A new guest house and restaurant has been officially opened next to Divis Mountain in Belfast.

Standing Stones Lodge features 22 ensuite double bedrooms with two disabled access rooms as well as a 100-seater restaurant.

It is a £1.75 million investment by the owner and developer Mr Paul McLarnon.

Mr McLarnon said: "Standing Stones Lodge has been three years in the making and I am delighted that we are now able to welcome the people of Lisburn and Castlereagh Council area, Greater Belfast and visitors from further afield to come and enjoy our hospitality in this beautiful part of the country."

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The Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Development Committee, Alderman William Leathem, recently visited the lodge and said: "I am delighted to welcome the newest accommodation provider to the area, improving the bed stock and ultimately having an impact on overall tourism performance. Offering accommodation for visitors to the popular walking trails of Divis and Black Mountain, which have seen numbers increase over the years, adds a great addition to the area. It is also good news for the local economy with the creation of 25 jobs. Tourism contributes significantly to the Northern Ireland economy and at a local level here in Lisburn Castlereagh and the Council is always encouraging growth in the sector."

General Manager Harry McMahon added: "Paul has every right to be proud of Standing Stones Lodge. He has created a first-class facility here on Divis. In the short time that we have been open our restaurant has already proved to be hugely popular with local people and I am confident that we will quickly become a tourist destination. But remember this is just Phase 2, Paul has more plans in development so watch this space!"

(CM)