Spring Walking Festival 2014

Spring Walking Festival 2014

Fermanagh District Council have organised a ONE DAY walk encapsulating the Cuilcagh Mountain area on Saturday 15 March 2014. The walk provides an opportunity for individuals to come out and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of one of Fermanagh’s finest landscapes. The Spring Walking Festival costs £10 per person with two different walk start times available. Pre – registration is essential with places allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Cuilcagh Mountain

This walk is suitable for experienced walkers of steep terrain and long distances. This walk is not suitable for under 12 year olds. A packed lunch and drinks are essential.

Walk 1

Registration: 8.30am – 9.00am    Depart: 9.00am

Walk 2

Registration: 9.00am – 9.30am    Depart: 9.30am

Distance: 12/13km

Duration: 5 – 6 hours

Walk Information

The Cuilcagh Mountain walk will depart from the Marble Arch Caves car park at the outlined times.

Walkers will be transported to Ballyvelly Gap in County Cavan to the base of Cuilcagh Mountain to begin their ascent to the summit plateau. On the summit plateau (665metres) there is the large stone cairn where 360° panoramic views of the surrounding countryside can be seen. On clearly visible day views can encompass counties Tyrone, Donegal, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Roscommon. If the weather is particularly favourable Nephin Beg Mountain Range in County Mayo may be seen. Following the ascent to the summit plateau walkers will then plateau towards Tiltlnbane descending Cuilcagh along the Fermanagh border traversing across rare habitat types including limestone pavement and upland blanket bog. On the return route walkers will traverse blanket bog which can be wet underfoot before making their way towards Killykeegan and emerging on the roadway towards the Marble Arch Caves thus completing the walk.

^*Please note the exact Cuilcagh route may be subject to change pending weather conditions and an alternative walk may be utilised in extreme circumstances. This walk should only be undertaken by experienced walkers.

Additional Information

The following are essential for participation;

Ø  Warm waterproof clothing (including a change of clothing)

Ø  Denim clothing is not suitable

Ø  Walking boots; please ensure boots are worn in

Ø  Suncream, hats and gloves

Ø  A packed lunch and drinks

Safety Notes

Ø  It is essential that you understand that walking in the countryside can be dangerous if you do not use the correct equipment etc.

Ø  All persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No – one under 12 is allowed to participate in the walk.

Ø  All walkers must sign in at the beginning of the walk and sign out upon their return.

Ø  No one is authorised to join a walk at any other location other than at the registration centre.

Ø  Dogs are not permitted on any of the walks.

Ø  A health questionnaire must be completed before persons can participate in the festival.

Leave No trace

Please take all your litter home, respect wildlife and be considerate of other people and their property.

Registration and Booking

Pre – registration is essential with places allocated on a first come, first served basis; please note numbers are limited. The Cuilcagh Mountain walk is £10 per person with two walk start times available. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Fermanagh District Council’.

In order to book your place, please complete the walk registration form which is available from www.fermanagh.gov.uk/springwalk or contact;

Chris Elliott

Events Officer – Leisure & Sports Development

Fermanagh District Council

Townhall

Enniskillen

Co.Fermanagh

BT74 7BA

Tel: 028 6632 5050     E-mail: chris.elliott@fermanagh.gov.uk

The deadline for booking is 12nooon on 12^th March 2014. All registration forms must be returned with the £10 entry fee. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Fermanagh District Council’.

Directions

The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark Visitor Centre is located 11 miles south west of Enniskillen and can be accessed via the A4 Sligo road and A32 Swanlinbar Road. From Blacklion the site can be accessed off the N16 on the Blacklion - Florencecourt Road. Parking facilities will be available at the visitor centre.

Spring Breaks

It's time to brush off those winter cobwebs with Spring just around the corner. Here at Belmore Court and Motel we have put together some exciting packages which are sure to put a spring in your step!

Our Spring Short Breaks are available from 1st February - 31st May. This offer is 2 nights, for £60pps B&B in one of our Standard Double Rooms.

                                                                                      

In addition to our Spring Short Breaks we also have breaks to mark annual events and occasions during the Spring months. The first of which is St Patrick's Day. Our St Patrick's Day package begins from 1 night at £32.50pps B&B. Visitors to the county have the option of staying 2 nights £65.75pps B&B also. Guests will be staying in our Standard Double Rooms. Guests can also enjoy a free late checkout after experiencing Enniskillen's festivities to mark the day.

Mother's Day is on 30th March this year. Don't forget!! Our offer includes chocolates for the special lady on arrival and a stay in one of our Superior Double Rooms. Guests can stay Sunday night from £27.50pps B&B or 2 nights from £65.75pps B&B.

We are also offering egg-citing (pardon the pun, we couldn't resist) Easter Breaks for all the family.

• Standard Family Room from £20.25pps. This is a room only offer.
• Dinner B&B offers in a Superior Room, choose from:
• 2 B&B + 1 Dinner in a local restaurant from £90pps
• 3 B&B + 2 Dinner in a local restaurant from £142.50pps
• 4 B&B + 3 Dinner in a local restaurant from £195pps

Why not make Belmore Court and Motel your destination of choice this Spring and take advantage of our fantastic offers.

Remember to keep an eye on our Facebook, Twitter and Blog for information on upcoming events in Enniskillen and the surrounding area this Spring or visit www.fermanaghlakelands.com

Discover Fermanagh Open Weekend

The tourist season is upon us and to celebrate many of Fermanagh's best loved and best known visitor attractions are opening their doors for FREE! The open weekend is taking place from 7-9th March and is really not to be missed.

Opening its doors all weekend is the world famous Belleek Pottery. Guided tours are available Friday 7th March 10.15am-12.15pm and 145pm-3.00pm. The centre will also be open on Saturday 8th March from 10.00am-5.30pm and Sunday 9th from 2.00pm-5.00pm. There are no guided tours available on Saturday or Sunday.

Enniskillen Castle Museums are also opening their doors for the entire weekend from 10am-5pm each day. Amongst Fermanagh’s other famed attractions is Devenish Island. Over the Discover Fermanagh Open Weekend wisiting the Garden of Celtic Saints is an opportunity not to be missed by tourists and locals alike.

Headhunters Railway Museum is also open all weekend. Located on Darling Street Headhunters provides a nod to railway life of the past in Fermanagh and the boarder counties. They open Friday 9.00am-5.30pm, Saturday 9.00am-5.30pm and Sunday 10am-5pm.

Other local attractions are opening their doors at various times throughout the weekend.  The Marble Arch Geo Park, considered to be one of the best in Europe will offer guided tours on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th from 12.30pm - 4pm at 30 minute intervals. Booking is essential as tours are limited to 21 persons per tour and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. 20 minute information sessions about the wider geo park will also be available throughout the weekend.

AughakillymaudeMummers Centre is open on Saturday 8th March from 10am-3pm. Lady of the lake tours are also only available on Saturday 8^th March. Departing from Innishclare Jetty this is a fabulous opportunity to view the lakelands which Fermanagh is so famous for. Sailing is available from 11.30am-1.30pm. Advanced booking will be required. A common sight throughout Enniskillen over the summer months is the MV Kestrel. Short tours of Enniskillen's Island town on board the Kestrel will depart from the Lakeland Forum Jetty, every hour on the hour from 12pm-4pm on Saturday 8th March.

Visitors are invited to explore Drumskinny Stone Circle alongside a guide from Erne Heritage Tours. Guides will be onsite Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th 1pm-4pm. Visitors to the Janus Figure, Boa Island will also benefit from the knowledge of an experienced guide who will be onsite on Saturday 8^th and Sunday 9^th from 1pm-4pm to explain the significance of this historical figure.

Visitors can experience three Fermanagh National Trust Properties on Saturday 8th- Sunday 9th March.

• Castle Coole: Parkland is open 10am-7pm. House tours will run from 11am-4pm. The shop and tearoom will be open 11am-5pm. (Castle Coole is a five minute walk from The Belmore Court and Motel.)
• Florence Court: Gardens and Park will be open from 10am-7pm. House tours will run 11am-4pm. The shop and tearoom will be open 11am-5pm.
• Crom Estate: Grounds open 10am-5pm, the visitor centre will be open 11am-5pm. (Exhibition, shop and tea room.)

There will also be offers on National Trust Membership throughout the weekend.

The Share Innishcruiser will take to the waters of Upper Lough Erne over the Discover Fermanagh Open Weekend. Celebrating all Fermanagh's lakelands have to offer, this 2 hour sailing experience is available on Saturday 8th at 10.30am and Sunday 9th at 10.30am. The trip will take participants from the Share Discovery Village departure point, to Crom Castle and back, all the while showing off the beauty of Upper Lough Erne. Booking is essential as places are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Tully Castle is open on Saturday 8th March 10am-4pm and Sunday 9th March 12pm-4pm. There will be guided tours available at intervals on both days.

A Walk and talk tour of Enniskillen is taking place on Sunday 9th March at 12 noon and 2pm. Tours are starting from the Visitor Information Centre, Wellington Road. Booking is not required.

Here at the Belmore Court and Motel we also thought we'd get into the spirit of the Discover Fermanagh Open Weekend and have a great package on offer to celebrate. Guests can stay for the entire weekend from only £60pps including breakfast. www.motel.co.uk/spring We hope to see you soon!

FREE accommodation for five #EV drivers at #Belmore Court

As a result of the recent joint Department for Regional Development (DRD) and Department of the Environment ecar DRIVESHOW held at Enniskillen Castle, local business owner Terry McCartney is offering one night’s free accommodation at Belmore Court and Motel, Tempo Road, Enniskillen to five electric cars owners! The only condition is that you bring along an electric vehicle and use the charging point on site. To find out more, contact Terry on: 028 6632 6633

John Moss, Irene Breen & Terry McCartney

Another visitor to the show, John Moss from the Technical Department at South West College is asking for help from existing ecar users.  The college is undertaking a European study into ecar usage and would be interested to hear first hand experiences from owners of electric and hybrid vehicles. To contact John, ring : 08456 031881 or email john.moss@swc.ac.uk

Also pictured is Irene Breen DRD ecar Project Manager – to find out more about the benefits of electric cars visit: www.ecarni.com

The Belmore Court and Motel EV charger has been supplied by ZeroCarbonWorld and was the 1st WallPod they have in Northern Ireland. The WallPod has recently been upgrade to the 'Mennekes' or '7 pin' Charging Station.

Zero Carbon World wants to clear the confusion, bureaucracy and profiteering surrounding decarbonisation. It is our vision to live in a sustainable and equitable decarbonised society.

Accommodation must be used before the 31st March 2014 and is subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

Samson v Golaiths in the Housekeeping Awards

The Belmore Court and Motel are pleased to announce that our housekeeping team are finalists in the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation's annual Housekeeping Awards. Now in its 5th year the awards aim to find the best housekeeping team in Northern Ireland.

Some of the housekeeping team at Belmore Court & Motel

The awards have two categories 'Under 90 Rooms' and 'Over 90 Rooms'. The Belmore Court and Motel are finalists in the 'Under 90 Rooms' category and face some stiff competition in the form of the big boys up the motorway: Malmaison, Ten Square Hotel, Clandeboye Lodge Hotel and the Galgorm Resort & Spa.

We are the only representative from Fermanagh and the only representative West of the Bann left in the competition!

To qualify as finalists two members of the housekeeping team (Diana and Vilija) made the trip to Belfast for an assessment of their skills.

Diana and Vilija's day in Belfast began with Ice Breakers, followed by an explanation of how the day would work, those who scored the highest would be short-listed. The first challenge was to service a bedroom in 10 minutes, this included all the usual housekeeping tasks such as tidying the bed and ensuring the tea tray was fully stocked and clean.

The second challenge was to put together a basket to go into rooms celebrating Valentines Day. The teams had everything they would need set out in front of them as well as a variety of gifts, which they could choose from to include in their baskets. They also had ten minutes to do this. The Belmore Court and Motel's team included a teddy, champagne with two glasses, a candle and a towel, which they shaped like a swan to set off their romantic theme. The ladies assure us their swan impressed everyone on the day!

The third challenge set to the teams was a room inspection with a difference. They had 7 minutes to find 20 hair clips (the same colour as the carpet) and to point them out to the adjudicator without moving or lifting them. Diana and Vilija were proud to have spotted 17 out of 20.

Their team work was also assessed albeit in a less formal way. The ladies were tasked with making a giraffe from Sellotape and newspaper. Diana and Vilija confess that whilst their giraffe might not have been the best in the room it was the most comedic and brought the rest of the room to laughter as it looked pregnant!

Their day in Belfast was followed up by a secret inspection of the Belmore Court and Motel. The inspection included bedrooms, public toilets, bins, the corridor, the lift and the housekeeping team's laundry room. The team impressed the judge so much so that the inspector asked if she could take Diana home! We're not parting with her anytime soon though.

The winner will be announced at a gala dinner on 12th March in the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel; Wish us luck...

UPDATE

We Won - Check it out --- http://belmorecourtmotel.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/belmore-court-motel-cleans-up.html