44 (0) 191 218 1999 (overseas)
www.ehic.org.uk
You need to obtain a European Health Insurance card (EHIC) which will allow you to access state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge. You can apply online at their website or by telephone. Visitors are strongly advised to take out private travel insurance.

Money
Sterling currency. Most large stores accept Euro, although generally you will get a better rate if you bring Sterling. Main credit cards are in general use but bring cash too. In main towns, bank hours are 09:30-16:30. Automatic
Teller Machines (ATMs) dispense cash at hundreds of locations, banks, garages and shopping centres. Bureau de Change are in larger bank branches, travel agents, the Belfast Welcome Centre, some other tourist information centres, big hotels and at a few visitor
attractions.

Telephone
To call Northern Ireland from abroad, dial 00 44 + area code (without 0)
+ local number. From the Republic of
Ireland, dial 048 + area code (without 0)
+ local number. From elsewhere in UK or to make an internal call, dial area code (with 0) + local number. To call the Republic from Northern Ireland, dial 00 353 + the area code (without 0)
+ local number.

Left Luggage
T: +44 (0) 28 9024 6609
Belfast Welcome Centre is the only place that provides this service. £3 per item for up to 4hrs. £4.50 4hrs+. Last pick up is 15 minutes before closing.

Tipping
Check your bill to see if a service charge has been made. If not and you’re satisfied with the service add 10-15%.

Pub Licensing Hours
Monday-Saturday: 11:30 – 23:00. Sunday: 12:30 – 22:00.
Some pubs with an Entertainment Licence can serve alcohol until 01:00. Club opening times vary.

Shopping
Thursday is late night shopping until
21:00 (Castlecourt) or Wednesday - Friday (Victoria Square). Late night shopping varies in other towns/cities and may only include shopping centres/larger stores. On Sundays shops are open from 13:00 and stay open until 17:00/18:00 in Belfast and in many other towns/cities.

Emergency Services
Dial 999 for emergency services. If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the local police station, embassy or consulate.

Accessibility
There are many accessible attractions throughout Northern Ireland. Please contact the venue to check accessibility provisions prior to visiting.
www.adaptni.org

Time To Spare


The Legend of Titanic Comes Home to Belfast	The Giant's Causeway and The Causeway Coastal Route	Historical Northern Ireland	Northern Ireland Made for Golf	Unmissable Music
Follow Titanic's remarkable journey from the drawing board to the slipways, or stand on the vast floor of the dock where she was fitted out - her last footprint on land.	Between the Unesco World Heritage Site, a road trip voted Top 5 in the world and a new world-class visitor centre being unveiled in 2012 - there's an experience not to be missed.	Whether it's Saint Patrick and Christian Heritage, RMS Titanic or our historic cities - there's something for everyone.	We are made for golf with superb world-class links of Royal Portrush (host to the 2012 Irish Open) and Royal County Down and over 90 other great courses to choose from.	Love music? Then check out a scene that is vibrant, exciting and cutting edge.


Literature and Theatre	Glorious Gardens & Houses	Fabulous Food	An Adventure Playground	A Look Ahead to 2013
Northern Ireland is home to Nobel Laureates and award-winning playwrights and it's evident in the great tours, superb theatre venues and special festivals on offer.	We've grand gardens, walled gardens, woodland gardens - even Japanese gardens. Something for everyone.	Northern Ireland is a great destination for lovers of good authentic local food and drink.	From water sports on the waves of the North Atlantic to cruising in Fermanagh, walking in the Mournes, or cycling in the Sperrins. The choice is yours - but you'll be guaranteed great views.	2013 is set to be Derry~Londonderry's year, when it hosts the first UK City of Culture with a packed programme of events. It's also the year that Belfast hosts 65 sporting events a part of the World Police and Fire Games.

Events During the Games

Late July	International Bog Day and NI Bog Snorkelling Championships Dungannon	A family fun day with the chance to try your hand at this unique sport which involves competitors completing two consecutive lengths of a 55m bog drain, in the shortest time possible.
Month of August	August Craft Month Various locations, Northern Ireland	An annual celebration of craft, featuring events and activities that showcase the work of craft makers in Northern Ireland and from further afield. www.craftni.org
1 – 11 August	Féile an Phobail Various venues, West Belfast	This major festival features concerts, debates, tours, exhibitions, drama and street theatre with world-class and international acts playing alongside Irish talent. www.feilebelfast.com
3 – 10 August	Maiden City Festival Derry~Londonderry	A packed week of performance in music, dance and drama within and around the historic Walled City, celebrating history and heritage, community and diversity. www.maidencityfestival.com
11 – 18 August	All-Ireland Fleadh Derry~Londonderry	The biggest festival of Irish music and culture anywhere in the world will come to the city for the first time as part of it’s year as City of Culture.
Date TBC	Belsonic Belfast City centre	Northern Ireland’s premier outdoor music festival will return to Belfast’s atmospheric Custom House Square with another amazing line-up. www.belsonic.com
Date TBC	Hilden Beer Festival Lisburn	Great live entertainment and a fantastic range of world beers, set in the unique surroundings of Hilden Brewery. www.hildenbrewery.com
Date TBC	Newtownabbey Shoreline Festival Newtownabbey	An array of bands, fun family activities and a fireworks extravaganza on the shores of Belfast Lough. www.newtownabbey.gov.uk
31 August – 1 September (TBC)	NI International Airshow Portrush	Ireland’s biggest airshow returns with an impressive line-up of fast jets, World War Two fighters, helicopters and stunt planes, alongside a full programme of family entertainment. www.niinternationalairshow.co.uk
Early September	Appalachian and Bluegrass Festival Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh	A well-established festival featuring performances from some of the biggest names in bluegrass music, both international and home-grown, in a unique open-air setting. www.nmni.com/uafp
5 – 8 September	Hillsborough International Oyster Festival Hillsborough	This long-running festival features the World Oyster Eating Championships along with fun and entertainment for all, in the picturesque Georgian village of Hillsborough. www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com

WPFG Visitor Guide 2013
Click here to download your copy of the World Police and Fire Games Northern Ireland Visitor Guide 2013
(PDF, 9.0Mb)

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World Police & Fire Games | Belfast 2013

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Time to Spare

Top Experiences

Big Events During the Games

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After Dark

Find a place to stay

Top Experiences: Belfast

Top Experiences: Causeway Coast & Glens

Top Experiences: Armagh

Top Experiences: Mournes

Top Experiences: Fermanagh Lakelands

Top Experiences: Londonderry

Top Experiences: Tyrone & Sperrins

Top Experiences: Strangford Lough

Top Experiences: Lough Neagh

Looking for local info?

After Dark in Belfast

After Dark in Causeway Coast & Glens

After Dark in Armagh

After Dark in the Mournes

After Dark in Fermanagh Lakelands

After Dark in Londonderry

After Dark in Tyrone & Sperrins

After Dark at Strangford Lough

After Dark at Lough Neagh

Visitor Questions

Time To Spare

Events During the Games

WPFG Visitor Guide 2013

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