Month: April 2013

Almost 200 people packed into the beautiful surroundings of Castlewellan Castle for the Sponsors’ Evening for the 46^th Castlewellan Agricultural Show which takes place on Saturday 13^th July.

Guests were treated to a wonderful rendition of Feels of Gold by Orla and Niall McCrichard  before renowned goat breeder Geoffrey Ringland took to the podium to compere the evening.

Dromore’s Michelle McCauley, who is Castlewellan Show’s first female chairperson, welcomed the audience with special mention to Show President Walter Watson, patron Karen Patterson, Councillor Patrick Clarke and guest speaker for the evening broadcaster and business guru Nick Hewer.   She also acknowledged the new Show Secretary Jackie Fitzpatrick who has taken over the reins from Violet Bell and Theresa Kearney who has come on board as Show Treasurer.   In her speech she stressed the importance of the Show as a family day out attracting people from throughout Northern Ireland and beyond, showcasing the best of rural life.    This year the challenge is to increase the number of people who come along by providing a wider range of activities including a vintage tea tent and fashion event.  The Show will play host to the prestigious  All Ireland Limousin final and the Beef Shorthorn National Championship.  In addition an Irish Moiled cattle class has been introduced along with a new thoroughbred class, a display of Pathenaise cattle, a two day goat show and an increase in rare breeds by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.   She finished by commending the hard work of all who had helped to make the night happen, particularly Forthill Foods and Alex Woods for providing the supper and Joanne Orr Carriages for bringing along her elegant horse and carriage.

Theresa Kearney, treasurer, thanked the sponsors for their continued loyalty to the long running show.   She outlined new sponsorship packages including the gold level one for a unique single brand option to be associated with the Show.    However, she played tribute to the many smaller sponsors who support over 360 individual classes and committed to working with them to maximise opportunities to promote their businesses and brands, particularly through social media.  Stressing the importance of getting the Show onto a firm financial footing and protecting it for future generations, she encouraged sponsors to share their ideas on how to raise the profile before handing over to Show Secretary Jackie Fitzpatrick.

Jackie who has been in post for just six months thanked the committee for their support and hard work to date.   Focusing on the Show’s presence on social media through facebook and twitter, she announced that the Committee had agreed to investing in a brand new website which would be going live next month and provide additional opportunities for sponsors.   With this year’s Show falling on a bank holiday, optimism was expressed in relation to increasing footfall.  Finally she thanked those who supported the guest goodie bags, Farmweek, Abernethy Butter, Mash Direct, Farming Life and NFU Ballynahinch

It was with great pleasure that the compere introduced our new patron, broadcaster and journalist Karen Patterson, a familiar voice in early morning milking parlours as co-presenter of BBC’s Good Morning Ulster radio programme.  Karen recollected coming to the Show as a child with her father who exhibits Holstein cattle.  She praised the spirit of the Show and spoke of the plight of local farmers as a result of the recent snow storms.   She cited the Show as a celebration of country life and a time to recognise the eternal optimism of the farming community.

Councillor Patrick Clarke addressed the audience on behalf of Down District Council, highlighting the profile that the Show gives to the area and promoting Mournes as a must see destination.   He welcomed the opportunity the event gives local food and craft businesses to promote their produce  and was delighted that Castlewellan Show had been chosen to feature on Farm Fixer with Nick Hewer bringing the beautiful landscape to a television audience.

The final speaker of the evening was the much awaited Nick Hewer, presenter of Channel 4’s Countdown and Alan Sugar’s advisor on The Apprentice.  Last Summer he trekked from Istanbul to Almaty in Kazakhstan for Children in Need and as patron of the British charity Hope and Homes for Children, he has travelled to Romania and Rwanda.  He is in Northern Ireland for the programme Farm Fixer, giving advice to rural enterprises in these times of austerity.    He praised the work of the committee particularly Michelle, Jackie and Theresa or as termed them “The Three Graces”.  Speaking directly to sponsors he urged them to give to the Show not just in monetary terms but by way of promoting the event to their own clients and customers to provide additional reach.  He said he was looking forward to coming back in July to see the fruits of all of the hard work come together.

The event closed with a presentation of new cups.  Will and Allison from Abernethy Butter presented a cup for the best food exhibitor to Home Industries Chairperson Fiona Patterson.  Niall Brown and Aidan Brannigan presented a cup to Sheep Chairperson Roy Graham for Sheepbreeders.  Also in the sheep section, Victoria and Alan McFadden presented a cup for Hampshire Downs to Michelle McCauley.  Teresa Mallon has donated a new cup for the best pet competition in memory of her dog Roxy who was a previous winner.

Castlewellan Show takes place on Saturday 13^th July with entries opening in mid May.  The Show will feature in the series Farm Fixer in late Autumn.

Roald Dahl’s very first children’s book and one of his most popular stories, James and the Giant Peach, comes to the Millennium Forum from Tues 7^th to Sat 11^th May.

This classic book tells the story of James, a lonely young boy who lives with Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker, the most revolting Aunts in England. They make him work and slave and never let him play with other children. Then one day he meets a mystical old man who gives him a bag that contains the strongest magic the world has ever known. When James spills the bag near an old peach tree, the most incredible things start to happen and James embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with the most amazing group of characters you could ever meet!

The Birmingham Stage Company is famous for its acclaimed productions of Roald Dahl stories. In its twenty year history it has staged six Roald Dahl books and many other children’s stories including The Jungle Book and Horrible Histories. All have been loved and praised by audiences and critics alike.

James and the Giant Peach adapted by David Wood will be directed by Nikolai Foster, designed by Colin Richmond, with music by Grant Olding, lighting by James Whiteside, sound by Seb Frost and choreography by Drew McConie. Cast will include: Tom Gillies as James with Claire Greenway, Chris Lindon, Giovanna Ryan, Rhys Saunders, Sioned Saunders and Iwan Tudor.

James and the Giant Peach is wonderful entertainment for kids aged 4+ and all the family.

If you’re looking for family fun and wizzpopping wonders, then don’t miss this great Dahl show!

James and the Giant Peach performs at the Millennium Forum from Tues 7^th to Sat 11^th May. Tickets are now available from the Box Office. Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.

The world’s longest running stage production, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, is set to thrill local audiences when it performs at the Millennium Forum from Mon 17^th to Sat 22^nd June as part of its Diamond Anniversary Tour.

The first ever tour of the record-breaking production opened on 11 September 2012 in Canterbury and is currently on tour through 2013 due to unprecedented demand.

The cast for the second leg of the tour includes: Steven France (Eastenders, The Bill) as Christopher Wren, Karl Howman (Brush Strokes) as Mr Paravicini, Bruno Langley (Coronation Street, Doctor Who) as Giles Ralston, Graham Seed (Yes, Prime Minister UK Tour, BBC Radio 4’s The Archers) as Major Metcalf and Jemma Walker (Family Affairs, Eastenders) as Mollie Ralston. Elizabeth Power (Eastenders) as Mrs Boyle and Clare Wilkie (Eastenders) will play Miss Casewell.  Bob Saul will reprise his West End role as Sgt Trotter.

This classic murder mystery play is now in its 60^th year in London’s West End. On 18 November 2012 to celebrate this milestone, a star-studded gala performance took place at St. Martin’s Theatre. Agatha Christie’s grandson, Mathew Prichard welcomed the audience for this diamond jubilee celebratory evening, which was also the 25,000^th performance.  All of the proceeds from the night were donated to Mousetrap Theatre Projects, the leading theatre education charity seed-funded by the play.

The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover, to their horror, that there is a murderer in their midst.

In her own inimitable style, Dame Agatha Christie has created an atmosphere of shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner.

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap performs at the Millennium Forum from Mon 17^th to Sat 22^nd June.  Tickets are now available from the Box Office.  Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings. Opening Night Offer: All seats £19.50!

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (April 22 – 28).

• Translations, the Grand Opera House, Belfast, April 23 – 27.  A brand new production of this renowned play from Brian Friel, one of the greatest living English-language dramatists.  Directed by Northern Ireland’s Adrian Dunbar and featuring an all-star cast including Des McAleer, Conan Sweeny, Niall Cusack and many more.

• Queen’s Comedy Club – Abandoman, Mandela Hall, Belfast, April 24.  Abandoman create musical songs and sketches at lightning speed based on audience interaction.  Visitors are invited to drop suggestions in the ring and watch as Abandoman make musical magic.

• Spring Brass Spectacular, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, April 25.  Fermanagh has more brass bands per head of population than anywhere outside Yorkshire and the best will be on display with the return of this much loved event.  Complementing the bands on the evening will be Trombone Soloist Bob Quick.

• Facing the Music, Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, April 25.  For one night only Patricia Routledge (aka Hyacinth Bucket) discusses her long successful career in musical theatre in both the UK and USA accompanied by rare and treasured recordings.

• Lark in the Park, St Columb’s Park, Co. Londonderry, April 27.  Maiden City Motor Club makes a welcome return to the NW MotorSport calendar for 2013 with its highly popular Lark in the Park.  Along with all the motorsport action and display cars the club will host family attractions for all.

• Dawn Chorus, Redburn Country Park, Co. Down, April 27.  Listen and learn the songs of the Robin, Wren, Blackbird, Song Thrush and more as they bring in a new day at the start of our summer.  A 5am start in a beautiful woodland setting.

• Vintage Rally, the Argory, Co. Tyrone, April 27.  Hundreds of vintage vehicles will descend upon Co. Tyrone as the Argory hosts the famous vintage vehicle rally.  A must-see event for all vehicle enthusiasts.

• Frock Around the Clock Vintage Fair, Castle House, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, April 27.  Enjoy around 40 exhibitors selling vintage clothing, accessories, jewellery, home wares, vinyl records, books, lace, collectables, handmade items created from recycled and vintage textiles, and much, much more.  There will also be a pop-up tea room and live music.

• The Illegals with Niamh Kavanagh, Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, April 27.  The popular tribute to The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac is back delivering a brilliant night of good music and great craic.  The band features the vocal talents of Irish Eurovision winner, Niamh Kavanagh.

• Jazz in the Gardens, Mount Stewart, Co. Down, April 28.  Bring your picnic and settle down with your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of jazz in the beautiful setting of the lawns at the front of Mount Stewart House.

There’s lots to see and do in Holywood on Monday 6^th May, when the town will be transformed and filled with family fun for the annual May Day celebrations.

The town, which boasts the only Maypole in Ireland, will be filled with over 70 stalls including an Italian Speciality market, children’s activities, street entertainment, and a diverse menu of music and dance, all adding up to a great day out for the whole family.

Brand new entertainment includes a fantastic display from The Cone Dancers – a 21^st Century Maypole
eight metres high which creates a new stage for an extraordinary aerial performance – the illusion is gravity defying and extraordinary! It promises to be a truly modern day adaptation of maypole dancing.

Music from The Brass Volcanoes will resound through the Town Centre – the jazz band consisting of brass, saxophones and drums are inspired by a long tradition of brass bands from New Orleans as well as other parts of the world: expect flavours of The Balkans, Latin America, The Caribbean and Kletzmer, all with their own London twist.

In addition to this will be performances from The Divine Company – a stunning display of ribbon dances guaranteed to introduce a generous splash of colour and energy to the day.

Holywood & District Community Council have organised traditional favourites; Bonnie Baby Competition (10.30 am, Queen’s Leisure Complex) and Fancy Dress Competition (12.30 pm – the themes this year are Merry May Day, Stars of Holywood & As You Like It)

The ever- popular Maypole Dancing will take place at 11am and 1pm. Young children can get their chance to dance around their own Maypole with Jump, Jiggle and Jive from 12 noon – 4.00 pm and if that just gets them going there will be 2 discos in Queen’s Leisure Complex – (p1-p3 1.00 – 2.00 pm) and (p4-P7 2.30 pm-3.30 pm).

For the older swingers in Town there will be a Tea Dance – also held at Queen’s Leisure Complex from 1.00 -3.00 pm.

So come on down to Holywood on Monday, 6^th May from 10am – 4pm for a fun-filled day!

For further information on this event please contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or email tic@northdown.gov.uk.

This May Bank Holiday Weekend sees the return of the Jamboree in the Park brought to you by AJS Promotions. From Friday 3rd May to Sunday 5th May some of the biggest names in the business come together once again, for one weekend, to bring you 3 nights of world class entertainment in spectacular live stage shows.

Last year saw thousands of country music fans attend the festivals at The Ecclesville Centre in Fintona and we assure you 2013 will be even bigger now making the ‘Jamboree in the Park’ Ireland’s largest indoor county music festival to date.
We have a great line up of acts showcasing their talents each night, Derek Ryan returns as the headline act for the Friday night and is joined by Boxcar Brian and local men John Garrity, Gavin McAloon and Paul Kelly plus many more support acts throughout the night.

Saturday night sees the return of the star of Irish country music Nathan Carter and he is joined by new boy on the block Jim Devine – Runner up in The Voice plus performances from Trevor Loughrey, The Originals and Ben Currie with a special guest appearance by local girl Alana Quinn.

Fiddling sensation Ritchie Remo will open the proceedings on the Sunday night along with performances from some of the finest country acts in Ireland at the moment including Lisa McHugh, Justin McGurk, The Logues and Ritchie Kavanagh with  headlining act of the night none other than More Power To Your Elbow.

Live acts and country DJs will provide entertainment from 7pm all 3 nights right through until the early hours with compere Pio McCann keeping it all in full swing on the Friday and Saturday night and Downtowns Siobhan McGarry on the Sunday night.

Stop by our facebook page and like ‘Jamboree in the Park’ for regular updates on the event and also to enter our ‘Golden Ticket Competition’ which includes, Dine in McAtees Restaurant pre show for 2 worth £40, 2 VIP Tickets for the night of your choice, Bottle of Champagne on Arrival, Plus Meet and Greet with the Headlining Act and signed CD and Photograph.

“At Jamboree in the Park we promise to go that extra mile to make the weekend something special with great music, great dancing, a great atmosphere and overall a great nights craic that is sure to be well received by all country music lovers. This will be the 3rd festival staged at The Ecclesville Centre and is the biggest yet“, said Event Organiser Andrew Short.

With top country music artists, the biggest dance floor in Ireland, food and drink on site, free car parking and just a stones throw away, what are you waiting for? Dust off your dancing shoes and get down to Jamboree in the Park 2013 and remember…Keep it country! Coming to the Jamboree and looking for somewhere to stay for perhaps the night or the weekend? Stop by our website AJS Promotions to view our accommodation list for places to stay in the surrounding area.

Tickets are available to purchase from AJS Promotions on 02882840200 (for posting) and in person at The Ecclesville Centre in Fintona, Opening hours are Monday-Friday 10.00am-10.00pm and Saturday 1.00pm-5.00pm. Tickets priced at £15 per night and £35 for a weekend ticket (access into all 3 nights). We also have limited VIP tickets for each night priced at only £20. VIP ticket holders gain entry into the stylish VIP area with private bars, toilets, best views of the stage and chance to mingle with the stars before and after they perform. Tickets are also available on the door, come early to avoid disappointment. Doors open 6.30pm nightly hope to see you all there.

With only days left until Jamboree in the Park 2013, Excitement really is beginning to build!! So get your tickets now and don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this amazing event.

Ballymena Arts Festival: Saturday April 20^th 2013

This unique event at the Braid will be a celebration of Ulster’s premier industry from its origins in the late 17^thCentury and highlighting the fact that the production of Irish Linen is alive and well to this very day: a model for regeneration of local sustainable enterprise.

Willie Drennan, who has created  a new stage performance for the evening concert points out that the Mid Antrim area  was one of the prime areas in Ulster for linen production: from the growing of flax to weaving and finishing. The Braidwater Spinning Mill until recent times was the largest of many local factories that employed thousands of local people and Ballymena had the largest Linen Market outside of Belfast.

The Linen Market (admission free) will operate in the Braid from 2 pm to 4.30 pm and the highlights will be the demonstrations – on spinning-wheel, weaving-loom, natural dyeing, embroidery, spade-making and shoe-making – with Rosemary McCartney, Marion Baur, Christine Boyle, Emma Whitehead, Colin Dawson and Robin Stewart. There will be locally produced linen cloth and locally crafted clothing, shoes, jewellery, spades, fifes and art-work – on display and available for purchase.

This will take place in the Braid centre’s suitably futuristic atrium and will be coordinated by Marion and Hermann Baur. This German couple restored and have been operating the Derrylane Flaxmill, in County Londonderry, for the past 21 years. They are inspirational pioneers who have been playing a crucial role in the salvaging, sustaining and transporting of our precious heritage into the future.

As well as the market and demonstrations there will be talks, and short films in the Braid’s Learning Zone. It will indeed be a learning zone as Bruce Clark will provide great insight into the history of Irish Linen, and will explain why it is still a living industry: he will tell you of Sam Anderson of Upperlands: the world’s last commercial beetler?

Bruce will be bringing along a very special guest: from Viginia, USA.  Nancy Sorrells is a historian with a keen interest in the Scotch-Irish and Nancy will explain how Ulster folk played a major role in all aspects of linen production in 18^THand 19^th Century USA.

And that’s not all. While this is all going on there will be a chance to cut loose on the dance floor in the Studio Theatre.  Local man Derek Montgomery will be giving a workshop on Ulster Country Dance. This is the social dancing that was hugely popular in Ulster up until the mid- 20^th Century. The dances included ‘The Lancers’ and ‘Quadrilles’ but Derek will offer a couple of simple local dances that, even you, can learn on the spur of the moment. If not you’ll still be able to stomp your feet to  the fiddle and go “Ye ha!” if you feel like it.

Evening Concert, ‘Braidwater Linen’, and Linen Fashion Show will start at 7 .30 pm: (Tickets £9)

This Stage Performance will feature Willie Drennan with members of his Ulster-Scots Band: on fiddles, accordion, flutes, harp, and loud drums. Performers on stage will include music supremo John Trotter and they will be joined on stage by local harpist Cherith Boyle… and the newly formed for-the-occasion –the four piece ‘Braidwater Lasses’.

With Hermann Baur on stage as narrator, this performance will depict how our local social history has been moulded by Irish Linen.  Stirring music and song will provide emotive insight.   Willie Drennan has created new material for this show but the repertoire will include two pieces from The Bard of Dunclug, David Herbison, and a newly arranged version of the popular local ballad, Bonnie Woodgreen.

There will be a grand finale with Willie’s full band on stage celebrating ‘the taking back to the future’, of our heritage. This will include at least one rendition of fifes and Lambeg , but for once Willie might just be out-staged on the night. The stage will be extended to create a cat-walk for models to show-off the very latest in linen fashion. The star model will be the stunning Orla McNichol,  and rumour hath it that Derek Montgomery will be dazzling the ladies in the audience as he embarks on a new career for himself. A big day and night out in Ballymena – not to be missed.

The whole event will be filmed for a short film to be distributed world-wide.

Café Couture of Mill Street (near Braid Arts Centre) will be providing a special meal-deal and welcoming atmosphere for those attending Braidwater Linen Market and Show. Vouchers available at Braid from 2 pm.

This weekend see’s an action packed weekend of mountain biking events on Saturday and Sunday (April 20 and 21) at the new National trail centre at Davagh Forest, Co. Tyrone.

“Davagh Delivered” is being held celebrate the recent opening of the Davagh Forest Trails powered by online retail giant Chain Reaction Cycles,

The event provides an ideal opportunity for people to visit the new walking and mountain biking trails through Davagh Forest and have a go mountain biking for the first time.

Official trail sponsor, Chain Reaction Cycles are offering free demo opportunities on their brand new range of Ghost and Vitus bikes with Outdoor Concepts offering free bike hire and skills tuition for beginners.

The Northern Ireland Mountain Biking Alliance (NIMBA) has organised a group ride through Davagh on Saturday before the trails enjoy their first taste of competition in the form of the Davagh Enduro race on Sunday morning.

Visit www.http://www.MountainBikeNI.com for more information.

Down

Wrestling Superstars are taking a break from their tours of America, Europe, Japan & Mexico to take part in a giant one-off extravaganza in County Down.  The Eclipse Theatre  is the venue for this year’s must-see event where fans will have the chance to witness the passion of dedicated athletes perfecting their craft.  Wrestling Superstars will collide in a clash of skill and will in the ring that will grip the audience’s attention like nothing you will have seen before.  The spectacular event takes place on Saturday, April 20th with doors opening at 7.30pmand show time at 8.00pm. Spectators will get the chance to get up close and personal with their favourite stars.   This is a great chance to have a great night out with friends and family at an affordable price. The action, excitement and fun cannot be matched. For all our County Down events click HERE.

Tyrone

Rising star Sarah McQuaid’s voice has been likened to malt whiskey, melted chocolate and “honey poured into wine”. A captivating performer, she seduces her audience with cheeky banter and stories from the road, as well as with stunning musicianship; in her hands, the guitar becomes much more than merely an accompanying instrument.  See Sarah perform on Friday evening at the An Creagan, Omagh.  For all our County Tyrone listings click  HERE.

Fermanagh

Riverbank Productions proudly present Carlo Collodi’s classic Italian tale Pinocchio at the Ardhowen Theatre on Thursday 18th April.  Gepetto decides to make a marionette from a magical piece of wood and he calls his puppet Pinocchio. Actors, puppets and a catchy musical score tell the story of the mischievous puppet’s adventures as he turns into a donkey and is swallowed by a shark.  This show is guaranteed to delight family audiences and is aimed at children aged four to nine.    For all our County Fermangh listings click  HERE.

Derry

An affectionate epitaph to the women and men who sewed, sweated, laughed and cried in Derry’s shirt factories through the decades, Tillies at the Millennium Forum is a vivid and emotional portrait of the famous factory and its times.  Opened in 1856, Tillies and Henderson’s factory stood for one hundred and forty seven years as a testament to the industrialist William Tillie and to the sewing skills of the factory girls of the city until its eventual demolition in 2003. Performances Friday 19th and Saturday 20th April.  For all our County Derry/Londonderry listings click HERE.

Armagh

Dust off your space hoppers and lava lamps, it’s time for Europe’s premiere 70’s party at the Market Place Theatre Armagh this Friday 19th April! David Cassidy to 10cc, Bay City Rollers to Donna Summer, Donny Osmond to Sweet, and Boney M to Suzi Quatro. All the classic pop hits of that ‘superlicious’ decade are celebrated in authentic style, along with hits from the decades biggest musicals ‘Grease’ & ‘Saturday Night Fever’ in this bumper extravaganza. This stunning show features some of the finest singers and musicians in the land, with yards of denim, satin, leather, kipper ties, flares and a Raleigh Chopper!  For all our County Armagh listings click HERE.

Antrim

The phenomenally popular Breakfast Club Movies are back at the Ulster Hall, with four more opportunities to enjoy a continental breakfast with tea and coffee served in our vintage china while wrapped up in some of the greatest movie classics of all time.  PLEASE NOTE: breakfast is served from 10am with the movie beginning at 10.30am Sunday 21st April.   For all County Antrim listings click HERE.

Staff at the Millennium Forum’s award winning in-house restaurant, Encore Brasserie, are celebrating today after learning that they have been nominated for three categories for the prestigious Irish Restaurant Awards – ‘Best Casual Dining’, ‘Best Customer Service’ and ‘Best Head Chef’.

The Irish Restaurant Awards are the largest and most coveted awards in the Irish Restaurant Industry; recognising high achievement and excellence in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry throughout the thirty-two counties of Ireland across twenty-one categories, the awards celebrate all aspects of the Industry from Chefs and Restaurants, Cafes and Gastro Pubs, to Food Producers, Local Food Heroes and Cookery Schools.

Charis Jones, Restaurant Manager at Encore Brasserie is delighted at the nominations:

“We are thrilled to have been nominated for these awards when the standard of food in Ireland is extremely high. Our head chef John McGee takes great pride in his work and these nominations are recognition of his passion for the dishes that he creates. We work very closely as a team to ensure our customers’ experience is not only enjoyable but memorable. We also aim to deliver the highest level of customer service and we are proud our staff has been recognised in this highly competitive area.”

The Ulster Regional Awards for the Irish Restaurant Awards will take place on Wednesday 17^th at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast and Encore Brasserie will be up against Derry’s finest restaurants.

Nominations for the Awards are made by readers of the Sunday Independent LIFE Magazine and members of the Restaurants Association of Ireland.

The Irish Restaurant Awards are brought to you by The Restaurants Association of Ireland and the 2013 awards are kindly sponsored by Santa Rita/Sunday Independent LIFE Magazine.