Rathlin Island has recently undergone a complete upgrade of its Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre making it a must-visit destination for everyone in Northern Ireland.

Visitors can now experience the ‘upside down’ lighthouse built on Rathlin’s cliffs as well as one of the largest breeding seabird colonies in Europe with birds such as Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and Kittiwakes making the island their home.

Rachel Quigg, Communications, Destination & PR Officer at Tourism Northern Ireland is encouraging everyone to check out Rathlin Island for themselves over the coming months.

“If you are looking for a magical place to spend a day or even an exciting weekend then Rathlin Island is the place for you. This hidden gem is simply brimming with things to see and do and is ideal for those who like to get out and about or who have a keen interest in wildlife.

“Visitors will be surrounded by stunning scenery and the locals will be sure to give you a warm welcome so don’t delay and flock to Rathlin” added Rachel.

Tourism Northern Ireland has put together a list of upcoming events and ways to discover more about Rathlin Island:

Upcoming Events

Rathlin Island has an exciting calendar of upcoming events including the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival which celebrates the stunning scenery, diverse attractions and local culture of Ballycastle Town and Rathlin Island.  Starting with the unique boat-blessing event at Ballycastle seafront and Marina on Friday, May 27 and continuing until the closing event on Rathlin Island on June 5, the festival is sure to have something for everyone.

On June 5, the final day of the Festival, Naturally North Coast and Glens Market will arrive in Rathlin Island allowing visitors to take a stroll through a wide variety of stalls taking in the fresh aromas, vivid colours and buzzing crowds.

In July, more cultural celebrations will take place on the island in the shape of the Rathlin Island Festival Week, July 10-17.  The annual week of music and celebration will include amateur dramatics, model yacht races, ceildhs, and much more.

Explore the Island

When it comes to seeing the beauty of Rathlin Island, visitors have many options throughout the year including exploring by boat, bicycle or on foot. The island boasts four walks which join the already existing Rathlin Trail and Roonivoolin Walk to provide just under 20 miles of walking trails, right around the island.

Walking tours are available courtesy of Coastal Walking Tours and participants can take in the beautiful sights and sounds of the island whilst learning more about its rich heritage and history. Alternatively why not hire a bike from Soerneog View Hostel and cycle around the island at your own pace.

Rathlin Island Boat Tours are another exciting way to explore the island as visitors will leave Portrush harbour and sail along the Causeway Coast, taking in the Skerries, Dunluce Castle, the Giant’s Causeway, White Park Bay, Ballintoy, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and then over to Rathlin Island. Once on the island, visitors will spend time exploring the Puffin sanctuary and the West Lighthouse.

There are great accommodation options on Rathlin Island including Coolnagrock Bed & Breakfast, The Hayloft, Soerneog View Hostel (reopens April 14^th), Kinramer Cottage and Rathlin Island Hostel.

For further information on things to see and do in Northern Ireland click on www.discovernorthernireland.com.

Join W5 as they celebrate local creativity over an afternoon with artists, hobbyists, businesses and makers from across NI. So, who’s coming?

Fablab Belfast is based in the Ashton Centre in Belfast and is halfway between a laboratory and a workshop – a place where you can make (almost) anything, whether you are a small child or a big one! They will be demonstrating some of their fabrication machines such as a laser cutter and a 3D printer. If you come and say hello, you might even get to make your own W5 keyring!

Prop Lab is based in T13 in Belfast and have made amazing props for movies, TV and exhibitions. Stop by their stand to see some of their amazing creations and also watch them work as they sculpt something new right in front of you!

The Institute of Physics is a scientific charity dedicated to advancing physics education, research and application. Try your hand at some crafty physics and make your own particle structures! Who would have thought science could be so creative?

Gaming group Wee Gamers has travelled all over Ireland to exhibit and play some of the best tabletop games around. They have even helped develop games and are working on some of their own ideas too! At their stand they will be doing some model painting (sponsored by UK miniatures company Crooked Dice), building game terrain and playing awesome games, so drop by to have a try!

If you have ever dreamt of making your own costumes from movies and TV, now’s your chance to see how it’s done. The 501^st Ireland Garrison and Heroes Unite are collectives of costume enthusiasts,  a lot of whom make their own costumes. Call past to see some costumed characters, works in progress and possibly find out how they build a Stormtrooper!

The Creativity Hub are creators of Rory’s Story Cubes – the nine-dice storytelling game – and The Extraordinaires Design Studio. You can try these creative games yourself at their stand! Can you help design gadgets, clothing, inventions or buildings for the Extraordinaires?

If you like crafty activities and digital technology, Nerve Belfast will be glad to talk to you. Use green screen magic to send yourself off to a far off land, try your hand at programming some curious contraptions made of Lego and become your own inventor using the littleBits electronic building blocks!

Garry McElherron is a local author that has taken inspiration from the myths, legends, flora and fauna of the Mourne mountains and written it into a story for children and adults alike called MourneQuest. Let him explain where he gets the ideas for his stories and characters and inspire you to try a little bit of storytelling yourself. He will even show you how to design your own family crest, after his experiences creating one for MourneQuest.

Creatividay is FREE with admission to W5. For admission prices and further information visit www.w5online.co.uk.

Something very exciting is ‘brewing’ at Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh who have ‘cracked open’ plans for a NEW and exciting event taking place on Saturday 30^th April from 4pm in The Pavilion.

Aptly named ‘North West Brew Fest’ this exciting debut event is all about great drink and will showcase local beer, stout, ale and cider produced from across the North West featuring; Pokertree Brewery (Carrickmore), Long Meadow Cider, Hillstown (Randalstown), Red Hand Brewing (Donaghmore), Farmageddon (Comber)and NorthBound (Derry).

The event is being held in conjunction with Brewing & Distilling month as part of Tourism Northern Ireland,  NI Year of Food & Drink 2016 calendar. April is dedicated to celebrating Northern Ireland’s brewing heritage and the exciting arrival of a collection of quality local craft beers and ciders.

Allan Duncan, Owner Silverbirch Hotel comments, “The Year of Food & Drink provides our local food and drinks sector with a great opportunity to showcase the quality product offering we can provide for guests.  We are excited to host the first North West Brew Fest, as we are aware that food and drink experiences have become increasingly important to guests. The event will give people the opportunity to taste new products and meet the local companies producing the goods.”

Festival goers will have the opportunity to taste for themselves a collection of beers, ales, stout and ciders that have been hand crafted and locally made as well as meeting first hand some of the characters behind the ever growing NI brewing scene.

North West Brew Fest tickets are now on sale from Silverbirch Hotel reception, buy your ticket in advance for just £5pp for your chance to win an overnight stay and tour of Pokertree Brewery for six guests.  Alternatively tickets will also be available on the day North West Brew Fest is the perfect event to get a group of friends and family together and try something new, groups of 10 more can enjoy 1 person free! All tickets prices include one free drink per person. There will be also be a festival raffle on the day with a great selection of prizes including craft beer hampers and much more.

To help you get into the festival spirit over the bank holiday weekend Silverbirch Hotel’s Pavilion which will be transformed with a beer garden theme to the event and fantastic live entertainment by local Tyrone band,  ‘Hootin Annie’s as well as Fermanagh duo Niall and Karl.

To help wash down the great selection of craft beers, ales, stouts and cider the chefs have created a special North West Brew Fest menu aptly featuring ‘beer battered’ fish and chips and lots more tasty bites, after all it is the year of food & drink!

To keep up to date on North West Brew Fest like us on facebook www.facebook.com/NorthWestBrewFest or follow @NWBrewFest on twitter.

Buy your ticket from Silverbirch reception telephone 028 8224 2520.

Made in Liverpool, Beatles tribute Band are resident at The world famous Cavern Club Liverpool from where The Beatles shot to fame.  This leading Beatles tribute will be appearing at The Europa Hotel, Belfast on Saturday, 30 April.

Uniquely and unlike other Beatles tributes ‘Made in Liverpool’ are resident in the very place where pop/rock history’s greatest band were discovered and were the first Beatles tribute band to play the iconic venue when it re-opened. They are mentioned in music writer and Merseybeat historian Spencer Leigh’s book ‘The Cavern, The Most Famous Club in the World’.

Born and bred in Liverpool the band perform to audiences World-wide. Their performance as The Beatles is unique, uncontrived and mind blowing, the show has an electric atmosphere and is not to be missed!

Like John, Paul, George and Ringo Made in Liverpool are all Liverpudlians and they naturally sound like The Beatles.
Their shows attract a regular following from Beatles fans throughout the world, recent performances have been as far afield as Russia, USA, Australia, Switzerland, Europe and the Far east.

Tickets for Made in Liverpool concert at The Europa Hotel on 30 April care available from The Europa Reception on 02890 271066 or from ticketmaster.ie and www.irishtourtickets.com or phone 028 90310101

Tickets include ‘Johnny’s Big Night Out’ disco after the gig with U105’s Johnny Hero.

The Old Courthouse is delighted to welcome back Bookends with their stunning show Simon & Garfunkel: Through the Years on Wednesday 20 April at 7.30pm

Simon and Garfunkel: Through the Years’ is the world’s most authentic sounding theatre show of its kind. Made up of close friends Dan Hayes and Pete Richards, Bookends are fast becoming known for recreating the sound of Simon & Garfunkel, with their perfect harmonies and renditions of the classic songs. The show has been labelled a ‘must see’ and when you hear these two voices together, you understand why.

With moving and powerful live performances and multimedia, the show takes a chronological journey through the music and behind the scenes of the greatest ever folk-rock duo.

The show features interviews with Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, original movie footage and mind-blowing live performances of hits like Mrs Robinson, The Boxer, Homeward Bound and the incredible Bridge Over Troubled Water.

Come along and relive the unforgettable music of Simon & Garfunkel in what the BBC described as ‘a must see’ show.

“Not just your average tribute” – BBC Radio WM

“That could really be Simon & Garfunkel” – BBC Radio Nottingham

Tickets priced at £10 & £8 (Concession)  To book, call 028 9446 3113 or book online at www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/boxoffice

“Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is delighted to confirm that The Gobbins cliff path will be open in time for May Day,” Mayor, Cllr Billy Ashe announced at tonight’s full council meeting in The Braid, Ballymena.

“We have been working hard to get the path open as quickly as possible and are looking forward to welcoming visitors to Mid and East Antrim for the exhilarating experience The Gobbins has to offer as Northern Ireland’s newest major tourist attraction,” he said.

Down

This Friday 8th April, the Ards route of the Circuit of Ireland will cover 2.3 kilometres and the 2 and a quarter laps will start at the Old Cross/High Street Junction then the route will follow Mill Street, Regent Street, Francis Street, Castle Place, High Street and finish at Conway Square. The race starts at 7.30pm but road closures will be in place on the route only from 5.30pm to 11.30pm. Special crossing points will open for 3 minutes every 15 minutes to facilitate spectator movement.  To mark the occasion, Conway Square, will play host to live music and children’s activities which should provide a great atmosphere for spectators and their families. Enjoy the Eddie Irvine experience with fun simulators, come and make your own car with specially-themed children’s crafts and enjoy the Ards Guitar Festival with live music provided by Los Dramaticos and Emerald Armada. This event runs from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Armagh

Known for her powerful and emotive performances, vocalist Victoria Geelan, a native of Tyrone, and her trio of outstanding Northern Irish musicians bring their celebration of a woman who defied convention and categorisation – Nina Simone, to the Market Place Theatre this Saturday 9th April.

Fermanagh

Geo Detectives & Fossil Fun at Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre this Saturday 9^th April.  Come along to the Marble Arch Caves Visitor’s Centre and enjoy some hands-on fun; by making your own fossils, take part in a fossil hunt and learn a bit more about the fantastic fossils that make up the rocks beneath our feet – all for free! All children must be accompanied by an adult.  Normal admission rates to the Marble Arch Caves apply.

Tyrone

This Saturday 9^th April,  Dance (NI) presents a special five year celebratory performance by Sutemos youth dance group showcasing the work of this unique Dungannon group which welcomes and brings together young people from many different cultures and backgrounds.  New dance performance pieces will be presented alongside the first public performance by Suteminis – established in 2015 for younger children 8-11 yrs. This will be a truly magical evening in the new events space at the Hill of the O’Neill and an opportunity to see the remarkable journey that this group has made since 2011 having performed at international youth dance festivals in Germany, Ireland and in Belfast.

Derry

Afternoon tea at Bishop’s Gate Hotel is what afternoons were made for! Enjoy a sumptuous combination of dainty finger sandwiches, home baked scones, pastries, seasonal cakes and decadent sweet treats accompanied by the finest loose leaf teas. Add an optional glass of champagne for extra luxury.

Antrim

Round off the Easter holidays and work off all that chocolate by getting close to nature at Portmore Lough Nature Reserve Aghalee on a fun nature treasure trail this Saturday.   Children will have the chance to explore the reserve and collect special objects along the way to use in nature-themed crafts. Prizes will be awarded for the most unique finds! Please note children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Belfast

“Belonging’, this Saturday at Titanic Belfast,  is designed to portray the growing migrant culture of Northern Ireland by focusing on individuals with unique stories to share. The central component of ‘Belonging’ is a collection of portraits of migrants, each photographed with an object or memento, which they have brought to Northern Ireland from their home country. In this workshop, participants will discuss how sports can promote social cohesion and acceptance, using the portraits and stories of the Belonging Project as reference. Participants will also have the opportunity to have their own portraits taken and stories shared, with a photograph to take home as a momento.

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.

Electric Six hit-maker confirms intimate acoustic show this summer at Lulu’s.

Dick Valentine of hit-machine Electric Six rides into Dungannon on a Satanic horse to break it down for you this summer with a special intimate show on Sunday 14^th August at Lulu’s.

He will be playing stripped down acoustic versions of songs from the Electric Six catalogue such as the iconic ‘Danger! High Voltage’, ‘Gay Bar’, ‘Dance Commander’ as well as songs from his three solo albums.  His newest solo release, “Here Come The Bags” is much bigger in sound than his first two solo releases and can be purchased directly from Valentine at the shows.

The acoustic experience with Dick Valentine is low-pressure, high-stakes, medium-rare.  Come feel Dick Valentine feeling you. He’s an American music legend and he’s seeking political asylum in your Irish mind. Let Dick Valentine have access to your sh*t for one night only.

Tickets on sale tomorrow Wed 6^th April from all usual Ticketmaster Outlets nationwide including Stewart’s Music Shop – Tel: 028 87 725 286 & www.ticketmaster.ie. A limited amount is also available from Lulu’s, Lower Scotch Street, Dungannon – Tel: 028 87 729374.

The Merchant Hotel marks its 10^th anniversary in April, with a suite of events and exclusive offers in celebration of ‘A Decade of Decadence.’

As part of the festivities, the hotel will serve up the hottest spring/summer trends this April as The Merchant’s Fabulous Fashion Teas mark their 10^th year on the Northern Ireland fashion calendar.

On Saturday 23^rd and Sunday 24^th April, guests will be treated to two days of sensational style with five Fabulous Fashion Teas presenting the must-have looks from cutting-edge local designers and leading designer boutiques.

Models from The Style Academy will showcase the hottest spring/summer styles from designer shoe and accessories boutique Harper; women’s wear boutique, Walk in Wardrobe in Banbridge; Orchid Lingerie on the Lisburn Road; David Yurman at Lunns the Jewellers; textile designer, Chloe Dougan and up and coming jewellery brand, APD Jewellery, with hair by Andrew Mulvenna and make-up by Lancôme.

During each show, guests will enjoy Veuve Clicquot champagne and mouth-watering patisseries. Afterwards, guests and the public will be able to shop the collections hot off the catwalk, as featured designers and boutiques host bespoke pop-up shops in The Merchant over the weekend.

On Saturday 23^rd April, Harper at The Merchant – home to some of the most sought after designer shoes -will kick off the spring/summer Fashion Teas with a 12noon catwalk show. Exclusive stockists of Christian Louboutin and Miu Miu in Northern Ireland, Harper’s luxurious red soled heels will be the key feature in this opening show, with a mix of classic shapes, colours and fashion forward styles ensuring fashion lovers are well heeled for the season.

Exclusive Banbridge-based ladies wear boutique, The Walk in Wardrobe returns to the catwalk at 2.30pm on Saturday 23^rd April a fashion-forward Fashion Tea packed with stunning occasion wear, hats and accessories sourced from Italy, Spain, Croatia and beyond.  This vibrant collection is perfect for weddings and special events.

For those with their sights on the beach this summer, the Fashion Tea from Orchid Lingerie at 5pm on Saturday 23^rd April is sure to impress. On the catwalk, Orchid Lingerie will showcase the finest swimwear, wraps, beachwear, luxurious loungewear and lingerie. Afterwards, the boutique’s stylists will be on hand throughout the weekend to offer personal advice on the size and shape of lingerie to best suit your shape.

On Sunday 24^th April, the Fashion Teas return with a stunning showcase from David Yurman Jewellery and Lunn’s the Jewellers at 1pm. David Yurman’s master craftspeople use the finest precious metals, rare gemstones and innovative materials to make jewellery of enduring quality and beauty.  The jewellery is exclusively available at its UK and Ireland stockist, Lunn’s the Jewellers in Queen’s Arcade.

Rounding off the Fashion Teas, local designers Chloe Dougan Designs and APD Jewellery will be a formidable duo with a collaborative show at 3.30pm on Sunday 24^th April.
Chloe Dougan will showcase her stunning collection of rose gold suedes, foiled leathers and copper mesh textures. Nudes, pastels and charcoal greys will be prevalent in the collection and will brought to life with exciting flashes of chainmail and body armour, inspired by the costumes of Game of Thrones.

APD Jewellery – the brainchild of The Merchant’s Marketing Director, Petra Wolsey – will join Chloe Dougan in this striking Fashion Tea finale.  Juxtaposing industrial-style materials such as chains and even seatbelt fabric, with semi-precious stones, richly coloured leathers, lace and upcycled vintage jewellery, the APD spring summer collection includes leather cuffs, show-piece necklaces, hair accessories, collars and bracelets. Combining vibrant blues, oranges and pale greys, alongside its signature moody palette of charcoal, black and burgundy, this is the epitome of statement jewellery.

Tickets to the Fashion Shows are on sale now and cost £35 per person, which includes a Fashion Tea of your choice, champagne afternoon tea and a goody bag.  Tickets can be purchased by calling The Merchant Hotel on 028 9026 2717 or by visiting www.themerchanthotel.com

Information on the full suite of events and exclusive Decade of Decadence offers will be released shortly. Stay tuned to www.themerchanthotel.com and follow The Merchant on Facebook and Twitter for further information.

Saturday 2 April is World Autism Awareness Day, a UN designated day where Autism organisations around the world celebrate with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events.

Autism NI encourages you to embrace the colour ‘blue’ and stand-up for Autism. To support this, Antrim Civic Centre, Ballyclare Town Hall and Mossley Mill will be lit up blue after dusk on Saturday 2 April.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg commented

“With over 30,000 people in Northern Ireland affected by Autism, I would encourage local businesses to get behind this campaign”

For information on local support groups please contact david@autismni.org