Highwaymen get ready to deliver some tourist gems

Wearing black masks and excited smiles, the merry bunch did not pose any threat to passers-by however. Their sole purpose was to highlight the wide range of tourist offerings in the borough.

The promotional activities were part of an initiative sponsored by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to inform and provide a first-hand experience of local attractions and products to those across the tourist industry in Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena.

B&B owners, hoteliers, attraction managers, gallery and craft business representatives were among those taking part in the programme which was delivered by staff from the Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena Borough Councils’ tourist offices with the aim of developing product knowledge and visitor information amongst frontline tourism providers in the east Antrim area.

Jennifer McClernon, local Blue Badge guide, designed the commentary using the theme of “Hangings and Hauntings” and amongst other ghostly goings-on participants were treated to visits to the ghost room in Ballygally Castle, ghastly tales from Glenarm Castle tea rooms and held up by a local highwayman in Ballycarry armed with musket and sword!

Storytelling and great hospitality added to the informative nature of the day.

Feedback from the invited guests was extremely positive and the tourism team from the Larne would like to thank all those who participated and supported the event.