Press Release
For immediate release 11thApril 2016
Ballycastle to Host First Gluten Free Open Day of 2016
The Marine Hotel, Ballycastle in County Antrim will once again host this years’ first Gluten Free Ireland Open Day on Saturday 16th April.
Now in its’ third year, the Gluten Free Ireland Open Days are a miniature food expo for sufferers of Coeliac disease and those on a gluten free diet. Attracting over 300 visitors from around the country, the family event showcases local and international gluten free food producers as well providing advice and support on living gluten free.
Showcasing Gluten Free Food Available in Northern Ireland
Visitors can access the stands on display from 1pm to 4pm and chat with producers, suppliers and agencies involved in gluten free food production and distribution.
The Marine Hotel is the first hotel in Northern Ireland to receive accreditation from Coeliac UK, the main organisation which licenses the grain symbol for food producers in the UK. The hotel restaurant offers a range of Coeliac meals and show visitors can eat or stay during the weekend with a range of activities available in the area.
Coeliac Disease in Ireland
With Coeliac disease affecting one out of every hundred people in Ireland, the need for gluten free options in catering venues is paramount. Finding those venues and getting peace of mind can mean the difference between enjoying a day out and simply not leaving the house in fear of debilitating reactions to gluten intolerance.
While the after effects of eating food containing gluten varies from a painful rash to full blown sickness and joint pain, many people not diagnosed with Coeliac disease choose to lead a gluten free lifestyle to ease similar symptoms they experience.
Gluten Free Ireland
Gluten Free Ireland was started by husband and wife team, Derek and Christina Thompson from their home in Ballynahinchin 2010. Since then built by their son Michael, has become one of the best known and most active communities for people with Coeliac disease in Northern Ireland and Ireland. By building on the success of their hospitality database, a comprehensive list created by hand, Derek and Christina published the first guide book for eating out gluten free in Ireland.
Visiting the Event
The event will be open from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday 16th April in the Marine Hotel, Ballycastle. Free parking is available at the hotel. Entry is £2 for adults. For more details go to
Photo Caption
Over 300 people attended the 2015 Gluten Free Open Day at Marine Hotel, Ballycastle. This April will see some of the biggest brands in gluten free food production return to the Marine Hotel, for another special mini expo, organised by Gluten Free Ireland, Northern Ireland’s largest online community for sufferers of Coeliac disease.
The event will be open from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday 16th April in the Marine Hotel, Ballycastle. Free parking is available at the hotel. Entry is £2 for adults and free for children. For more details go to
Pictured are Derek and Christina Thompson, founders of Gluten Free Ireland, with Jade McMurray from Marine Hotel Ballycastle.
Notes for Editors:
Gluten Free Ireland Limited is owned and operated by Derek and Christina Thompson and based in Ballynahinch, County Down
UK: 028 9263 9992
ROI: 048 9263 9992
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For urgent press enquiries please contact Michael Thompson on: UK 07899 894205
ROI: +44 7899 894205
Gluten Free Ireland Limited
30 CreevytenantRoad, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8UW
UK Tel: 028 9263 9992 ~ ROI Tel: 048 9263 9992 ~