As part of The Somme programme of events, Theatre at The Mill in association with the Amoory Theatre Company and with the generous support of the Ulster-Scots Agency, present Tom.

Thomas McKinney was born in 1893 to a prosperous farming family in Carnmoney, County Antrim.  He attended the Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI or ‘Inst’), before being sent to the Ballyhaise Agricultural College in Cavan in 1910 to prepare him for his future inheritance – the comfortable house and farm of Sentry Hill.

The McKinney’s could not have foreseen the flood of carnage and destruction that would sweep across the European continent in 1914. It was a tide of effects that would be felt across the island of Ireland and the rest of the world. Sentry Hill would not escape untouched as young Tom McKinney, the heir to the farm, joined the Irish Fusilier’s in 1914.  Tom survived the Battle of the Somme, but later died of his injuries on July 19th, 1916.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott commented “It is a great privilege to have Sentry Hill as a visitor attraction within our Council and a very fitting tribute to the late Thomas McKinney for us to be here today to launch his story as part of our commemorative programme of events for the centenary of the Battle of The Somme.”

The play Tom is his story, based on his letters and journals. Tickets are available from £10 and can be booked online at www.theatreatthemill.com or www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/boxoffice or Theatre at The Mill Box Office: 028 9034 0202 or The Old Courthouse 028 9446 3113

Tourism Ireland’s 2016 Game of Thrones® campaign continues to showcase Northern Ireland to millions of fans worldwide

21 June 2016 – Episode nine of season six of Game of Thrones® aired last night (Monday, 20 June) and Tourism Ireland unveiled its penultimate ‘Door of Thrones’ – in the Ballygally Castle Hotel, near the filming location of Cairncastle, depicted in the scene where Littlefinger took Sansa to Moat Cailin and she made her decision to ally with the Boltons.

This week’s door in the Ballygally Castle Hotel pays homage to last night’s episode and features striking designs honouring the Starks and Boltons. It’s part of Tourism Ireland’s 2016 Game of Thrones® campaign, created in partnership with HBO, which is showcasing Northern Ireland to millions of the show’s fans worldwide.

The stellar popularity of Game of Thrones® presents a fantastic opportunity for Tourism Ireland to promote Northern Ireland. The organisation’s campaign is an innovative way to bring the destination to the attention of fans of the fantasy drama everywhere – spiking their curiosity about the landscapes and locations featured in the series and inspiring them to come and explore them for themselves. The doors are being unveiled by Tourism Ireland each week as the series unfolds, in restaurants, pubs and other venues near Game of Thrones® filming locations across Northern Ireland.

Tourism Ireland has also unveiled its ninth – limited edition – Game of Thrones® stamp, another element of its campaign, produced in conjunction with the Royal Mail.

HBO’s Game of Thrones® is one of the most popular and successful fantasy TV series ever made and it is filmed in Northern Ireland which is the principal filming location.

The atmosphere captured on film is in no small way due to the stunning filming locations chosen by HBO to feature in the show. There are over 20 publically accessible filming locations in NI and Tourism Northern Ireland is eager for people to get out and explore them.

Tourism NI’s Communication & Destination PR Officer, Rachel Quigg, said: “As season 6 of the series comes to an end we thought it would be a great time to look at all of the wonderful experiences people can now enjoy across Northern Ireland due to the success of Game of Thrones®.  Part of the shows appeal and what has made it so popular with millions of fans are the mesmerising fantasy lands of Westeros which of course have been brought to life using Northern Ireland’s rugged coastlines, historic castles and breathtaking countryside and forests.

“Some of the dramatic scenery which forms the backdrop to much of the show’s action can be found in Northern Ireland in various locations including Causeway Coast and Glens, County Down and County Fermanagh.  Fans can easily visit many of the locations where a favourite scene was filmed or walk in the footsteps of a much-loved character.

“The Northern Ireland tourism industry has really embraced the global interest in Game of Thrones® and developed a range of exciting visitor experiences– self guided, guided tours and immersive experiences such as replica costumes, themed menus and interactive adventures”.

FIND YOUR OWN WESTEROS

Causeway Coast and Glens Game of Thrones® Tour – choose between one day, two day and three day Game of Thrones® self-drive itineraries and discover some key filming locations of the show along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland. Plotting a path through the scenic splendour of the Seven Kingdoms, it takes you to where so many of the pivotal scenes were filmed.

The Game of Thrones® itinerary not only brings to life the drama of the series, but also provides a front row seat at locations steeped in local myth and legend, where ancient warriors walked long before leading men. Download the Game of Thrones® Locations app to pave your own way and look out for the dedicated signage and panels which has been installed at key locations from the show.

GUIDED TOURS

There are a number of guided and private day bus tours visiting the Causeway Coast and Co. Down as well as key filming locations across Northern Ireland.

McComb’s Coach Travel, rated 5*, visits some of the main locations where filming took place like Cushendun Caves, The Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, Castle Ward and Tollymore Forest Park.  You are driven by someone with first-hand experience and have a wealth of knowledge about where and when filming was done.

For a tour with a difference, why not get a unique ocean perspective of many of the stunning locations where this popular fantasy series was filmed on a sea safari. Key sites include Ballintoy Harbour and Murlough Bay. Operated by Aquaholics, you will tour on the very same boat that the film crew used during production of the series.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN WINTERFELL

The series was actually filmed on location in the farmyard at Castle Ward in Co. Down, just 40 minutes from Belfast.  Filming location hotspots include Winterfell Castle, Robb’s Camp, The Twins House of Frey, the Tree Branch where Brienne discovers three hanging bodies and many more.

The Winterfell Castle archery range filming set has been masterfully recreated in the Winterfell Castle. Dress up in replica character costumes from the show, stand exactly where ‘Jon Snow’, ‘Robb and Bran Stark’ stood and enjoy the thrill of firing live arrows!

There are also three self-guided cycle tour options: Robb’s Trail, Tywin’s Trail and Robb’s/Tywin’s Trail & Direwolf Pups Trail. Hop on a ‘Westeros Cruiser’ bicycle and recreate your own favourite scenes from Game of Thrones®– firstly you will meet Winterfell Castle’s Master-at-Arms in the ‘Armory & Forge’ who will issue you with a Game of Thrones® tour ‘Stark Sack’ to ensure you can defend yourself in the wilds of Westeros! A boat tour is a third option to enjoy stunning views from the water of the various ancient Westeros Castles and other shoreline locations used by HBO.

EAT LIKE A KING

The 4* Ballygally Castle Hotel in Co. Antrim offers a Game of Thrones® Afternoon Tea which will delight fans of the world renowned show as well as those who love the indulgence of a delicious afternoon tea.  The tasty treats, inspired by the fantasy lands of Winterfell, Iron Islands, King’s Landing or Stormlands, includes Lannister egg rolls, Baratheon bread, Littlefinger Chicken Caesar wraps, Jon Snow cakes and Dothraki trifle with mini Dragons’ eggs!

The King’s Banquet at The Cuan in Strangford is another unique way to recreate scenes from the show. The Cuan boasts exceptionally strong connections to this world renowned medieval drama having provided accommodation for many of the stars. Enter the creative Game of Thrones® inspired, award winning restaurant, enjoy the magnificent food of the banquet, partake in their customs and get some amazing photos for sharing with friends!

STAY & PLAY OPTIONS

Bed down for a night in a quirky glamping pod deep in the forest of ‘Winterfell’ at Castle Ward and explore the sprawling demesne and its many filming location hotspots and recreate your very own Game of Thrones® moments with a replica character costume and Stark family ‘LARP swords’. This experience includes one night’s glamping, with archery and cycling activities.

DOOR OF THRONES

Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland have been unveiling a series of ten intricately carved doors, depicting moments inspired by the current season in a campaign known as #DoorOfThrones. The doors have been carved from trees blown down in Storm Gertrude earlier in the year at the Dark Hedges in Co Antrim which serves as the backdrop for the Kingsroad, perhaps the most iconic Game of Thrones® location in Northern Ireland.

The impressive pieces of art are hanging in pubs and other venues in Northern Ireland near filming locations where iconic scenes took place, giving visitors a brand new Game of Thrones® Territory trail to follow. Check them out in places such as Blakes of the Hollow in Enniskillen (Co. Fermanagh), The Fullerton Arms Ballintoy (Co. Antrim) and The Cuan (Co. Down).

For further information on the Games of Thrones® filming locations download the free filming locations app for Apple https://goo.gl/YVWLel and Android https://goo.gl/O6pDpD and visit http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/experiencegameofthrones.

On Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July, the streets of Portrush will be transform into a wonderland  where Pirates, Vikings, Medieval Knights and Jacobean Soldiers will welcome and entertain children of all ages.

Portrush Heritage Group announced, at the official launch reception in Portrush Yacht Club, its ambitious plans for this year’s Pirates Off Portrush and Medieval Fair. In attendance at the reception were the Mayor Councillor Maura Hickey, Actors, Volunteers and Sponsors.  The festival weekend is jointly funded by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and local Business and Community Organisations.

The Mayor praised the local traders for backing the initiative and stated that the Council were supportive of Portrush Heritage Group in their efforts to bring new events to the town. Arnaldo Morelli commented that Morelli’s were delighted to be asked to be the lead sponsor and they had plans to create a special pirate ice-cream sundae to celebrate their involvement in the event.

Details of the free family weekend were revealed by Event Director John Moore .

On Saturday morning there will be a Treasure Hunt  around the town, Street Dancing, Story Telling, Competitions for Pirate Fancy Dress and Dancing, Big Head Characters, Climbing Wall for the more adventurous, roving Samba Band.

The afternoon begins in the Amphitheatre and Kerr Street Green with a rollicking tale of Piracy on the high seas where the all female crew of Grace O’Malley takes on the all male crew of Tavish Dhu. Their Pirate Ships set sail around Portrush in a grand chase followed by a parade of floats, actors, dancers, a Giant Pirate, music colour and excitement. To find out who will win the battle of the sexes you will have to come along and find out.

Sunday starts at 12 noon with Dragoons firing Cannon and Muskets, a Medieval Village with Minstrels, a food stall, blacksmith, barbour / surgeon, medieval crafts and games, a battle workshop, weapons & armour, a basket weaver, story-telling monks, a coracle maker, viking  camp and long ship, have- a-go archery, currachs and monks at a medieval well. To cap it all there will be a giant Marquee with the Palais Big Swing Band and a Throne of Swords set and medieval drama.

Chairman of Portrush Heritage Group John Mc Nally stated that Pirates Off Portrush is…

• a free-entrance carnival weekend to be enjoyed by all
• a programme of drama, dance, music, walkabout entertainers, re-enactment and fun.
• a celebratory atmosphere for all the community
• a wide range of opportunities for groups, individuals and families to participate in the have-a-go events.

BELFAST DATE ANNOUNCED DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND!

The SSE Arena, BELFAST: 23 May 2017

The acclaimed Professor Brian Cox, OBE has confirmed a date at The SSE Arena, Belfast on May 23^rd 2017 due to public demand, having sold out his Belfast Waterfront date in a nano-second.

This show will take audiences on a dazzling journey through space and time, delving into ‘high science’ and freewheeling on the edges of the known cosmos. Whether an avid science reader or a total novice, Professor Brian Cox Live will test the limits of our knowledge and make highly complex ideas accessible to all. Always captivating, continually surprising and forever pushing the boundaries, Professor Brian Cox takes science to a new dimension in this new stage show. Get up close and personal with the man himself with an interview hosted by his The Infinite Monkey Cage co-host Robin Ince.

Brian Cox is perhaps the world’s foremost communicator of all things scientific. His innate ability to make highly complex matters enormously entertaining and easy to contemplate has made his science television shows ground breaking in their audience reach and accessibility.

Brian Cox OBE is a British particle physicist, a Royal Society University Research fellow. He works on the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Switzerland and is a Professor at the University of Manchester. He is best known to the public as the presenter of a number of science programs for the BBC, boosting the popularity of subjects such as astronomy and physics.

Tickets go on sale on FRIDAY 24 JUNE at 9am

The SSE Arena, Belfast Box Office:

Tel. 028 90 739074
Book on Line: www.ssearenabelfast.com

In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour): Northern Ireland – 0844 277 44 55
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

@briancoxlive

@profbriancox

ESA – European Space Agency astronaut Tim Peake will be returning to earth on 18th June after his six-month Principia mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

To celebrate Tim’s return W5 will be streaming footage of his return from 10am tomorrow! Later in the day, W5 will be debuting its brand new six-metre inflatable planetarium to tell the story of Tim’s Principia mission aboard the ISS. Visitors will also be able to build rockets out of KAPLA in three one-hour sessions and take part in the Destination Space: Join the Crew show!

All these astronomical activities are FREE with admission to W5! Full info: http://bit.ly/1Ou6nrY

‪#‎WelcomeHomeTim ‪#‎Principia

Sit back, relax and see Lough Erne your way with a chauffeur driven boats on beautiful Lough Erne.

The taxi service will provide a pick up and drop-off from any accessible jetty on Lough Erne. Specialty tours of the Lough Erne, including a heritage trail and Food Trail are available.

Lough Erne Hop

For this 1 hour 30 mins tour you will have the chance to explore Ireland’s only Island Town from the water as well as stopping off at one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland, Devenish Island. This tour allows you to explore the stunning Island landscapes and hear about the rich history of Lough Erne.

Prices from £15 per adult £12 per child (price based on 6 or more people)

Upper Erne Expierence

Weaving among the many Islands of  the Upper Lough your guide will tell you about the Lough’s fascinating history, while keeping an eye out for any local wildlife. There’s a lot to see on the tour such as the many Islands, Belle Isle Estate, the Knockninny Hotel and Crom Estate. The tour will last 3 hours approximately.

Prices from £25 per adult £18 per child (price based on 6 or more people)

Lower Erne Expierence

Your journey will take you on a Lough well traveled as this was the ancient highway used by the first settlers and later the Monks of Lough Erne. This tour will showcase the ‘Borad Lough’ as it is know locally, stopping as sites such as Devenish Island, Inishmacsaint, White Island, Tully Castle and Castle Archdale. The tour will last 3 hours approximately.

Prices from £25 per adult £18 per child (price based on 6 or more people)

Lough Erne Expedition

This full day trip, combines the best of the Upper and Lower Erne Experience’s allowing you to exploring the exciting history of the entire Lough. You can bring along your own lunch or we can stop at one of the many cafés, bars and restaurants on the Lough shore for our lunch stop. The tour will last 7 hours approximately.

Prices from £50 per adult £38 per child (price based on 6 or more people)

Lough Erne Food Trail

Saturday Mornings 10:00 – 13:00 or on demand for group bookings.

The Lough Erne food trail is a must for anyone who enjoys great local food, stunning landscapes and story or two along the way.  Erne water Taxi have teamed up with the best food producers, brewers and restaurants around Lough Erne to deliver a truly unique experience. Along the way you will stop at some spectacular historic locations and tasting some award winning, local artisan and traditional produce.

As part of the Upper Lough Erne or Lower Lough Erne food Trail you will have the chance to visit one of our Lakeside Restaurants where you will get a taste some of the exciting recipes from their top chefs, using local ingredients naturally. The tour will last 3 hours approximately.

The cost is £50 per person which includes up to 8 local products to taste and a 2 course restaurant taster menu.

This must be booked at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the tour.

Booking can be made via the www.ernewatertaxi.com website, by phone or e-mail. For each tour a hamper of great local food produce can be added for an additional £10 per person so you can enjoy your very own Island Picnic.

Follow Erne Water Taxis on FACEBOOK and TWITTER

Every plant in the garden is gearing up to make the most of the summer and there is no better way to appreciate the colourful blooms and luscious green foliage than to visit the Ulster Gardens Scheme’s fabulous array of open gardens.

On Sunday 26 June, Colleen and Nick Lowry, Blessingbourne Estate, Murley Road, Fivemiletown, BT75 0QS are opening their garden from 2pm to 5pm, on behalf of the National Trust, Northern Ireland’s largest conservation charity.

‘Blessingbourne Country Estate where the Manor House majestically overlooks Lough Fadda’. This tranquil location is complimented by a back drop of mature woodlands and delightful gardens featuring a terrace, lawns and borders with sunken garden. There are large mature Yew trees and Holm oak standing at the front of the house. Learn about the rich historical past of the estate and view the memory garden currently being developed to commemorate the American Army who were based at Blessingbourne during the Second World War.

Take a walk around the 4km walking trails, discover the remnants of Mary Montgomery’s Rock Garden and beautiful Rhododendron walk. The garden is partially suitable for wheelchairs.

Location: From Belfast take the M1 and continue onto A4. At Ballygawley roundabout continue on A4 towards Enniskillen. Go through Augher and Clogher and enter Fivemiletown. At roundabout turn right onto Murley Road, signposted Fintona B122 and Omagh. Stay on Murley Road (B122) and look for Ulster Gardens Scheme signs.

From Maguiresbridge take A4 and enter Fivemiletown. Follow signs for Clogher and Belfast A4. At T junction turn left onto Murley Road. Follow Ulster Gardens Scheme signs.

Enjoy a summer’s day wandering around other people’s secret paradises and pick up a few tips for your own garden. While you are there buy some plants and relax with a refreshing cup of tea.

The organising committee is grateful to all the garden owners and very much appreciates all the hard work that goes into preparing the gardens. All funds raised by the Ulster Gardens Scheme are used for work in National Trust gardens in Northern Ireland.

Full details of open gardens are in the Ulster Gardens Scheme leaflet available from National Trust Regional Office, contact 028 9751 0721 or visit www.ulstergardensscheme.org.uk

Admission £3

FATHER’S Day is just around the corner and to help you give your dad a day he won’t forget, Tourism NI has put together an exciting list of things to see and do around Northern Ireland from adventure activities to history days out, interesting tours and nature experiences.

June 19 is the perfect time to show your dad just how special he is and whether you are looking for a relaxing afternoon or a more adventurous time, there is no better way to spend the day than out and about in Northern Ireland.

Tourism NI’s Communication & Destination PR Officer, Rachel Quigg explains why no one should be stuck for things to see or do this Father’s Day:

“There is a wide range of fun activities and fantastic events taking place around the country as well as an endless number of must-see tourist attractions and we have pulled together some of the top highlights so your dad can have a unique and special day,” said Rachel.

HISTORY MAD DAD

There are many things to do and places to see for those fathers who love history and heritage. Treat your dad to a great day out and become photographers for the day on the Father’s Day Titanic Taster Photography Tour.

On this interactive tour you will be transported around Belfast’s Titanic Quarter on the Wee Tram, learning top photography tips and techniques while exploring Belfast’s maritime heritage. The Titanic Taster Photography Tour takes place on June 18 at 10.30am.

Other history themed activities include a trip to the Walled City of Derry~Londonderry, home to the magnificent 17^th Century City Walls.  Crammed full of history, charm and a vibrant cultural scene, Derry~Londonderry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples in Europe.

A fun day out on Father’s Day can also be had at the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, County Tyrone, as there is a fascinating open-air museum telling the story of Irish emigration to the New World.

NATURE LOVING DAD

If your dad enjoys the great outdoors, then there are plenty of places to go this Father’s Day, like one of the many beautiful forest and country parks around Northern Ireland. Why not bring your Dad to Roe Valley Country Park, along the banks of the River Roe in Limavady, which boasts spectacular riverside views and opportunities for trout and salmon fishing; or to Tollymore Forest Park in Castlewellan, County Down, which was a filming location for HBO’s Game of Thrones®.

An Creagán in Co Tyrone is nestled in the ancient landscape of the Sperrin foothills and is the perfect place to spend a day with your dad with lots of walks, cycle paths and areas to explore.

Spend a family afternoon in Belfast Zoo, which is home to 150 species of animal, many of which are endangered, in their natural habitat. Popular attractions include the Asian elephants, giraffes, sea lions, Malayan tapirs and giant anteater.

Your nature-loving dad might also enjoy a visit to Castle Espie Wetland Centre, on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down. Home to wild and endangered birds from around the world, you can follow the nature walks to get close to the wildlife, have a picnic or visit the Loughshore Café.

SPORTS MAD DAD

For those dads who want to get out and about this Father’s Day, there is plenty going on to get their adrenaline pumping. It is the closing weekend of the NI Festival of Cycling, packed full of events and festivities to get dad on his bike whilst taking in some of Northern Ireland’s stunning scenery.

Events taking place over the weekend include Banter By Bike, a leisurely yet challenging ride around Ballypatrick Forest, Ballycastle, and Bike Polo in Ormeau Park, Belfast, where two teams will battle it out on bikes instead of horses to be Bike Week Champion 2016.

You and your family could go on a day out to We Are Vertigo just outside Belfast, which has a wide range of activities from climbing walls to sky trail high ropes plus a ski centre and a huge trampoline park, or if your dad is a speed junkie, take him off – road driving at Todds Leap in County Tyrone or karting at Campsie Karting Centre near Derry~Londonderry.

Alternatively, if your dad prefers to watch sport, the Official Euros Fanzone at Titanic Belfast will be open on June 18, showing all of the day’s Euro 2016 matches on the biggest screen in the country with lots of delicious food options, a fun fair and entertainment before and after the games.

FOOD AND DRINK LOVING DAD

It is Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink, so why not celebrate with your dad by sampling some local specialities at one of the many events and tours on offer! On Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June, the Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival 2016 takes place in Bushmills, County Antrim, with food, drink, live entertainment and cooking demonstrations throughout the weekend, including free whiskey tasting at Bushmills Distillery and Naturally North Coast and Glens Market on the streets.

There are also many food tours happening across Father’s Day weekend, such as the Belfast Food Tour. This fun and relaxed tour will give you and your dad a taste of the food available around Belfast and the best places to find it.

There is also the Ballycastle Food Tour, focusing on the town’s varied cultural history with local producers providing breakfast, lunch, supper and dessert throughout the day.

For further information check out www.discovernorthernireland.com/fathersday/

This summer young girls from Northern Ireland will get the chance to develop essential life skills that will set them up for success and to help ensure females play an increased role in all levels of society.

Little Women NI is a new five week programme beginning on 16 July for young girls in Northern Ireland aged seven to nine years-old.

Aiming to develop essential life skills in communication, confidence, creativity, teamwork and leadership, the initiative will see 20 girls take part in bespoke sessions delivered by industry experts who are the best in their field.

Founded and Directed by Laura Dowie, Senior Marketing Officer at Belfast Met and former Events and Marketing Manager at Women in Business, Little Women NI aims to improve and develop a variety of skills in a unique and fun environment. The skills learned will help them form positive relationships with both themselves and their peers, as well as encourage dreams and inspire success.

Laura Dowie said: “Research has shown that during childhood, girls display confidence levels that are equal to boys of the same age. However, during teenage years confidence levels and self-belief decrease. This affects how girls interact and engage not only with their peers, but with the world around them.

“Over the course of five weeks, Little Women NI will help young girls develop and enhance skills that they can carry through into their teenage years, while having fun and learning about themselves at the same time. Gender equality in the workplace and women in STEM are key issues for both government and businesses and in order to address the imbalance, action needs to be taken from an early age to help ensure that females play an increased role at all levels of society.”

The programme will run every Saturday morning from 16 July to 13 August in Crescent Arts Centre.  Each session will be delivered in a fun environment by a professional in their field. Facilitators include Lisa Duffy, Director of Bright Young Things, Heather Carr, Director of Ten Minutes More, Alasdair McKee, Director of Offload Rugby, Tara Mullan and Jeanette Ranking, Directors of Doodlebugs Creative Workshops and Little Women NI Founder, Laura Dowie.

For more details on the programme and how to register you can visit www.facebook.com/littlewomenni