27/01/2026
Tourism NI Unveils First Ever 'Signature Walk' At Downhill
Tourism Northern Ireland has announced the launch of the region's inaugural Signature Walk, located at the historic Downhill Demesne near Coleraine.
Developed through a partnership with the National Trust, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, and the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, the route is intended to be the first in a series of iconic walking trails across the country.
The 4.2-mile circular experience begins at Castlerock Train Station, encouraging sustainable travel by allowing visitors to leave their cars behind. The two-hour trek leads walkers across rugged headlands and along the north coast cliffs before reaching the Downhill Estate. Highlights of the route include the estate's gardens, ruins, and the famous Mussenden Temple, which sits on a 300ft cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The trail offers panoramic views that stretch west towards Magilligan Point and County Donegal, and east across Castlerock beach toward Portstewart, Portrush, and Fair Head. Recent data suggests that scenic walking is a primary motivator for tourism, with 48% of local visitors and 33% of those from the Republic of Ireland engaging in the activity during their stay.
Sheena Dickson, Landscapes & Activities Tourism Manager at Tourism NI, said: "Tourism NI is delighted to be involved in the launch of the Signature Walk and there cannot be a more picturesque and dramatic headland in Northern Ireland than Downhill Estate for the start of this exciting project. Developing these signature routes will help showcase some of our most special outdoor assets and tell the story of our iconic places by inviting our visitors to get their walking shoes on."
Oliver McMullan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, added: "We are delighted to have the iconic walk from Castlerock to Downhill Demesne featured as part of Tourism NI's Signature Walks for 2026. With its iconic sea views and stunning scenery, this beautiful coastline walk is unrivalled for its beauty; and as Castlerock is served by both bus and train links, it offers walkers a chance to really enjoy the Castlerock area and beyond, leaving the car at home to connect with nature."
Developed through a partnership with the National Trust, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, and the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, the route is intended to be the first in a series of iconic walking trails across the country.
The 4.2-mile circular experience begins at Castlerock Train Station, encouraging sustainable travel by allowing visitors to leave their cars behind. The two-hour trek leads walkers across rugged headlands and along the north coast cliffs before reaching the Downhill Estate. Highlights of the route include the estate's gardens, ruins, and the famous Mussenden Temple, which sits on a 300ft cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Sheena Dickson, Landscapes & Activities Tourism Manager at Tourism NI, said: "Tourism NI is delighted to be involved in the launch of the Signature Walk and there cannot be a more picturesque and dramatic headland in Northern Ireland than Downhill Estate for the start of this exciting project. Developing these signature routes will help showcase some of our most special outdoor assets and tell the story of our iconic places by inviting our visitors to get their walking shoes on."
Oliver McMullan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, added: "We are delighted to have the iconic walk from Castlerock to Downhill Demesne featured as part of Tourism NI's Signature Walks for 2026. With its iconic sea views and stunning scenery, this beautiful coastline walk is unrivalled for its beauty; and as Castlerock is served by both bus and train links, it offers walkers a chance to really enjoy the Castlerock area and beyond, leaving the car at home to connect with nature."
Latest Northern Ireland News
27 January 2026
Widespread Disruption As Storm Chandra Hits Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is facing severe disruption today, Tuesday 27 January, as Storm Chandra delivers a combination of powerful winds and heavy rainfall. The Met Office has implemented an amber wind warning for eastern and coastal regions, including counties Antrim, Down, and Derry, which is set to remain in place until 21:00 GMT.
Widespread Disruption As Storm Chandra Hits Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is facing severe disruption today, Tuesday 27 January, as Storm Chandra delivers a combination of powerful winds and heavy rainfall. The Met Office has implemented an amber wind warning for eastern and coastal regions, including counties Antrim, Down, and Derry, which is set to remain in place until 21:00 GMT.
27 January 2026
Major Reforms To Northern Ireland Driver Licensing Announced
A significant overhaul of the driver licensing system is set to be implemented in Northern Ireland, with Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announcing the introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) on 1 October 2026.
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27 January 2026
NI Water Announces Recruitment Drive For 2026 Academy Intake
NI Water has officially opened its search for 27 new recruits to join its prestigious Entry Level Academy for the September 2026 intake. The recruitment drive offers a diverse array of opportunities including apprenticeships, higher level apprenticeships (HLA), and graduate roles.
NI Water Announces Recruitment Drive For 2026 Academy Intake
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27 January 2026
Tourism NI Unveils First Ever 'Signature Walk' At Downhill
Tourism Northern Ireland has announced the launch of the region's inaugural Signature Walk, located at the historic Downhill Demesne near Coleraine.
Tourism NI Unveils First Ever 'Signature Walk' At Downhill
Tourism Northern Ireland has announced the launch of the region's inaugural Signature Walk, located at the historic Downhill Demesne near Coleraine.
27 January 2026
Two Men Jailed Following Major Coalisland Drugs Seizure
Two men have been handed prison sentences at Laganside Crown Court, for their roles in drug-related offences. The sentencings follow a significant police operation in County Tyrone in 2024. Thomas Taggart, 39, received a sentence of six years and six months after pleading guilty to possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply.
Two Men Jailed Following Major Coalisland Drugs Seizure
Two men have been handed prison sentences at Laganside Crown Court, for their roles in drug-related offences. The sentencings follow a significant police operation in County Tyrone in 2024. Thomas Taggart, 39, received a sentence of six years and six months after pleading guilty to possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply.
27 January 2026
MLA Calls For Urgent Action On AI-Driven Abuse Against Women
SDLP MLA Cara Hunter has submitted a motion to the Northern Ireland Assembly demanding immediate intervention to combat online violence and AI-generated abuse targeting women and girls.
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27 January 2026
Jon Burrows Named Senior UUP Leadership Team
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27 January 2026
BCC Issues HMO Safety Warning For Students And Tenants
Belfast City Council (BCC) is calling on students and prospective renters to verify that their shared accommodation is correctly licensed as a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO). In Northern Ireland, any living accommodation where three or more people from more than two different households reside together is classified as an HMO.
BCC Issues HMO Safety Warning For Students And Tenants
Belfast City Council (BCC) is calling on students and prospective renters to verify that their shared accommodation is correctly licensed as a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO). In Northern Ireland, any living accommodation where three or more people from more than two different households reside together is classified as an HMO.
26 January 2026
Met Office Issues Severe Weather Alerts As Storm Chandra Hits NI
Northern Ireland is bracing for significant travel disruption and hazardous conditions as Storm Chandra tracks across the region on Tuesday, 27 January. The Met Office has updated its weather alerts, introducing an amber warning for wind alongside a widespread yellow warning for both wind and rain.
Met Office Issues Severe Weather Alerts As Storm Chandra Hits NI
Northern Ireland is bracing for significant travel disruption and hazardous conditions as Storm Chandra tracks across the region on Tuesday, 27 January. The Met Office has updated its weather alerts, introducing an amber warning for wind alongside a widespread yellow warning for both wind and rain.
26 January 2026
NIFRS Reports Highest House Fire Death Toll In 25 Years
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has revealed that 2025 saw 16 house fire fatalities, the highest number recorded in a single year since 1999. The alarming statistics have prompted an immediate call for the public to check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
NIFRS Reports Highest House Fire Death Toll In 25 Years
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has revealed that 2025 saw 16 house fire fatalities, the highest number recorded in a single year since 1999. The alarming statistics have prompted an immediate call for the public to check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.