‘Get up and go’ this summer with Translink

“We have a wide variety of summer offers designed to help people experience the great day trips, festivals, events, scenery and activities that the North Coast has to offer. Whether people want to follow in the footsteps of Finn MacCool, explore the New Causeway Centre, make a splash at one of Portrush’s beautiful beaches or step out bravely onto Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, our special summer promotions give customers a great value, hassle-free means of getting there,” said Jane Kerr, Translink Coleraine Service Delivery Manager.

“We are also all aware of the many great events taking place as part of the NI2012 celebrations and at Translink we want to ensure that as many people as possible can travel to and experience these. The North Coast boasts many world-class days out, events and attractions and in the current climate where holiday budgets are stretched and with expensive fuel costs we want to remind people that public transport represents a great value travel option for local summer getaways.

“Translink has also teamed up with some visitor attractions throughout the North Coast to provide special offers and discounts for bus and rail passengers.”

Some attractions around the North Coast and how to get there:

Giant’s Causeway – Follow in the footsteps of Finn McCool at Northern Ireland’s only world heritage site and unearth the famous legends and colourful folklore of the Causeway. Don’t miss out on the new Causeway Centre which is set to be an unforgettable experience. Travel by rail to Coleraine bus station and take one of the bus connections to the Giant’s Causeway and make great savings when you present your Translink ticket with £1.50 off an adult ticket, £1 off a child ticket and £3 off a family ticket.

Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge - Take the exhilarating rope bridge to Carrick-a-Rede and enjoy a truly clifftop experience. Hop on the Causeway Rambler service and travel along the cliff path from Carrick–A-Rede to Portballintrae where there is plenty for families to enjoy along the North Coast.

Portrush Regatta from 19th – 22nd July – Get onboard and really get the summer going with a four day festival of maritime fun including a regatta spectacular, music festival and street entertainment. Take advantage of the Friends and Family ticket for £20 which provides unlimited travel by bus and train throughout NI (frequent bus and rail services operate to Portrush stations).

Portrush Dunluce Centre – Enjoy relaxing coastal walks or take advantage of fun packed family adventure at the Dunluce Centre. Make the most of 1/3 off NI Railways day return tickets after 9.30am and travel by rail to Portrush station. Alternatively, hop on one of the connecting bus services from Coleraine bus station and present your Tranlsink ticket to enjoy 15% off Laser Drome, Turbo Tours and Finn McCool’s playground in addition to another 15% off in the gift shop.

Downhill Demense and Hezlett House Castlerock - Discover magnificent walks and soak up the awe-inspiring North Coast scenary. Explore the striking 18th century mansion followed by the Mussenden Temple perched on the cliff edge. Travel by train or bus to Londonderry alighting at Castlerock and enjoy 2 for 1 entry at the National Trust property.

Full details of Translink’s ‘Get up and Go’ summer offers are listed below:

Bus Rambler Ticket – unlimited ‘hop on hop off’ Ulsterbus, Goldline and Metro day travel after 9.15am. Adult - £9

NI Railways 1/3 off day return tickets after 9.30am

Friends and Family ticket - provides unlimited family travel by bus and rail for two adults and up to four children - £20

iLink – Smartcard for unlimited bus and rail travel for one day, one week or one month

Belfast Visitor Pass - smartcard providing unlimited bus and rail travel for 1, 2 or 3 consecutive days within the Belfast Visitor Pass Zone. The card entitles users to avail of a range of offers and discountsGoldline - 1/3 off day return tickets after 9.30am on selected routes – 215, 218, 219, 238, 238a, 250, 251 & 256

Full summer 2012 fares and special offers can be found online at www.translink.co.uk