Great Days Out for Groups - Discover Northern Ireland

HOW TO... book a day out withthe National TrustThe National Trust offers amazing places to visit forgreat group days out.These range from industrial heritage sitessuch as the fascinating Patterson’s SpadeMill in County Antrim to world famoushistoric houses and gardens like FlorenceCourt in County Fermanagh and MountStewart in County Down.When making group bookings, theNational Trust advises group organisersto contact the visitor services team atthe venue of their choice. In this way,the specific group interests and needscan be discussed using just one point ofcontact right the way through, from initialenquiry to the actual group visit.The National Trust also recommendsthat, where possible, group organisersshould arrange a preliminary site visit.This provides an important opportunityto see the location and setting of thevenue, discuss the various tour optionsavailable that will best suit their grouprequirements, check availabilityand discuss refreshment andretail opportunities.Group organisers should also be awarethat group tours around historic venuesand gardens can be adapted to suit specificgroup needs. For example, National Trustproperties can provide a group rate toinclude a tour with tea and coffee or a tourwith lunch and half day or full day visits.A number of National Trust venues can alsoopen outside normal public opening timesif requested. It should be noted, however,that an additional charge may be appliedin these circumstances.To help group organisers plan group tours,the National Trust has developed a GroupsGuide. This publication highlights aselection of the group tours available atNational Trust venues from garden toursto historic house tours, conservation toursto industrial heritage tours. Whatever yourgroup interests, the National Trust has agroup tour for you.For a copy of the National TrustGroups Guide please contact:(028) 9751 0721 or visitwww.nationaltrust.org.ukNational Trust Northern IrelandHOW TO... book a Tour GuideBlue Badge GuidesToday the Blue Badge is recognised as thesymbol of excellence within the tourismindustry. We at Northern Ireland TourGuide Association (NITGA), believe that aBlue Badge Guide is the third key elementin making a great day out (the other twobeing a comfortable coach and good food).Our association has grown since the firstBlue Badge guides qualified in 1992 toa body of over 60 independent guidestoday. Each of our guides is unique intheir own right. They come from a varietyof backgrounds and bring a wealth ofknowledge and skills with them. For afull list of specialities and geographicalareas covered, refer to our web site atwww.bluebadgeireland.com, which alsocontains information about driver guides,language guides and current rates.Where do I start?Having been involved in group travel forsome 30 years, and guiding for the pastfour years, I believe I am in the uniqueposition of being able to address thesubject from both a consumer andservice provider perspective.The good news is that the task of planninga great day out has just become a wholelot easier thanks to this publication, whichis a one-stop shop for all the necessaryingredients. Gone are the days whenyour day out was planned around theexperiences of a neighbouring group or ona friend’s recommendation. However, likeall successful events it’s all about planningand preparation. Hopefully, the next fewparagraphs will assist in making your dayout a great one!What you need to consider?When do you want to go?There has been a significant changeover the past two years. Events, oncecrammed into June and July, now takeplace throughout the year. That’s due to anumber of reasons, including the greateravailability of venues, such as museums,more eating establishments and betteropening hours.How far should you go?Know your limitations and set reasonableand achievable targets based on theabilities and interests of your group. There’sno point in planning a day trip from Tyroneto Belfast, including a trip to the Glens ofAntrim and afternoon tea in Coleraine.262 263