A warm welcome, expert local knowledge and outstanding visitor service have earned Newcastle Visitor Information Centre a top Northern Ireland tourism award.
Newcastle Visitor Information Centre has been named Best Northern Ireland Tourist Information Centre 2026 at the 34th annual Northern Ireland Travel & Tourism Awards. The awards were held at the Slieve Donard Hotel on Friday 9 October 2026.
A standout achievement
Competing against some of Northern Ireland’s most recognised tourism organisations, Newcastle Visitor Information Centre took the top honour in the Stena Line-sponsored category. The centre was shortlisted alongside Visit Belfast, Visit Derry and Fermanagh Visitor Information Centre before being announced as the overall winner.
The award reflects both public confidence and consistently high standards of service. The winner was selected through votes cast by readers of NI Travel News, supported by an independent mystery-shopping assessment.
The accolade places Newcastle Visitor Information Centre among Northern Ireland’s leading visitor information services. It also highlights the centre’s important role in supporting tourism, showcasing local attractions, activities and experiences, sharing places to eat and drink, and helping visitors enjoy a memorable stay.
Plan your visit
Whether you are planning a first visit or looking for new ways to explore, the team at Newcastle Visitor Information Centre can offer information and guidance on attractions, accommodation, events, experiences and activities across the Mourne Gullion Strangford area.
When is the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre open? The Newcastle Visitor Information Centre is open all year Monday - Saturday 9:30 to 17:00 What services does the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre provide? Our friendly, helpful staff can provide free information on what to do and see in the local area and make suggestion on what to visit, where to eat and where to stay. They can also make suggestions on what else you should visit in Northern Ireland. They have a wealth of local knowledge.
Newcastle (An Caisleán Nua) is a seaside resort located in County Down at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne and made famous by the Percy French song "Where the Mountains of Mourne Sweep Down to the Sea".
Newcastle Beach is a popular seaside resort and tourist destination located on the South Down coast of Northern Ireland. Newcastle Beach comprises of sand, pebbles and larger stones and is approximately 2.5 km in length. The major part of Newcastle Beach is backed by a promenade and the seaside town of Newcastle, which has lots of shops, cafes, restaurants, amusements and other attractions. The beach has a very gentle slope with the Mountains of Mourne in the background. The beach is popular for swimming and sunbathing and there is life saving equipment available with signage on the Promenade. The beach can be accessed via steps or the slipway.
