Catriona McCarte

A New Journey into Tourism

When Midtown Makers became the new home of Ballymena's Visitor Information Centre in 2025, it opened the door to an exciting new chapter for Catriona McCarte. Combining her passion for people with a growing knowledge of the area, she quickly became an enthusiastic ambassador in Ballymena, helping visitors discover the attractions, stories and creative community that make the borough unique.

"I have attended several training events and familiarisation day trips to improve my knowledge within the tourism sector," she explains.

At the Centre of a Busy Community Hub

No two days are the same at Midtown Makers. Alongside supporting the Visitor Information Centre, Catriona helps to oversee the day-to-day operation of the shop, business hub, conference facilities and creative workshops. "Interacting with customers and visitors is a huge part of my role," she says. "I also help our crafting community with any queries that they may have."

Midtown Makers offers something a little different from a traditional visitor information service. Alongside tourism information, visitors can meet local makers, browse locally produced goods and gain an insight into Ballymena's creative community.

Creating a Warm Welcome

For Catriona, people are what make the role so rewarding. "Working in Midtown Makers brings me a lot of joy, interacting with customers and all the visitors we meet from different countries and cultures. I love knowing that I provide a warm, welcoming and professional service to everyone, and helping them to the best of my ability."

Showcasing the Best of Ballymena & beyond

A key part of Catriona's role is helping visitors uncover the attractions, experiences and stories that make the area unique. "Most of our visitors come in looking for information specific to Ballymena and the surrounding areas. I love promoting the town and local areas with information on local walking tours, where is good to eat and what our local attractions are."

While many visitors initially seek information about Ballymena and the surrounding area, the Visitor Information Centre also plays an important role in encouraging people to explore more of Mid and East Antrim, helping them discover coastal attractions, heritage sites, walking trails and experiences across the borough.

Memorable Moments

One particularly memorable encounter involved an American couple visiting Ballymena as part of a Rotary charity initiative. After discussing Ballymena's industrial heritage and local attractions, they revealed they were heading to one of Ballymena's best-known pubs. "They said they were heading to one of Ballymena's main attractions, Charlie's Bar, which gave us a giggle." Later, the couple sent a message praising the warm welcome they had received at Midtown Makers, a reminder of how small interactions can leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Proud of Place

Catriona is passionate about both the people and places that make Ballymena special. "Ballymena town centre is a vibrant multicultural town with enterprising people and lots of independent businesses and retailers."

While Ballymena often provides a starting point for visitors, Catriona is equally passionate about showcasing the wider borough. Whether recommending Slemish, The Gobbins, Carrickfergus Castle, Glenarm Castle, Whitehead Railway Museum or scenic coastal and countryside experiences, she enjoys helping visitors extend their stay and discover more of what Mid and East Antrim has to offer.

Through her work at Midtown Makers, she also enjoys introducing visitors to local makers, creative workshops and independent businesses, helping them experience a genuine sense of place while supporting the local economy.

Sharing the Story of Sea and Stone

"Being part of the Shaped by Sea and Stone brand is important to us as it is important to keep the heritage alive by promoting the town and Mid and East Antrim on a global scale."

Catriona and the Midtown Makers team help connect visitors not only with the town itself but with destinations, experiences and businesses across Mid and East Antrim.

A Career Worth Considering

"I would encourage anyone with a passion for tourism and hospitality and a love of people to definitely go for it."

Shaped by People

From welcoming people at Ballymena's Visitor Information Centre to championing the creative community at Midtown Makers, Catriona helps connect visitors with the experiences, heritage and culture that make Mid and East Antrim a place worth exploring.