Avenue of Hope: How TV show drew Australians and Americans to Donaghadee

Catherine Strain, a member of the Chunky Dunkers swimming group in Donaghadee, says it is common to see cruise ship tourists visiting Belfast making their way to the city.

“You can hear them saying, ‘Oh, that’s where the police station used to be, and this house is like that,'” she told BBC News.

Some of the cast and crew of Hope Street braved the chill of the Irish Sea and enjoyed – or maybe not – a dip.

Like many locals, Catherine can be seen as an extra in Hope Street classes.

“I think it’s my most famous[part]and when my husband says I have a face for a funeral, I was at a funeral,” she jokes.

Her friend Bridie McElhill, who swims with the Chunky Dunkers, said the show helped put Dongaday “on the map”.

“People now come to Dongdae to see the town and see the filming locations.

“I think it’s brought people to the city, and that’s great for the city.”