Tourism NI has launched an audio-series of enchanting Soothing Stories from Northern Ireland, bringing listeners on a tranquil journey through beautiful landscapes, rich culture and extraordinary heritage.
Some of Northern Ireland’s finest talents were involved in the production of the four-part series, with actors Conleth Hill and Bronagh Waugh lending their voices to bring the local terrains, mythical tales and stories to life.
As we all yearn to travel, Tourism NI is providing the ultimate armchair travel experience from the comfort of your own home. These new calming audio-originals are an opportunity for listeners to escape and embrace unique magical adventures from Northern Ireland, even for a short while, as a bedtime story or on a daily walk.
Designed to inspire discovery of Northern Ireland’s Giant Spirit, you can unlock your wanderlust and stride through the Narnia inspired Mourne Mountains then on to Armagh’s blossoming orchards. Transport yourself to the Fermanagh Lakelands and the magnificent Sperrin Mountains through to the walled city of Derry~Londonderry, the Causeway Coastal Route, Belfast City and the Ards Peninsula.
Commenting on the calming stories, star of stage and screen, best-known for his role in Games of Thrones®, Conleth Hill said: “I was enthralled by the beautiful stories from my homeplace and it has been a great privilege to tell them.
“They brought back some nostalgic memories; I can remember hearing about the myths and legends of Northern Ireland when I grew up in Ballycastle and finding them truly fascinating. It has been really special to be able to tell some of those stories as well as describe the breath-taking landscapes that people can enjoy in this part of the world.
“There are so many hidden treasures here, many of which have brought me such comfort during the past year and I just hope these soothing stories give listeners the opportunity to imagine themselves here too, and hopefully visit again soon.”
Born and raised in Coleraine and known for her roles in The Fall, Unforgotten, Derry Girls, the forthcoming Viewpoint for ITV and so much more, award-winning actress, Bronagh Waugh said: “It has been a real joy to be part of the Soothing Stories from Northern Ireland, telling the unique tales and describing the beautiful wonders of our land in a very moving way.
“When I come home, I am always surprised by the new and unique experiences here to discover, but I also still enjoy visiting my old, favourite spots and regularly make it back to Mussenden Temple, Dunluce Castle and of course a brisk walk on Portstewart Strand to let the wild Atlantic air blow the cobwebs away. The stories have been written and produced in such a calming and lulling way, I hope listeners can really relax, transport themselves in their mind to these landscapes and embrace the giant spirit of Northern Ireland, particularly at a time when our travel is limited.”
The stories have been written by author and acclaimed travel writer, Seth Linder, from his home in Rostrevor, County Down. He has written several travel books, copy for countless heritage exhibitions, as well as extensively for publications such as Condé Nast Traveller Magazine, The Observer, Sunday Times and Independent on Sunday.
Tourism NI, Director of Marketing, Naomi Waite said: “At a time when people can’t experience this place for themselves, we hope the Soothing Stories from Northern Ireland will bring a little of our giant spirit to you, reminding people of the beauty of our places and the truly unique heritage and experiences here. We are so proud of our tourism industry and our people who help make Northern Ireland such a special place. They have been central to our remarkable journey to becoming a global destination.
“Northern Ireland has so much on offer to awaken your giant spirit and we hope our stories will inspire you to dig a little deeper and go on more adventures here in the future. Our tourism industry will be ready to welcome you when it is safe to do so.”
You can listen to the four Soothing Stories of Northern Ireland for free on the Discover Northern Ireland Spotify channel here: http://bit.ly/SoothingStoriesNI
For more inspirational places to visit in Northern Ireland, when it is safe to do so, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com. Northern Ireland’s giant welcome will be here for you when the time is right.