This Mother’s Day, treat your mum to a special day that will really mean something.

Delight her with a delicious afternoon tea or take her to do something that she loves, whether it’s a walk in a glorious garden, an adventure on bikes or an afternoon discovering something new. Whatever you choose to do, give the gift of time this Mother’s Day and make it her special day.

Here’s the National Trust’s top ten places to visit:

Castle Ward

Enjoy a guided stroll around Castle Ward through the exotic Victorian sunken garden and the stunning demesne. Then relax in the Stableyard to the sounds of Vivaldi and other classical works – Walks: 11am to 12.15pm and 3pm to 4.15pm. Music: 1pm to 3.30pm.  Hire a bicycle and explore the miles of new trails or indulge in cream teas in Lord Bangor’s Sitting Room and enjoy a self guided tour of the house.  Mothers receive free entry when accompanied by two paying children under 16 years.

Mount Stewart

With a surprise around every corner the gardens of Mount Stewart are a must-see for garden loving mums. There’s the Spanish pavilion that looks like a theatre set, political planting in the Shamrock Garden and colour-driven beds in the Italian, Sunken and White gardens. Relax in the Bay Restaurant and visit the garden shop to take home a souvenir piece of Mount Stewart.

Rowallane Garden

Be inspired by this enchanting garden’s dazzling array of exotic species from the four corners of the globe. Created in the mid 1860s by the Reverend John Moore, and his nephew Hugh Armytage Moore from 1903, this informal plantsman’s garden reflects the beautiful natural landscape of the surrounding area.  Take a tranquil walk around the Rock Garden Wood or follow the farmland trail to the summit of trio Hill.

The Argory

Say thanks to mum with a day at The Argory.  Enjoy afternoon tea in the Octagon

Room, and live entertainment with craft activities for Mum and the children.  Built in the 1820s, this handsome Irish gentry house is surrounded by a wooded riverside estate with wonderful vistas and riverside walks. The former home of the MacGeough Bond family, a tour of this Neo-classical masterpiece reveals it is unchanged since 1900s – the eclectic interior still evoking the family’s Edwardian tastes and interests.

Springhill

Springhill has a beguiling spirit that captures the heart of every visitor.  Enjoy walks along the way marked paths and strolls around the walled garden overflowing with flowers and herbs.  Its welcoming charm reveals a family home that brings to life the many generations of Lenox-Conynghams who lived here from 1680.

Carrick-a-Rede

Take the exhilarating rope bridge challenge and enjoy a truly unique cliff top experience. Set on the North Antrim Coast Road, amid unrivalled coastal scenery, the 30m-deep and 20m-wide chasm is traversed by an amazing rope bridge that was traditionally erected by salmon fishermen.  Visitors bold enough to cross to the rocky island are rewarded with fantastic views.

Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House

Visit the stunning landscape of Downhill Demesne, and discover the striking 18^th century mansion of the eccentric Earl Bishop that now lies in ruins, then explore Mussenden Temple, perched on the cliff edge.  As an extra treat learn about the reality of life in the rural 17^th century cottage of Hezlett House.  Built in 1691, Hezlett House is one of the oldest thatched cottages left standing in Northern Ireland.

Patterson’s Spade Mill

See history literally forged in steel at the last working water-driven spade mill in daily use in the British Isles. Hear the hammers, smell the grit, feel the heat and witness the thrill of traditional spade-making. Guided tours vividly capture life during the Industrial Revolution and dig up the history and culture of the humble spade.

Castle Coole

Savour the exquisite stately grandeur of this stunning 18^th century mansion set in a historic wooded landscape park – ideal for family walks. As one of Ireland’s finest Neo-classical houses, the sumptuous Regency interior provides a rare treat for visitors to glimpse what life was like in the home of the Earls of Belmore.

Florence Court

This beautiful park, gardens and surrounding forest, offer fantastic opportunities for all the family to enjoy.  There are miles of walking and cycle trails, a playground for the children and the opportunity to discover more about nature with our adventure Tracker Packs.  Alternatively relax in the peaceful gardens and enjoy stunning views to mountain scenery.    At the centre of the demesne lies Florence Court house, one of the most charming and beautiful Georgian mansions in Ulster.

26 Extreme have announced that the Southern Area Hospice Services (SAHS) will be the charity of the year for the Mourne Way Marathon challenge event which will be held on 9^th June 2012.

The event caters for all abilities, whether you are an ‘ultra’ athlete and keen to run the 52 mile (85km) ultra marathon or just a beginner runner who would like to get involved in the 5k or 10k run, there are numerous events on the day that will cater for all.  Registration fees for each event applies and these vary depending on which event you are registering for.  The SAHS are asking all participants to raise a further £30 sponsorship to take part in the Mourne Way Challenge.  On the day the following events will take place in Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor: Ultra Marathon (52mile), Marathon (26miles), Challenge Walk (26miles), Half Marathon (13mile), 10k run/walk, 5k run/walk and a children’s race.  The Mourne Way Marathon event initially began in 2009 and was the first off road marathon in Ireland.  Since its inception the numbers have increased year upon year and 2012 is set to have the largest attendance to date.

Local radio host and personality ‘Big O’ will be participating in the 10k run on the day and is already getting into shape for the event. Big O added, ‘I’m very excited about this year’s Mourne Way Marathon and I’ve already started my training.  I hope there are plenty runners and walkers alike willing to get their runners on for a great day out and raise money for a fantastic cause!’

Leanne Rice (Regional Marketing Officer for Newry & Mourne) commented, ‘We are delighted to be involved with the event this year and we are very grateful to 26 Extreme for their support. It is fantastic to see a local event in the Mourne area appealing to athletes locally and internationally as far as New Zealand and Canada.  Last year the interest in the event was incredible with 712 participants and this year I hope that there will be even more interest as we celebrate the Olympic year.  It is fundamental this year, more so now than ever, that we get as much support as possible due to having our highest ever fundraising target on record of £2.23 million!  Unfortunately the cost of living and running costs have increased and as a result we have had to ultimately increase our fundraising target.’

In January it was announced that the SAHS 2012 fundraising target would increase from £2.1million in 2011 to £2.23million. This is a large hike and financially 2012 will be very testing the SAHS a charity.   For a registration pack or further details please contact Leanne or Rachel in the Fundraising office on (028) 30251333 or email quinnr@southernareahospiceservices.org.  A full list of the events on the day can also be found at www.26extreme.com

New Boutique Festival Takes Residency at T13 in the Titanic Quarter

Hydroponic Music – one of the most respected music collectives in Ireland – has launched Titanic Lockdown, a brand new boutique festival set to take place under the iconic Harland and Wolff cranes.   An all-day launch festival will take place on 31^st March whilst dates for a two day music festival have been confirmed as 1^st and 2^nd June.

The launch festival on 31^st March, the opening day of Titanic Belfast, will feature a day-long programme of activity culminating in a night time concert at T13 with cutting edge music performances from Roots Manuva, legendary DJ Gilles Peterson and London’s Soul Jazz Sound System.

Hydroponic founder and resident DJ Michael McKeown stated:  “Titanic Lockdown is unique to the music scene in Northern Ireland – a real music festival for real music lovers in an outstanding venue in unbelievable surroundings.  The all-day launch festival on the 31^st March will feature everything from top class artists, banging DJ sets and loads of local bands to continental food markets, live street art, urban sports demo’s, fashion workshops and firebreathers.  Titanic Lockdown is set to offer real music fans the chance to be part of the launch of Titanic Belfast.”

Titanic Lockdown will take place at T13, home to Ireland’s leading Urban Sports Park & Shared Cultural Space.  The venue will host the indoor concert on 31^st March and will be home to the two-day outdoor music festival on 1^st and 2^nd June.

Artists are currently being lined up for the two-day event in June with Hydroponic Music promoter Andrew McFeeters promising: “Music lovers will not be disappointed.  Titanic Lockdown is in the final stages of negotiations with artists and bands that will draw fans from all over Ireland.  Hydroponic Music and our partners Heineken and NITB are committed to making Titanic Lockdown a must-see event for music fans who appreciate real musical talent across every genre.  Titanic Lockdown will rip up the blueprint of formulaic music events, crossing genres from Rock ‘n’ Roll, Hip Hop, Dance, Soul, Reggae, Funk and World Rhythms.”

To celebrate the launch of Titanic Lockdown the daytime programme of activity on 31^st March between 12pm and 6.30pm is free to all comers.   Under 18’s are welcome to all daytime events if accompanied by an adult.  The evening concert is for over 18’s and will run from 7pm to late with tickets priced at £23 (+ Booking Fee).   Tickets for the launch festival on the 31^st March are available from www.titanic-lockdown.com and all Ticketmaster outlets.

To find out more log onto www.titanic-lockdown.com, follow us on twitter @TitanicLockdown (#titaniclockdown) or like us on facebook at Titanic Lockdown.

Web Links:

www.titanic-lockdown.com

Twitter: @TitanicLockdown #titaniclockdown #nimusic

Facebook: Titanic Lockdown

www.hydroponicmusic.com

On Sunday the 28^th October 2012 The Civil Wars will play the Mandela Hall, Belfast as part of Open House Concerts.

Civil Wars’ Joy Williams and John Paul White had a chance meeting a year and a half ago and something magical started.  Since releasing their debut album ‘Barton Hollow’, the Indie-folk/Americana duo have won two Grammy awards (‘Best Folk Album’ and ‘Best Country Due/Group Performance’), sold out London’s Union Chapel (via word of mouth alone) and given a breathtaking debut performance on Later With Jools Holland.

Their music fuses elements of folk, country and bluegrass with songs exploring the conflicts that arise in relationships.  In it’s entirety ‘Barton Hollow’ flows, telling a story and you’re lifted up to join their journey.  Williams’ tone, likened to Alison Krauss, is perfectly complimented by White and the music very much feels like it has its roots, in the roots music sound.   The music is modest, minimalist, and their bare-bones live arrangements need no fleshing out.  It’s in their haunting harmonies that this duo transcend.

Along with their Europe and US tour, the duo have collaborated with T Bone Burnett on the soulful score for Finding North (a documentary investigating hunger experienced by millions of people across America)

‘…they make my heart hurt but make it a bit stronger at the same time too’ Adele

‘…through bands such as The Civil Wars, a new music industry is born’ Los Angeles Times

Tickets are £17 available from https://openhouseconcerts.ticketsolve.com/shows/126523454/events

With spring just around the corner, all four seasons come to L/Derry, Lisburn and Armagh this week as the Ulster Orchestra hits the road today (7 March) for a mini regional tour that includes one of the most popular and evocative pieces of music in the repertoire, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, in Baroque Brilliance, a concert of timeless Baroque classics.

The first concert in this JTI Regional Tour takes place in Derry’s Millennium Forum tonight at 7.30pm and sees Northern Ireland’s only professional symphony orchestra perform the Four Seasons alongside music by Bach, Purcell and Handel’s uplifting Water Music. The UO will be at the ISLAND Arts Centre, Lisburn on Thursday (8 March, 8pm) and Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Friday (9 March, 8pm).

The concerts, which are under the direction of the Ulster Orchestra’s Hungarian-born Leader, Tamás Kocsis – who performs Vivaldi’s masterpiece – is also the soloist with the UO’s Christopher Blake in Bach’s Concerto for Violin and Oboe.

Looking forward to the tour Tamás said, “Having performed with Barry Douglas last Friday and the historic joint concert with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra on Sunday, this is a busy time for the Orchestra, as we end this week with a family concert back in Belfast this Saturday.

“But I am very much looking to Baroque Brilliance and playing the Bach Double with Chris, as he is a dear friend and a fantastic oboist, so I am sure we are going to have lots of fun performing this wonderful piece.

“The Four Seasons always presents a challenge, being very well known and very transparent. No wonder it’s popular with audiences and performers alike, it is a beautiful set of Concertos,” Tamás said. More…

Also looking forward to the concerts, Christopher Blake, the UO’s Principal Oboe player said, “Nothing beats live music and to hear an orchestra in full flow playing some great pieces of music is quite something. Beats CDs or your iPod!” he said.

Talking about the Bach Double concerto Christopher said, “I have played this amazing concerto with the last two leaders of the Orchestra and am really looking forward to performing it with Tamás who is an extraordinary violinist.

“You need a lot of stamina for it because the music never stops which is unusual for a wind concerto. It is also a challenge to play in different places too, as the environment and acoustics differ from place to place, but we are all really looking forward to this mini tour,” he said.

Tickets are available from each of the venues.

Julian Simmons, who recently underwent life-saving heart surgery, is to host ‘Julian’s Fashion Flaunt’ at Hastings Europa Hotel on Wednesday 21 March.

Julian said:  “I spent nine weeks at the Ulster Hospital and I witnessed daily at first hand the life-saving treatment that is performed in Ward 16.  So raising money for the ward and for the Chest Heart and Stroke is now something very dear to my own heart.”

Siobhan Hanley, Director of Fundraising, Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke, said:  “We are delighted that Julian has chosen to support Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke’s life saving work through this event.  Everyone knows somebody affected by a chest, heart or stroke illness and money raised through this event will be spent right here in Northern Ireland.”

Sister Tanya Daly of Ward 16, Ulster Hospital, said:  “The staff of Ward 16 are pleased that Julian has made an excellent recovery.  We are delighted to be involved in this event and would like to thank Julian for his continued support in raising awareness of the great work done in the Ulster Hospital and indeed throughout the health service in Northern Ireland.”

The event which will feature the latest Spring/Summer 2012 collections from House of Fraser, Victoria Square, Belfast, styled by Sara O’Neill, is in aid of Ward 16, Ulster Hospital and Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke.

Julian’s Fashion Flaunt will be staged by the same award winning production team behind Fall For Fashion. It promises to be a much more than just a fashion show, featuring Style Academy models, Ulster Hospital nurses and of course Julian himself.  Hair is by the artistic team from Toni & Guy with make-up by Oonagh Boman.

Tickets for Julian’s Fashion Flaunt can be purchased from Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke.  Call 028 9032 0184 or email rhughes@nichs.org.uk.  Early bird tickets are priced at £20.00, rising to £25.00.

GARDEN lovers are in for a treat this Spring as the gardens of County Antrim have teamed up to launch Northern Ireland’s first ever self-guided garden trail.

The Antrim Garden Trail includes ten of the most distinguished public and private open gardens, unlocking access to magical green spaces and tranquil surroundings and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is encouraging green-fingered folk to discover and enjoy the gardens of Antrim this Spring and Summer.

Elaine Groves, NITB’s Culture and Heritage Officer said, “For anyone who isn’t already familiar with Northern Ireland’s wonderful gardens, there really is a whole new world just waiting to be discovered, full of unique and interesting stories and historical facts.”

“County Antrim presents a strong cluster of gardens open to visitors, both publicly owned gardens such as the newly restored Antrim Castle Gardens, and the smaller, lesser known private gardens such as the gorgeous Ballyrobert Cottage Garden and Brocklamont House Garden in Ballymena,” Elaine continued.

“NITB are delighted to support this proactive cluster of garden owners and the new Antrim Garden Trail will provide even more reasons to visit County Antrim, particularly in 2012, when so much is happening with the opening of the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience, Titanic Belfast, the Irish Open and the new Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre,” she added.

Ballyrobert Cottage Garden, Ballyclare has spearheaded the development of this new trail, securing the participation of other gardens in County Antrim, as Maurice Parkinson from Ballyrobert Cottage Garden explains.

“It’s not all rugged coastal beauty, myths of giants, glens and golf in Antrim – this part of Northern Ireland is bursting with horticultural and historical interest,” said Maurice.

“The terraces of the first ornamental garden in Ireland are still visible at Dunluce Castle.  Other early gardens include Lisburn Castle Gardens, Glenarm Castle Walled Garden and Benvarden Garden.  We had a vision of creating a garden trail to connect the gardens in the county, giving visitors the opportunity to tailor a garden themed day out,” he continued.

“We knew working in partnership would help small businesses make the most of the local tourism opportunity.  We are delighted to see this vision come to fruition and want to encourage all of Northern Ireland’s garden lovers to think of County Antrim when they are planning their next day out or group visit,” Maurice added.

For further information about the Antrim Garden trail, go to www.antrimgardens.com.

To learn more about Northern Ireland’s gardens, unmissable events, seasonal highlights and plan a glorious garden day out, check out the NITB website on www.discovernorthernireland.com/gardens.

Belfast Zoo welcomed 40 gentoo penguins from Edinburgh Zoo today, bringing the total number of gentoo penguins to 61.

Edinburgh Zoo are currently undertaking essential maintenance work in their penguin enclosure and so needed a safe and experienced zoo to take good care of their flock. The gentoo penguins will enjoy the Belfast scenery until the end of the breeding season, once chicks are weaned and favourable conditions present themselves they will return to their home in Scotland.

Hugh Roberts, Chief Executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the charity which owns and manages Edinburgh Zoo, explained “The first stage will involve allowing the outdoor penguin pool to drain naturally, which will take around five weeks.  We are losing a small amount of water from the pool every day, which is totally harmless, but costly for us as a conservation charity.  The natural draining method will allow us to identify where exactly the water is coming from and will facilitate an accurate assessment by specialist engineers.  We aim to have the pool upgraded and ready again for this summer.”

The arrival of the gentoo penguins comes at a time when Belfast Zoo prepares to move their Humboldt penguins to Fota Wildlife Park (in Cork) and Cotswold Wildlife Park, as part of a European breeding programme.

Belfast Zoo curator, Andrew Hope, said, “gentoo penguins are infrequently seen in zoos in Europe, so the opportunity to work exclusively with this species was a sensible one given our fantastic enclosure and keepers, and our long experience with this species. We will of course be sad to see the Humboldt’s leave but are excited to see the penguin colony grow.”

You can contribute towards the care of our latest arrivals by taking part in the zoo’s adoption scheme.  For more information visit www.belfastzoo.co.uk/adoption or call 028 90 776 277 ext. 229.

Like the Griswolds on tour we packed up the van and set off with our three kids on Sunday morning for Foyle Hovercrafting and Leisure situated beautifully close to the shores of Lough Foyle and at the foot of the Binevenagh Mountains  – one of NI’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We were welcomed by Ian who signed us in and suited us up in our overalls, gloves and full face helmets with the overalls  providing a welcome extra layer against the weather – even though it was an unusually sunny day for NI there was a definite nip in the air.

We were transported to the practice site for a full briefing on safety and how to drive the hovercraft and after a couple of trial runs around an area the size of a football pitch to assess our technique by David, we were briefed again on the full circuit – how to enter and leave corners and the ponds and the dreaded hairpin!!!

As I had volunteered to go first it was back into the craft for a very cautious first lap. I decided to be brave and negotiate the ponds on the first try which was a bit daunting but great fun and then the flying lap kicked in as well as the stop watch.

David – who had a great rapport with all the kids, took my two younger children – twins Joseph and Charlotte on piloted rides – four laps around the track with spins included for added excitement!

My eldest son Aymen was the winner on the day with a fastest lap (including through the ponds  which is optional) of 1 minute 31 seconds beating his Dad who managed to get stuck in the water and will probably never live it down!

All in all a great family fun day out. We don’t often get the chance to get to take part in activities like this due to work commitments so this was a great way for us to spend some quality, fun time together in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. I can’t recommend it enough.

Foylehov is the first purpose build hovercraft track in Ireland and also offer Powerturn Buggying, Laserclays, Archery, Laser Combat and more recently Max Combat.

Jacqueline McGonigle -Manager, www.whatsonni.com

Northern Ireland Adventureland weekend offers discounted prices on a range of adventure activities on March 24 – 25.

Activity: Experience the thrill of gliding over land and water on a cushion of air at 40mph at Foyle Hovercrafting & Leisure’s purpose built grass track with abundant water hazards and tricky hairpins and bends. www.foylehov.com Tel: 028 7772 2235

More information: Jacqueline McGonigle’s trip was organised courtesy of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

A full list of Adventureland activities and an online booking system is available at www.ni2012.com