Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for an ideal short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.
Flavours of Spring Dining Break, Dunadry Hotel, Dunadry, Antrim. From £89.95pps. Dine and stay at the three-star Dunadry Hotel built on the site of an ancient fort and once home to both paper and linen mills. The hotel uses local suppliers and fresh seasonal produce to create delicious meals which you can enjoy as part of this fabulous offer. Book a cosy two-night stay and enjoy a special meal on an evening of your choice. Available until 17 April. To book call (028) 9443 4343.
Midweek 2 Nights Bed and Breakfast, Corr’s Corner Hotel, Newtownabbey. From £99pps. The newly redeveloped three-star Corr’s Corner Hotel now boasts a buzzing bar and comfortable lobby with a choice of dining facilities and a full a-la-carte menu. Enjoy two nights bed and breakfast and one evening meal with this offer. Available until 17 April. To book call (028) 9084 9221.
Dine and Stay, Roe Park Resort, Limavady. From £59pps. Overlooking its own stunning 18-hole golf course, the Roe Park Resort is set amidst the gorgeous surroundings of the Roe Valley Country Park. This four-star luxury hotel boasts 118 stylish en-suite rooms that blend the charm of a country house estate with the modern luxuries and conveniences you would expect from a luxury hotel. Enjoy one night’s bed and breakfast with one evening meal. Available until 17 April. To book call (028) 7772 2222.
Two Northern Ireland greats, Dame Mary Peters and well-known chef Jenny Bristow have teamed up with Tourism Northern Ireland to get the Year of Food and Drink 2016 off to a tasty start. January is Breakfast Month and chef, Jenny Bristow shared her delicious take on a healthy Ulster Fry with Dame Mary, which included local produce like Dennys Jumbo pork sausages, Fermanagh Black Bacon, Ballyeamon eggs, Neills Soda Bread, Hughes stuffed mushrooms and Dittys potato bread. Dont forget that Friday 29th January is Ulster FRYday so join the fun on social media by posting a photo of your Ulster Fry using the hashtag #UlsterFRYday and you could be in with a chance of winning an overnight break and breakfast for two in the 5* Culloden Hotel - for more information visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/ulsterfryday. For more information on Northern Irelands Year of Food and Drink go to www.discovernorthernireland.com/yearoffoodanddrink2016 and to find out more about Jennys recipe go to www.jennybristow.com.
Tourism Northern Ireland is kicking off the Year of Food and Drink 2016 how everyone in NI should start their day, with breakfast.
January 2016 is Breakfast Month and according to Tourism NI, Northern Ireland is simply brimming with great places, including hotels, B&Bs, cafes and restaurants, that all serve delicious, locally produced food that will satisfy your taste buds and set you up for a fun day trip or relaxing short break to one of NI’s great tourist attractions or destinations.
Rachel Quigg, Communications & Destination PR Officer at Tourism Northern Ireland explains why everyone should tuck in to Breakfast Month:
“Northern Ireland’s dedicated farmers, talented food producers and creative artisans have been using our unique fields, rivers and lakes to make world-class food, for centuries. And breakfast, hailed as the most important meal of the day, features some of NI’s finest produce including Abernethy Butter which is churned by hand in Dromara, Annaghmore Mushrooms, Kennedy bacon, White’s Oats – I could go on!”
Breakfast lovers take note as January 29 is Ulster FRYday and Tourism NI wants everyone in Northern Ireland to send in photos of themselves enjoying breakfast.
Rachel continued: “We want to end Breakfast Month on a high with a delicious celebration of Northern Ireland favourite, the Ulster Fry with Ulster FRYday. We will be asking absolutely everyone, businesses as well as individuals, to post photos online of their breakfast using hashtag #ulsterFRYday, in order to win a great prize. So tell your friends, work colleagues, schoolmates and family to take a snap of their breakfast and share it on social media to join in the fun.”
Tourism Northern Ireland has listed some of the key events happening around Northern Ireland for Breakfast Month as well as some local delicious products to try.
Tasty Events!
Farmhouse Breakfast Week, January 24 – 30 2016. The Farmhouse Breakfast Week campaign raises awareness of the benefits of eating a healthy breakfast and demonstrates the wealth of wonderful breakfast produce available around the country.
Ulster FRYday, January 29 2016. This day is a celebration of the much-loved Ulster Fry! Everyone has their own take on the Ulster Fry – some people love beans whilst others must have mushrooms, fried egg versus scrambled egg – so this is a chance for individuals and business owners to upload pictures of how they enjoy their Ulster Fry. So whether you cooked it yourself or you have been served it at a hotel, B&B, restaurant or café, take a snap and share it online using the hashtag #ulsterFRYday and include @DiscoverNI.
Breakfast at Hastings Hotels – Hastings are offering gourmet all day breakfasts at each of their 6 hotels throughout January. Guests can already avail of a choice of tasty breakfast options but Hastings Hotels is taking this one step further and for one month only people will be able to enjoy breakfast all day long. Two Gourmet All Day Breakfast Specials have been introduced and are available for only £10 every day from 12pm. Made using only the very best of local produce, enjoy the Armagh Apple Potato Cake with a Gracehill Black Pudding Sausage, Moyallon Dry Cured Streaky Bacon, Clements Poached Egg and Homemade Ketchup or a Mini Northern Irish Soda Bread with Poached Egg, Glenarm Smoked Salmon and Hollandaise Sauce.
Winterfell B&B, The Cuan, Strangford Village, Co Down. The Cuan is offering an authentic Winterfell breakfast of hot bread, butter and honey, blackberry preserves, bacon, eggs, cheese and a pot of mint tea. Enjoy Dinner, B&B from only £84.95.
The Big Breakfast at the Elk, The Elk, Toome, Co. Antrim, January 30, 8am – 12pm. As part of NI Year of Food and Drink 2016, The Elk are holding a Big Breakfast where people can come along and enjoy a delicious freshly prepared and locally sourced breakfast and in return they will be asked to give a small donation to Chest Heart and Stroke NI.
Where to eat breakfast?
If you are thinking of taking a short break or heading out for breakfast with friends and family somewhere in Northern Ireland during Breakfast Month then take a look as this menu which features some excellent places where you can tuck into a hearty breakfast in beautiful surroundings.
If you are heading to Co. Antrim home of the stunning Causeway Coast, visitBallygally Castle, Ballygally, Beechmount Farm B&B, Muckamore or pop into The French Rooms in Bushmills who all serve delicious breakfasts.
When in Co. Armagh, which isknown for its historic cathedrals, try the Armagh City Hotel, Orchard House B&B or the Moody Boar for some memorable food to help kick start your day.
Co. Down is renowned for stunning mountainous views and is home to a host of tasty places for breakfast including the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle, Seaview Guesthouse in Rostrevor and Quails at the Gallery in Banbridge.
If you are heading to Co. Fermanagh for a weekend break then you are sure to experience a delicious breakfast in the Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen, Dromard House, Lisbellaw or the Crowes Nest Enniskillen.
Before exploring some of the many attractions available in Co. Derry~Londonderry such as the Peace Bridge or the historic City Walls, enjoy a hearty breakfast in the Everglades Hotel, Number 8 Guesthouse, City of Derry Hotel or Lost and Found Brew Bar, Coleraine.
Visitors to Co. Tyrone will find a wide range of tourist attractions to visit such as the Ulster American Folk Park and the Sperrin Mountains. You will also find lots of places to enjoy breakfast such as Corick Country House in Clogher, The Laurels B&B Lodge, Omagh and An Creagan Restaurant, Omagh.
Don’t forget to celebrate Ulster FRYday on January 29, for your chance to win an overnight stay at the spectacular 5* Culloden Hotel and Spa for two, including a sumptuous breakfast. To enter simply share a photo of your Ulster Fry and upload it on social media using the hashtag #ulsterFRYday. For more information go to www.discovernorthernireland.com/ulsterfryday.
For more information on things to do in Northern Ireland visit www.discovernorthernireland.com or your local tourist information centre.
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BELFAST, Northern Ireland – Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they commemorate 25 years of Disney On Ice across Europe in an action-packed ice adventure that travels to four magical destinations! Disney On Icepresents Silver Anniversary Celebration will take audiences on a fun-filled tour of the imagination.
Disney On Ice invites you to embark on the ultimate sightseeing holiday with all your favourite Disney characters. Join tour guides Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck as they visit the magical worlds of Disney’s The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and Peter Pan. You’ll also be whisked away to the wintery wonderland of the number one animated feature film of all-time, Disney’s Frozen. Told through an international team of award-winning skaters, exciting choreography and a musical score filled with familiar Disney hits and rock-and-roll classics, the whole family is sure to experience a captivating journey to far-away lands without ever leaving their seats!
The arena will be filled with music and magic in every scene as you discover four unique landscapes filled with boisterous pirates, Caribbean beats and tender moments. Audiences will explore the African Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa; voyage deep under the sea to Ariel’s mystical underwater kingdom; and tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy before flying to Neverland to join Tinker Bell. Plus, travel to Arendelle for an extraordinary adventure with royal sisters Anna and Elsa, rugged mountain man Kristoff and everyone’s favorite huggable snowman, Olaf.
“It’s an extraordinary show and a family vacation all rolled into one incredible night,” says Producer Kenneth Feld. “You really get a sense you are traveling right alongside Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends.”
Silver Anniversary Celebration was created by a team of industry experts known for their ability to convey the movements and designs needed to bring each Disney destination to life:
Jerry Bilik (Director) – Creative team member for 30 Disney On Ice shows; arranged music for a number of television series, including Starsky and Hutch and Charlie’s Angels; music coordinator for The 31st Annual Emmy® Awards.
Patty Vincent (Director – Frozen section) – Directed numerous Feld Entertainment ice and stage shows including Disney On IcepresentsFrozen; began her career at Feld Entertainment as a skater and has advanced in the company to become the Character Development Director for all touring Disney On Ice productions. Additional credits include co-director of Playhouse Disney Live! and co-director of High School Musical Summer Celebration (stage show).
Cindy Stuart (Choreographer) – Four-time Professional Skaters Association “Choreographer of the Year award” nominee and the 2014 Sonja Henie award nominee; collaborated with Olympic Gold Medalist Robin Cousins on multiple projects; choreographed for US Champion Gracie Gold, US Bronze Medalist Mirai Nagasu, World and Olympic Champions Xue Shen and Hongbo Zhao and Olympic Champions Jamie Salé and David Pelletier; choreographer for several Disney On Ice productions, including Disney On Ice presents Frozen.
The Late Robert Smith (Production Designer) – Theater credits include the 2001 revival of Hair at the Wadsworth Theater; the world premiere of Bingo, an award-winning musical in Los Angeles and Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins and Dorian. Film credits include Session Man (Academy Award® winner) and Contact (Academy Award® nominee).
Arthur Boccia (Costume Designer) – Worked 14 seasons as a top assistant to the late Don Foote, designer for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®; experience working on Broadway plays, film and television, including the Broadway revival of Pal Joey; designed costumes for 10 Disney On Ice productions.
Patrick Dierson (Lighting Designer) – Lighting credits include the MTV Video Music Awards and the world tour of Shakira; received an Emmy® Award nomination for his work on the post September 11th musical telethon America: A Tribute to Heroes.
Waves Swim Programme begins in Ards Leisure Centre on Saturday 23rd January. Swimming lessons for beginners of all ages, to build confidence in the water and develop strokes and skills at every stage of the swimming programme. There are specific lessons for babies aged three months and over, pre-school children, juniors aged five years and over, and adults.
Armagh
St Mungo’s Luganulk is a hilarious GAA comedy about the worst Gaelic Football team in Ireland is set to throw-in at the Market Place Theatre this Saturday 23rd January. The production, written by and starring Conor Grimes and Alan McKee will appeal to Gaelic games aficionados and non-followers alike. It is the ‘true-ish’ story of St Mungo’s GAC who, rooted to the bottom of Division Four and without a win in six and a half years, somehow transform their fortunes to reach an All-Ireland Final.
Fermanagh
TV’s Million Dollar Mind Reader, David Meade, returns to The Ardhowen stage Friday 22nd January with his amazing brand new show – FAKE BELIEVE! This most ambitious live show yet is as hilarious as it is jaw dropping. He reveals PIN numbers, detects lies, reveals secret thoughts, and influences those around him with seemingly inexplicable results!
Tyrone
Strabane Arts Academy proudly presents their first panto of 2016 at the Strule Arts Centre 22nd, 23rd, 28th 29th and 30th January. A traditional Chinese story told within a pantomime format. Mulan’s father is ill, but he has been summoned by the Emperor to fight for his country. In order that the family name is not dishonoured, Mulan disguises herself and goes off to war in her father’s place. Her adventures are many before she is able to return home again to happy and well-deserved celebrations.
Derry/Londonderry
The magical award-winning Celtic Feast Nights are back with a bang in 2016 at An Grianan Hotel with the first date this Saturday 23rd January. Arrive to a glass of finest Mead from 7pm. Meet the Warriors and pose for some Selfies! Take your bench at 8pm for a hearty Irish 4 Course Meal with Free Wine. Then, in between each Course enjoy live entertainment in the form of; World Class Irish Dancing, Battle re-enactments, Storytelling, Live Music and so much more!
Antrim
Hot on the heels of last year’s sell-out tour ‘Mouthful’, Northern Ireland’s finest comic, Jake O’Kane, is back at The Theatre at the Mill Newtownabbey this Friday 22nd January. In his inimitable style, Jake takes no prisoners as he deals with the good, the bad and the ugly of 2015. Jake weaves stories and news photos to give his take on the people, places and politics that made up the year. Those of a sensitive disposition, and politicians of all shades, should be afraid – very afraid. Show contains adult references. Recommended Age: 16yrs+.
Belfast
The W5 Winterland Express now departs on extra dates! Take a journey to the fairytale world of Winterland with a trip on the Winterland Express, the magical miniature train ride. Travel through the enchanted forest into the icy cavern to emerge in the courtyard of Winterland Castle! The Winterland Express departs this Saturday 23rd January 2016, 12.15pm to 5.15pm. The Winterland Express is a short train ride that is FREE with general admission to W5. For further information, opening hours and admission prices.
Add your events free at www.whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.
Enjoy a free, family event – just perfect for the end of January.
On Sunday 31st January from 11.00am – 3.00pm take part in Craft-ology, a drop in event where children will get the opportunity to make some very different types of crafts, expand their imaginations and who perhaps make some very useful objects or decorations to adorn your home. We provide the materials, you just need to bring the family and have some fun!
Don’t miss this chance to release the ‘crafter’ in your child.
For information please contact: Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh. BT60 4LD. Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com
Vote for Causeway Coast and Glens in BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards
The Causeway Coast and Glens has been nominated as Holiday Destination of the Year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2015/16.
One of the jewels in the crown of Northern Ireland tourism has been nominated for the award by expert travel writer Dixe Willis alongside four other regions across the United Kingdom to win the coveted accolade.
The four UK regions are: Suffolk, England; Snowdonia, Wales; Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland and Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Kerrie McGonigle, Destination Manager atCauseway Coast and Glens Borough Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be nominated by the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards for Holiday Destination of the Year.
“The Causeway Coast and Glens is one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic tourist destinations. What makes it unique is how the beauty of our natural landscape is used for an array of activities from the more sedate to the most adventurous, from world-class golf and miles of unspoilt beaches to surfing and coasteering, backed up with an unrivalled passion for award-winning local food & drink, served up with a warm welcome. And of course, we can also boast Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Giant’s Causeway.
“We would encourage everyone to get voting and let’s see Causeway Coast and Glens named as the Holiday Destination of the Year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2015/16.”
The BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards is now its fifth year and celebrates the best of the UK’s countryside – from great heritage attractions, favourite holiday destinations, best nature reserves and finest rural pubs.
The 2015-16 Awards launch in the January 2016 issue of BBC Countryfile Magazine on sale 18 December 2015, and feature 11 categories.
Voting closes on 31 January. The winners will be announced in an online ceremony in March and will appear in the May issue of the magazine (on sale 8 April).
Coleraine Goes Country is back! And Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is hosting an ‘Open Mic Night’ next month to attract local talent to the event.
The evening will be held in the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine on Thursday, 18th February at 7.30pm. Entrants must play ‘Country’ and come from the Borough of Causeway Coast and Glens.
The winner will be given the opportunity to play at the main event in Coleraine Town Centre on Saturday, 26th March as part of the Country Music Festival, as well as receiving a gift voucher from the Lodge hotel, there could be other opportunities too, as judges will be from the music industry, so entrants must be quick! All entries must be submitted to Council by Tuesday, 9th February.
To be in with a chance of appearing and competing to play at the festival, details of the event and the application form to be shortlisted for the Open Mic Night, go online to the Coleraine Goes Country Facebook page.
Coleraine Goes Country festival takes place in Coleraine from 24th to 26th March and is designed to attract shoppers and visitors to the town, with music being played in shops, bars, coffee shops and in town centre over the three days.
Updates will be regularly added to Facebook on bands and individuals playing the festival this year but for now, pass onto anyone who plays country music in the Borough of the Causeway Coast and Glens.
The evening is free for everyone to come along and listen to the Borough’s local talent!
ANNIE, the world’s favourite family musical, comes to the Millennium Forum for one week only from Tuesday 23rd until Saturday 27th February.
Tickets are priced from £19.50 and are now available from the Box Office. Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.
Starring Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan, this much loved show returns to the city to delight its legions of local fans.
Lesley Joseph is best known for playing ‘Dorien Green’ in the hugely successful sitcom “Birds of a Feather” alongside Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson. They recorded over 100 episodes over a period of nine years. Lesley and her co-stars returned to our screens in “Birds of a Feather in 2013 with a second series airing earlier this year. Lesley’s theatre credits include ‘Miss Hannigan’ in “Annie” at the West End’s Victoria Palace and also on national tour. Her other touring credits include “Calendar Girls” and “Hot Flush!”.
Lesley is joined by Alex Bourne as ‘Oliver Warbucks’, Holly Dale Spencer as ‘Grace Farrell’, Jonny Fines as ‘Rooster’ and Djalenga Scott as ‘Lily’. The company also includes James Alan- Evans. Lewis Bradley, Nic Gibney, Sinead Kenny, Michael Lin, Alice Liveing, Megan Louch, Callum McArdle, Benjamin Mundy, Steven Oliver, Heather Scott-Martin, Anne Smith, Kate Somerset How.
Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search…
With its award-winning book and score, this stunning new production includes the unforgettable songs Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow. Don’t miss Annie – you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it!
Annie The Musical returns to the Millennium Forum from Tuesday 23rd until Saturday 27th February. Tickets are now available from the Box Office and are priced from £19.50. Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.
Weighing In is the fast paced new comedy by Ger Gallagher starring Rose Henderson (Fair City) and Isobel Mahon (Glenroe) at The Courtyard Theatre
Thursday 21 January. Anyone who has ever been to a Slimming Class will feel an instant sense of dread with the first mention of points, calorie calculators and of course the scales!
This bolshie new comedy is about life, love and dieting and how we all need to adjust the scales to find the right balance. Highly driven Pam and motherly Breda strike up an unlikely relationship at their weekly Easi-Slim classes and learn that things aren’t always what they appear to be and sometimes you already have the life you have been wishing for.
So don’t be blue this January treat yourself to a great night out. Tickets from £8, available from Box Office 028 9034 0202 or www.thecourtyardtheatre.com.
Flavours of Spring Dining Break, Dunadry Hotel, Dunadry, Antrim. From £89.95pps. Dine and stay at the three-star Dunadry Hotel built on the site of an ancient fort and once home to both paper and linen mills. The hotel uses local suppliers and fresh seasonal produce to create delicious meals which you can enjoy as part of this fabulous offer. Book a cosy two-night stay and enjoy a special meal on an evening of your choice. Available until 17 April. To book call (028) 9443 4343.
