Milestone Dates to Keep At Hand as Northern Ireland Reopens!

As Northern Ireland eases itself out of lockdown, here are 10 important milestone dates and information to keep at hand as NI gets going again:

1. Self-catering, caravan parks and campsites re-opened from 26th June: Check in to beautiful self-catering accommodation or pitch up in caravan parks and campsites as they re-open from 26th June.
2. Other accommodation including hotels will re-open from 3rd July: Northern Ireland’s hotels will reopen for visitors to enjoy from Friday July 3rd. However, spa and leisure facilities within hotels will remain closed for now and bars must serve food with table service primarily.
3. Restaurants, cafes and coffee shops will re-open from July 3rd: You will be able to book your favourite restaurants again, try new foodie experiences or visit cafés and coffees shops across Northern Ireland from July 3rd.
4. Bars will reopen from 3rd July, serving food and alcohol with table service: Public houses and bars will also be permitted to re-open from July 3rd for the purposes of selling food and alcohol on a table service basis. Bars with outside spaces, such as beer gardens, will be able to use these spaces to serve alcohol on a table service basis.
5. Visitor attractions will begin to re-open from July 3rd – please check attraction in advance to confirm opening date: Across a range of sectors, visitor attractions will begin to re-open from 3rd July and across the rest of the month and into August. As attraction openings will be phased, it is also best to visit the attraction website directly to double check opening hours and to purchase tickets in advance if required.
6. Small shops and shopping centres have re-opened: You can browse the shops in the local areas and shopping centres across Northern Ireland as they are now open again.
7. Public transport available and operational: Northern Ireland is easy to get around and Translink public transport routes are still operating to explore all areas. The services include cross-border bus and train routes, it is advised to check with your provider before travelling as some routes are operating a slightly reduced service.
8. Some new booking systems have been introduced: It is best to double check any locations you visit as they may have introduced new measures and booking systems. For example, National Trust has started to open gardens and parks but to keep everyone safe you must book your visit in advance. They release new tickets every Friday and are opening more gardens and parks every week.
9. Visit safely with social distancing: Social distancing measures of one metre are in place across Northern Ireland since Monday June 29th, to ensure the safety of everyone. Plan your visits in line with ongoing restrictions.
10. Plan your itinerary: You can take your trip towards new adventures without getting a flight, with packed explorations to discover in Northern Ireland. It is strongly recommended to plan your itinerary and book in advance to avoid disappointment. With stunning mountain and coastal walks and chances to explore the fresh air, check out local council websites for carpark updates before you start your adventure.