Foster uncovers 'unique experience' at Florence Court

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster highlighted the important part ‘unique experiences’ play in boosting tourism, in County Fermanagh today.

The Minister officially opened the Men’s Way holiday apartment in the National Trust’s Florence Court estate. The Men’s Way apartment, overlooking the laundry courtyard, was the accommodation for male servants in the 18th century.

Speaking at the National Trust property in county Fermanagh, the Minister said: “Bringing properties such as the Men’s Way apartment back to life provides visitors with a unique, memorable experience. Florence Court is a beautiful venue and this four-star holiday apartment is another jewel in the estate’s crown.”

The National Trust is Northern Ireland’s largest conservation charity, and the restoration of the apartment is the culmination of an £800,000 investment over the last two years in its three Fermanagh properties, Florence Court, Castle Coole and Crom, to improve the overall visitor experience.

Arlene Foster said: “The economic climate and strong euro has contributed to an increase in visitor numbers domestically and from the Republic of Ireland.

“The number of local people choosing to holiday at home has increased by 13% and total trips taken resulted in £190million being spent in the local economy. In addition, visitors from the Republic of Ireland injected £67million into the economy last year as the total number of holiday makers rose by 39% from this key market.”

The Minister added: “Visitors are staying longer and experiencing more while they are here. Men’s Way holiday apartment offers visitors the opportunity to stay overnight and enjoy the ambience of a past era, while also being able to take advantage of all that Fermanagh can offer, from the breathtaking scenery to its welcoming people.”

Commenting on the project, Hilary McGrady, National Trust Director for Northern Ireland said: “It is extremely rare to find a series of rooms such as Men’s Way that have hardly been touched by the 20th century, let alone the 21st. With careful planning we have been able to retain much of the atmosphere of the rooms and historic finishes, while making the area usable, practical and above all comfortable, as a very special holiday apartment.

“As a conservation charity we value these fine examples of historic buildings. Bringing them back into use provides the opportunity to raise much needed funds to support the work of the National Trust so that everyone can enjoy our unique and special places.”

Notes to editors:

1. For media enquiries contact DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9297. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
2. Further details on Florence Court can be found on the National Trust website