It is time to pack away your winter woollies and spring into a new season with the launch of Newry Style City 2012. The runaway success story of the 2011 social calendar in Newry is back, bigger and better than ever.

Dedicated followers of fashion and style sirens alike will have a field day with fashionable events right across the city from Sunday 25^th March right through to Sunday 1^st April. The photo-shoots are complete, the catwalk is ready and the shops are just bursting at the seams to hit the catwalk, now all we need is you.  With a series of free and ticketed events catering for all tastes and styles there is something for everyone. There are still opportunities for local retailers, hairdressers, beauticians and other services to get involved by contacting Newry Chamber.

Orla Jackson, Chief Executive of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade and Chair of the Newry Style City Committee said, “We are thrilled to once again bring Newry Style City to life to showcase the fabulous retail and service sectors in our city. This year we are working in partnership with Southern Regional College and members of the Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership Board to provide work experience placements as part of the festival and indeed working in conjunction with our platinum sponsors Buttercrane Shopping Centre, The Quays Shopping Centre, Newry & Mourne District Council, retailers and in kind sponsors from local suppliers including Louise Photography to bring a world class fashion week to this area. We would like to thank all of those who have supported us in making this happen and we look forward to welcoming people from right across the south eastern region to our many stylish events.”

Newry Style City is packed with events details of which can be found on the Facebook page or by logging onto www.newrystylecity.com.  Buttercrane Shopping Centre will launch its series of fringe events on Saturday 24^th March on Sat 24th with the return of the very popular ‘Models in the Mall’ fashion event. Models will showcase the best in Spring Summer 2012 fashion from a range of stores from 1100am- 4.00 pm. Also on 24th March Buttercrane hosts ‘Street Style’. The centre’s fashion gurus will be out and about in the mall spotting Newry’s most stylish shoppers, male and female. The pick of the most stylish will be posted on Buttercrane’s Facebook page for the public to like and select who they deem to have the best Street Style. The eventual winner will be confirmed at the Newry Style Awards, the closing event of NSC. Last year’s Street Style winner, Niamh Cunningham from Crossmaglen has gone on to enjoy a successful year’s modelling in Newry, Dublin and beyond and will be appearing at events throughout NSC.

The Quays Shopping Centre hosts the final of ‘The Quays Next Top Model’ on Saturday 24^th of March which has been running from Autumn 2011 with the lucky winner guest modelling in the ‘Newry Style City Catwalk Show’ in Bellini’s on Wednesday 28^th March and securing a contract with Style Academy Model Agency in Belfast.

The week will officially open in true style with a new addition- ‘Newry Speed Styling’ at The Canal Court Hotel on Sunday night 25^th March. Here you will have an opportunity to get one-to-one advice speed networking style from beauty, fashion and lifestyle experts to set you up for the new season. This is an opportunity to ask questions about your own style, what to wear to a big event or even how to look good on holiday. There will be a host of local exhibitors waiting to help you look your best for the year ahead.

Throughout the week along with the stunning, professional catwalk show in Bellini’s on Wednesday 28th featuring stores such as Warehouse, Coast, DV8 and Topshop from Buttercrane and The Quays, independent retailers Berling, Jack Murphy Jewellers, GASP Boutique, SILK Emporium, Cahill Brothers, local designer Shauna Fay and Milliner Mariana O’Reilly there will be events right across the city. These include ‘Diamonds and Daiquiris’ at Jack Murphy Jewellers on Thursday night 29^th, Southern Regional College Fashion Show on Friday 30th night, Model Spotting, Street Style, Models on the Mall in Buttercrane Shopping Centre throughout the week, Mr & Mrs at The Canal Court Hotel on Friday 30^th March, stylish Flash Mobs in The Quays on Saturday 31^st March, an on mall Wedding Fayre in Buttercrane and many others. The week will close with the fabulous Connor Philips from Cool FM hosting the annual Newry Style Awards in The Bank Bar on Sunday 1^st April. The most stylish people in Newry will walk away with a host of amazing prizes.

Tickets are available for Newry Speed Styling and Newry Style City Show with numbers limited for both from the pop up ticket shop at Buttercrane Shopping Centre or at the Customer Service Desk at The Quays. Entry is now open for Newry Style Awards on Facebook and admission to this event will be pay at the door. For details of all events please check local press and online at www.newrystylecity.com .

Businesses across Belfast can once again benefit from making environmental cost savings in their workplace while boosting profits at the same time.

They can now sign up to take part in the next round of the BITES (Business Improvements Through Environmental Solutions) Programme which is funded by Belfast City Council with support from the European Regional Development Fund.

BITES is a business development initiative designed to help companies reduce waste and energy, boost profits and help the environment. Running for the last two years in the city, the programme’s success has meant that it has now expanded to the district council areas of Carrickfergus, Lisburn and Newtownabbey.

The one-year programme helps businesses to identify opportunities to reduce their use of and better manage resources, namely materials, water, waste and energy which will lead to increasing profits and improved business competitiveness and sustainability. 22 local businesses have completed the programme over the last two years and collectively have identified in excess of £320,000 worth of collective savings through the support provided.

Alderman Christopher Stalford, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee, said: “The council’s BITES programme is aimed at encouraging businesses improve their environmental performance with a view to enhancing profits through greater resource efficiency and business competitiveness.
“Sustainability is a key issue for industry and ensuring the participation of businesses in delivering a sustainable future is crucially important,” he added.

Adrian Quinn from Mascott Construction was a previous participant in the programme.

“For businesses in the current economic climate, BITES is a first class programme,” he said.

“It assisted Mascott with the development of our ISO 14001 audit and for the first time in 11 years, we demonstrated real improvements through our ISO system. The programme really got us on the ball.”

Ivan Martin from the North Down Group picked up an award for the most improved business at last September’s BITES Programme Awards ceremony.

He said:  “The BITES Programme enabled our company to take a step back and re-assess our operational costs in key areas. As a result, we implemented resource saving measures such as improved insulation in our refrigeration plant, installing more energy efficient lighting and significantly increasing our recycling rates.”

The current BITES programme is open to 35 businesses within the four council areas and is targeted at non Invest NI client businesses who have a combined resource spend (water, waste and energy) of less than £60,000, with the majority of places being awarded to companies with a combined resource spend of £30,000 or less.

The next round of the programme is scheduled to take place in April and businesses who want to take part should contact Belfast City Council’s Economic Development Unit on 028 9091 8771 or email kellands@belfastcity.gov.uk.

Further information on the programme can also be found on  www.belfastcity.gov.uk/businessprogrammes.

BITES is funded by Belfast City Council, Carrickfergus Borough Council, Lisburn City Council, Newtownabbey Borough Council, Invest NI and the European Regional Development Fund through the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.

After its recent deployment to Libya, HMS Bangor is returning to The Eisenhower Pier on Thursday April 5^th for the start of a five day visit.

The weekend’s main events will see HMS Bangor throw down her gangway to welcome the general public from 12 Noon – 5pm on Sunday 8^th April and Easter Monday 9^th April. Admission to the ship will be free so come along with family and friends to marvel at this wonderful vessel and see close-up, what life is really like onboard. The public will get the chance to see some of the ship’s sophisticated equipment and chat with the crew about their experiences onboard the ship – you might even get to sit in The Captain’s chair!

HMS Bangor is a 600 tonne Sandown Class Minehunter , commissioned by the Royal Navy and launched by Lady Lisa Spencer in 1999 at Southhampton Docks. She is named after our very own Bangor and is the second Royal Navy vessel to bear the name. She is 52.5m in length and has a max speed of 13 knots.

HMS Bangor is the first navy ship in over 15 years to be closely affiliated to Northern Ireland and has other official affiliations with the town of Bangor, Bangor Combined Cadet Force and Bangor Grammar School. Named after our very own Bangor, she is also closely affiliated with Clifton Special School, the ship’s adopted charity.

During the second half of 2011 HMS Bangor was deployed as part of Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, operating in the Mediterranean with the NATO task group formed to protect civilians during the civil war in Libya.  During this period HMS Bangor located and Countermined 1 ground mine and 1 torpedo, both found on the seabed, left over from previous conflicts in the approaches to one of the civilian ports.

“We are all very pleased to be returning to Bangor following our live Operations off the coast of Libya. After operating as part of the NATO taskforce charged with protecting civilians we feel privileged to be invited back to Bangor where we are always made very welcome” said Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Matt Moore.

Speaking about HMS Bangor’s return to our shores, the Mayor of North Down, Councillor James McKerrow said: “We are always delighted to welcome HMS Bangor back to North Down waters. The ship has recently been deployed to Libya and we are particularly proud of all the brave men and women who served on that campaign.  Our connection with HMS Bangor means a lot to local people and I know many will come along and visit the ship on its open days.”

For further information, please phone our Tourist Information Centre on: 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com

It’s Mardi Gras season across the globe and the carnival atmosphere will descend on Café Vaudeville on Friday 23^rd March 2012 in association with Coca-Cola.

The Friday night spectacle Viva Vaudeville will transform into a New Orleans festival with Miss Tina Leggs Tantrum and the Vaudeville Follies performing big pop anthems from Tina Turner to Lady Gaga in their own interpretation while the Streetwise stilt walking samba band will keep the carnival goers entertained both inside and outside the venue.

This will be a Friday night like no other to witness something you’ve never seen before, heard before, dreamt before – the most amazing show on earth as Viva Vaudeville also celebrates 100 shows.

The Mardi Gras event will be a night of celebration to forget your worries, embrace the music and dance under the Vaudeville dome before the clock strikes one.

Entertainment from 8.00 pm.

Café Vaudeville

25-39 Arthur Street, Belfast, BT1 4GQ

T: 02890439160

www.cafevaudeville.com

IF the brighter weather has put a spring in your step then the Easter holidays are the perfect time to go outdoors and eggs-plore the jam packed calendar of events across the region according to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).

With everything from an Easter Eggspress steam train from Belfast to Whitehead, egg trails in a range of locations and an Easter Sea Safari Boat Trip around Strangford Lough, there is no better time of year to have fun with the family.

NITB’s Destination PR and Marketing Manager Ruth Burns says there will be events happening in every county this Easter.

“With the brighter weather and the children off school, Easter is the perfect time of year to plan a family day out and there is something for everyone to enjoy this year,” said Ruth.

“There are lots of events and many visitor attractions that families can spend the day exploring so we are hoping that everybody takes advantage of what’s on offer,” she added.

To help get you started, NITB has highlighted a range of events to keep all the family entertained over the Easter period.

Belfast

Belfast’s Titanic Quarter will be hosting the Easter Weekend Family Fun and International Markets with three days of street performance providing hilarious entertainment over the Easter Weekend.  Celebrate Easter with the animals at Belfast Zoo from April 6 – 10 and watch them enjoy some special Easter treats during feeding time.  Hop aboard the Easter Eggspress for a steam train adventure from Belfast Central Station to Whitehead with Chocolate eggs for all the children on April 9 and 10.           

Co. Antrim

Theatre at the Mill is inviting kids to its High School Musical theatre school this Easter which starts on April 9.  A highly skilled professional team will teach the children how to master dance routines, perfect harmonies and learn scripts which they will then perform live on stage for an audience.  The Ballymena Egg Run on April 10 is a charity motorcycle in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care with all eggs collected being donated to children with special needs.  Easter Eggstravaganza at the Island Arts Centre in Lisburn will be full of fun things for the family including arty antics and movie madness galore from April 11 – 13.

Co. Armagh

The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre will be running its popular Easter fun craft sessions on April 7.  Everyone can make some great Easter goodies to take home as presents and also take part in an Easter trail to find some chocolate treats.  Join local florist James and be inspired to create the perfect Easter floral centre piece at his workshop in Saint Patrick’s Trian on March 31.  From April 6 – 10, Saint Patrick’s Trian will also be hosting Eggs-press Yourself with lots of fun for everyone including Easter crafts, an egg hunt, a theatre show and the chance to pet real bunnies.  Enjoy the Gruffalo’s Easter Trail at the Navan Centre and create your very own Gruffalo themed mask and a Gruffalo Trail where you can meet lots of characters including the mouse, the fox and the snake from April 7 – 10.  Children aged 6 – 12 can enjoy the Easter school holidays at Palace Stables’ Easter Craft Club with crafts, egg rolling and games  on April 12 and 13.

Co. Down

Enjoy some Easter fun and follow the clues over the sand dunes and the beach to discover some chocolate treasure at Murlough National Nature Reserve on April 8.  The Down County Museum is hosting an Easter Monday Fun Day with the best entertainment for all the family including magic shows, craft workshops and much more.  Head to Bangor on Easter Monday for a family fun day out with a falconry display, a modified cars display and the annual parade full of colourful displays, dancers and street entertainers.  Hop over to the Easter Fair at Castle Ward for a jam packed time of children’s activities, horse and carriage rides, local crafts and food stalls and an Easter egg trail on April 7 – 9.  Castle Ward will be holding an Easter Camp for children aged between 8 and 15 on April 11 – 13 with activities galore including archery, rock hopping, canoeing, climbing and much more.  On April 8 – 10 you can explore the waters of Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea aboard the Easter Sea Safari Boat Trip and discover the Angus Rock Lighthouse and SeaGen, the first electricity generating tidal turbine in Europe.  The whole family can enjoy the fun at Mount Stewart’s Easter Trail around its gardens on April 6 – 13 with a prize for every completed quiz sheet.  Join the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Castle Espie for a Giant Easter Bunny Hunt with prizes and bunny crafts for all the children.  Explore the nooks and crannies around the beautiful Rowallane Garden at its Easter Tuesday Chick Trail and follow the clues to get an Easter surprise.

Co. Fermanagh

Visit Corralea Activity Centre and test your mountain biking skills on Easter Saturday, enjoy canoeing on Lough MacNean on Easter Sunday or climb the purpose built wall on Easter Monday.  Join the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit and friends for a tea party from April 6 – 9 in the Basement at Castle Coole for a fun-filled afternoon and chocolate treats hunt.  Follow the clues around Florencecourt to find the chocolate eggs at its Easter Trail event on April 6.  The Orchard Acre Farm in Irvinestown will be hosting an Easter Chocolate Factory Festival with a chocolate treasure hunt and chocolate demonstrations on April 7 – 11.  Take this unique opportunity to see Crom from a different perspective as you cruise around the Lough during the Easter Cot Cruise on April 9.

Co. Tyrone

Pay a visit to the Easter bunny and receive a gift at the Barrontop Fun Farm in Strabane from April 6 – 10.  There will be two days of egg-cellent fun at The Argory with lots of activities for the whole family including an egg trail, face painting and lots of children’s entertainment on April 9 – 10.  Go to An Creagán in Omagh for its Big Family Picnic on Easter Monday with lots of entertainment including outdoor play activities, a mobile farm, music and food stalls.

Co. Londonderry

There will be fun for all the family at Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House as you follow the trail around the historic site to find clues to crack the code and unlock the chocolate Easter surprises on April 8.  Springhill House will also be hosting an Easter trail around its gardens on April 8 and 9.

To find out more on things to do at Easter click on www.discovernorthernireland.com or visit your local tourist information centre.  You can also keep up-to-date with the latest news, images, videos and competitions by visiting http://www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.

If you think you have it in you to design a unique mascot to celebrate Derry’s year as City of Culture, you could see your idea come to life in front of millions.

Culture Company 2013 has joined forces with Culture Northern Ireland to launch a competition to design the official City of Culture 2013 mascot, as part of DCAL’s Creativity Month.

The competition launched on Thursday past and will be run through the new online creative hub www.creativityni.org. The mascot will become a symbol of City of Culture 2013 and become recognisable by millions of people. It will be showcased at events, on promotional material and on merchandise products that will go on sale throughout 2013 and the winner of the competition will be given Apple products to the value of £3,000.

Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín welcomed the launch of the mascot competition. The Minister said: “City of Culture 2013 will be a catalyst for creativity and innovation across our region and beyond. It will inspire people to think differently, to think creatively and to look to the possibilities of the future. Chair of the judging panel Declan McGonagle said: “This is a great opportunity for someone to become part of the legacy of the first ever City of Culture by having their design go down in the history books as the official mascot.

David Lewis, Director at Culture Northern Ireland commented: “This is an exciting opportunity for designers and artists to get involved with the City of Culture in Derry~Londonderry. Mascots always play a significant role in engaging with audiences and inspiring them to participate in activity. I look forward to seeing some creative designs.”

Entries will be accepted until 5pm on April 12, 2012. Further competition details and online application form available at www.creativityni.org/mascot and www.facebook.com/cityofculture2013.

Source http://www.derryjournal.com/news/local/fancy-desigining-a-mascot-for-derry-1-3638900

Popular family bread brand teams up with Replay Theatre Company to launch new production

MORE than 12,000 children across Northern Ireland will enjoy a slice of live theatre thanks to a partnership between Replay Theatre Company and popular bread brand Brennans.

Replay is a charitable organisation set up to give schoolchildren and young people an opportunity to experience live theatre, often for the first time, and Brennans has once again teamed up with the theatre group to launch its latest production, Marianne Dreams, which debuts at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast this week.

Showing in the Northern Bank Auditorium of the Lyric, this is the first time a local company has performed on the Lyric’s main stage, after which the production will tour nine regional theatres and arts centres, reaching thousands of children across the country.

Colin Todd, business development manager of Brennans Bread, claims that the continued sponsorship of Replay provides a chance for the bakery to help deliver creative opportunities for schools across Northern Ireland.

“Brennans is delighted to be partnering Replay to deliver the brilliant new production of Marianne Dreams,” said Colin. “We are very excited that this event will be touring such a wide range of theatres and arts centres, reaching families and schools across Northern Ireland.

“Our partnership with Replay is proving to be the perfect match as it reflects the brand’s core values of family, freshness and quality and we’re looking forward to another year of working together on a theatre programme to feed young imaginations,” he added.

Eimear Henry, executive director of Replay Theatre Company, said: “Brennans support has been invaluable to Replay’s programme of work over the last year and we’re delighted to continue our partnership with such an iconic Irish household brand which will allow us to reach more and more young people across the country.

“This year’s production of Marianne Dreams is a captivating performance which offers a fantastic introduction to the arts and we believe that inspiring the imaginations of young people can help them lead a much more creative and fulfilling life,” Eimear added.

Marianne Dreams will be performed at selected venues across Northern Ireland from March 13 – April 3. Replay Theatre Company is offering free buses to transport children from schools to the venues and ticket prices start from only £4. For further information visit www.replaytheatre.co.org

BUSHMILLS® Irish Whiskey has announced Snow Patrol as the first of a number of artists who will perform at BUSHMILLS Live – the handcrafted whiskey and music festival taking place at the Old BUSHMILLS Distillery on the north coast of Ireland on 20th and 21st June 2012.

Northern Ireland’s very own Snow Patrol, are one of the world’s most popular bands, selling more than 11 million albums since their breakthrough record Final Straw debuted in 2003.

The two-day handcrafted festival will be the first ever staged in an Irish Whiskey distillery. The artists will play a series of intimate gigs in age-old buildings around the distillery. Other performers announced at this stage include renowned musician Foy Vance, who along with David Holmes composed the music for the OSCAR® winning short film, ‘The Shore’ and award-winning singer songwriter and producer Iain Archer.

Snow Patrol’s Jonny Quinn, commented: “Playing live on a bill of great artists and friends, in the Old BUSHMILLS Distillery that’s been around for centuries – it doesn’t get much better than that!”

‘BUSHMILLS Live’ will be a truly ‘money can’t buy experience’. Tickets for the event will not go on general release, instead fans of BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey can win the chance to attend the festival by entering a competition on the BUSHMILLS Facebook page – facebook.com/bushmills1608 .

To stand a chance of winning they will have to submit a photo of themselves and friend and explain why they and their friend should be in the audience for ‘BUSHMILLS Live’.

As well as listening to great music, those fortunate to win a ticket to the festival will also have the opportunity to make their own blend of BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey.

Commenting, Colum Egan, Master Distiller, Old BUSHMILLS Distillery said: “The line-up for ‘BUSHMILLS Live’ so far is truly remarkable. Snow Patrol, Foy Vance and Iain Archer are known and loved around the world – much like our whiskey.

“What excites me is they, like all the artists who are coming to play, are fans of our whiskey. BUSHMILLS and music have always gone well together. Handcrafted whiskey and handcrafted music – it just makes sense!”

To win tickets to ‘BUSHMILLS Live’ or to find out more, visit facebook.com/bushmills1608 . Entry opens at 16:08 GMT on St Patrick’s Day and closes at 23:59 GMT on 27th April 2012. Terms and conditions apply.
Drink Responsibly- www.drinkaware.co.uk for the facts

The BUSHMILLS word, the Pot Still device and other associated logos are trade marks. © The Old Bushmills Distillery Co. Limited 2012.

Marie Curie Cancer Care has launched its Great Daffodil Appeal 2012 encouraging people to don a daffodil pin in March to support the essential work of Marie Curie Nurses across Northern Ireland.

This year’s flagship appeal is being backed by Downpatrick race course and local award winning fashion designer MaryRose McGrath who has created a bespoke one of a kind daffodil fascinator to be won by the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ wearing a yellow garment at the Downpatrick race day on 25^th March.

The annual Great Daffodil Appeal aims to raise £140,000 in donations across Northern Ireland to help provide more free nursing care for people with a terminal illness in their own homes and at the local Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast.

Marie Curie nurse Kasia Patynowska said: “Support for the Great Daffodil Appeal helps Marie Curie Nurses like me to provide more free care to people with cancer and other illnesses in their own homes and at the local Marie Curie Hospice in Belfast.

“We are delighted to have the support of MaryRose McGrath, whose work has graced the pages of fashion’s elite magazines such as Vogue and Elle as well as Downpatrick race course to help us create awareness of our appeal. We would encourage all ladies to come down to the races wearing a yellow garment to be in with a chance winning this beautiful fascinator and help us make a difference by making a donation and wearing a daffodil throughout March.”

Commenting on her support for the campaign, local fashion designer MaryRose McGrath said: “I am proud to be supporting Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal. After working in the London fashion industry for a number of years it’s great to be back in Northern Ireland.

“As we are stepping into spring, yellow is the colour of the season and provides the perfect opportunity for the public to wear this colour in support of Marie Curie and also on the race day to be in with a chance of winning my one of a kind fascinator.”

Downpatrick race course manager Richard Lyttle said: “We are expecting the race day on 25^th March to be a great occasion and are looking forward to hosting the Marie Curie ‘Best Dressed Lady’ award – it’s sure to be a fantastic day and we look forward to welcoming all stylish ladies wearing yellow!”

Daffodil pins can be picked up from local stores, schools, street collectors, from Marie Curie Shops or online. To find where you can get a daffodil pin in your local community please visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil.

For more information on how to get involved in the Great Daffodil Appeal, please contact 028 90882060 or visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil

With the much anticipated opening of the Titanic Visitor Centre just around the corner, Northern Ireland based activity providers have launched three innovative ways of exploring Belfast’s historic shipyard by land and sea.

Speed boat sea safaris, bike tours and interactive clue-based mobile apps are each set to enjoy almost automatic ‘must do’ reputations during this year’s Centenary celebrations and Chris Scott, Activity Tourism Manager for OutdoorNI.com, believes that these activity tours will successfully compliment Belfast’s unique Titanic experience.

Speaking at the announcement of the Belfast Sea Safari, Mr Scott added “It’s great to see Northern Ireland’s activity providers flexing their entrepreneurial muscle and embracing the Titanic story. These tours add an entirely new dimension to Belfast’s tourism product and really set the city apart as an exciting visitor destination.”

The maiden voyage of the brand new Belfast Sea Safari sets off from the Belfast Harbour Marina on Saturday 31^st March and Director of the Peak Discovery Group, Andrew Porter, explains “This will be a city tour with a difference! There is so much to see from the waters of Belfast Lough and literally every corner in our Titanic Quarter is steeped in maritime heritage with endless stories to tell.”

These thrilling speed boat tours will follow the route of the Titanic as she left Belfast Harbour in 1912 as well as exploring HMS Caroline and the famous SS Nomadic up close. Mr Porter, who also runs a successful sea safari on Strangford Lough, continues, “We’ll be running these family-friendly tours all summer long and expect them to be popular with visitors to Belfast as well as those native to the capital. We’re confident that the sea safari will be the most exciting way to see the docks and learn a bit more about the fascinating history of where the Titanic tale all began.”

For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, Belfast City Bike Tours, have developed a Titanic tour exploring some unique parts of the shipyard only accessible on two wheels. Whilst, Treasure Trails NI have reacted to the Titanic buzz by integrating a clue-based walking route into an interactive mobile app, providing yet another dimension to the Belfast visitor experience in 2012 and beyond.

Visit OutdoorNI.com to find out more about these new activity opportunities taking place in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter this year.