Larchfield Estate –Irelands Carbon Negative Venue

Larchfield Estate is a privately run, exclusive hire venue based in the heart of the Co. Down countryside. Operating since 2007 as an events venue it has expanded to hold two venues onsite and 16 overnight self-catering rooms which are open to the public. Just 20 minutes from Belfast, and 1 hour 30 minutes from Dublin, the Georgian estate hosts private, corporate and charity events, family stays and group retreats.

When companies host an event or team retreat, family groups stay overnight in one of the self-catering rooms or someone hosts a special celebration in the Barn at Larchfield Estate the amount of carbon produced is automatically offset on site making this County Down heritage venue one of the very few companies across the UK able to state they are beyond carbon zero i.e. Carbon Negative. A great plus for those CSR targets!

Since 2015 Larchfield have reduced their scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by an impressive 74% - this is notwithstanding company growth. Steps taken include:

- Solar Panel installation

- LED Lights across the property

- Biomass Boiler, fin tube piping & strat fans to replace diesel generator & electric heating

- Thermostats in main rooms

- Automated sensor lighting

As well as reducing consumption and waste carbon is sequestered in 180 acres of forestry onsite and green field pastures.

Owners Gavin and Sarah Mackie (recent signatories of the BITC Climate Action Pledge) comment:

‘Opening up Larchfield Estate to offer world class facilities coupled with a fantastic, dedicated service has enabled us to enact our duty to protect the heritage and environs that make this 600-acre Georgian estate the breathtakingly special place that it is. We feel passionate about our role as custodians and being carbon negative is a huge part of this, protecting it for future generations.’

For more information please visit www.larchfieldestate.co.uk.

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Seamus Heaney HomePlace celebrates major success at Tourism NI Awards

The ‘Giant Spirit Awards’ took place recently in the Grand Ballroom of the Slieve Donard Resort. The awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the industry over the past two years. Seamus Heaney HomePlace was delighted to receive the coveted award of Most Innovative Large Tourism Business.

Seamus Heaney HomePlace was significantly impacted during the pandemic with closures resulting in visitors unable to visit the exhibition or engage in the Arts and Education programmes. Seamus Heaney HomePlace recently extended their experience to include ‘Open Ground’; a unique visitor experience centred around five locations important to the life and literature of Seamus Heaney.

Councillor Córa Corry, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council which owns and operates

Seamus Heaney HomePlace, said:

‘Open Ground is a special and inspirational addition to the Mid Ulster area, and indeed the first of its kind globally. I am immensely proud of all those from Mid Ulster who were shortlisted for a Giant Spirit Award and this reflects extremely well on the on-going tourism efforts in the locality. I am especially pleased that Seamus Heaney HomePlace has been recognised for its innovation through winning this award, and I would of course encourage everyone to take-in first-hand this awardwinning experience.’

Brian McCormick, Manager of Seamus

Heaney HomePlace who collected the award noted:

‘We were thrilled to take home the award of Most Innovative Large Tourism Business in Northern Ireland at the recent Giant Spirit Awards. This award is recognition for the hard work and efforts of all the team. Moving Seamus Heaney HomePlace outdoors and bringing Seamus Heaney’s work into the actual landscape which provided so much inspiration, is a truly unique way to present his poems. Nowhere else in the world reflects a writer’s work in this way, and we take great pride in being recognised at such a prestigious awards ceremony.’

For more information on the multi-award-winning exhibition and Open Ground visit: www.seamusheaneyhome.com