A Derry Girl now living in England has been reconnecting with her Northern Irish roots after embarking on an adventure to explore some of the region’s most unique tourist attractions.
Kathy Kiera Clarke, best known for her role of as Aunt Sarah in the hit comedy series Derry Girls, has been working with Tourism NI to highlight some of Northern Ireland’s top spots to visitors.
Tourism NI has recreated Kathy’s itinerary on its website with a few extra stops along the way for inspiration, if you want to holiday like a Derry Girl.
Kathy, who now lives in England, said: “I’m born and bred in Belfast and it’s always lovely to come home. Every time I come back it seems like there is something new to see, there is a real vibrancy about the place.”
Kathy at the Enniskeen Estate Forest Baths, Newcastle, County Down- Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland
Kathy’s trip included a stay in Belfast’s Grand Central Hotel, an introduction to Seedhead Arts’ Street Art Walking Tour, a tour of Titanic Distillers, a stop-off at the Seamus Heaney Home Place and a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour.
She also called at Bushmills Inn, the Magheracross Viewpoint outside Portrush, took a Black Taxi Tour and marvelled at the beauty of Enniskeen Estate & Forest Spa which is set within the Mourne Mountains.
“While I’ve always known this place is special, I am thrilled to see that so many people from all over the world think the same. We are truly blessed to have so many amazing places to visit and they’re right on our doorstep,” Kathy said.
She said she was surprised by how affordable a trip around Northern Ireland can be.
“You can find great value, too – there would be no need for Derry Girl, Jenny Joyce to dip too far into her famous trust fund, as a short trip won’t break the bank.
Kathy at the “The Turf Man” bronze statue, inspired by the Seamus Heaney poem “Digging” in Bellaghy, County Londonderry- Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland
Kathy said she learnt a lot about her home country during the trip.
“Did you know it was the landscape around the Mournes and across to Rostrevor that inspired CS Lewis to create Narnia for his chronicles, which would go on to become one of the all-time classics of children’s literature?
“At Enniskeen you really get a sense of this fairytale world, there really is nowhere else like it. Sitting by the fire with that extraordinary view in the distance is just good for the soul.
The actress hopes her adventure can encourage others to enjoy all the tourist attractions Northern Ireland has to offer.
“I’ve already started thinking about what to pack for my next trip to Northern Ireland.
“From climbing the famous Cuilcagh Boardwalk, sampling Co Armagh’s ciders to walking in the footsteps of giants under the night sky at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, sure, where else would you get it?”