Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick celebrating Slieve Gullion wining the NI4Kids Award for Family Visitor Attraction of the Year along with councillors Roisin Mulgrew, Kate Loughran and Pete Byrne, Dermot Winters, Caretaker and Patrick Townson and Patrick Murray Park Attendants
On 27 June, Slieve Gullion was awarded the prestigious title of ‘Family Visitor Attraction of the Year’ at the NI4Kids Family Awards 2016 held at Belfast City Hall.
The awards, which first took place five years ago, are held to honour all of the amazing places and people who put families with young children first. This year’s ceremony, hosted by QRadio’s Gareth Stewart, had a glitzy movie theme that included everything from paparazzi to popcorn and red carpets.
After hundreds of nominations from across the country were submitted, and a tense judging period, the winners were announced. Slieve Gullion faced tough competition from ‘The Jungle NI’ and ‘Rosepark Farm’ but were announced by commentator Alex Crane as the deserved winners.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said: “This is a fabulous achievement for Slieve Gullion and the wider district area, we are lucky to have so many great attractions in Newry, Mourne and Down and it is great when they are recognised.
“The Council would like to thank everyone involved in the creation of this tourism gem and to all the children who bring this magic to life everyday. I would also like to pass on congratulations to the other winners from the district; Child of the Year Lucy Parke, Grandparent of the Year Catherine Ferris and nominee Primary School Teacher of the Year, Yvonne Finnegan from St Brigid’s Primary School Downpatrick.”
Slieve Gullion Forest Park is constantly improving for everyone that visits with each year seeing an increase in fantastic events taking place and this summer is no different. A huge magical living story will come to life in August at the ‘Footsteps in the Forest’ event during the Lúnasa 2016 Festival.
For further information on all upcoming events please visit:
