For the second year in a row the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, Armagh is set to get global TV exposure with Ireland’s International TV station IRISH TV confirming they will be returning to the city to broadcast their St. Patrick’s Day Parade LIVE on March 17^th.

Home to the Primates of All-Ireland, for both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland, Armagh has a long tradition of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a spectacular display of colour, music, dance and entertainment for all to enjoy.

The two hour live broadcast on IRISH TV from 1-3pm begins with a high energy carnival procession departing the Palace Demesne and meandering its way through Armagh City Centre.  Colourful floats, marching bands and street performers all march along the narrow streets as Armagh celebrates its biggest carnival day of the year

IRISH TV Armagh St. Patrick’s Day presenter Malachi Cush said, “Armagh has so many connections with St. Patrick and it is fitting that we are going live from here for this special all-inclusive community carnival.  Armagh is noted as a great place to live, work and visit and we are delighted to showcase its wonderful tourism attractions to the world.”

The LIVE broadcast on IRISH TV on March 17thy will place Armagh at the heart of the global St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with IRISH TV filing reports into the live broadcast from London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Ireland and the USA.

“We hope to capture the magical atmosphere, music, pageantry and all the colour and excitement on March 17^th from Irish communities around the world.  As a vibrant city that is full of character and culture Armagh City is the perfect base to host our global celebrations,” commented Cush.

The theme of this year Armagh City carnival is ‘Feasts and Wild Beast’ and will see numerous spectacular events organised across the city.  Many of the pivotal moments in St Patrick’s life took place across this region of Ulster and IRISH TV is committed to telling these legendary local stories to a global audience.

The LIVE broadcast from Armagh City can be viewed on IRISH TV on SKY 191, Freesat 400, all free to air boxes, Eircom’s eVision 191 and online at www.irishtv.com

Watch last year’s highlights here:

ArmaghLivePromo from Irish TV on Vimeo.

The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre in Armagh has put together an amazing 5-Day line-up for Saint Patrick’s Festival, Armagh 2016 including storytelling, world-class traditional music, a celebration of singer-songwriters, family events, great music and comedy.

The celebrations kick off on Wed 16 March at 6.30pm with renowned storyteller Niall de Burca. Renowned for his shows full of energy, wit and superb timing, Niall has performed in places as diverse as Los Angeles, Iran and the European Parliament in Brussels.  This ‘master of tales’ tours worldwide, inspiring all with his traditional and original stories.

Also on Wed 16 Mar at 9.00pm is a very special evening of world-class traditional music with ‘Brian Finnegan & Friends’. Brian Finnegan from Armagh is hailed as one of the most unique and progressive voices in Irish music. Frontman with the dazzling group ‘Flook’ for more than thirteen years, this maverick flute and whistle player has toured the world and recorded three highly acclaimed studio albums with the band. ‘Flook’ were crowned ‘BBC Band Of The Year’ 2006.

He will be joined in Armagh by some the brightest stars in Irish Traditional Music – John McSherry- Pipes/Whistles | Donal O’Connor – Fiddle/Keys | Niall Murphy – Fiddle | Ed Boyd – Guitar | John Joe Kelly – Bodhran

‘Celtic Spirit’ on Fri 18 March at 8.00pm sees Karl McGuckin (baritone), Liam Lawton, Andrea Begley (winner of BBC The Voice 2014) and a musical ensemble under the musical direction of Mark Cahill join for a night of traditional and spiritual music in celebration of St Patrick. Come and hear the haunting melodies of St Patrick’s heartland resonate in this truly unique performance.

Liam Lawton is a platinum selling liturgical composer and singer of international renown. His music is now implicit in all Catholic services and has been played all over the world.

Karl McGuckin is now heralded as one of Ireland’s leading male classical crossover artists. With a background in opera and musical theatre, Karl recently sold out the Cathedral in Armagh with his Candelight Christmas Concert and can be found on tour with Celtic Tenors.

Andrea Begley rose to international prominence following her meteoric success on BBC’s The Voice. Having now sung in some of the biggest stages the British Isles has to offer, Andrea will fit in beautifully to our concert.

‘Songs From The Heart’ on Fri 18 March at 8.00pm is A Celebration Of Female Singer-Songwriters. This is an intimate and relaxing evening of wonderful original songs, with three of Northern Ireland’s foremost female songwriters. Acoustic instruments and exquisite vocals are sure to create a unique and mellow atmosphere. Mandy Bingham’s songs make a deep and lasting connection to the listener and she delivers them with a voice that is strong, pure and compelling.  Janet Henry’s strong melodies and thought provoking lyrics encompass Americana, folk and country with a voice described as true, soulful and quite simply beautiful. Edelle McMahon blends influences ranging from sean-nós storytelling to starkly confessional acoustics.

On Sat 19 March The Market Place Theatre Presents ‘Family Super Saturday’ With ‘The Merman’s Tale’ at 11.00AM OR 2.00PM. Banyan Theatre Company’s ‘The Merman’s Tale’ is based on a traditional tale by W.B Yeats. Jack is a fisherman, told stories by his grandfather of the Merman, he goes on a quest to find one… Take a magical journey with Jack as he travels beneath the sea  and discovers many wonderous things, and unlocks a secret never before been told. A visual delight told through the use of puppetry, storytelling and music.

POST SHOW ACTIVITIES: Ticket price includes post-show one hour of fun activities including Themed Craft Workshop, Face Painting, Balloon Modelling & Fancy Dress Competition with prizes For Best Dress Boy & Girl. Great value for money! Super Saturdays are recommended for age 4+

On Sat 19 March at 8.00pm is a wonderful concert by Clannad’s Moya Brennan. With ‘Clannad’ she rose to prominence with a pioneering approach to traditional music which has garnered them 15 million record sales worldwide and a string of awards, including a Grammy in 1998. Their sound has since become the benchmark for the Celtic music genre.  Moya’s solo career has continued that success with eight albums to her credit.

Comedy sensations ‘The Nualas’ bring their ‘Glitterbomb’ Tour to The Market Place Theatre, Armagh on Sat 19 Mar at 8.30pm. It’s 2016 and Ireland’s favourite all-lady musical comedy sensations, The Nualas, are celebrating their 21st birthday! With scorchingly brilliant new songs, red hot new chat and blistering new shoes, The Nualas are jetting in for one night only to leave you helpless with laughter, delirious with pleasure, and a little disorientated if you can’t remember which door you came in.

The circus comes to The Market Place Theatre on Sun 20 March at 2.00pm with ‘Star Man’. Have you ever looked to the heavens for inspiration or guidance? ‘Starman’, the latest show from the award winning Tumble Circus, is an entertaining expedition into what happens when dreams and life collide. It follows the journey of one man and his life as a circus artist, a dad, and a clown. ‘Starman’ promises an energetic mix of stand-up, slapstick, sequins, and … cardboard! A One Man Circus Comedy Theatre show.

Rounding off the celebrations is ‘Flann’s Yer Only Man’ on Sun 20 March at 8.00pm. ‘Flann’s Yer Only Man’ by Val O’ Donnell is an entertainment based on the life and work of Flann O’Brien, aka Myles na Gopaleen, aka Brian O’Nolan [1911-1966], widely regarded as Ireland’s finest satirist since Jonathan Swift. Val re-enacts a wide range of extracts from the humorist’s novels and his celebrated ‘Cruiskeen Lawn’ column in The Irish Times. These are linked with key biographical events in the writer’s life.

To book tickets for events in the five-day celebration contact The Market Place Theatre Box Office on 02837 521821 or visit www.marketplacearmagh.com

The Saint Patrick’s Festival – Armagh and Downpatrick runs from 10-20 March and is supported by Tourism NI.

Details of this years Dalriada Festival were announced this week – and what a lineup……especially for the little ones.

Marshall and Chase from PAW Patrol will be appearing at this years Dalriada Festival on 16th and 17th July. As well as the infamous Highland Games, Strongman events, fine foods, numerous music, comedy and dance stages and so on, PAW Patrol will be appearing 5-6 times each day for Meet and Greet sessions with families. Between times families can enjoy the wide range of other entertainment on offer.

DAY PASSES are now on sale with a whopping 33% EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT on all Day Passes purchased before 22nd March. And the best part……Kids Under 12 Go FREE! Why not make a family weekend out of it and stay in the family friendly Festival Campsite. Packages start from £20 per night.

The Evening Concert on 16th July will feature soul sensation ANDREW STRONG, Lead Singer and Star of THE COMMITMENTS. Andrew will be backed by his Soul Orchestra, performing songs from the hit movie to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Commitments. Support acts will include THE LOGUES, THE DANGLEBERRIES, STORMTREE and XOD. Tickets for the Evening Concert are also now on sale.

For more information on the festival visit www.dalriadafestival.co.uk

Unleash your inner explorer with adventurous Cadbury Egg Hunts taking place in amazing National Trust locations this Easter.

From spring woodlands at Springhill, to historic houses and farmyards at The Argory and Ardress and wooded glens at Wellbrook Beetling Mill, there’s lots of Egg Hunts and fun to choose from around Mid Ulster – guaranteeing a fun-filled Easter for everyone.
All eggsplorers will receive a delicious Cadbury chocolaty treat at the end of each completed Egg Hunt, and every single Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt will help support our special places for future generations to explore.

Throughout the Easter holidays the whole family can enjoy wide open spaces perfect for exploration, brimming with wildlife and historic houses full of enchanting characters and stories; everything you need for great family fun during the holidays.

Claire Anthony, Visitor Experience Manager for the Mid Ulster properties commented “The Cadbury Egg Hunts add an element of fun to the traditional egg hunt, with plenty to see, do and learn. Whether you’re a child or simply young at heart, adventure is sure to lie ahead”

To join the Easter Egg Hunt, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ni where you can find your nearest Easter Egg Hunt in Mid Ulster. Adult £5.50, Child £2.50, Family £13.50, National Trust Members and under 5’s go free. Egg Hunts £1 per child.

If you don’t know the voice of Cara Dillon, you’re in for a treat when she returns to Armagh’s Market Place Theatre.

If you are already amongst her legions of admirers around the world, you know you have something special in store. The extraordinary Irish singer makes music that transcends genres and crosses barriers. She has won every folk award going, but confesses to being no purist, making music that reaches beyond the constraints and limitations of tradition.

One of folk music’s best-loved voices, Cara Dillon has earned extensive critical acclaim and a devoted following through both her recordings and live performances. She is regarded by many as possessing one of today’s great voices, not just within the folk scene, but in the music world more widely. Her material spans a broad range, from the traditional Irish roots of her birth to more contemporary flavours, and has even included performing the title track for a Disney movie.

Cara will perform at The Market Place for one evening only on Saturday 2 April at 8pm. Tickets are priced £20 each, and 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.

This Easter enjoy our whacky interpretation of the ever popular nursery rhyme, ‘Old MacDonald’s Farm’

Join the gang on an adventure to get to Grandpa’s Farm, will you get there before the animals take over?  This interactive family sing along will feature favourites such as ‘She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain’, ‘Grandpa’s Farm’ and of course ‘Old MacDonald’.

Go on our Easter Trail where you will have lots of fun and even get a treat at the end!

This is sure to sell out, so book your tickets now.  See www.armagh.co.uk/easter for show times, costs and booking.  Remember booking is essential for this event.

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

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.

• Winter Warmer, Ramada Encore, Belfast. From £44.50pps. The stylish 3-star Ramada Encore overlooks St. Anne’s Square, home to many of the city’s most popular bars and restaurants, and is right on the doorstep of Belfast City Centre. This fantastic offer includes overnight accommodation with full cooked Irish breakfast, plus a VIP hamper and £20 food/drink voucher to spend in SQ Bar and Grill. Available until 31 march.  To book call (028) 9026 1800.

• Midweek 2 Nights break plus 1 Evening Meal, Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Newcastle, Co. Down. From £119pps. The magnificent Slieve Donard is situated in the heart of County Down at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. As well as two nights’ stay in a luxurious 4-star bedroom and full Irish breakfast each morning, this offer also includes an evening meal in the newly refurbished Percy French restaurant. Available until 17 April. To book call (028) 4372 1066. Quote spring offers when booking.

• One Night Bed and Breakfast, Roe Park Resort, Limavady, Co. Londonderry. From £34.50pps. The 4-star Roe Park is one of Northern Ireland’s premier golf and spa resorts, blending the charm of a country house estate with the modern conveniences expected of a 4-star luxury hotel. This special offer includes a night’s bed and breakfast as well as complimentary use of Fairways Health Club including heated indoor swimming pool, steam room, jacuzzi, sauna and gym. Available until 17 April. To book call (028) 7772 2222. Quote spring offers when booking.

For further information log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

*All offers are subject to availability.

The Matchmaker based on the novella “Letters of a County Matchmaker” by John B. Keane one of Ireland’s most celebrated writers, will play at Theatre At The Mill on Thursday 7^th April at 7.45pm.

The production stars television favorite Mary McEvoy best known for her roles as Biddie in the long running RTE series Glenroe. Irish Actor and comedian Jon Kenny who was part of the Irish comic duo d’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt joins Mary to complete the cast. Kenny is also best known outside Ireland for appearing in the Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted.   Together they play a myriad of characters in this hilarious and earthy dramatic comedy.

The play follows the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O Connor to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn.  Keane, an avid observer of people and the cultures that bind and create their view of the world uses “The Matchmaker” as an exploration of rural loneliness. Aware that generations of people became masters of their own destinies late in life, and only then began to look for companionship and love, once their duties as minder of aging parents were concluded or they had finally inherited, or were the left over brother or sister.

Using his inimitable way with words and his one sense of “devilment” and wit, Keane delves into the longings, hungers, fears and foibles of this collection of lonely county people and creates a marvelously colorful world, taking us back to a simpler time, when phones were few and far between and the only web was one left behind by spiders.

Tickets for this one night only show, The Matchmaker on Thursday 7^th April are available from Theatre At The Mill Box Office – Tel: 028 90 340 202 and online from www.theatreatthemill.com.

~ Actor Liam Neeson lends his voice to Tourism Ireland film celebrating the greenest day of the year and invites the world to visit the island of Ireland ~

10 March 2016 – Liam Neeson is wishing the world a Happy St Patrick’s Day once again this year in a Tourism Ireland campaign.

Over the coming week, Tourism Ireland will roll out its 60-second film featuring the voice of the famous actor in 15 countries around the world – to encourage prospective holidaymakers to come and visit the island of Ireland this year. The film includes wonderful footage shot around Ireland, interwoven with some great images from Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening initiative, which sees hundreds of famous landmarks and iconic sites across the globe illuminated in green each year to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

Liam Neeson and Tourism Ireland are putting a call out to anyone with a love of, or interest in, Ireland to #GoGreen4PatricksDay – by watching and sharing the film – and then to come and experience all that the island of Ireland has to offer. The film will be shared by Tourism Ireland with its 3.4 million Facebook fans worldwide, on its YouTube channels and through email marketing. The film will be highlighted on Tourism Ireland’s international website, Ireland.com; and will also be distributed to influential international travel and lifestyle media, through an extensive publicity and PR campaign. The aim of the online campaign is to create a clear and distinctive link between Tourism Ireland’s very successful Global Greening initiative and holidays on the island of Ireland.

To view the film, click here.

Liam Neeson said: “I’m delighted to be helping Tourism Ireland celebrate St Patrick’s Day. It will be wonderful to see the world turn green again on 17 March as nations come together to celebrate the fun and warmth of the Irish.”

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “We are extremely grateful to Liam Neeson for his tremendous generosity in agreeing to help us promote the island of Ireland. He is an enormously popular, global personality and I am confident that this film will be seen and shared by people across the world – inspiring them to put the island of Ireland on their holiday wish-list for 2016. It’s a fun and innovative way to get people talking about the destination. The #GoGreen4PatricksDay initiative is just one element of Tourism Ireland’s plans to promote the island of Ireland around St Patrick’s Day; our on- and off-line campaigns will be working seamlessly together, to ensure that there is saturation coverage of Ireland across print, broadcast and online channels around the world.”

The #GoGreen4PatricksDay online campaign is part of Tourism Ireland’s extensive programme of consumer, media and trade promotions under way across the world this spring. In total, Tourism Ireland will spend £15 million promoting the island of Ireland around the globe in the first half of 2016.

Last month, Tourism Ireland announced details of some of the famous attractions and sites around the world which will join its Global Greening initiative this year to mark St Patrick’s Day. From Rome to Rio and from London to Las Vegas, a host of major landmarks and iconic sites around the world will be illuminated in green around 17 March – including the Colosseum, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, 7 World Trade Center at Ground Zero in New York, Nelson’s Column in London and even the light rail system in Addis Ababa.

International journalists – representing top media outlets from around the globe – will visit Ireland, taking in the Dublin St Patrick’s Day parade during their time here. And Tourism Ireland will also exploit the profile of St Patrick’s Day with media worldwide – sending images, video footage and news about Ireland to news desks around the world, as well as to its database of 20,000+ influential travel and lifestyle media contacts.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland this week (March 14 – 20).

• St. Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade and Concert, Belfast City Centre, March 17. Belfast city centre will come alive this St. Patrick’s Day with a joyful carnival parade for all the family to enjoy. The city centre will be awash with colour and splendour as the parade leaves Belfast City Hall at 12 noon, making its way to Custom House Square, where a free outdoor concert will take place hosted by Cool FM Presenters and featuring performances from Ben Haenow and Brian McFadden.

• LegenDerry Food Festival, Guildhall Square, Derry, Co. Londonderry, March 19-20. The appropriately named LegenDerry Food Fest is a two-day event of entertainment, excitement, and fantastic local food, taking place in two main locations – the Guildhall Square in the Festival Marquee and the stunning refurbished Guildhall. With markets, live music, cookery masterclasses and more, you can be sure to find something for you at this event.

• Digging Up Your Roots – Family History Fair, Armagh City Library, Armagh, Co. Armagh, March 15. Family history is one of the world’s most popular pastimes, with interest in this subject growing all the time. This drop-in Family History Fair will bring together expert advice and guidance along with practical help for those seeking to discover their local roots. With an array of stalls and expert, this will be an occasion not to be missed, whether you are just starting out or wishing to take your family history to the next stage. Begins at 1.30pm.

• Down to Dine Food Tour, Starting at Denvir’s, Downpatrick, Co. Down, March 16. An exciting and diverse taste of our local culinary delights in Downpatrick, Strangford and Ardglass, The Cuan, Denvir’s of Downpatrick and Currans Bar of Chapeltown are teaming up to offer a food tour package that is sure to impress. Starting the evening off at 6pm in Denvir’s, the tour includes four courses with accompanying beverages, tour guide, and bus transport from Denvir’s and back again.

• St. Patrick’s Day – The Emigrants’ Farewell, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, March 17. Countless thousands of people left Ireland in the 18th and 19th Centuries. For many, the hours before departure became known as the American or Living Wake. Watch this dramatic re-enactment complete with music and songs in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Performances begin at 12 noon and 2pm.

• A Taste of Castle Archdale, Castle Archdale Caravan & Camping Site, Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh, March 19. Orchard Acre Farm will host a cookery demonstration for adults and teenagers at Castle Archdale on Saturday 19th March to launch its celebration of Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink. There will be demonstrations of how to make burgers and sausages, warm salads for spring and crusty baps, with tasters at the end.

• Slemish Saint Patrick’s Day, Slemish Mountain, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, March 17. Follow in the footsteps of Saint Patrick in this annual trek up Slemish Mountain. A moderate climb, this trek is suitable for all the family, but suitable footwear and outdoor clothing is essential. Disabled parking only at Slemish, with free parking at Raceview Mill and Buckna Church car park. Last coaches return from Slemish at 4pm.

• Donaghadee Big Weekend, various locations, Donaghadee, Co. Down, March 19-20. Enjoy an action packed weekend in Donaghadee with free family entertainment, family activities, street market, in-store promotions, Cool FM road show, music performances, discount vouchers, fireworks and much more.

• St. Patrick’s Day at St. George’s Market, St. George’s Market, March 18-20. Throughout the weekend at St. George’s Market there will be traditional live music, special trader offers and lots of family fun to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Pop along and enjoy some of the best that St. George’s has to offer.

• Leprechaun Hunt, Hezlett House, Castlerock, Co. Londonderry, March 17. Leprechauns have escaped from the trees of Downhill and hidden themselves around Hezlett House. To join in with the hunt and discover the fascinating story of Hezlett House, come along on March 17 from 10am to 4.30pm.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.