Nature Trails and Mixed Routes - Tourism and Trails: Cultural, Ecological and Management Issues - page 89

Other stops along the route have a strong heritage dimension. Close to
the capital city of Belfast near the southern end of the CCR is Norman
Carrickfergus Castle (built 1177) on the shores of Belfast Lough. Visitors
can tour the castle and learn about its history. Other key attractions/nodes
on the route include Ballycastle, known as the venue for Ireland's oldest
open fair (traditional in the past as a horse-trading fair, a practice that still
takes place but within strict ethical controls), which takes place on the
last weekend of August. Another node/attraction, is Dunluce Castle, a
ruined medieval castle with an interesting history of occupation by sev-
eral Irish families. The castle is popular in imagery used to promote this
region of Northern Ireland. It is often shown as a backdrop silhouetted
against the night sky. The remains of the castle serve as another short
stop, offering visitors an opportunity to walk through the ruins and learn
about its history and stories in a recently renovated interpretive center.
Other nodes along the north coast include the seaside resorts of
Portrush and Portstewart. Dating back to the Victorian and Edwardian
periods, the lure of the sea and the rise of sea bathing culture, both
resorts have suffered decline over the years and have become principally
domestic holiday 'bucket-and-spade' destinations. Recent events have
brought about slight rejuvenation, as these communities have hosted
annual events that range through most of the peak summer season.
Portrush hosted the Irish Golf Open in 2012, and the town is now
marketed with a distinct label as the home of two of the three most
internationally renowned Northern Irish golfers.
Significant investments have gone into projects along the CCR.
Tourism infrastructure improvements took place at 40 sites along the
route, with the majority under local council ownership. According to a
2012 Audit Commission report, the combined cost of these improve-
ments was £8.6 million, of which £4.1 million was supported by NITB
grants facilitated through its Tourism Development Scheme. Part of that
investment has focused on interpretation along the CCR, including
story-telling at sites along the route to create a 'seamless story' of 'the
essential Irish journey'. Prior to the route officially being designed and
marked, there were inconsistent messages, with variations in style and
design. In place today are panels, way-markers and bespoke benches that
enhance the visitor offering, all designed to encourage travelers to get off
the route and explore its attractions.
There remain several servicing issues that will require buy-in from
the private sector. These include more places to eat and more high-
quality accommodation, particularly along the north coast section. A
lack of suitable rooms has resulted in people deciding to stay in Belfast.
( Continued )