Derry Girls Experience hits 10,000th visitor milestone in just one month

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The Tower Museum exhibition celebrating Lisa McGee’s hit TV Series Derry Girls has reached a significant visitor milestone just one month after it opened to the public.

The Maguire family from Sydney Australia this week had the distinction of bringing the total number of visitors to the Derry Girls Experience to 10,000 people.

The exhibition, featuring a range of original items from the show, has been viewed by thousands of locals and visitors from across the world since it officially opened its doors to the public on Monday July 3rd.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Patricia Logue, said the popularity of the display has surpassed all expectations.

“The Derry Girls Experience has proved a huge draw since it opened just over one month ago,” she said.

“It has more than doubled the projected visitor numbers and is the most visitor numbers we have had since the Tower Museum opened.

“Staff at the Tower have met families who have planned their holidays around visiting the exhibition and the knock on effect of thousands of visitors on the local economy will be significant.

“It proves yet again what a positive impact the show has had in heightening the international profile of our city and attracting visitors from all over the world.”

Roisin Doherty, Curator at the Tower Museum, added: “The Derry Girls Experience celebrates the story of the hit show right in the heart of the city where it is set.

“We have been fortunate to secure some iconic memorabilia for the exhibition and the public have loved the opportunity to see the likes of Erin’s diary, Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater and the infamous Spice Girls costumes.

“The visitor numbers have surpassed all expectations and show just how popular the show has become not just here but all over the world.”

Odhran Dunne, Chief Executive at Visit Derry, said the exhibition is already playing a key role in promoting the city to global market.

“Attractions such as the new Derry Girls Experience are key to ensuring our continued success in growing our visitor numbers, particularly from international markets.

“In just over one month, the Derry Girls Experience has welcomed 10,000 visitors from over 34 countries.

“The experience has surpassed initial targets as a driver for tourism to the city and region and plays a special role in helping Visit Derry continue to raise the profile of the destination and attract visitors from across the world.”

The Derry Girls exhibition was given the go ahead in January, with £71,000 secured through the Tourism NI Market Led Product Development Programme 2022/23, and additional funds from Council’s Museum Services Programme bringing the budget to £80,000.

It was made possible by a loan agreement with Hat Trick Productions to host a number of items from the original set with a variety of set dressings, furniture and original props from the TV show.

It also uses AR technology to provide interactive elements to the exhibition making it a user friendly experience.

The series has been cleaning up on the awards circuit, most recently gaining two BAFTA awards for the show’s creator Lisa McGee, and star Siobhán McSweeney.

Since airing on Netflix it has reached global audiences, shining a spotlight on the city’s warmth and humour in stark contrast to the dark days of the Troubles.

Last week the show was confirmed as Northern Ireland’s most watched television programme of 2022.

Tickets for the Derry Girls Experience are priced at £4 each and can be booked online at towermuseumcollections.com.

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A Giant Experience Awakens in the Sperrins as Sculpture Trail is launched

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July witnessed the official launch of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail and unveiling of the three giant art installations that have been created to showcase the geology, archaeology and heritage of the Sperrins.

This innovative tourism project showcases a trio of interrelated and unique art pieces created by world acclaimed artist Thomas Dambo, located at three sites in the Sperrins at Mullaghcarn, along the Glenelly Valley near Cranagh, and at Davagh Forest.

These innovative and inspiring artistic creations celebrate the ancient and intriguing natural beauty of the region and embraces the giant spirit of the local landscape.

The Sperrins Sculpture Trail is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council in partnership with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Mid Ulster District Council and is part of a wider plan to promote this popular area of natural, unspoilt beauty and drive rural tourism and investment in the local natural and built heritage.

The Sperrins Sculpture Trail is delivered through the Rural Tourism Scheme as part of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 with funding support of over £1.32m from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) with match funding totalling £568k from the partner Councils.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Patricia Logue, speaking at the site of the trail at the Glenelly Valley site near Cranagh said she was hugely supportive of the project and very impressed with the giant sculptures.

She said: “I am delighted that this hugely important tourism project for the Sperrins is now complete and ready to be actively marketed and promoted as a major tourism attraction for this really beautiful scenic area. I am confident that it will bring much needed investment to the region and encourage visitors from across the globe to visit our amazing rural heartlands, whilst preserving the natural assets for our rural communities and linking in with the work being done at a regional level to embrace the giant spirit of our local landscape and natural environment.”

The Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Dominic Molloy speaking about the Davagh site said: ““It is my pleasure to formally welcome Ceoldán the Giant to the Sperrins and to OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, one of only two International Dark Sky parks on the island of Ireland. The inclusion of such a striking sculpture in the ancient heart of Mid Ulster can only add to the exciting experiences already in place that are open to our local and international visitors. In forging this link with our neighbouring Council areas, we are working collaboratively to maximise the benefits for our local rural economies west of the Bann.”

Speaking about the project, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O Reilly, said:

“We are thrilled to be a part of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail featuring a trio of giant sculptures. These interrelated and unique art pieces created by world-acclaimed artist Thomas Dambo not only showcase his artistic brilliance but also highlights the natural, unspoiled beauty of the region. It will serve as a catalyst to drive rural sustainable tourism, attract investment, and preserve our local natural and built heritage. We anticipate the Trail will captivate visitors locally, regionally, and internationally, leaving them with unforgettable giant experiences of the Sperrins”.

Welcoming news of the completion of the project, DAERA Director of Rural Affairs Teresa O’Neill said: “ I am delighted that DAERA,  through the Rural Tourism Scheme strand of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, has been able to support this project. 

Tourism is one of the key economic drivers for Northern Ireland and I congratulate the three Councils involved for developing and delivering unique and iconic artistic creations at the three sites in the Sperrins. This innovative project will attract additional visitors to this rural part of Northern Ireland and will therefore provide a timely boost to the local economy”. 

A spokesperson from McGurk Architects added: “As a local firm based in the Mid Ulster area, McGurk Architects are proud to have led and managed this unique project from design competition stage through to final completion on site.

In July 2022, Colm McGurk (Director and founder of McGurk Architects) sadly passed away, suddenly and after a short illness. Colm’s research into the history, geology and folklore of the Sperrins was instrumental to the award of this contract to McGurk Architects and Colm told everyone he met about the Giants of Sperrin.  

We believe that the Giants enhance the identity of our region and trust that they will be cherished and enjoyed by many future generations.

Artist Thomas Dambo said: “Working in Northern Ireland has been a great challenge. Most of my sculptures around the world are made from trash like discarded pallet wood, because my main mission is to show the world how to transform trash into treasure. But for The Sperrins I was asked to build my sculptures to last for 60 years and this has been a push to learn how to work with longevity in a responsible way.

“To make ‘The Three Giants and the Campfires in the Sky’ a reality I had to learn about responsible forestry, European Oak and natural preservatives. I also salvaged tons of residual wood from Danish furniture makers to make sure my work would still be in line with my core values. Because we must leave this planet a better place!

“I have worked through Chinese bureaucracy, Caribbean heatwaves and climbed steep slopes to build on the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee – but what met my crew in the misty hills of the Sperrins made me realise that most of the world doesn’t have weather – Northern Ireland though – you’ve got weather! Thank you.”

The three locations are at Cranagh (Derry City and Strabane District Council area); at Mullaghcarn (Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area) and at Davagh Forest (Mid Ulster District Council area).

Copenhagen based artist Thomas Dambo and his team have worked alongside the design and construction consultancy team McGurk Architects to take forward the development of this hugely exciting and innovative project that will not only showcase the epic stories associated with the Sperrins, the inspirational nature of the landscape but also the giant spirit and welcome of its people.

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Mayor congratulates Tower Museum as they pick up TripAdvisor 2023 Travellers’ Choice Award

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The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council has congratulated the staff at the Tower Museum following their recent World Travellers’ Choice Award for 2023 and welcoming 10,000 visitors so far to the Derry Girls Experience.

The coveted Travellers’ Choice Award celebrates businesses that have consistently received great traveller reviews on TripAdvisor over the last 12 months, placing these winners among the 10% of all listings on TripAdvisor globally.

Mayor Patricia Logue said she was delighted to hear the news and wanted to say a huge well done to all those involved in reaching this milestone.

“To be placed among the top 10% of all listings on this travel search global platform is something to be celebrated, congratulations to the team at the Tower Museum. The Derry Girls Experience has proven to be incredibility popular and resonates strongly with all those visiting the city and district.  It also works well alongside the Story of Derry and Armada Shipwreck exhibitions already on display in the Museum which offers a great choice for visitors and a must see for anyone planning a trip here.”

Congratulating the staff in The Tower Museum, John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at TripAdvisor, said, “Congratulations to the 2023 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners. The travel resurgence we’ve seen throughout the past year has even further heightened the competition. Earning a Travellers’ Choice Award demonstrates that you have provided great experiences to those who matter most: your guests. With changing expectations, continued labour shortages and rising costs, this is no easy feat, and I am continually impressed with hospitality industry resilience and ability to adapt. Cheers to another successful year!”

The Tower Museum is a Tourism Northern Ireland 4 star graded attraction showcasing multiple exhibitions and events throughout the year. They offer a diverse range of historical and contemporary themes for the visitor to explore and learn about the political conflict that has shaped the city and country.  It is described as a ‘must for those unfamiliar with Northern Ireland’s war-torn past’.

Check out all the reviews and discover more about The Tower Museum on TripAdvisor here https://bit.ly/45tRnCZ

For more information on the Tower Museum and to view its current collections, please visit www.towermuseumcollections.com

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Spotlight interview – Jim Nash, Wild Atlantic Distillery

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Jim Nash is director and co-founder of the Wild Atlantic Distillery, a family-run craft distillery and visitor attraction making award-winning gin, vodka and whiskey. Originally from County Clare, Jim lived around the world before relocating to the North West in 2007. He and his brother-in-law, Brian Ash, opened the distillery in Aghyaran, County Tyrone, in 2020. After taking part in Derry City and Strabane District Council’s successful US trade mission last November, Wild Atlantic Distillery is currently working on plans to break into the US market.

How did you come up with the idea for the distillery?

We started off making gin in a garden shed. Brian is an engineer and my background is in hospitality and working with young people with learning disabilities. When we originally sat down in 2018, we had the eventual goal of making Irish whiskey, but decided to start with gin in a 25 litre still. After a year of making gin every week, tasting it every Friday and tweaking recipes, we had our Wild Atlantic Irish gin. The feedback was so positive that Brian and I started building our distillery and visitor experience on the other side of the house.

How does it feel to be part of the resurgence of Irish whiskey?

Irish whiskey used to be the premium whiskey in the world; at one time, the Watt’s Distillery in Derry was the biggest producer of Irish whiskey in the country. Only a few distilleries survived, and we almost lost our whiskey heritage. But now we’ve got 30 or 40 distilleries across the country, and a lot of them are small craft distilleries like us. There’s history, tradition and passion behind the Irish whiskey story, and we’re very proud to be a small part of that.

The distillery opened in February 2020; how did Covid impact the business?

On February 1 2020 we had 200 local people in for an open day. Everyone was very supportive and delighted to see a new business in the area, but we had to close six weeks later. We decided to start producing alcohol-based hand sanitiser to give to local health centres and hospitals free of charge, and to sell to local businesses. It was the hand sanitiser that kept the lights on and the business going until we got back to what we wanted to do, which was making spirits.

What have been your big wins as a business?

In 2021 our Wild Atlantic Irish gin won gold at the World Gin Awards for Best Northern Irish contemporary gin, and was shortlisted for best in the world. The same year we launched a new product, our Wild Atlantic Amalfi lemon flavoured vodka, which won two bronze at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in San Francisco. We also laid down our first whiskey casks in 2021. Our first release of small batch whiskey will be in the summer of 2024, which we’re very excited about. And after the Council’s US trade mission, I travelled over in April to meet the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, who are interested in taking our vodkas into their market in 155 luxury stores.

Can you tell us a bit more about the US trade mission?

It was an amazing experience which opened up doors for us into the American market. We visited New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Boston, New York, we did five states in five days. It was hectic, with loads of meetings, but it was a great way to introduce our business. What we discovered went down really well was the fact that we’re a family business, we made all our own products, and they are good quality.

If we can get things over the line with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board in the next three to four months, it will be our first entry into the States and a major step for us as a small business. That was all through the support we got from Derry City and Strabane District Council in particular. The Council’s Business Support and Investment teams have been exceptional, I couldn’t say enough about how supportive they’ve been.

What advice would you have for people considering a move to the North West?

I think it would be a very, very smart move. The supports and networking opportunities are here now that maybe weren’t here a long time ago. If you’ve got an idea and the desire to create a business in Ireland, you couldn’t ask for better than the North West. We have a great cross-border network between Donegal, Derry and Strabane.

I love this part of the world and the people here. On our first day opening, we had 200 local people come into our small distillery to have a look and to support us. I have two teenage daughters, who are very happy here too. And Derry is a magnificent city. We’re also a member of the LegenDerry Food group which has been great – I’ve lived in a lot of places, and the quality of produce in this region is first class.

What next for the Wild Atlantic Distillery?

In the next two to three years, we want to take our distillery to the next stage. Last year Crowdcube funding helped us increase our production, launch two new products and develop new markets. There are a couple of things in the pipeline that are very exciting -the goal is to take people on full time over the next 18 months into the distillery for production as we develop the business and create employment in the local area. Our distillery is also part of the NI Spirits Trail, where people can visit for a tour and get their ‘passports’ stamped.

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Date set for opening of new Derry Girls Experience

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It’s been captivating audiences around the world since the award-winning comedy series Derry Girls first hit our screens, and now it’s coming home, as the Tower Museum prepares to showcase a treasure trove of original items from the show, courtesy of creator Lisa McGee and Hat Trick Productions.

The city that inspired Lisa’s wickedly nostalgic tribute to growing up in N. Ireland, will host the collection, which features an array of the iconic costumes and set pieces that set the scene for 90’s Derry.

A date has now been set for the unveiling of the fantastic new showcase of all things Derry Girls, and the exhibition will officially open its doors on Monday July 3rd with a special 90’s inspired opening event at 6pm.

The collection will remain on display over the coming months, and is expected to be a huge draw for visitors from around the world who have been won over by the show’s heart warming and hilarious take on teenage life during the conflict. The series has been cleaning up on the awards circuit, most recently gaining two BAFTA awards for the show’s creator, and also star Siobhán McSweeney. Since airing on Netflix it has reached global audiences, shining a spotlight on the city’s warmth and humour in stark contrast to the dark days of the Troubles.

Announcing the opening date for the exhibition today, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, said the collection would be a fantastic legacy for the City. “I am so excited to see the Derry Girls collection coming home to Derry where it will be warmly welcomed by everyone. I really want to thank Tourism NI for their support and both Lisa McGee and Hat Trick Productions for working with Council to establish this legacy for the series, bringing it back to its original roots. And also to acknowledge the support of NI Screen/Northern Ireland Screen in recognising the amazing potential of locations like Derry as the backdrop for exciting new film and TV productions and their support with this experience.

“To have iconic memorabilia like Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s famous pyjamas and Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater, not to mention the infamous Spice Girls costumes in our Museum Collection, will really be a major resource for Derry and help bring the story back to where Lisa McGee found her inspiration in the family, friends and the streets of this city where she grew up.

“There is already an upsurge in visitors who have been drawn here to find out more about the origins of the show, the history that shaped it, and this collection will add further to the Derry Girls experience for visitors. I look forward to the exhibition launch, and also plans to develop that experience throughout the city involving a range of partners dedicated to telling the story of Derry.”

While the launch event is for invited guests, a number of special tickets are available for the public, more information will be issued closer to the event.

Head of Culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter, said there was already great interest in the exhibition. “We are just delighted to announce the opening of this exhibition which is a fitting tribute to Lisa McGee’s creation and really takes it all back to its origins. It’s an opportunity to tell the story right here in the city and for visitors to see it in the context of the place that Lisa wanted to celebrate.

“Hat Trick Productions have been fantastic in recognising the importance of that legacy and we are considering now the longer-term significance of the collection and how it can be used to showcase the city. We are looking forward to working with Visit Derry, Tourism NI and all our tourism and hospitality partners to develop that wider experience and really give visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Derry Girls story while they are here. It has huge tourism potential and we will work in partnership to explore new ideas around the Derry Girls theme that will benefit a range of businesses here in the city.”

Plans for a pilot Derry Girls Exhibition were given the go ahead in January, with £71,000 secured through the Tourism NI Market Led Product Development Programme 2022/23, and additional funds from Council’s Museum Services Programme bringing the budget to £80,000. After formalising a loan agreement with Hat Trick Productions, the exhibition will feature a whole host of times from the original set with a variety of set dressings, furniture and original props from the TV show. It will also use AR technology to provide some interactive elements to the exhibition making it a really user friendly experience.

The Derry Girls Experience will go on public display on July 4th, running until July 2024.

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Spend less, live better in the UK’s most affordable city

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A move back to Derry and Strabane isn’t just great for work-life balance; it could boost your bank balance too.

Our cost of living is much lower than in other major UK cities, with the monthly cost of a one-bed apartment, and full-time childcare, both more than three times cheaper than in London.

A monthly bus pass in Derry-Strabane is just a third of what you’d pay in London, and socialising is also more wallet-friendly: a three-course meal in Dublin costs more than twice what it would in one of our LegenDerry local restaurants!

With an average commute time of 30 minutes – compared to 70 minutes in London, and 60 minutes in Belfast – you and your family will have more time to savour the quality of life here: our beautiful beaches, great outdoor spaces, rich culture and friendly people.

It’s no wonder ‘cool, credible, cheap’ Derry was named one of the best places to live in the UK by the Sunday Times – and ranked first for remote working in Northern Ireland, and fourth in the UK.

Major employers think Derry and Strabane is pretty great too. You’ll find graduate roles, high-level jobs and remote, hybrid and flexible working opportunities in sectors including FinTech, software development, life and health sciences and advanced manufacturing and engineering.

There are now three daily flights from City of Derry airport to London Heathrow, and the newly opened A6 from Derry to Dungiven has also made the drive to Belfast quicker than ever.

The £250m City Deal will also give the region another valuable boost of investment, innovation, infrastructure and growth.

There’s never been a better time to come home – but don’t just take our word for it! Check out these money-saving stats:

The average monthly cost of a one-bed city centre apartment is £590 in Derry-Strabane, compared with £1860 in London and £1660 in Dublin

Full-day, monthly childcare in Derry Strabane costs £500 compared with £1,590 in London

A monthly buss pass in Derry-Strabane is more than three times cheaper in Derry-Strabane than in London

Hourly parking will cost three times more in Belfast than in Derry – and 15 times more in London

The average monthly salary in Derry-Strabane after tax is £1,950 – just £98 less than in Belfast

Basic monthly heating costs in Derry-Strabane are cheaper than Belfast, Liverpool, Edinburgh, London and Dublin

(Source: Numbeo Cost of Living Sept 2022)

For more information on living and working in the North West, visit investderrystrabane.com

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The Foyle Maritime Festival returned to the banks of the River Foyle

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After a four-year absence, the award-winning event has returned with exciting live performances, shop tours, water sports, LegenDerry food trails and much more.
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race also made a welcome return to the Maiden City.
This year’s theme is What Lies Beneath, focused on the natural beauty of the oceans, rivers and lakes, and how we can protect marine life.

On Friday, July 22, the River Foyle was illuminated by a Parade of Light featuring the Clipper Race Fleet and the Phoenix Tall Ship, a synchronised fireworks display, and an hour of illumination, performances and installations along the quay from early evening through to midnight.

On Sunday, July 24, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Sandra Duffy, joined the crowds on Derry’s quayside to bid farewell to the Clipper Race fleet as they left the city on the final leg of their global adventure. The eleven Clipper 70 racing yachts have been central to the festivities throughout the Foyle Maritime Festival, and there were emotional scenes as they embarked on a beautiful Parade of Sail up the Foyle before heading for the final race start in Greencastle.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet departure from Foyle Marina, in the last leg of the global race from Derry to London brought the Foyle Maritime Festival to a colourful conclusion with a massed crew photocall, a parade of sail and a farewell from Derry City and Strabane District Council Mayor, Councillor Sandra Duffy. Picture Martin McKeown. 24.07.22
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Hit ‘The Spot’, Derry’s new street art gallery

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The city’s first street art and urban arts gallery has been launched.

The Spot gallery, created by UV Arts social enterprise alongside the Inner City Trust, is located at the Garden of Reflection on Bishop Street.

The new gallery’s debut exhibition connects the growing local street art movement with a modern and contemporary exhibition space, graffiti store and creative hub for urban artists.

Artists exhibiting are responsible for many of the large-scale murals dotted across the City and District.

The gallery also hosts a series of educational workshops, professional training services and alternative art, prints and products.

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Strabane enjoys bumper Summer Jamm

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Strabane’s Summer Jamm made a welcome return to the streets in June.

The event saw live music, traditional games, amusements, cultural activities, a petting zoo and circus skills performed across a range of venues. Meanwhile, foodies were treated to a range of sweet and savoury delights at the Castle Street Food Quarter.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy: “Summer Jamm is always a great draw for visitors, and it’s fantastic to see the event return with all the benefits it brings to the local economy.”

This year, Strabane BID collaborated with businesses on a special Love Strabane event, showcasing the best of Strabane has to offer as well as one-off promotions on local products and services.

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‘Cool, credible, cheap’ Derry named one of best places to live in UK

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Derry has been hailed as the best place to live in Northern Ireland in a survey by The Sunday Times.

The newspaper praised the city as “cool, credible and cheap” in its annual UK-wide list, highlighting the benefits of “years of investment” and the millions of pounds spent regenerating the town centre.

Judges added: “Younger buyers are moving in, attracted by the city’s brisk outward-facing air and its closeness to the border with the Republic.”

The seaside villages of Ballycastle and Helen’s Bay also made the list of Northern Ireland’s top locations.

Meanwhile, Derry was also named as having the best community spirit in the region, in a survey from the retailer Spar.

The Maiden City came out on top of the NI communities, and placed seventh in the whole of the UK.

Around 64% of those surveyed described themselves as happy living in their community, with 53% of those from Northern Ireland – the highest in the UK – adding that their community gave them a sense of belonging.

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