Using NIEA sites and properties for your events and visits

Some NIEA sites and properties are suitable for the holding of special events, exhibitions or visits. These places include our country parks, countryside centres and larger historic monuments. Country parks are well suited to events associated with the promotion of an active, healthy lifestyle and for sponsored walks. Historic monuments, nature reserves and bird hides may be better suited to group guided walks and tours.

We welcome applications from individuals, community, youth, church and environmental groups, charities, historical and other societies, and in some instances from commercial companies and tour groups, to use our more resilient sites and properties for their own events or outings where these will not damage the special features of the venues nor reduce the enjoyment of other visitors. Our properties may not, however, be used for the public promotion of political parties or religious views.

Meeting rooms and audio-visual facilities at Visitor Centres may be booked for holding meetings, seminars, conferences, etc., provided they are not required by us or other official bodies at the time.

During the year we run a number of events at our properties at which crafts, and a variety of local produce are on sale. Should you wish to use such events to market a suitable product, please contact us on nieaevents@doeni.gov.uk

Please contact NIEA staff about any of the above opportunities and they will give you all the information and assistance you will require, including application forms, details on availability, conditions of hire and insurance requirements. For some activities you may need an NIEA permit. Applicants should, however, understand that acceptance of bookings outside normal opening hours cannot be guaranteed and will depend on the availability of staff willing to work overtime.

Charging

There is generally no charge for the non-commercial use of open spaces at our sites or properties, unless there are specific associated costs. Group rate reductions may be available.  Entry to our other properties is free unless there are specific costs to NIEA associated with bookings.

Environmental and community groups, etc, will be charged for the use of facilities on a cost-recovery basis. For example, an evening event will require staff to work overtime, the use of light and heating, for which there will be a charge based on the cost to NIEA. Commercial groups will be charged at a full commercial rate and stall-holders at fairs, etc., may be asked to pay a concession fee.

We may be able to offer extra services for specific events, including catering arrangements, guided walks, living history tours and so on or may be able to put you in touch with others who can assist you with your event. There will be a charge for such extras.

NIEA will not accept responsibility for damage, loss or theft of the Exhibitor’s materials.