This came in my email from the Hardy’s
You may be aware and already thinking of attending, but if not this will hopefully get you interested…
The Northern Ireland Daffodil Group are hosting part 2 of the 2024 Daffodil World Convention ‘Where Irish Daffs are Smiling’ starting 18th April through to 28th April. We would love you to consider joining us for some part or all of the convention. Details of the Irish leg are attached and delegates will get to sample Irish hospitality at its best in both the Lisburn area and Omagh where you will get to visit us at Esker Farm Daffodils to see your future bulbs growing in our field/nursery. We look forward to hosting our many old and new friends.
Jules and Dave
| President | Chairperson | Membership Secretary | Hon. Treasurer |
| Brian S. Duncan
MBE VMH |
Dave Hardy | Priscilla Dodd | Richard McCaw |
Thursday 18th April
Delegates arrive from Netherlands or directly from around the world.
Easyjet have released flights from Amsterdam to Belfast international. (Direct)
21.45 departure from Amsterdam arriving in Belfast at 22.25
KLM also fly direct to Belfast City
Flight departing at 4.15pm
Other flights are available direct/indirect into Belfast or those coming from further afield will probably fly into Dublin.
A frequent bus service runs from Dublin airport to Lisburn.
Book into Haslem Hotel (Lisburn base for beginning of tour). (early bird discount valid until 31st October) Booking code: DAFFODIL2024
Registration and finger buffet in ‘The Lark’ (an adjoining bar to the hotel).
Friday 19th April
For early arrivals, Friday will be spent enjoying the cultural and historical sites of Lisburn. A guided walking tour of the city, including a visit to the Irish Linen Museum and cultural centre. Delegates arriving on Friday will be welcomed by members of the NIDG. Please book Hotel dates accordingly.
Saturday 20th April
Royal Hillsborough Show
After departing the hotel the tour heads to Royal Hillsborough, host of our 2024 Daffodil Show.
Held in the Court House, the visitors will not only be able to experience the show but also take in the sights of this historic town.
Panel discussion in the afternoon – Gardener’s Questions
After freshening up back at the hotel we will head to the La Mon Hotel for our show dinner and Awards night.
Sunday 21st April
After a relaxing morning we head back to the show, enjoy lunch in the walled Garden café and then experience the amazing Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Royal residence in Northern Ireland.
A guided tour of the castle gardens will allow delegates to see many Northern Irish Daffodils in a ‘Royal’ setting.
A photo workshop will be available during the afternoon for those delegates interested in learning how to take the perfect Daffodil shot.
Monday 22nd April
Monday morning, we say our goodbyes to Lisburn and head West towards Tyrone and Fermanagh. Arriving in Dromore we first stop in Dromore Orange Hall for lunch sponsored by Esker Farm Daffodils where we will enjoy traditional entertainment.
We then head to Esker Farm for an afternoon of flowers and drinks while exploring the daffodil fields and gardens.
Late afternoon we will head to the Silver Birch Hotel – home for the coming days. Booking ref: BK160819
During this evening’s meal delegates will be entertained by Irish gardener Carl Wright who will talk about his garden in the Burren and his ever-increasing collection of daffodils.
Tuesday 23rd April
The convention will be split into two groups.
Tuesday sees us visit the home of Brian and Betty Duncan – take pleasure in admiring the daffodils and for many a welcome return to the home of Daffodils in Northern Ireland and also the Ulster American Folk Park. Travelling back in time to pre-Famine Ireland before boarding a boat to a new life in America. Both groups will have the opportunity to visit both locations.
We finish the day with a visit to the home of the Duke of Abercorn, Baronscourt Estate, for drinks and socialising.
On our return to the hotel we will join Omagh Gardening Society for one of their monthly meetings. Brian Duncan will be speaking to all about his love of daffodils.
Wednesday 24th April
Again we will be staying in our separate groups. Half will visit Aughentaine Estate – an outstanding private garden featuring a ravine, formal garden and is home to an amazing collection of trees and plants. The other half will visit the home and garden of Lord and Lady Anthony Hamilton, another outstanding garden featuring many of Nial Watson’s daffodils.
Lunch will see the two groups coming back together before we swap and have the opportunity to see the other garden.
After returning to the hotel, it’s time to get our glad rags on and come together for our Formal Convention Dinner. `Food and fun will be aplenty as we celebrate the convention and hand-over to the 2028 hosts.
This sees the end of our formal tour – Cost of this leg is £675
Any delegates wishing to extend their stay to incorporate the Belfast Show on Saturday can opt for our tour extension – Cost of this second leg is £250
Thursday 25th April
Delegates wishing to continue will head back eastwards. Firstly, visiting the fabulous gardens at Glenarm Castle, stopping at Coleman’s Garden Centre for food and an opportunity to shop before returning to the Haslem Hotel, Lisburn.
Friday 26th April
Activities around Belfast. Further details to follow.
Visit to the famous Titanic Experience
Saturday 27th April
Visit Belfast Spring Daffodil Show
All suggested activities may be subject to changes due to circumstances beyond our control.
Convention costs
(include all activities, meals and transportation for day activities)
Convention Price advertised includes a 12% discount until 19th February 2024.
Convention registration payment to be paid via bank transfer
IBAN: GB78DABA 9504 2892 7954 42 – Northern Ireland Daffodil Group
SWIFT-BIC: DABAGB2B
Account Number: 950428 92795442
Hotel details
Discounted hotel price using promotion code is applicable until the 31st October for Haslem and 31st December for the Silverbirch
Haslem Contact details –https://www.haslemhotel.com/
Booking code: DAFFODIL2024 (valid until 31st October)
Silver Birch Hotel – https://www.silverbirchhotel.com/
Call the hotel on 02882242520
Or email 
Special reference code : BK160819 (valid until 31st December)