Translink makes travel even more affordable for families during Christmas holidays

With the kids off school, the Christmas season is a great time to enjoy fa which offers unlimited travel across NI, is reduced to just £15 from Saturday 17th December 2016 to Monday 2nd January 2017.

To help families plan a winter adventure, Translink is reducing the price of its popular Family & Friends ticket across its bus and train services.

Typically priced at £22, Translink is offering the Family & Friends ticket for just £15 from Saturday 17^th December 2016 to Monday 2^nd January 2017.

Claire Vaux, Translink Brand Manager said:

“Christmas is a special time for families so we wanted to make it even easier to travel during the holidays. With this in mind, we’ve taken away the time restrictions and further reduced our great value Family & Friends ticket which is already available after 9.30am Monday through Friday and all day every weekend throughout the year.

“Whether it’s taking a Metro bus to Belfast’s continental market or hopping on-board NI Railways to visit attractions across Northern Ireland after Christmas, our Family & Friends ticket makes travelling with children more affordable and eliminates parking stress.

“We would encourage families to use the £15 discounted ticket, which allows all-day unlimited travel on Translink bus and train services across NI – Ulsterbus, Goldline, Metro and NI Railways – for up to two adults and four children.

“For those just travelling in Belfast, Translink has a Metro Family Ticket on offer for just £7, normally £9. The £7 Metro Family Ticket is also available all-day, from Saturday 17^thDecember 2016 to Monday 2^nd January 2017, and offers one day’s unlimited travel for up to two adults and four children on Translink’s Metro bus services across Greater Belfast.”

“We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and we look forward to welcoming families on-board our services during the holidays!”

Looking for places to take the kids during their Christmas holiday? Here are 10 places the whole family will enjoy and they’re all accessible by public transport.

1. Ulster Folk and Transport Museum Christmas Trail in Cultra
   During weekends in December, bring the kids to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Cultra for the Christmas Trail. For more details, visit nmni.com/uftm.Take the train to Cultra Station on the Bangor line.
2. Ice Skating at SSE Arena
   The SSE Arena is open for its Winter Skate from 22^ndDecember 2016 – 2^nd January 2017. For skating times and details, visit ssearenabelfast.com/winter-skate-2016.From Belfast City Centre, take Metro Bus 26, 26C or 600B to the SSE Arena or travel by train to Titanic Quarter Station.

3. Victoria Square in Belfast
   You can’t enjoy the Christmas season without a little shopping. For those last-minute gifts, Victoria Square in Belfast is open until 10pm from 19^th Dec-23^rd Dec. For more information, visit victoriasquare.com.Avoid parking costs by taking your nearest Metro bus into City Centre, or take the train to Belfast Central Station or Great Victoria Street Station.

4. ‘Mystery of the Christmas Star’ in Armagh
   Take your little astronomy lovers to the Armagh Planetarium for the ‘Mystery of the Christmas Star’. The show runs through 22^nd December 2016. Visit armaghplanet.com or call 028 3752 3689.The Armagh Planetarium is accessible by the Goldline 250 Express or 251 Express.

5. Wonder Windows Winter Wonderland in Derry~Londonderry
   For a festive free event, bring the family to Derry~Londonderry for the Wonder Windows Winter Wonderland. On weekends in December through 23^rd Dec, stroll by decorated store fronts while enjoying Christmas carols. For more information, visit derrystrabane.com.To avail of public transport, take the train or 212 Goldline Coach to Derry~Londonderry.

6. Festive Afternoon Tea in Omagh
   Treat yourself to a Christmas afternoon tea throughout December at the Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh. Visitsilverbirchhotel.com for more details.To get there by public transport, take Goldline Express Bus 273 towards Derry-Londonderry to the Omagh Bus Centre. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the bus centre.
7. Ice Bowl in Dundonald
   When the Christmas festivities are over and the kids are sick of being stuck in the house, take them bowling or ice skating at the Ice Bowl in Dundonald. For opening hours, go totheicebowl.com.Get to the Ice Bowl by taking the Metro 19 bus from Belfast City Centre.

8. Carrickfergus Castle
   For a family day out packed with history, head to Carrickfergus Castle. Call 028 9335 1273 for full details.Carrickfergus Castle can be reached by train to Carrickfergus Train Station which is within walking distance of the castle. Ulsterbus 163B also stops at Carrickfergus Castle.
9. Ulster Museum The Ulster Museum is always a favourite for children and it’s an easy win on a rainy day. Visit nmni.com for the latest happenings.Metro 7B, 8B, 8D and 7A all go to the Ulster Museum or you can travel by train to Botanic Station.

10. New Year’s Day Festive Tea in Belfast
    Enjoy a special afternoon tea at Titanic Belfast on New Year’s Day. Visit titanicbelfast.com for full details.Travel to Titanic Belfast by taking the train to Titanic Quarter Station or take Metro Services 26, 26A, 26B or 26C from Belfast City Centre.

To find out about more Translink Christmas offers, visit www.translink.co.uk/christmas/.