Two tourism facilities in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough are jointly celebrating after being awarded a four star rating in a recent quality assessment grading carried out by Tourism Northern Ireland.

Armagh City Youth Hostel has maintained its four-star accommodation grading. Located in the centre of the city, nestled close to St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral and Armagh Public Library the hostel provides high quality accommodation for those visiting the area. The hostel has welcomed guests from destinations across the world.

The F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio, Banbridge, has also been awarded a four star rating for the second consecutive year. Opened in 2008, the Gallery celebrates the life and work of Banbridge born sculptor, F.E. McWilliam, who found fame as an artist in London. The Gallery attracts over 40,000 visitors annually and holds four temporary exhibitions per year, which are popular with local art lovers and cross-border day-trippers. Facilities include a replica of F.E. McWilliam’s studio, a Sculpture Garden, Quails Café and a Craft shop showcasing the work of local designers and makers.

Armagh band Hunkpapa’s track ‘Losing All’ is used as the backdrop to Armagh City Youth Hostel’s new minute long video. ‘Create Armagh Hostelling Memories’ transports hostellers through a year-round program of incredible things to do, pairing the homegrown soundtrack with evocative shots of Armagh’s unique events and vibrant festivals.

Armagh band ‘Hunkpapa’ have just increased their fan base after playing Open House Festival in conjunction with SnowPatrol’s Ward Park 3 concert. This follows Gary Lightbody’s effusive praise of the band’s songs and BBC Radio 1 presenter, Phil Taggart’s comment ‘Hunkpapa are the best band I have seen in ages with massive, massive tunes.’

Prior to their Ireland and UK tour in the autumn, Hunkpapa will be performing an intimate hometown gig in The Market Place Theatre on Saturday 29^th June and students are encouraged to bring the ‘end of exams’ summer party to Armagh with a hostel stay, a very special music gig and a chance to explore Armagh’s distinctive and eclectic cultural history.