Tourism boost from Armoy Road Races

CAUSEWAY Coast and Glens Borough Council is set to benefit from increased tourism as the Armoy Road Races takes place this Friday and Saturday.
Bikers riding through The Dark Hedges, which has recently been made famous by Game of Thrones and have become a huge tourist destination in Northern Ireland.Bikers riding through The Dark Hedges, which has recently been made famous by Game of Thrones and have become a huge tourist destination in Northern Ireland.
Bikers riding through The Dark Hedges, which has recently been made famous by Game of Thrones and have become a huge tourist destination in Northern Ireland.

Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has witnessed first hand the boost to tourism that the annual event brings, and says this year will be no different: “The Armoy Road Races generate much interest in our beautiful Causeway Coast and Glens, especially with events happening throughout Bike Week that keep people in the area, which feeds back into our local economy.

“Coleraine office of the Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council says it has seen an increase in tourists from across Ireland, North and South, as well as international road racing fans who come to enjoy the races and the wonderful attractions that the area has on offer.

“This year, we have received enquires from all over the UK, Ireland, Europe, even reaching as far as New Zealand. The New Zealand guests are coming to Northern Ireland specifically for The Armoy Road Races, and re-arranged their original travel plans to make sure Northern Ireland was included!” concluded Mayor Knight-McQuillan.

Chairman of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club, William Munnis, welcomed the comments and said, “Armoy is on the map for all sorts of reasons, whether it’s to watch the Armoy Road Races or visit the various filming locations like the Dark Hedges, used in the filming of Game of Thrones – it’s just a great place to be.

“We, as a club, are very much involved in the community as well as the Armoy Road Races, and therefore appreciate how important tourism is, not just to Northern Ireland, but to our scenic Causeway Coast. It is essential that we attract people to the area to sustain businesses and to keep our economy afloat. If the Armoy Road Races helps to highlight the area in some way, then we are incredibly proud of that.”

Trevor Kane, owner of the Bayview Hotel and sponsor of the Supersport Race 2, said, “ I think that we are extremely lucky to live and work in this beautiful part of the world and to have events like the Armoy Road Races.

“I’m very much part of the races and I wouldn’t miss them but more importantly I see visitors return year on year to Armoy and to the Bayview Hotel just because of them. It’s a real credit to the Club that they’ve managed to achieve such a great national road racing event in just seven years.”

William Munnis concluded; “I’d ask locals and tourists alike to visit Armoy during our Bike Week and take the opportunity to visit some of the wonderful attractions in our area too and if you need more information on the Armoy Road Races then visit www.amrrc.com to see what’s happening. You can also search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook and join the official fan page as well as follow us on twitter at @ArmoyRoadRaces – so come on, what are you waiting for!”

Please support the Armoy Road Races by buying a programme. They are available from the AMRRC office and the Petrol Station in Armoy and cost £10.00 or €15.

Events schedule

TUESDAY 21st July

Renegade Strongman: – a high quality demonstration of strength by some of Europe’s Strongest Men.

WEDNESDAY 22nd July

Classic Car Display & Touring: Ballymoney Old Vehicle Club will be visiting Tilly Molloy’s at 7.00pm for the sixth Year and this spectacle is growing in size with all types of vehicles including trucks. The buzz around the village causes gridlock, but it’s well worth it the watch the vehicles head off on their tour of the Armoy Race Circuit. Again refreshments are available in Tilly Molloy’s Hall.

THURSDAY 23rd July

Miss Armoy Competition

Miss “Armoy” will be crowned in the Corporate Hospitality Marquee in the paddock, Armoy from 9.30 pm. With guest Judges and entertainment provided by local band, Roll the Dice, a bar and a host of beautiful ladies lining up to take the title of ‘Miss Armoy 2015’ this will be a great night’s entertainment, a great way to celebrate our 7th birthday and to get prepared for the next day’s practice and racing.

Classic Bike Display & Touring: Celebrate our racing heritage with a gathering of the Coleraine Motorcycle Club & the Japanese Vintage Club displaying bikes for our racing past. The Bikes will be on show outside Tilly Molloy’s in Armoy village from 7.00pm before heading off with a few laps of the Armoy circuit. Refreshments will be available in Tilly Molloy’s.

FRIDAY 24th July

Practice Day, 600cc Supersport Race: Roads close from 12.30pm to allow for race practice and re-open no later than 9.30 pm. The 600cc Supersport Race will be held during the course of the evening’s practice.

Saturday 25th July

The SGS International ‘Race of Legends’: Roads close from 10.00 am for racing and reopen no later than 7.30pm. A full 11 Race Day programme including a Parade Lap and a Demonstration Lap.