WIREDGOV

This summer, the Northern Ireland Assembly is throwing open its doors with the launch of free hourly guided tours.

Throughout July and August, new guided tours will take place on the hour every hour between 10 am and 3 pm on Monday to Friday.

Visitors will be able to visit the Assembly and Senate Chambers, Great Hall, working Committee rooms and the historic Library. Visitors will hear how the ornate central chandelier in the Great Hall once hung in the apartments in Windsor Castle and the mystery of the red dispatch boxes in the Senate Chamber whose keys have been lost forever.

Launching the tours, the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr William Hay MLA, said: “Parliament Buildings is a truly amazing environment to work in. One of my priorities as Speaker has been to open the building up to the people it represents and this summer provides a further opportunity. This building belongs to the people of Northern Ireland and we are keen to share its history and beauty with as many people as we can. Hardly a week goes by without visitors being here from another part of the world and we also want more people from across the globe to come and see the building, and learn more about its history and architecture. It should be an integral part of a visit to Northern Ireland.

“These new tours will also give people a real opportunity to see where their MLAs debate the big issues of the day and work to improve Northern Ireland for all of us. Hopefully, it will also encourage more people to come back and engage with their MLAs when the Assembly is considering issues they feel strongly about.”

As well as the historic Parliament Buildings, the wider Stormont Estate provides all the elements for a great day out. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic or just walk around the beautiful grounds including the Peace Garden and the Mo Mowlam children’s park.

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