Make the most of the upcoming half term holidays with the family this October by taking a short break and staying in one of Northern Ireland’s luxurious hotels, moody castles, self-catering accommodation or for the more adventurous what about glamping.

There are some great-value deals to be had and Northern Ireland is packed with amazing things to do and places to go, explained Tourism NI’s Destination PR Officer Pauline Gormley:

“The half-term break is the perfect excuse to get away this autumn.  Whether you’re looking for some rest and relaxation, a busy shopping break or perhaps a romantic get away with your other half, there are a range of great value accommodation offers available all over NI to avail of,” Pauline added.

Tourism Northern Ireland has put together a list of accommodation offers* and suggestions for places to visit and things to do this half term:

Belfast

If it’s a jam packed short break you’re after then Belfast is perfect as it is bursting with musical, cultural and foodie goings on. The city has everything including shopping, award winning restaurants, bars, museums, lots of family attractions, and much more.

Enjoy a two night stay in Belfast’s city centre at the Europa Hotel from only £130 per person sharing for bed and breakfast and visit one of the world’s oldest pubs, the Crown Bar, just across the road.  The Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, close to Queen’s University, is offering two nights bed and breakfast from £89 per person sharing.

One of Belfast’s newest hotels, the Clayton Hotel, is offering a two night mid-week deal for bed and breakfast from £99 per person.  The popular Malone Lodge, Belfast’s half term offer is two night’s bed and breakfast mid-week from £99 per person.

Ramada Plaza Belfast is offering visitors one night’s stay and tickets to explore Crumlin Road Gaol from only £59.50 per person sharing.  Park Avenue Hotel is offering a midweek break for two night’s bed and breakfast from £109

Co Antrim

Co Antrim is simply awash with stunning rugged coastline, picturesque glens and quaint harbour villages. The perfect place to get away from it all on half term break, every nook and cranny of this county is just brimming with outstanding natural beauty.

Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae is offering two night’s bed and breakfast with one four course table d’hote dinner plus tickets for Bushmills Distillery Tour from only £129 per person sharing. Ballygally Castle Hotel just outside Larne is offering two nights bed and breakfast midweek from £109 per person sharing and is the perfect base point for exploring the Giant’s Causeway and new Gobbins walk path.

Golf enthusiasts will be delighted to learn about the Galgorm Resort & Spa’s golf themed offer which gives visitors the chance to enjoy 18 holes at Galgorm Castle’s Championship Golf Club along with an overnight stay with full Irish breakfast and use of the Thermal Spa facilities. This break is available from £85 per person sharing.

Why not take advantage of the Ramada in Portrush’s weekend offer which includes two nights bed and breakfast from only £89 per person sharing or try the Causeway Hotel in Bushmills which is offering two nights bed and breakfast, one evening meal and one days entry to the Giants Causeway Visitor Centre as well as a tour of two people to the Bushmills Distillery from only £125 per person sharing.

Co Armagh

County Armagh may be smallest county in NI but what it lacks in size it makes up for on beauty, ancient landmarks and sacred monuments, many of which have ties to St Patrick.  Visitors to the county are sure to be mesmerised by the beautiful Armagh Public Library, County Museum and beautiful Churches.

Armagh City Hotel is offering two nights bed and breakfast mid-week from £89 per person sharing. Visitors can also avail of a special Pamper Break which includes one dinner in the Callan Bar, bed and breakfast, plus £40 worth of beauty treatments at the onsite ‘Fab’ beauty salon.

Co Down

Why not spend your half term break finding out more about the county that inspired C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. The stunning Silent Valley is sure to impress visitors as are the remarkable Mourne Mountains or Castlewellan Forest Park.

Try the Culloden Estate and Spa for two night’s bed and breakfast on a weekend from £170 per person sharing or the Millbrook Lodge Hotel in Ballynahinch which is offering two nights bed and breakfast on a weekend from £89 per person sharing. Use these hotels as your base to explore nearby Cranfield beach or why not spend the day shopping in Newry.

Avail of the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa’s two night value break which includes a full Irish breakfast and dinner in the Oak restaurant or stay at the Clandeyboye Lodge Hotel in Bangor where you can enjoy two night’s bed and breakfast on a weekend from £99 per person sharing.

La Mon Hotel & Country Club in Comber is offering a spa break which includes one night’s bed and breakfast in a deluxe room, a bottle of Ame and chocolate covered strawberries, a 45 minute Spa Treatment per guest, two course meal served in either The Mill restaurant of Charlie’s Lounge or full access to the leisure suite. Visitors to Comber can experience this from only £130 per person sharing.

Co Fermanagh

Fermanagh is renowned for its beautiful scenery and lakes and is blessed with spectacular sites such as Castle Coole, Florence Court, Lough Navar and Crom Estate. Experience something really different at the Marble Arch Caves, Devenish Island Monastic Site or enjoy a round of golf at the Lough Erne Golf Resort.

The Enniskillen Hotel is very close to the town centre and visitors can enjoy a drink at Blakes of the Hollow, one of the county’s oldest bars, before enjoying two night’s bed and breakfast from £89 per person on a mid-week break.

Have a mid-week pamper and pitch break at the Killyhevlin Hotel, Spa and Health Club from only £117 per person sharing. Visitors can enjoy one four course dinner, cooked breakfast and use of the Killyhevlin Health Club. Included in the price is a round of golf on the nearby Castle Coole Golf course as well as a 30 minute spa treatment in the Elemis spa.

Enjoy a romantic autumn getaway at the Westville Hotel, Enniskillen where you can kick back, relax and enjoy one night’s bed and breakfast plus a three course meal in the WV bar from only £125 per person or alternatively try Mahons Hotel, Irvinestown for two night’s bed and breakfast on a weekend from £89 per person sharing.

Co Tyrone

As the largest county in Northern Ireland, Co Tyrone offers sweeping hills and lush valleys as well as exciting cycling and walking routes and delicious places to eat and drink. Visitors should be sure to stop off at the Ulster America Folk Park where they can explore the story of Irish Emigration.

The Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh is offering a romantic two night spa break in association with the renowned Lavender Health Spa from only £160 per person sharing. The two night stay will include a full Irish breakfast, four course dinner in Barreta Bar and Grill as well as a demi carafe of House wine per person. Only minutes from the bustling market town of Omagh visitors can explore lively bars such as Sallys and Main Street.

Enjoy two nights bed and breakfast at The Valley Hotel in Fivemiletown from £92 per person sharing. This offer is focused around shopping and those who avail of this can take advantage of a 5% discount in shops such as Queen Bea Ladies Boutique, Pinochos Gift Ware, Floral Valley Florist and Garden Centre and Valley Antiques and Restoration.

Co Londonderry

The world famous walled city is just bursting with artistic, musical and creative things to see and do. Culture vultures will be in their element as they marvel at Europe’s largest collection of canons, famous murals and the beautifully restored Guildhall.

Treat your other half to a romantic break at The Maldron Hotel in Derry and enjoy two night’s bed and breakfast plus a four course meal as well as a bottle of sparkling wine and strawberries which will await you in your room. This offer is available from £99 per person sharing during midweek and from £119 per person sharing midweek. Or why not try out the Ramada Da Vinci’s Hotel where you can avail of two night’s bed and breakfast on a weekend from only £99 per person sharing.

The Everglades Hotel in Derry ~ Londonderry is offering a value break which includes two night’s bed and full Irish breakfast with dinner on the first evening in the Grill restaurant and golf enthusiasts should take advantage of the Roe Park Resort’s golf break which includes an overnight stay, unlimited rounds of golf, use of the Fairways Health Club and a locally sourced full Irish breakfast.

To find out more about activities and events taking place in Northern Ireland click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/autumnleaves or visit your local visitor information centre.

*All offers are valid until December 13^th 2015.

Antrim has received a hugely prestigious award at the 2015 Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom Awards.

The outstanding Antrim Castle Gardens and the town’s community allotments were highlights that saw the Town selected for the RHS’s second highest accolade at the glittering ceremony in Sunderland on Friday evening.

Deputy Mayor, Cllr John Blair who received the award on behalf of the Town said; “To win such a prestigious UK wide competition is a huge achievement for Antrim Town and recognition of all the hard work that has gone in to making it a better place to live. The work that Council has done to revitalise and rejuvenate the town over the last few years, the commitment of the staff and the community groups involved in partnership with Council where specifically highlighted by the judges. I’d like to congratulate all those involved and commend the huge efforts that have been made in winning this award.”

Chairman of the Operations Committee, Alderman John Smyth said; “Years of work have gone in to developing and growing Antrim Town through the shop fronts and public realm works, support for events and redevelopment of Antrim Castle Gardens gives all who live and work here a real sense of pride. Community projects such as Muck n more Allotments, Men’s Shed and Friends of Antrim Castle Gardens have all contributed to this well-deserved Silver Gilt award.”

Judging was based upon three criteria; horticultural environment, community participation and environmental responsibility.

Inspired to action by the abolishment of both the BBC Performing Arts Fund and Northern Ireland’s only Higher Level Performing Arts course, ‘Theatre Masterclass NI’ has been launched in Northern Ireland aiming to provide professional tuition to young performers here.

TMNI is a new performance workshop company offering monthly classes for young performers aged 14-24 who wish to establish a career in the Musical Theatre & Performing Arts industry.

Some of the tutors currently lined up to teach at TMNI include Northern Ireland film & theatre actor CIARAN HINDS (Road to Perdition, Harry Potter, The Woman in Black, Game of Thrones), Belfast actor and director DAN GORDON, Irish Musical Theatre star KILLIAN DONNELLY (Kinky Boots, Memphis, The Commitments) and Film and TV casting director CARLA STRONGE (Emmy Award Winner for Game of Thrones, HBO).

Theatre Masterclass NI was founded by West End and film actor Fra Fee. “I have taught workshops for young actors in Northern Ireland for several years and have always been astounded at the wealth of raw talent around. The idea of establishing a Masterclass programme to give these actors an opportunity to work with some of the best in the business was one I’ve had for a while, but I felt as though I had to launch the project when I learned of the abolishment of Northern Ireland’s only Higher Level Performing Arts course. Young performers deserve an opportunity to develop and hone their skills in preparation for drama school auditions and life in the industry. As a recipient of the now defunct BBC Performing Arts Fund, it is important to me that fees are kept to a minimum to make this service accessible for all”.

TMNI’s first masterclass will be held in Belfast on Sunday 15th November and will continue monthly.  Participants can reserve their spot by getting in touch via the website www.theatremasterclassni.com or emailing theatremasterclassni@gmail.com. The fee for each masterclass is £35 / month or alternatively, you can choose to sign up for 6 months at a discounted price of £180.

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh will play host to a diverse range of musical performances over the coming weeks with three unique artists and bands on the bill.

British-born international guitarist | composer Jason Carter has toured the world with his inimitable fusion of world music and classical styles. He has performed in over ninety countries, receiving honours and awards for his efforts in building international cultural insight through music. His extensive discography of seventeen albums with a cornucopia of prominent musicians from across Asia, America and Europe mark him out as a prolific artist of exceptional originality. Jason has worked with countless musicians including compilations with artists such as Anoushka Shankar, Barbara Streisand, John Paul Jones [Led Zeppelin], Joe Satriani and Jeff Beck. Jason will perform on Thursday 29^th October at 8pm. Tickets are priced £10 each.

Irish artist Ben Reel released his eagerly awaited 7th studio album in May 2015 simply titled ‘7th’. Ben’s music has evolved into an honest earthy sound with different styles of musical influence from rock, soul, blues, alt folk/Americana, country & reggae which fuses all these genres into a melting pot to create a great sound which has become his own. In the past years he has had numerous high profile TV & radio appearances under his belt including Bob Harris BBC Radio 2 and has supported names like Jools Holland, ‘Alabama 3’, and ‘The Cranberries’. Ben will perform on Friday 30^th October at 8pm. Tickets are £10 each.

‘Tony Villiers And The Villains’ have been causing a bit of a stir with their unique blend of folk-blues originals. Villiers’ songs, which have received numerous awards in the US and are described by BBC’s Ralph McLean simply as ‘Superb’, are beautifully complemented by the fine musicianship of The Villains; Paul Meehan on guitar, Aidan McGillian on percussion and Kevin Mahoney on bass guitar. With influences ranging from Bob Dylan, Lead Belly and Jimmy Reed to Lou Reed, Hank Williams and Woody Guthrie, this promises to be an unmissable evening of real music. This performance will take place on Friday 6^th November at 8pm. Tickets are £10 each.

Details of all events can be found online at www.marketplacearmagh.com, and tickets can be booked by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.

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.

The Atlantic Sessions, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, showcases talented artists from across the country, who will perform a mixture of genres of original music.

Featuring over 40 free gigs at various venues throughout Portrush, Portstewart and Portballintrae the festival will run between Thursday 12^th and Sunday 15^th November. Many of the performances will be FREE to enjoy, with a number of ticketed headline events also featured in the four day programme, available on www.atlanticsessions.com or ‘Atlantic Sessions’ Facebook.

Set to headline Atlantic Sessions at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart on Friday 13^th November 2015 having toured the United Kingdom and Ireland earlier this year with the highly acclaimed ‘Hozier’ is ‘Wyvern Lingo’!

The group, which includes Karen Cowley, Saoirse Duane and Caoimhe Barry, released their debut EP in Ireland in 2014 and have been friends and bandmates since school. They share a gift for close harmony, keen songcraft and effervescent live performance which belies their tender years.

Taking influences from pop, folk and R’n’B, their voices interweave to create a fresh sound, which is forward-looking yet unafraid to celebrate tradition. Karen and Caoimhe from the group both sing backing vocals for their Wicklow friend, Hozier and Karen duets with him on the haunting song, ‘In a Week’ on his bestselling debut album. The Bray trio have just announced that ‘Wyvern Lingo’ will again be supporting Hozier on his January/February 2016 UK Tour.

The girls have received overwhelming reviews from music critics including; “Bray trio Karen Cowley, Saoirse Duane and Caoimhe Barry have been gaining plenty of props for their lush harmonies and striking melodic pop” by Jim Carroll of The Irish Times and “These girls have melody and delivery nailed. The real deal” by Aoife Woodlock of RTE Other Voices.

Now fresh from thrilling crowds at Electric Picnic they are set to release their debut single ‘Subside’.

‘Subside’ was produced by Patrice Bart-Williams at Supow Studios in Cologne, Germany. Patrice has produced Selah Sue, Cody Chesnutt, Keziah Jones and is a solo artist in his own right. The track was mixed in Paris by Philippe Weiss, best known for his work with Martin Solveig, Dragonette and K’Naan and will be released by Rubyworks on Apple Music, Spotify and all leading download and streaming platforms on Friday 27th November.

Supporting Wyvern Lingo at Flowerfield Arts Centre is Irish folk-pop duo, ‘Saint Sister’. The group – Gemma Doherty and Morgan MacIntyre have been described as a ‘bewitching folk-pop duo who draw on early Celtic harp traditions, modern electronic music and sixties folk music to create a potent mixture of ambient sound they like to call, ‘atmosfolk’.’

The uniqueness of their ethereal sounds have gained them support slots with the likes of Arcade Fire’s Will Butler and San Fermin. Having just entered the studio to record their debut EP for the first time in August with Alex Ryan (bassist with Hozier). Expect big things to come from this band.

Tickets for Wyvern Lingo’s Atlantic Sessions gig are available from Flowerfield Arts Centre; telephone 028 7083 1400. For full details and up to date information visit www.atlanticsessions.com or Find ‘Atlantic Sessions’ on Facebook, or follow the Twitter page @AtlanticSess.  For details on events and accommodation throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough visit www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/.

Feeling brave? This Hallowe’en half term, visitors to Castle Espie Wetland Centre can enjoy a whole host of Hallowe’en activities for little monsters at the Spellbound Festival from Saturday 24th to Saturday 31st October.

For the seven days of the Spellbound Festival there’s the chance to get crafty making spooky spiders, have a go at the hilarious games such as lob the ghost, catch the witch or traditional apple games and concoct a witch’s potion on the Recipe for Disaster Trail around the reserve.

Extra spellbinding activities over the weekend of Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October include face painting to add the finishing touches to fancy dress costumes and spooky owls will be swooping in for Mantella Environmental’s Owl Display. On Sunday 25th, show off your monster moves at Jump Jiggle and Jive’s Hallowe’en Hooley, four fun-filled, interactive dance parties between 2pm and 4pm with plenty of Hallowe’en themed props for children and adults too.

The frighteningly good fun continues on Friday 30^th and Saturday 31^st October with Hallowe’en treats including face painting, giant creepy crawlies with Mantella Environmental and Monster Mash Discos packed with spooky hits and fireside storytelling in the roundhouse.

Throughout the Spellbound Festival week there’ll be spot prizes for the best dressed little monsters and visitors to Castle Espie can enter into a prize draw to win a family pass to meet the GIANT LEGO Brick Animals and LEGO Brick Workshop tickets in February and March 2016.

Entrance to the Spellbound Festival is included in the cost of admission and free to WWT members and under 4’s. For a full event programme including timings for individual activities go to wwt.org.uk/castleespie/spellbound or contact Castle Espie on 028 9187 4146. WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre is open every day from 10am to 5.00pm, parking is free of charge.

Backed by the UK Space Agency, W5 is one of twenty science centres across the UK have joined forces with the European Space Agency’s first British astronaut, Tim Peake, to provide children all over the UK with a unique opportunity to join his crew, learn about human space flight and follow life on the International Space Station.

With over 20 million visitors to UK science centres every year, Destination Space will give families across the nation the chance to learn about Tim Peake’s mission through hands-on experiments, rocket demonstrations, space equipment and video from the International Space Station.

As well as learning about Tim Peake’s work on the International Space Station, the programme will celebrate the team behind Tim, highlighting great opportunities for young people within the science and space sectors.

Dr David Parker, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

“Human spaceflight is the ultimate in team effort with many committed individuals working to get an astronaut into space. We wanted the Destination Space programme to recognise the talents of the people who support Tim Peake and in doing so showcase all the fantastic career opportunities this sector offers young people.

“Our Destination Space family shows and school workshops at 20 science centres across the UK allow visitors to learn more about Tim Peake’s mission, get hands-on training and find out all about the great people that work behind the scenes in human space flight.”

Secure your place

Online, Destination Space follows Tim Peake’s adventures in space and encourages the UK to get behind his mission through the inspiring figures who will be supporting his adventures. Everyone can sign up for training with Tim and share their endeavours via a social media command centre.  A unique personality tool has also been developed that allows people to secure their place in Tim Peake’s crew, assigning everyone a role based on their interests and preferences.

W5, located within the Odyssey Complex in Belfast, is giving young people the opportunity to engage with Tim Peake’s mission through a live and interactive family show, ‘Destination Space’. Visitors can explore what life is like for the entire space crew in the show celebrating astronaut Tim Peake’s mission to the International Space Station in December.

The Destination Space Programme has been created and delivered by the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres in Bristol working in partnership with expert teams at the National Space Centre in Leicester, Science Museum in London and Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre in Cheshire.

Dr Penny Fidler, the CEO of ASDC and Director of Destination Space said:

“Tim Peake is the European Space Agency’s first British astronaut and we want children and families to feel they are truly a part of his exciting mission. His journey and time on the International Space Station provides a great opportunity to encourage children to be more curious, ask big questions and to enjoy science.

“By joining us for one of our science centre events or following Destination Space online, young people and families all over the UK can explore human space flight in a hands-on, fun and involving way.

“We want to show there is a huge crew of women and men from all areas of science and engineering who work to make space missions possible. This is a chance to celebrate their endeavours, giving young people the confidence and curiosity to explore and ask questions long after they leave the science and discovery centres.”

To join the Destination Space crew go to: www.DestinationSpace.uk or visit www.w5online.co.uk for Destination Space live show dates.

Have you ever danced with a Zombie or walked through a Banshee Forest?  Well now is your chance at the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh this Halloween!

Spooky Family Fright night is all about having fun with the family for Halloween.  From 6.30pm to 9.30pm we are sure to have some hair-raising fun, some creepy critters and some petrifyingly perfect entertainment for you and your family.

Take a wander through the curtain maze, if you are brave enough, there is always something lurking in the darkness.  Make a scary monster and enjoy pumpkin crafts and activities.  Take part in our Horrible Egyptians interactive stage show but make sure you get your hand back!  Are you daring enough to enter the gateway to the Banshee Forest?  For some monster fun, get your monster feet tapping at our very own Zombie dance. Places are limited, pre-booking is essential so don’t delay, book today on www.armagh.co.uk/frightnight Don’t forget to come in fancy dress or else pay the penalty!

The ghosts and ghouls at Navan are really looking forward to sharing some Halloween fun with you and your family!

For information please contact: Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com

Comic performer Teresa Livingstone, Hobgoblin Comedy Award Finalist, will join six other popular local acts for SOS NI’s Comedy night on Sunday 18 October (8pm until late) at the Black Box, in the heart of Cathedral Quarter.

The annual event sold out in 2014, raising £1,661 towards the work of the SOS Bus and it is expected that this year will be even bigger and better than ever. The audience will enjoy a night of first-class entertainment, including a raffle with all proceeds going towards the core SOS NI Bus services, helping the vulnerable and disadvantaged on the streets of Belfast.

Joining headliner Theresa Livingstone, award-winning magician George Firehorse, impressionist Adam Laughlin, Amused Moose Irish Finalist Lorcan McGrane, performance poet Séamus Fox, BBC NI ‘Sketchy’ regular Ruaidhri Ward will have the audience in stiches whilst raising much-needed funds for SOS Bus NI. Marcus Keeley MC of VoiceBox Comedy, will compere.

Joe Hyland, CEO of SOS NI said: “The annual SOS Comedy Night is an evening of entertainment, but it has a very serious mission.
“SOS services are needed more than ever and all the money raised during the event will help cover the costs of our services on the streets of Belfast.”

Séamus Fox, Performance poet and dedicated SOS volunteer added: “We attracted a full house last year and have another great line up for this event.
“Please try to look beyond this as just being a comedy gig, it isn’t. The money raised will pay for sleeping bags for the homeless and hot drinks for freezing cold revellers on nights out. It will pay for vulnerable people to have somewhere safe to come to. It will pay for injured people to get to hospital or to get young people who have yet to learn the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption home.
“I see so much good being done every single weekend by the SOS volunteers and the feeling I get when someone smiles and gushes with appreciation when they realise they are safe is one of deep gratitude.”