Tourism NI tees up Epic Journey to The 153rd Open

The Epic Journey tees off at Belfast City Hall on April 28th, before the drive to Kerr Street Green in Portrush on May 2nd and then the short chip shot to Derry~Londonderry’s Ebrington Square on May 7th.

 

It will also feature a stop in Tullamore, County Offaly which will take place on May 21st at O’Connor Square - the home of the 2019 Champion Golfer of the Year, Shane Lowry.

 

This free public event will showcase how Northern Ireland is ‘Made for Golf’ and sports fans will have the chance to take photos with the world-famous Claret Jug.

With record breaking numbers in 2019, The 148th Open, Royal Portrush was an overwhelming success story as Shane Lowry played his way into the folklore of the famous links course.

 

The action was beamed to over 100 million viewers worldwide and the Championship generated over £100 million in economic benefit for the region.

Aine Kearney, Tourism NI Director of Events, said the Championship created a tangible feel-good factor right across Northern Ireland when it last took place here in 2019.

 

She said: “Northern Ireland is ready to extend a giant welcome to thousands of visitors from around the globe for The 153rd Open and to showcase the stunning Causeway Coast, and beyond, to a worldwide television audience.

 

“Bringing the Claret Jug on this Epic Journey to The 153rd Open allows us all to get involved in the build-up and the excitement to what promises to be an unforgettable week.

 

“Northern Ireland is Made for Golf and hosting The 153rd Open solidifies our reputation as a destination for world-class golf, tourism and hospitality and allows us to showcase our rich culture, natural beauty and warm welcome to visitors from around the world.”

 

The Epic Journey to The 153rd Open will also include a giant #TheOpen letter sculpture, designed by Tourism NI and made out of 4,000 golf balls, which was unveiled by global golfing hero and 2014 Champion Golfer of the Year, Rory McIlroy, ahead of the 2019 Championship.

 

To plan your perfect short break to Northern Ireland for The Open, visit discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/golf/events/the-153rd-open