As World Cup fever grips Northern Ireland, Translink is kicking off the summer with some great value bus and train deals to get people to ‘Get Up and Go’ out for the day.

To let people know what’s on offer, Translink has teamed up with their charity partner, Macmillan Cancer Support to embrace the spirit of the world cup and get people to come to Belfast City Hall on Thursday 26th June for a fun football challenge event.

Lynda Shannon Translink Communications Manager said, “With schools breaking up soon, many people are looking for ideas and activities to entertain and educate during the holidays. This fundraiser with Macmillan shows how taking the bus and train is a great way to get out and get active as part of a healthy lifestyle - good for you and good for the environment too! We are running the event in association with the Northern Ireland’s Women’s Football Association and encouraging people to come down between the hours of 12pm and 2pm to show off their football skills in taking penalties and ‘keepy -uppy’ while raising money for the great work that Macmillan do.”

“We have a fantastic range of special fares and discounts to many top attractions across Northern Ireland making it easy on your pocket while you get to spend some quality time with family and friends.  There are literally loads of places you can go by bus and train for a fun day out. We have great seaside locations, stunning countryside and coastlines and some brilliant towns and cities to explore. To be inspired we would encourage people to visit our website or download our journey planner app to make it easy to plan your day out.  

“So whether you fancy a day gazing at the stars at the Armagh Planetarium, following in the footsteps of Finn MacCool at the Giants Causeway or relive the battles at Carrickfergus Castle - all at a reduced rate  when you travel by bus and train - Life’s Better with Translink this summer” she concluded.

Translink’s summer fares include:- Friends and Family ticket – up to 6 people - provides unlimited travel by bus and rail for two adults and up to four children - £20- Bus Rambler Ticket – unlimited ‘hop on hop off’ Ulsterbus, Goldline and Metro day travel after 9.15am. Adult - £9 - Metro Family Day Ticket – two adults and up to four children travel anywhere, anytime on the Metro network- £9- iLink Adult day ticket from  £15.50 – Smartcard for unlimited bus and rail travel for one day- NI Railways 1/3 off day return tickets after 9.30am- Belfast Visitor Pass - smartcard providing unlimited bus and rail travel for 1, 2 or 3 consecutive days within the Belfast Visitor Pass Zone.  The card entitles users to avail of a range of offers and discounts- Goldline - 1/3 off day return tickets after 9.30am on selected routes – 215, 218, 219, 238, 238a, 250, 251 & 256

Translink ambassador Colin McAlpin said, “I’ve actually been doing a lot of 'touring' on the bus and train routes, it's a great way to see Northern Ireland.  There's something very special about seeing the beautiful countryside on the bus, driven by a friendly driver and full of people willing to get off the beaten track ... only Translink offers such a unique experience.”

Macmillan Cancer Support Fundraising Manager, Joanne Young said, “In the midst of football fever it is great to be working alongside our corporate partner Translink on this Football Challenge Event. Not only is this event raising our profile in the City Centre and beyond, but it is allowing us to raise vital funds for people and their families affected by cancer.

Joanne continues, “We would encourage people to take part and whether you are a football fanatic or just fancy your chances, we would love to see you all there.”

Full summer 2014 fares and special offers can be found online at www.translink.co.uk/summer

ENDS

For further details please contact Louise Carson of Katrina Frazer at Aiken PR on 02890 663000

Notes to editors: Additional promotional offersPresent your Translink tickets at the attraction to claim the following: (Terms and conditions apply)• 2 for 1 entry on all listed National Trust sites• 2 for 1 entry at Dunluce Castle• 2 for 1 entry at Carrickfergus Castle• One free child mini-golf ticket with every Adult ticket purchased at the Pickie Fun Park in Bangor• 10% discount off all purchases from Belfast Welcome Centre• 10% off all tickets at Titanic Walking Tours• One free admission (when a second admission of equal or greater value is purchased) at Ulster Folk & Transport Museum• Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience – Green Travel Discount £1.50 off adult admission, £1 off child admission, £3 off family ticket.• 20% off all tickets for Citysightseeing Tours in Derry~Londonderry• One free admission (when a second admission of equal or greater value is purchased) at Ulster American Folk Park• One free admission for a guided tour at Belleek Pottery• 2 for 1 entry to any show at Armagh Planetarium (pre-booking essential)