Hill of The O'Neill and Ranfurly House up for top tourism award

Dungannon's Hill of The O'Neill and Ranfurly House have been nominated for a major tourism award.

They're in the running to scoop the prize of Best Visitor Attraction as part of this year's Blue Insurance Northern Ireland Travel and Tourism Awards.

And face stiff competition for the award, in the form of Carrick-a-rede rope-bridge, Titanic Belfast and the Giant's Causeway.

Mid Ulster District Council Chairman Trevor Wilson says he's delighted with the nomination.

"The Hill of the O'Neill is the only attraction to be nominated from west of the Bann," he told Q radio news.

"We appreciate that we're in really good company - so to be nominated itself is a great achievement - it's an ancient site and it plays an important part in the heritage of Mid Ulster, so we're delighted," he continued.

Despite going up against tourism heavyweights from the capital and the North Coast, Cllr. Wilson says regardless of winning or not, the nomination may provide a boost in visitors.

"We're doing well [and this nomination] shows the strength of our tourism in the local area," he said.

"And I think, once people see that it's been nominated then more people will come and visit it," he added.

The awards will be presented at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa next week and whether the Hill of the O'Neills and Ranfurly House scoop the award, the Ulster Unionist councilman believes there's plenty to be pleased about, when it comes to the attractions.

"The awards are coming up fast and we're looking forward to that - the Hill it's been recently extended as well, we offer events space, conference facilities and not to mention the breath-taking views it already offers," he said.

"We're really really pleased with it," he added.