Giro D’Italia has B and B’s booked out in Ballycastle

Next year’s Giro D’italia race in North Antrim has triggered such interest that all accommodation in Ballycastle has already been booked out.
People like north Antrim businessman Glen Biesty is looking forward to the Giro d'Italia cycle race which is coming to the area in May.People like north Antrim businessman Glen Biesty is looking forward to the Giro d'Italia cycle race which is coming to the area in May.
People like north Antrim businessman Glen Biesty is looking forward to the Giro d'Italia cycle race which is coming to the area in May.

Speaking at the recent Moyle Sports Awards, council officer, Damian McAfee, revealed that they were anticipating 140,000 visitors for the race and that all B and B accommodation in Ballycastle had been booked out.

Mr McAfee said the council would be fully engaged with the race and were in the process of planning events when it came through the district on May 10.

Ballymoney council are also preparing for what many believe is the biggest ever sporting event to come to the area and officers have alreay met with the Northern Ireeland Tourist Board to they can best work together to showcase Northern Ireland through dressing of the Giro route and engaging local communities in a full event and festival programme.

Both councils see the event and activity surrounding it as a great marketing opportunity which could provide many economic benefits for the Causeway Coast and Glens.

Councillor Philip McGuigan who is a keen bike rider with the Duffin Transport team feels the projected figure of 140,000 visitors to Moyle is understated.

“This event will bring many more people to the area. It’s a massive race and with household names involved it will take people to all parts of the route in both Ballymoney and Moyle,” he said.