The Guild of Agricultural Journalists of Ireland invites you to an Agri-press trip to Northern Ireland from April 20-23, 2020
**EVENT CANCELLED**
See for yourself how modern farmers in Northern Ireland are adapting the traditional grass-based system with visits to efficient and sustainable beef, sheep and dairy farms.
Hear about the challenges facing our farmers who are at the epi-centre of Brexit – the UK’s only land border with the EU.
Find out what our growers and farmers are doing to add value
to their produce with visits planned to:
- Grain-to-bottle gin distillery
- Major UK dairy processor
- On-farm vegetable packing plant
- A German food retailer adapting to a local market
Meet the researchers leading the way in grass-management and livestock production at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute and find out what big projects are next to be launched.
See how that translates into the latest technology at Northern Ireland machinery manufacturer SlurryKat and how it offers a range of machinery to improve nutrient management on farms.
Extending your stay?
The tour will be based in Belfast right beside the world-famous Titanic Museum and will explore agriculture in counties Armagh, Down and Antrim. While we have a very packed programme you are welcome to stay a few extra days to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of a rapidly changing city that’s full of character.
Because Belfast is a small city, you’ll be just a walk away from famous landmarks like St. George’s Market, St. Anne’s Cathedral, the Crown Bar, HMS Caroline, Ulster Museum and Crumlin Road Gaol.
We can’t promise the weather, but we can promise you’ll have great ‘craic’ in the Emerald Isle…just make sure to bring a raincoat! ‘Fair fa ye’ to our wee part of the world!
#ulsterfarmtrip #tastetheisland
PLEASE NOTE: Participants must arrive in Belfast before 4pm on April 20 and depart after 4pm on April 23. The trip fee is £160 (pounds sterling). For more information contact Rachel Martin (rachel@agriland.ie) or Chris McCullough (belfastjourno@gmail.com)
How to apply
Please submit your registration form to rachel@agriland.ie before February 20, 2020. We hope to notify successful delegates by February 28.
The £160 registration fee must be received by March 10 or your place will be forfeited. (Fee must be paid in pounds sterling).
Getting here
Getting to Belfast couldn’t be easier. You can fly to Belfast City Airport (BHD) or Belfast International Airport (BFS). There is a direct bus service from both airports to the city centre.
The service runs every 15 minutes from Belfast International Airport and costs £8 single or £11.50 return. The journey takes around 30 minutes. The hotel is just 1.7 miles from Europa Bus Station where the route ends.
https://www.belfastairport.com/to-from
Taxis are readily available outside the station but you can also get to the hotel with Belfast’s new Rapid Transit System.
The G2 Glider Service will take you from beside city hall (Chichester street) to the Titanic Quarter, where the hotel is based. The journey only takes around 5 minutes and runs every 7-8 minutes. Get off at the stop marked ‘Odyssey’.
Belfast City Airport
The hotel is just two miles away from Belfast City Airport. Taxis are readily available at the airport and are the best option to get to the Titanic Quarter. The journey takes around 5 minutes.
From Dublin Airport
Alternatively, you can fly to Dublin Airport. There are two express bus services direct from the airport to Belfast city centre (Air Coach and Translink). As our programme is very busy please ensure any flights from Dublin allow time for the 2.5 hour journey.
Both buses from Dublin Airport terminate at the Europa Bus Station. From there, walk to city hall and take the G2 Glider Service as described above.
Useful information
Hotel: www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/northern-ireland/antrim/belfast/belfast-titanic-quarter.html
Taxi: Fonacab: 0044 28 90 333 333 (also has an app which works similarly to Uber)
The currency used in Northern Ireland is £GBP (pound sterling). To call a Northern Ireland phone number, use the dialling code 0044 and drop the first 0.
Tour and all presentations will be conducted in English. Applicants must satisfy their own country’s visa requirements to the UK.