Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge Belfast 2009...

Belfast will play host to a magnificent spectacle as the final port of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009 from 13-16th August 2008.

The fleet of square-riggers and classic ships will race over 7000 nautical miles from Spain in May, via the Canaries and Bermuda, before travelling up the coast of North America and leaving Halifax for the long final leg to Belfast.

Belfast will welcome crew from far and wide, as well as hundreds and thousands of visitors, with its own great brand of hospitality. The city is expecting 400,000 visitors over 4 days.

Ships will transform the famous quaysides along the River Lagan and provide the backdrop to four days and nights of festivities. There will be 12 Class A vessels, the biggest class of all the Tall Ships.

The quaysides of the city will be packed full of fun and excitement: Firework displays, aerobatic displays, live music, Lagan river tours, Lagan boat rally, tours of Titanic heritage sites, UK Strongest Man competition, crew parade, 3 continental markets, 2 fun fairs and the superb award winning W5 activities.

Slieve Donard Hotel
Slieve Donard Hotel is Northern Ireland's favourite holiday hotel and celebrated its Centenary in 1997. The hotel stands in six acres of private grounds which lead to an extensive golden strand and to the world famous Royal County Down Golf Club.

Click here for more info on Slieve Donard Hotel

Ballygally Castle
Idyllically located on the beautiful Antrim coast, just 26 miles from Belfast and close to Larne, Ballygally Castle faces the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay. The castle is the only 17th century building which is still used as a residence in Northern Ireland today.

Click here for more info on Ballygally Hotel