Council Revisits Standing Stones Tourist Attraction

June 21, 2018

In 2016 planning permission was granted for the construction of a stunning £1.75 million tourist accommodation and restaurant development called ‘Standing Stones’ on the boundary of Divis Mountain.

The Mayor, Councillor Uel Mackin and Alderman James Tinsley, elected representative for the area recently revisited the site to see how the works have progressed.  They met up with the owner Mr McLarnon and his architect John McGarrity.

Speaking about the development, the Mayor, Councillor Mackin, said: “It is excellent to see this tourism project nearing completion.  The significant investment of over £1.75 million in the area is welcomed; and I have no doubt that this latest visitor attraction in the Council area will be well utilised as it is ideally situated close to the very popular National Trust property, Divis Mountain. 

“This development will offer the perfect support services to those who like to take walking holidays and weekend breaks at the Divis Mountain tourist attraction, which has several walking trails.  I would like to thank Mr McLarnon for investing in the Lisburn Castlereagh area and I wish him every success in the years ahead.”

The Standing Stones development includes: a 100-seater restaurant, 6 double rooms in a guest house and 16 self-catering units with double rooms, all with associated parking.  The complex is expected to open in August 2018. 

Alderman James Tinsley added: “This project is a good example of innovation and sustainability following the granting of a change of use for the redundant telecommunications building that used to be on this site.  Over recent years there has been an annual increase in walkers on Divis Mountain and having a variety of accommodation types in the vicinity can only further increase visitor numbers to the area.”

Phase three will be an area for camping and caravans.