Build it, they will come.

I’m a great believer in the saying, if you build it, they will come. One of my main motivations in moving out here was to have a place where people can enjoy workshops, music, and story telling, which is primarily what I do.

Ballyeamon Barn is out in an area of outstanding natural beauty, looking across to Glenariff Forest Park. As we are on a main road we are easily accessible by bus, car, or bike.

You can walk out of the lodge, along a trail, and straight into the forest park.

Every Saturday night we have an open house, it’s like the old ceili house idea, open to everyone.

We provide tea and coffee we provide local entertainment, and people can give a donation if they want to.

You get a mix of local people and tourists, who can enjoy a range of stories and songs, which could be in Irish or in French.

What is fascinating about Ballyeamon Lodge ceili Saturday nights, is you never know who is going to turn up.

Liz Weir (Ballyeamon Barn Tourist Hostel, Glenariff)

Photos: Bout Yeh photographers Belfast