Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Tourism Northern Ireland has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Irish Open Offer, Travel Solutions, Lisburn, Co Antrim. Coach and ticket prices from £49pp. Luxury coaching from local pick-up points to and from Royal County Down on May 28-31. Coach only prices also available. Discounts available for seniors and under 21 year olds. Subject to availability. To book call (028) 9045 5030.

• Game of Thrones Break, The Cottage Schoolhouse, Downpatrick, Co Down. The Cottage was built as a School house in 1804. This delightful white walled cottage with private south facing garden is the perfect retreat for two people. From here you can Visit WinterFell, home of the Stark family, and Robb’s Camp at Castle Ward and step into the world of Game of Thrones which is just 5 minutes from the cottage. Free admission to Castle Ward for National Trust members (you can join on the day) or admission prices apply. From £50 per unit.  Available until 31 August. To book call (028) 4488 1185.

• Mid Week Offer, An Creagán – Evishatrask, Sixmilecross, Omagh, Co Tyrone. Enjoy a three nights stay mid week in Evishatrask Cottage for the price of two nights. Includes 3 bedrooms that sleeps 9 and spacious ground floor kitchen/living/dining area. From £160 per unit. Available until 31 March 2015. To book call (028) 8076 1112.

• Winter Warmer for couples, Tavnaghoney Cottages, Cushendall, Co Antrim. Special two night couple’s retreat in double ensuite for two people, with a complimentary voucher to enjoy vintage tea and a home-made scone with fresh cream and jam in Cushendall Village tea-room. From £125 per person sharing. Available until 28 March 2015. To book call (028) 2177 2416.

For further information, contact TNI on 028 9023 1221 or view on www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

Tourism Northern Ireland has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (March 9 – 15).

• An Evening With Feile, Down County Museum, Irish Street, Downpatrick, Co Down, March 11. Join the Friends of Down County Museum for this special St Patrick’s Festival event featuring the Feile choir who sing a selection of international songs. Come along and enjoy music from around the world showcased by an amazingly talented choir.

• Dana Masters: Live, Lyric Theatre, Belfast, March 9. Fresh from wowing the 11,000 strong crowd at Proms in the Park and a recent performance on BBC NI “The Arts Show”, Dana Masters plays the Lyric Theatre for the first time as a solo artist with the backing of Linley Hamilton and band. Dana covers Soul classics and Jazz standards filling her numbers with a redemptive power.

• Armagh’s Saint Patrick’s Festival, various locations, Co Armagh, March 12-17. Armagh will once again come alive over the Saint Patrick’s Festival period. The city will host numerous events in a variety of venues from Thursday the March 12 right up to the big day itself on Tuesday 17 when the city centre will be filled with colour and music as the Carnival Procession makes its way through the streets. Music, song, dance, storytelling and much more – there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.

• St Patrick’s Weekend Barn Sessions, Orchard Acre Farm, Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh. March 13. If you enjoy traditional music, singing, dancing and Irish stew then you will love an evening of family entertainment at Orchard Acre Farm.

• Féile an Earraigh, Féile an Phobail, Falls Rd, Belfast, March 10-17. Féile an Earraigh, Belfast’s Spring Festival returns and features the very best music, spoken word, debates, discussions as well as a series of stunning musical headlining nights at Writer’s Square. As well as great live music, book launches, family and community events, there will also be a wealth of your favourite Féile an Earraigh annual events such as the Slemish Walk.

• Blood Brothers The Play, Theatre at The Mill, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, March 12 -13. Following three sell-out biennial tours, Premier once again brings Blood Brothers – The Play to the stage. Willie Russell’s powerful depiction of the story of twins separated at birth educates and entertains to the highest level.

• St Patrick’s Day Festival, Strule Arts Centre, Townhall Square, Omagh, Co Tyrone, March 6 – 17. This year is sure to be the liveliest outdoor parade and concert Omagh has seen. Enjoy the amazing display of creative talent as the St Patrick’s Day Parade weaves through the town centre creating an exciting multi-cultural carnival atmosphere. Before and after the Parade, listen to the best of traditional and contemporary music and dance. There will also be arts and crafts fairs to browse through and pick up a variety of authentic Irish items including a mixture of ceramics, jewellery, tapestry and much more!

• Shamrock Shenanigans, Springhill, Moneymore, Magherafelt, Co Londonderry, March 15. With free entry for anyone who can prove they are called Patrick, this is sure to be a fine way to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.  Discover the Shamrock Trail around the grounds and enjoy crafts, food and music. There will be an additional charge for Shamrock Trail.

• Spring Walking Festival, Cuilcagh Mountain and Marble Arch Nature Reserve, Florencecourt, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, March 14. The family walk will be held in the Marble Arch Nature Reserve where you will meet some real-life cavers, search for fossils, discover tree trunk inhabitants and much more…

• Temple – An Artichoke Project, Bards Hill, Derry~Londonderry, Co Londonderry, March 14 – 21. An extraordinary structure will appear in Derry~Londonderry. ‘Temple’ is the vision of Californian artist David Best, whose soaring ornately-carved temples are ceremonially burnt at the end of the annual Burning Man event in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.

A new pilgrim walking trail linking key Patrician and Christian Heritage sites from Armagh to Downpatrick was launched at Navan Fort in Armagh on 2^nd March.

Supported by Tourism NI in conjunction with Armagh, Down, Banbridge and Newry and Mourne District councils, the trail offers an 82 mile pilgrim walk highlighting the life, landscape and legacy of St Patrick.

Seasoned pilgrim walker, Alan Graham, who has completed classic trails in the Alps and has frequently walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain, approached Tourism NI with a vision for a Pilgrim walk based on the theme of Saint Patrick.  His dream was turned into a reality as he set off from Navan Fort to experience the route for himself.

Laura McCorry, Tourism NI’s Director of Product Development said: “Tourism NI has been working closely with Alan and the local councils to capitalise on one of our unique assets, Saint Patrick, and develop an authentic trail which will bring a new pilgrim offer to Northern Ireland.

The St Patrick’s Way Pilgrim Walk will showcase the scenic beauty of the area and its reputation as an attractive tourist destination, whilst ensuring that pilgrims and visitors alike get the best from their activity.”

Cathy Rafferty, Lord Mayor of Armagh City & District Council, said:

“Armagh City is at the heart of celebrating the life of Saint Patrick.  It was in Armagh that Patrick began his mission in Ireland and founded his first great stone church, establishing it as the Ecclesiastical Capital of the island.

Patrick’s legacy is evident in Armagh to the present day and the St Patrick’s Way Pilgrims Walk is a significant and welcomed tourism project highlighting the many important Patrician and Christian Heritage sites in the area. It is indeed fitting the Pilgrims Walk should begin at Navan Fort or Emain Macha as Saint Patrick’s arrival in Armagh and the importance of Navan as a significant pre-Christian site are interlinked.”

A Pilgrim’s Passport which includes a map of the trail is available at Navan Fort and local visitor information centres to guide walkers along the signposted route.

Jam-packed schedule of events and activities promise most memorable St Patrick’s Festival yet!

Around 20,000 visitors are expected in Armagh for a six-day festival of events to celebrate Ireland’s Patron Saint, St Patrick, and which features a jam-packed programme of more than 25 music, song, dance, comedy, art, literature, theatre and family events across a variety of venues from Thursday 12^th to Tuesday 17^th March.

Supported by Armagh City and District Council, Ireland’s oldest city and world famous as the ‘City of St Patrick’, this year’s festival promises to be the biggest yet, with first-time performers Mary Coughlan, Stockton’s Wing topping the bill as part of a series of musical events at the Market Place Theatre in the run-up to the big day and the famous St Patrick’s Day Carnival Procession, concert and family fun day on Tuesday 17^th March.

As one of the largest St Patrick’s events to take place anywhere on the island of Ireland, this year’s lively weekend of celebrations takes in 20 of the city’s best venues, as well as a busking festival on Saturday 14^th March where musicians from across Northern Ireland will gather for the annual outdoor jamboree.

A four-day musical ‘Session Trail’ which features unrivalled live entertainment including traditional music and family-friendly sessions sets a lively tone when it kicks off on Friday, with performances taking place in many of Armagh’s welcoming bars, cafes and restaurants.

Featuring the very snakes which St Patrick tried to banish, Armagh’s historic Navan Fort will become a life-size interactive storyboard with an exciting dramatization, telling the story of the life of St Patrick and his decision to choose Armagh as the site of his first church.

For little festival-goers, Ireland’s foremost storytelling and song duo, Billy Teare and Kathleen O’Sullivan bring the magic of ‘The Story Tellin’ Man and the Songstress’, with their treasure trove of tall tales, myths and songs, to Armagh Public Library for a Friday event that children of all ages will enjoy.

The Market Place Theatre, Armagh City’s flagship performance centre, will be transformed into an official festival venue complete with three unique staging areas to accommodate the finest music, comedy and dance entertainment which includes performances from renowned acts including Ireland’s Mary Coughlan, Stockton’s Wing, PJ Gallagher and Kila, as well as Scotland’s Clanadonia, Celtic Storm and The Whistlin’ Donkeys.

Other highlights of Armagh’s legendary celebrations will also include performances by Belfast’s Arco String Quartet and one of Northern Ireland’s largest ensembles of traditional Irish music sessions by the 300 musicians that make up the world famous Armagh Pipers Club.

For a full list of everything that’s on and what events will require pre booked tickets, visit www.armagh.co.uk/saintpatrick.

Armagh Lord Mayor, Cathy Rafferty, says excitement surrounding the Festival – one of the biggest of its kind in Ireland – is already starting to build.

“We are exceptionally proud to be named Saint Patrick’s chosen city and we love welcoming the thousands of people who come each year to experience the electric atmosphere that always accompanies the festival.

The official programme for the 2015 event will appeal to all ages and interests and it is always a treat to watch everyone – young and old – get involved to celebrate our famous city’s legacy together.”

Armagh City is a perfect destination for a short break this Saint Patrick’s Festival as the place has something to suit every taste. Visitors have a wide range of accommodation options to choose from, including high quality hotels, bed & breakfast and self-catering accommodation.

Enjoy wonderful restaurants, take in an act at The Market Place Theatre, follow the session trail across the City and enjoy the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations as you soak up the atmosphere of Ireland’s oldest City!

National Trust is opening its spectacular houses, gardens and industrial heritage sites across Northern Ireland for free on Saturday 7 March.

With spring on its way, the free day is an opportunity to explore the great outdoors, step back in time at an historic mansion or experience industrial heritage in action.

Heather Thompson, National Trust Director for Northern Ireland, said:

“Our free day on 7 March is the chance to get outdoors to breathe in the spring air or take inspiration from the unique stories of our many special places. It’s a perfect opportunity for those that have not been to National Trust places to discover what Northern Ireland has to offer.

“We encourage you, with your friends and family, to join us on Saturday where you can discover the amazing work that goes on behind the scenes conserving collections and caring for spectacular landscapes, grand mansions and beautiful gardens.

“As Northern Ireland’s largest conservation charity we are committed to looking after our places for ever, yet conservation costs rise faster than inflation every year. By visiting National Trust places you’re helping to protect Northern Ireland’s natural and built heritage for future generations. So we really do appreciate the support of our visitors and members.”

Here’s a taster of where to go for your FREE day out:

In County Fermanagh there is something for all the family to enjoy at Florence Court, set against a beautiful backdrop of mountains and forests. You can also savour the stately grandeur of Castle Coole with its Lake Walk carpeted in stunning snowdrops. Or escape to the breathtaking Crom demesne where BBC show Blandings was filmed. (Note – National Trust places in Fermanagh will also be open for free on Sunday 8 March.)

Described as one of the best gardens in the world, the impressive garden at Mount Stewart in County Down makes the most of the unique microclimate of the Ards Peninsula – did you know it is the sunniest place in Ireland? Return in April and see the Londonderry family home restored to its former glory after a three year £7 million restoration programme.

Also on the shores of Strangford Lough is Castle Ward, with miles of walking and cycling trails and stunning views. Nearby, Rowallane Garden in Saintfield is a captivating natural garden with a dazzling variety of rare trees and shrubs from across the globe.

Along the North Coast follow in the footsteps of giants at the Giant’s Causeway, visit the stunning landscape of Downhill Demesne or stroll along Portstewart Strand and White Park Bay. Note: Carrick-a-Rede is normal admission on 7 March.

In Mid Ulster a tour of The Argory reveals this Neo-classical masterpiece has unchanged since 1900. You can also visit the charming 17th-century Ardress farmhouse or Springhill in Moneymore which has a beguiling spirit that captures the heart of every visitor.

For a flavour of our Industrial Heritage visit the unique Patterson’s Spade Mill in Templepatrick or Wellbrook Beetling Mill near Cookstown.  Note: Gray’s Printing Press is closed.

For more information on the work of the National Trust, how to become a member and where to visit see www.nationaltrust.org.uk

SGS International to be Title Sponsor of ‘Race of Legends’ 2015

ARMOY Motorcycle Road Racing Club has announced that the title sponsor of their 2015 ‘Race of Legends’ will be SGS International. A world leader in the production and management of packaging communications the company works with numerous global partners including Proctor and Gamble and has its European headquarters in Hull.

With today’s announcement Armoy Road Races are set to be bigger and better than ever before.  2015 will see the youngest national road race in Ireland in its seventh year. With visitor figures increasing each year it is set to be another hotly contested event with a quality line up of riders, which usually includes the like of locals and brothers Michael and William Dunlop as well as renown television regular, Guy Martin. Races take place on Friday 24^th July and Saturday 25^th July 2015 in legendary Armoy.

Bill Kennedy, Clerk of the Course said, “The Club and I are really delighted with the news that SGS International is our title sponsor. SGS International and Brian McGrath have been involved with the Club and our road races for the last three years. Each year they have given their full support to the Club, on many occasions going above and beyond what’s required.

“Brian understands the business of road racing and what it entails. He appreciates how much effort and work is required to hold an event like this and nothing is ever too much trouble for him. We are truly grateful to Brian McGrath and SGS International for stepping up and supporting us even further this year as our title sponsor; without sponsors we really could not put on this great road racing event.”

The Armoy Road Races are one of Northern Ireland’s prime motorsport gatherings, attracting motorcycle riders both locally and internationally and SGS’s commitment to the Armoy Road Races underlines the popularity and esteem of this annual event.

SGS International group managing director for Europe, Brian McGrath, said, “I’ve personally been involved with road racing in one way or another for nearly thirty years. It is one of those sports that once it grabs you it stays with you forever and I have to say that the Armoy Road Races epitomise all that is great about this sport. It has that something special and with Armoy’s historical links to road racing you feel that time has stood still for all the right reasons.

“We have been involved with the Club and the races for over three years and it gives me and the company great pleasure to be title sponsor for 2015. There is no doubt in my mind that the Armoy Road Races have evolved year on year and that I and the company truly hope that we can contribute to its continued growth.

“I’m personally looking forward to Bike Week which runs from Sunday 19^th July until Saturday 25^th July 2015 and as title sponsor I would encourage everyone to come along and see what a real road racing event is like regardless of whether you are a road racing fan or not!”

For more information on Armoy Road Races, visit www.amrrc.com

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is set to host a superb line-up of events to celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2015 with music, comedy, drama and kids performances topping the bill.

‘Kíla’ are bringing their hip-shaking, smile-making, funky, groovy brand of trad to one of Ireland’s favourite venues. Never having played in Armagh before this is a unique opportunity to see one of Ireland’s finest and most innovative music groups. Kila will perform on Thursday 12^th March at 8pm. Tickets are priced £10 each.

Star of ‘Next Week’s News’, ‘Meet Your Neighbours’ and ‘Naked Camera’, PJ Gallagher makes his highly anticipated return to The Market Place with a brand new show ‘Concussion’. PJ has played sold out shows throughout Ireland and at the biggest and best comedy festivals that the country has to offer including Kilkenny Cat Laughs and The Vodafone Comedy Carnival. His TV appearances also include The Late Late Show, Tubridy Tonight, The Miriam O Callaghan Show and The Saturday Night Show, among others. PJ Gallagher will perform on Friday 13^th March at 8pm. Tickets are priced £18 and £16 (concession). This event is strictly for age 18+.

On Friday 13^th March at 8pm, come along and hear one of Ireland’s most distinctive voices in a lovely intimate setting. Mary Coughlan will sing songs of joy, sadness, mischief and melancholy, songs by Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and Peggy Lee, her voice effortlessly straddling jazz, blues, chanson and pop. Accompanied on piano by James Delaney. Tickets are priced £13.

Families are invited along to the haphazard world of comedy, circus and theatre – an absurd trip into the world of Ireland’s best loved circus performers – Tumble Circus. Disobedient clowns, suffering acrobats and confused jugglers clash in this colourful kaleidoscope of mayhem. This is no ordinary circus cabaret however, it is a nonstop car-crash of exciting circus. The ticket price to Family Super Saturday includes one hour of fun after the performance, with activities including a craft workshop where kids will make and decorate their own mini circus tent, face painting, balloon modelling and a fancy dress competition with prizes for Best Dressed Boy & Girl. It’s great value for money. Super Saturdays are recommended for age 4+. The Tumble Circus Family Super Saturday will take place on Saturday 14^th March at 11am or 2pm. Admission costs just £6.00.

St Patrick’s Big Night Out promises a festival in one night! The Market Place will be hosting performances in the auditorium, studio and on a specially built stage in the foyer. Music, comedy, dance – there’ll be something for everyone on Saturday 14^th March from 8pm until late. It’s entirely up to you what you want to see on the night – feel free to go from one performance to another. Acts on the evening include Scotland’s Clanadonia; The Whistlin’ Donkeys who have recently supported Shane Filan & Kian Egan; All Folk’d Up; Comedians Mickey Bartlett (18+),  Al Porter (18+) and Foil, Arms & Hog (16+); Magnificent Irish Dance Troupe Celtic Storm; Local bands Castlestreet; How; The Ray Dunne Band; Hatchjaw; Armagh Pipers Club Fiddle Band; St Columba’s Pipe Band & before they play their headline gig at Vicar Street, come and witness the utterly amazing Booka Brass Band. All this for only £15.

For something a little more sedate, why not come along to ‘The Third Policeman’ on Sunday 15^th March at 8pm. Experience a beautiful music and spoken word presentation of Flann O’Brien’s dark comic masterpiece with live piano and string ensemble. A murder thriller; a hilarious comic satire about an archetypal village police force; a surreal vision of eternity; the story of a tender brief unrequited love affair between a man and his bicycle, and a chilling fable of unending guilt. A gem of Irish literature is brought to life in this highly acclaimed presentation. Tickets are £10 each.

‘Awhile With Seamus Heaney’ is a personal journey by Irish actor-director, Larry McCluskey through the late Nobel Poet’s best and most popular work, a dramatic reading, with linking commentary and music. The journey moves from Heaney’s childhood, through his emergence as Ireland’s foremost poet, international eminence and awards, to the 1995 Nobel Prize for Literature. This event will take place on Monday 16^th March at 6pm, with tickets available at £7.50.

Who is ready for a ‘Stockton’s Wing’ Reunion? The legendary Tommy Hayes, Maurice Lennon, Mike Hanrahan, Steve Cooney and Paul Roche are back together for the ‘Light In The Western Sky’ tour playing all the famous tacks including ‘Walk Away’, ‘The Belltable’, ‘Beneath The Shade’, ‘Dirt Track To The Sky’, ‘The Chicago Set’, ‘Beautiful Affair’, ‘Trip To London’, ‘Promenade Love’ and many more. Stockton’s Wing will perform on Monday 16^th May at 8pm. Tickets are priced £12.50 each.

Tickets for all events can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

On Mothering Sunday, 15^th March, treat your mother to an extra special lunch in the company of Queen Macha, the only Queen of Ireland at the Navan Centre & Fort.

Macha will invite guests to savour an array of home cooked foods, before being entertained with music and storytelling by the fabulous Armagh Rhymers.

Macha’s servants invite children to get creative planting and decorating a ‘mum’s’ herb pot to take home and enjoy!

Lunch is served at 1.00pm and tickets are just £8.95 per adult & £4.00 per child.  This includes a main course and dessert.  Pre-booking and payment essential, book today to avoid disappointment.

Book online on www.armagh.co.uk/mothersday or call Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644

Northern Ireland’s favourite vintage shopping event, the spectacular Frock Around The Clock Vintage & Handmade Fair, will be making its first appearance of the year at Malone House in Belfast on Sunday 8^th March with an extravaganza of vintage treasures and unique artisan gifts just in time for Mother’s Day.

The event will showcase 45 handpicked, high quality vintage dealers and creative designers specialising in vintage, handmade and upcycled fashion, jewellery, furniture, homewares, collectibles, stationery, art, skincare, make-up, candles, scrumptious sweet treats, photography and much more. With all this under one roof it will be easy to find your Mum a unique gift that they will treasure forever, and there will be tons of treats to show yourself a little love too!

Creative Director Becky Moore says ‘We are delighted that this event will also see the return of the pop-up Vintage Rocks Hair Parlour. Passionate and creative, the talented Vintage Rocks stylists will be on hand to offer glamorous vintage hair styling on the day and will also be running a draw for the chance to win a free Vintage Pamper & Style! Show Mum your appreciation and bring her along for some fun and a girly day out, browse and shop the unique treasures on offer, eat cake and have some vintage pampering – it’s a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.’

Now in its 7^th year of delighting customers from all over Ireland, Frock Around The Clock still remains dedicated to sourcing the best in vintage dealers and fresh creative talent, so in addition to many of the old favourites there will also be a number of fresh faces to be seen at the 8^th March event, providing a spectacular variety of unique, quality and interesting things to see and buy. Whether you are in search of a stunning frock, authentic vintage treasures, beautifully handcrafted designs, or delicious edible goodies, this event has it all!

The impressive exhibitor list will include Lower Than The Angels, creators of distinctive, bespoke millinery inspired by vintage chic and Hollywood glamour, Norma Jean Vintage, offering a fabulous selection of vintage collectibles, Dublin based Lulu and Belle, connoisseurs of high end vintage designer jewellery, White Rabbit Vintage, dedicated to sourcing amazing and authentic vintage wear,  Tiny Tower Vintage, specialists in vintage china, linens, eiderdowns and collectible books, Ardmore Cottage Interiors & Gifts with beautifully upcycled furniture, Bluebird Bakery, creators of scrumptious sweet treats, Vintage Aggy and Molly, showcasing exquisite handmade dolls created from antique haberdashery, and Emily Loves Vintage offering beautiful, limited-edition eclectic jewellery.

The spectacular Frock Around The Clock Valentine’s Vintage & Handmade Fair will take place from 12-5pm on Sunday 8^th March 2015 at Malone House, Barnett Demesne, Malone Road, Belfast BT9 5PB.  Admission costs only £3 for adults, and children go free. More information on the event and the exhibitor list can be found at frockfairsni.com and on facebook.com/frockaroundtheclockvintagefairs.