Northern Ireland

Europa Hotel unveils permanent lobby installation to celebrate 50th birthday

James McGinn, General Manager of the Europa Hotel, is joined by colleagues Callum Dickson, Martin Mulholland, Lynsey Monaghan, Kyle Greer and Aine Finnegan as the world-famous hotel unveils a permanent lobby installation to celebrate its 50th birthday. Picture by Philip Magowan/PressEye
James McGinn, General Manager of the Europa Hotel, is joined by colleagues Callum Dickson, Martin Mulholland, Lynsey Monaghan, Kyle Greer and Aine Finnegan as the world-famous hotel unveils a permanent lobby installation to celebrate its 50th birthday. Pi James McGinn, General Manager of the Europa Hotel, is joined by colleagues Callum Dickson, Martin Mulholland, Lynsey Monaghan, Kyle Greer and Aine Finnegan as the world-famous hotel unveils a permanent lobby installation to celebrate its 50th birthday. Picture by Philip Magowan/PressEye

THE famous Europa Hotel has unveiled a permanent lobby installation to celebrate its 50th birthday.

It tells the story of Belfast and the fascinating history of the hotel that has welcomed guests including Lionel Richie, Bono and the Dalai Lama over the years.

It showcases artefacts including a letter from President Clinton, an interactive TV screen with video footage from the last 50 years, quotations from well-known guests and a quiz giving people the chance to guess some of the celebrities who have stayed.

Guests can also find out why it was often referred to as the ‘Hardboard Hotel’ and how much a pint of beer and a bedroom cost in 1971.

The display also pays tribute to the late William Hastings, who purchased the hotel at a time when so many would not.

General Manager James McGinn said: "The Europa has such a captivating history and we felt there was no better way to mark our 50th birthday than with a permanent installation to celebrate the story of this much-loved hotel.

"The doors opened in 1971, in the midst of a worsening political and social situation as the Troubles gripped Northern Ireland and it is still standing strong and thriving today."