Red Bull Diving World Series will give Ballycastle 'global platform', says hoteliers

Hoteliers in Ballycastle are hoping the arrival of the world-renowned Red Bull Diving World Series this summer will give the town a “global platform”.

The seaside town has been chosen as the location for a leg of the series in July.

Thousands are expected to visit the Causeway Coast and Glens area to catch a glimpse of the divers, who launch off a platform up to 27m high, from rocks, gorges, cliff faces and even historic bridges.

It showcases 12 men and 12 women displaying aesthetic freefalls into choppy open water.

The event will feature three different take-off spots for the divers, which includes two challenging off-the-cliff rounds!

In both the men's and women’s competitions, the ultimate prize at the season's close is the coveted King Kahekili trophy.

According to the Red Bull website, the women's final will take place at 17:35 BST and the men's final 18:20 BST on Saturday 20th July 2024.

Carl McGarrity Director of the Salthouse Hotel thinks it is an opportunity for businesses in the area to showcase their wares.

He said: “I think it’s fantastic opportunity for the North Coast. It’s exciting to have Red Bull coming this July. It’s a global platform to really show how good the North Coast is as well as the golf coming back there is a massive opportunity for everyone.

“Ballycastle is a very special place, and we have a lot to offer.

“Tourism wise we have the Giants Causeway, The Dark Hedges, we have beautiful beaches, and we were consistently picked to be the best place to live. It’s fantastic.

“I just feel it’s going to put Ballycastle on the map even further. I think it’s a great opportunity for the community and local businesses to really show our wares. “

Aidan Boyle, a shop owner along the promenade shares Mr McGarrity’s enthusiasm for the events arrival.

He said: “It’s great news! Ballycastle has been the outlier in the region for tourist events, yet we have one of the biggest signature events in the Ould Lammas Fair.

“So Ballycastle is well fit for it and well capable for it and there is no better setting than the north coast and that’s what executives have discovered.”

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