Standing Stones Tourist Attraction Underway

November 2, 2016

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delighted that the construction of the stunning £1.75 million Standing Stones tourist accommodation and restaurant development is underway.

Situated on the boundary of Divis Mountain this new tourism development will provide an 8-bed guest house with associated parking.  Phase two will be a 100-seater restaurant serving high quality local produce, 16 self-catering units and phase three will be an area for camping and caravans.

Councillor Uel Mackin, Chairman of the Development Committee and Alderman James Tinsley, elected representative for the area recently visited the site.

Speaking about the development Councillor Mackin, said: “It is excellent to see this tourism project underway.  It represents a significant investment of over £1.75 million in the area and is ideally situated close to the very popular National Trust property, Divis Mountain.  Tourism is an important source of employment within a dynamic industry and this development is a prime example of changing times as people are starting to take walking holidays and weekend breaks.  This complex will offer the perfect support services to the Divis Mountain tourist attraction.

“There are several walking trails on Divis Mountain and the Standing Stones complex will offer nearby accommodation to those walkers from near and far who wish to spend a few days enjoying the trails.  The walkers that visit Divis can all avail of this complex when completed from the restaurant to accommodation.  I would like to commend Mr McLarnon and his architect John McGarrity for bringing this project to the area. It is an ideal example of inward investment and was showcased by the Council at its recent stand at MIPIM in mid-October,” concluded Councillor Mackin.

Alderman James Tinsley added: “This project is a good example of innovation and sustainability as there has been a change of use granted 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 increase visitor numbers to the area.”