CTA Annual Workshop – Derry/Londonderry
6-10 February 2026
Special Pre-event fam for Buyers
A pre-event Fam is being provided by Tourism Northern Ireland which includes overnight stays on Friday and Saturday at the stylish Maldron hotel located within Derry-Londonderry historic city walls and two options for Fam trips on Saturday 7 February. This pre-event Fam is limited to 40 participants and bookings will be on a first-come, first-served basis, so please secure your place early.
Option 1 – Causeway Coastal Route
Explore Northern Ireland’s highlights from Derry-Londonderry. This trip features a guided drive along the Causeway Coastal Route, with stops at Mussenden Temple, Bushmills Inn, and the iconic Giant’s Causeway, plus a boutique lunch experience at The Marcus Portrush. Evenings include a culinary visit to Stitch & Weave in Ebrington Square, combining local culture, history, and modern dining.
Explore the heritage of Mid Ulster. Highlights include the Ulster American Folk Park, the Gorta Famine Story at Friels Bar, and an immersive farm experience with sheepdogs at Glenshane Country Farm. Evenings feature a visit to Stitch & Weave in Ebrington Square, combining local culture, history, and modern dining.
Buyers can also joins a Sunday morning fam trip to Donegal visiting first Wild Ireland, a unique wildlife sanctuary set in an ancient Celtic rainforest. This will be followed by a drive to the charming village of Muff for a guided tour and tasting at the Muff Liquor Company, featuring their award-winning gin, vodka, and peat-smoked whiskey. Return to Derry/Londonderry via Redcastle on the coast.
Travel options to pre-event Fam
Friday 6 February
You have the option of arranging your own travel direct to Derry/Londonderry, or joining a coach/ferry crossing.
The pre-event travel option is available from Whitchurch, Shropshire with Bensons Travel and includes a ferry crossing with Irish Ferries and pre-event accommodation options are available on Thursday 5 February in Whitchurch at the Holiday Inn Chester South or the Macdonald Hill Valley hotel Golf & Spa.
Pre-event accommodation options available for Thursday 5 February and/or Tuesday 10 February 2026
Book direct for CTA members – booking link to follow
The link is set at single occupancy, but this can be amended to double/ twin using the drop down. Various rate options are available depending on what payment options members choose.
Macdonald Hill Valley hotel Golf & Spa
Book direct via email Sarah Fowler, specialevents.hillvalley@macdonald-hotels.co.uk and include the booking reference number: 804406 (Thu 5 Feb) or 804508 (Tue 10 Feb).
Pr-event Fam itinerary
Friday 6 February
Coach Transfer from Bensons Travel.
Pick-up prior to departure from: Whitchurch/Crewe train station; Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel Whitchurch; or Holiday Inn Chester South.
10.30 Coach departs from Bensons Travel CH3 9NH and drives to Holyhead
13.00 Irish Ferries boarding from Holyhead. Lunch on board.
17.25 Disembark and drive to Derry/Londonderry. Stop en route for refreshment
22.30 Arrive in Derry/Londonderry for the Tourism Northern Ireland pre-event 2-night fam trip, staying at the Maldron Hotel in Derry/Londonderry.
Saturday 7 February
Special Buyers’ Fam trips to either Causeway Coast or Mid Ulster organised by Tourism Northern Ireland
09:00-18.00 Fam trip and return to the Maldron Hotel.
18:45 Dinner at Stitch & Weave
Sunday 8 February
08:30 Coach transfer from Everglades hotel to take part in a FAM trip to Donegal
09:00 Coach departs Ebrington Hotel to Wild Ireland
09:30 Visit to Wild Ireland
10:45 Depart Wild Ireland for the Muff Liquor Company in the village of Muff.
11:00 Tour of the visitor centres followed by a sample drink.
12:00 Depart for Derry/Londonderry.
13:00 Lunch in Derry at a traditional Irish pub, joining other CTA delegates for the afternoon walking tour FAM trip.
Return – Tuesday 10 Feb 2026
Bensons Travel return coach journey with Irish Ferries for pre-booked delegates.
09.15 – Depart from Ebrington Hotel Derry-Londonderry
09:30 – Pick up guests at Everglades Hotel Derry-Londonderry
13.00 – Board Irish Ferries for Dublin-Holyhead crossing
14.09 – Depart Dublin. Lunch on board.
17.15 – Arrive in Holyhead and disembark.
19.15 – Arrive back at Bensons’ depot to collect own vehicles or optional drop-off at station or hotels.
