Welcome back to Edition 2 of the Craic Buzz newsletter! Your weekly dose of bite-sized updates on all the good craic happening around N.I.
Earlier this week, I shared why I started this newsletter, and the feedback from a kind reader really encouraged me. It’s still early days, and I won’t lie—it feels a bit daunting navigating this new terrain. But I’m an optimist, and I trust that following my instincts will lead to something great. But enough about me—let’s dive into today’s edition!
In This Edition:
Belfast: A Growing City
Belfast Gets an Art Map
How a 26-Year-Old Local Entrepreneur Went from 0 to 7 Figures in 3 Years
Weekend Events to Anticipate
What’s Happening?
This year, Belfast city centre welcomed more visitors than last summer! The Belfast City Council reports an estimated 133,490 daily visitors in July 2024, marking a 39% increase over the previous year.
It’s no surprise! Belfast and N.I. boast historic landmarks, stunning views, lots of nice restaurants, vibrant pubs, and a flourishing retail, art, and entertainment scene that keeps the tourists coming back.
Speaking of food, have you tried The Ivy yet? It's an upscale restaurant, known for its gorgeous decor. The Ivy just opened its Belfast location at Cleaver House on Donegall Place and the rave on social media has been nonstop.
I still haven't had a chance to try it myself—it's been fully booked since opening! The only date available since I checked was December 26th.
Has anyone dined at The Ivy Brasserie? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Video credit: Oh My Food (Tiktok)
In exciting news, the Belfast City Council has teamed up with the Belfast Visual Arts Forum to create an art map of the city’s art centres. This initiative aims to encourage residents to explore the vibrant N.I. art scene this autumn. The map includes locations, accessibility details, and contact info for galleries, exhibitions, and art studios. You can pick up a free copy at 2 Royal Avenue, local cafes, bars, public libraries, or check it out online at Belfast Art Map.
Community Spotlight
Meet Kyle Nelson, a 26-year-old Belfast entrepreneur who transformed his life from nothing to a 7-figure business in just three years. I’m inspired by his story and we’re sharing it with his permission.
In July 2021, at just 23, Kyle set out to build his independent brand from a Belmont Road location. Unfortunately, he faced a major setback when he lost his beloved mum, who was his biggest supporter. Despite considering quitting, Kyle found the strength to push through and filled his shop with unique products not found elsewhere.
Fast forward two years, and Kyle opened a second shop—taking a leap he described as risky but rewarding. Shortly after, he was offered the opportunity to open a third location at the Lanyon Place train station. Kyle is currently working hard to ensure the new location is open to his customers as soon as possible.
He revealed that in August 2024, his business Nelson’s Newsagents hit a major milestone, thereby becoming a 7-figure business!Now employing up to 10 people (including his brother and best mate), Kyle's shop has gone on to sponsor a local football team. He dreams of opening more locations across Belfast's train stations and, eventually, at the airport.
Checkout Kyle Nelson on Tiktok below:
https://www.tiktok.com/@kylenelson22/photo/7421545475532279073
Upcoming Events This Week
Business Events:
- Thursday, August 10th: Home Buyer’s Evening at Balmoral Hotel—Free (Register here)
- Thursday, August 10th: Accessing Finance for Establishing Startups—Online (Register here)
- Friday, August 11th: Go Succeed in Marketing Your Startup (Register here)
Fun Events:
-Friday, October 11th: High Fade - Superfly Funk & Soul Belfast (18+) Tickets here
- Friday, October 11th: Swiftogedden - The Taylor-themed Club Night Belfast Tickets here
- Friday, October 11th: Titanic, The Last Hero and The Last Coward Tickets here
That’s all for now!
Did you enjoy this edition of the Craic Buzz newsletter?
If you’ve got any feedback, Contact us here.
Cheers,
O. George.