Olympic and Commonwealth Athletics Legend Lady Mary Peters recently chatted to Tourism Northern Ireland about the memories she has of growing up in Northern Ireland, where she still lives.
Although she is a famous athlete today, it wasn’t until the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich where, competing for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Mary won the gold medal in the women’s pentathlon, having finished fourth in 1964 and ninth in 1968. She later went on to represent Northern Ireland at every Commonwealth Games between 1958 and 1974. Born in England, Mary moved to Ballymena aged eleven, “I had a slight problem with the dialect but enjoyed my schooling and made many friends,” she says. It was in school that her interest in athletics began, and she won the shield for the best all-rounder at Ballymena Intermediate School.
She enjoyed her time there so much in fact, that if she could click her fingers and be anywhere in Northern Ireland, at any time, past present or future, Mary would go back to school in Portadown. It was here that her headmaster introduced her to her first athletic coach when she was 16. “I was a new girl but fitted in very quickly, not very academic, but enjoyed all after school activities, sport, dance, debating and film societies.”
Having grown up in Northern Ireland, and as a previous Deputy Chairman of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, she’s passionate that everyone visits Northern Ireland and enjoys all that it has to offer. “If you’re looking for history and culture, there’s Titanic Belfast, now celebrating its 10-year anniversary and the stunning brand-new Game of Thrones Tour in Banbridge (just 30 minutes from Belfast). There are also many wonderful theatres, including the newly refurbished Grand Opera House, the Lyric Theatre and The MAC.”
Northern Ireland is also a great foodie destination, with many incredible chefs and Michelin Star restaurants, which Mary is keenly aware of: “My favourites are Deanes at Queens, James St. and the Dark Horse pub, which has great food and an interesting history.” She loves the local produce too: “Living on an island I am particularly fond of our seafood; plaice, sole, seabass or prawns with locally grown fresh vegetables.” And when the weather turns cold and rainy, she recommends the cosy pubs of Belfast as the perfect place to retreat: “Bob Stewarts, which is near my home, with a cosy log fire, lots of old photos and knick knacks. The food is great and it’s always busy.”
If you’re more outdoorsy, she has plenty of recommendations too. “My favourite walks are the Broad Water towpath from Moira Railway Station to Aghalee, or Rathlin Island, the Gobbins, Ballywater Beach and Portstewart Strand.” She also likes to get out and about to the many tracks and parks, meeting up with her athletics friends at the very appropriately named Mary Peters track in Lagan Valley Park, Belfast. “There are over 40 lovely parks in Belfast, including the Belfast Castle Estate, Botanic Gardens with its lovely Palm House and Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park to name but a few.”
And for those looking for a more strenuous adventure, head for Northern Ireland’s awe-inspiring mountains and lakes: “From the Mournes and the Sperrins, to the amazing lakes of Fermanagh and Lough Neagh. There’s also horse riding in the Mournes or the Belfast Activity Centre for the kids, where they can learn to climb, cave and canoe. I would also recommend anything by the sea. I love Portstewart and Portrush, last August I tried paddle boarding, if an 82-year-old like me can do it, you should give it a try!”
After a long career in athletics competing in international destinations, it’s clear that Northern Ireland will always hold a special place in her heart: “Every time I’m away, I love coming home to the familiar Northern Ireland accent and the craic over a good cup of Thompson’s tea.”
In celebration of her gold medal, the Lady Mary Peters 50th Gold Anniversary Belfast International Meet will take place on Saturday 28th May at the Mary Peters Track in Belfast - more details can be found here.
Check out this inspirational itinerary if you want to visit some of Lady Mary's favourite places in Northern Ireland.
Welcome to Titanic Belfast, an award-winning visitor experience offering the opportunity to learn about Titanic’s history, just a few minutes from where the ship herself was famously designed, built and launched in 1911. This self-guided tour tells the Titanic’s story from conception through to its first and final journey across the Atlantic, as well as the historical and cultural impact on Belfast and beyond.
Created in official partnership with Warner Bros., the world’s first and only Game of Thrones Studio Tour has arrived in Northern Ireland. Located at the authentic filming location of Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, County Down, Game of Thrones Studio Tour invites you to experience the world of Game of Thrones like never before.
Since opening its doors on 23 December 1895, the Grand Opera House has delivered an unrivalled programme of entertainment, playing host to some of the greatest names in theatre and music.
As the only full-time producing theatre in Northern Ireland, the Lyric offers high quality professional entertainment throughout the year.
The MAC is one of Europe’s leading art centres, situated in the heart of Belfast. Recently nominated a finalist for the Art Fund Prize for Museum of the Year 2015, the award-winning venue has welcomed some 800,000 visitors since it opened.
Deanes at Queens on College Gardens can be found in the heart of the University Quarter, overlooking Methodist College and adjacent to Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum. Deanes at Queens is a short walk from Queens University Belfast and many hotels including Wellington Park Hotel, Malone Lodge and Dukes at Queens. With its glorious terrace, Deanes at Queens is taking full advantage of its enviable leafy location overlooking the superb architecture of Methodist College and adjacent to Belfast's Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum.
James St is a casual and contemporary, brick-walled restaurant specialising in chargrilled and aged steaks. The charcoal grill still plays centre stage, cooking not just some of the best steaks and prime cuts Northern Ireland has to offer but also fresh whole fish, pork and vegetables.
The Dark Horse is a European style coffee house nestled along a narrow cobbled alleyway in the historic Half Bap area of the Cathedral Quarter. Available for private hire Thursday - Saturday.
Amidst the rugged landscape of this isolated island, you can let your mind wander and discover a tranquillity and beauty that is so unexpected.
On the thrilling Gobbins Experience, nature isn’t content to just sit back and be admired. It completely engulfs you: from the all-enveloping Irish Sea winds and the dolphins dancing off the coastline. Pull on your walking boots and enjoy this 2.5-hour walking tour through tunnels and bridges with the waves crashing at your feet.
Between Portstewart and the mouth of the River Bann lies the golden sands and domineering sand dunes of Portrush Strand Beach. This area of natural beauty and of scientific interest is owned and managed by the National Trust.
Belfast Castle estate is situated on the lower slopes of Cave Hill Country Park in North Belfast. It contains both parkland and mature mixed woodland and offers superb views of the city from a variety of vantage points.
First established in 1828, the gardens have been enjoyed as a public park by the people of Belfast since 1895. There is an extensive rose garden and long herbaceous borders and the tree enthusiast can seek out the rare oaks planted in the 1880s.
The beautiful Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park comprises rolling meadows, woodland, riverside fields and formal gardens which includes the famous rose garden. Visitors to the park can also enjoy a walled garden, a Japanese-style garden with water features for quiet contemplation, a very popular children's playground, an orienteering course and many walks.
