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The potential for the
development of tourism in the Borough is based on its
significant natural assets. The key challenge is to secure
the economic benefits of tourism development whilst
conserving the assets of the natural environment.
The Borough benefits from its
proximity to the Belfast tourism market and the proximity of
facilities and accommodation of the city centre, together
with its location on the route to Belfast International
Airport and the Belfast Lough coastal road. The Belfast
Lough coastal area includes a path, which runs from Dargan
Road in Belfast to the Jordanstown Loughshore Park and forms
part of the National Cycle Network. Hazelbank Park and
Jordanstown Loughshore Park prove popular to visitors at all
times of the year, but especially during the summer months.
The potential exists to expand
on the day trip market around the coastal section of
Newtownabbey, with the possibility of cruising and
exploitation of the events market. Accommodation is
available in the 700 rooms at the University of Ulster,
Jordanstown, halls of residence during the summer months.
The Valley Park offers
recreational activities, including the provision of various
sports and walks and Carnmoney Hill, Carrickfergus
Escarpment and the Belfast Hills, offer potential for
rambling and countryside recreation. There are also a number
of golfing facilities within Metropolitan Newtownabbey,
including Ballyearl Golf and Leisure Centre, Ballyclare Golf
Club, Burnfield House Golf Course and Greenacres Golf Club.
Fishing is a popular visitor attraction, with trout fishing
available.
Facilities for arts and
culture are provided at Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre,
which includes The Courtyard Theatre, and at Mossley Mill
which includes a heritage gallery, temporary exhibition
gallery and an education room. Sentry Hill, a farmhouse with
out buildings and farmland, includes a collection of
furniture, paintings, photographs, ceramics, books,
archaeological and geological artefacts. A number of
festivals, fairs and events also take place throughout the
council area all year round.
Newtownabbey Borough Councils
tourism strategy is based on the development of key tourism
products, such as attractions, recreation provision, retail
development and history and culture, to build on recent
improvements to the tourism base, including Mossley Mill and
Sentry Hill. Metropolitan Newtownabbey has the potential to
accommodate further tourism.
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