Month: January 2018

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

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Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

 

Discover the Mournes – Midweek Break, Kilmorey Arms Hotel, Co. Down from £99 per person sharing.

Nestled in the Mournes, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the three-star Kilmorey Arms Hotel boasts a prime location to explore the area. Offer includes two-nights’ accommodation, an evening meal and a fully cooked Irish breakfast each morning, along with late check out at 2pm. To book call 028 4176 2220. Offer available until 22 December.

 

Luxury 2 Night Break, Lodge At Lough Erne, Co. Fermanagh from £250 per night.

Enjoy a two-night stay at The Lodge at Lough Erne, four-star self-catering accommodation located on the grounds of Lough Erne Resort, gives the opportunity to take in the breath taking views and natural beauty of Lough Erne. The three-bedroom lodge sleeps up to six adults and two children. To book call 028 6632 6633. Offer available until 31 March.

 

1-Night Romance at the Inn, Bushmills Inn, Co. Antrim from £198 per room per night. 

Spoil the one you love with a bottle of Prosecco and chocolate dipped strawberries awaiting your arrival to the four-star Bushmills Inn. Situated in a prime location near the Causeway coast, you can relax and enjoy the ambience of the Gas Lit Bar. Offer includes dinner for two, a one-night stay and full cooked Irish breakfast the next morning. Dinner credit of £50 per room. To book call 028 2073 3000. Offer available until 18 April.

 

All offers are subject to availability.  For further information visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

Training Matchmaker Launches Northern Ireland Learning Challenge 

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As people across Northern Ireland are already fledging on their New Year’s Resolutions an online learning and training platform has set the “Learn 31 New Things In January” challenge.

TrainingMatchmaker.com, founded by Belfast marketer Christine Watson, has launched it’s #LearnuaryNI campaign encouraging people to share one thing they’ve learned or can teach to others each day.

Research states that January is more often than not the most depressing month of the year.  Not just that, it’s also the one month every year where most people try to change their lives for the better.   From New Year’s resolutions about health, wellbeing and career choices to pledges of sobriety, ambition and learning, Christine believes January is the perfect month for people to “try something new”.

Her company TrainingMatchmaker.com offers trainers and learners a place to congregate, to search for and list training opportunities across Northern Ireland and beyond.

She said: “We’re really excited about our TrainingMatchmaker.com soft launch this month and #LearnuaryNI is the perfect opportunity for people to take the plunge and think about what they want to learn or teach in 2018.

“We’re encouraging people to join the conversation on social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest and Snapchat.  Whether people are making observations about their day and what they have learned along the way or whether they are offering snippets of learning from their online training courses or face to face workshops we hope they will use our #LearnuaryNI hashtag to inspire others taking part in the campaign either as learners, educators or spectators.”

She added: “Don’t panic if you were not on board from January 1st or if you can’t commit to a daily learning or teaching. The campaign will run until February 14 to give people the opportunity to share 31 individual posts.”

 

To get people ready for their #LearnuaryNI campaign here are Christine’s top 3 social media sharing tips:

1. Challenge your creativity

When creating your #LearnuaryNI posts don’t forget to use all the formats available for creating content.  From sharing photographs, word based statuses and memes to gifs, video and Live. Being diverse with your content will help capture the attention of your followers. Most social media platforms have their own free online training courses from Facebook Blueprint to Google Digital Garage and Snapchat Explore all of which you can find links to on TrainingMatchmaker.com.

2. Don’t break the rules

Each social media platform has its own set of rules that, if broken, can penalise your profile or page and your content in terms of its visibility on users’ newsfeed’s.  For example, late in December Facebook announced new penalties for users requiring shares and tags in posts.  You can find more information on how to keep your digital skills up to date on TrainingMatchmaker.com throughout January.

3. Cramming is ok

If you have a big contract, holiday plans or are worried about being present on social media every day in January think about using scheduling tools such as Hootsuite, Buffer and even Facebook’s pre-scheduled post options to fill in the blanks.  To learn more information on scheduling tools and how to use them check out TrainingMatchmaker.com throughout January.


For more information log onto www.TrainingMatchmaker.com/LearnuaryNI or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn or SnapChat.

 

TITANIC Giveaway – Free Golden Tickets Up For Grabs for Locals

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Titanic Belfast is again opening its doors to help locals beat the January blues by giving away complimentary tickets for local residents for the 14th January 2018.

Titanic Belfast’s NI Citizens’ Day event on 14th January will provide the opportunity for over 2,000 locals to visit or re-visit the world-class landmark right on their doorstep. Golden ticket winners will get the chance to enjoy the Titanic Experience, which tells the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end, as well as SS Nomadic, free-of-charge.
Judith Owens, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast, said, “At Titanic Belfast, we have continued to go from strength to strength, having been awarded the title of World’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards last year and are currently experiencing our busiest year to date – we know we couldn’t have done it without local support. To say thank you and to show our appreciation, we are throwing our doors open for ‘golden ticket’ winners on 14th January to encourage those who have or haven’t visited to be a tourist at home and enjoy the world-class experience on their doorstep!”

Tickets will be allocated via a prize draw. To enter to win these golden tickets to beat the January blues and experience one of the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, visit www.titanicbelfast.com/citizensday and register before midnight 7th January. Winners will be notified week commencing 8th January 2018.

Described by The Guardian as “an inspiring testament to the Titanic and the city that built it”, more than four million people from around the world have already visited Titanic Belfast since opening in 2012. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

HASTINGS HOTELS – OFFER OF THE WEEK 

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BANISH THE WINTER BLUES AT THE EUROPA HOTEL FROM ONLY £95 PER ROOM

Includes overnight accommodation for two and full Irish breakfast

The Europa Hotel has launched a fabulous flash sale giving people the chance to enjoy an overnight getaway in January from only £95* per room.

This great price includes luxurious overnight accommodation for two people and full Irish breakfast the following morning.

The Europa Hotel is superbly located in the heart of Belfast city centre, boasts a delightful choice of dining options for guests and is the perfect base to enjoy a spot of sightseeing, shop ‘til you drop or a night at the theatre.

This fantastic offer is available on selected dates in January and can be booked by calling the Europa Hotel on 028 9027 1066 and quoting FLASHBB.

 

*Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. Based on two people sharing a classic room.

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

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Down

The F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio and Gallery are currently hosting an exhibition, Self-Reflections, to celebrate the artistic contribution made by Banbridge Art Club, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2018.  The exhibition focuses on self-portraiture and includes more than 20 stunning paintings and drawings created by its members inspired by a series of selected works from the National Self-Portrait Collection of Ireland, housed at the University of Limerick.

Armagh

The Rock ’N ’Roll Years and Dance Hall Days show is back with a brand new show featuring George Jones, Clubsound and four wonderful singers this Saturday 13th January at the Market Place Theatre. The show will transport you back to the nostalgic days and incredible music and artistes of 50’s and 60’s, with over forty classic songs.

Fermanagh

Loughs, Bogs and Mountains is the first exhibition of its kind hosted by Fermanagh County Museum at Enniskillen Castle. Local arts organisation Collage Collective has guest curated an exhibition on the theme of Loughs, Bogs and Mountains, drawing inspiration from Fermanagh’s natural beauty and environment. The exhibition features a selection of work by artists across a range of art forms including photography, craft, sculpture and fine art in response to the theme.   Exhibition continues until 27th January 2018.

Tyrone

Take a step back in time to an era of splendour and sumptuous tradition at the Alley Theatre’s Bridal Weekend this Saturday 13th January.  You will be treated to a glass of bubbly and a scrumptious selection of sandwiches and homemade scones and cakes, joined by lovely acoustic music before you are treated to a fashion show full of bridal elegance throughout the decades.  Plus there will also be vintage beauty demos taking place on stage.

Derry/Londonderry

Join The Everglades Hotel this Saturday evening for an evening of Abba with Bjorn Identity.  With 5 stunning handmade replica costumes and a perfect copy of Benny’s famous white Yamaha piano, this show has all the glitz of the 70’s era and the best party night out, featuring a decade of ABBA and more, including songs from the hit musical “Mama Mia”.  Doors Open 7.30pm Show Begins 8.45pm.  Tickets are available at the Hotel Reception Desk or on Ticketmaster.

Antrim

Wizarding Weekend! This Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th January Carrickfergus Castle be transformed into a fantasy world filled with potion making, broomstick and wand training and fantastical creatures. This is an opportunity for children and adults of all ages to journey into an enchanted world and uncover their magical powers. If you’d like to brush up on your broomstick skills, try your hand at wand training, or potion making, this is the weekend for you, your friends and family.  Due to the historic nature of the castle, there are no lifts available to access areas of the castle included in the event. If you require wheelchair access, please call 028 90 823 207.

Belfast

The Titanic Hotel Belfast just opened their doors in September 2017 and are excited to be hosting their first ever wedding show this Sunday 14th January from 1.00pm to 4.00pm.  Relax and enjoy a champagne reception with nibbles whilst listening to a selection of live music! There will be 40 local wedding suppliers in attendance. Admission is free and the first 50 Couples will receive a free goodie bag!

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to 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.

10 Exciting Things to do this week in NI

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Discover Northern Ireland has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are 10 exciting things taking place this week (8- 14 January 2018)

 

  1. Brown Bonds Hill Fine Food Tour, Belfast – Derry~Londonderry, 13 January.  Browns Bonds Hill has been a firm fixture on the foodie map since 2009, foodies can enjoy dining at three of the groups award winning restaurants; Browns Bonds Hill, Browns in Town & Ardtara Country House Hotel as part of this food tour. Tour departs Belfast at 9am and returns from Derry~Londonderry at 6pm, providing breakfast, nibbles and dinner with a glass of wine. Tickets cost £75.
  2. Wizarding Weekend, Carrickfergus, 13-14 January. Carrickfergus Castle will be transformed into a fantasy world filled with potion making, broomstick and wand training and fantastical creatures. This is an opportunity for children and adults of all ages to journey into an enchanted world and uncover their magical powers.
  3. David O’Doherty: Big Time, Belfast, 12 January. David O’Doherty is delighted to present an evening of his latest jokes and songs at the Ulster Hall.David has spent the last year on tour around America with Flight of the Conchords and performed at the Edinburgh Fringe and Melbourne Comedy Festival. Over Christmas he sold out a record-breaking eleven nights at Whelan’s, and has just completed his largest ever UK tour. Book tickets visit UlsterHall.co.uk.
  4. The Streets of Donaghadee Exhibition, Newtownards, 6-27 January. Donaghadee Historical Society present this exhibition on ‘The Streets of Donaghadee’, featuring the old hotels, pubs and businesses of Donaghadee’s past.This exhibition is free for all to visit in The Space at Ards Visitor Information Centre. Please note it is closed on Sundays.
  5. Secrets From the Government Files: 1992, Belfast, 11 January. Dr Eamon Phoenix, a political historian and Irish News columnist, and Sam McBride, the Political Editor of the News Letter and the Northern Ireland Political Editor for the i newspaper, will reveal the secrets behind the news headlines from government files of 1992 at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland.
  6. Foil, Arms & Hog – OinK, Belfast, 11 January.  Former children and regular eaters Foil, Arms & Hog are back with the Northern Irish premiere of their new show on the Ulster Hall stage. OinK is a fast paced sketch show featuring a collection of songs for the elderly, a baggage handler’s interpretive dance and a shop that naively sells only balaclavas. The show has yet to be reviewed but when it is, it will be ‘utterly spellbinding’ and ‘a triumph.’ Book tickets visit UlsterHall.com.
  7. Jake O’Kane – Cool FM Comedy Club, Belfast, 10-13 January. Jake O’Kane, Northern Ireland’s top comic and star of the BBC panel show ‘The Blame Game’, brings his brand new show entitled ‘Still Sittin’ on the Fence’ to the Waterfront Hall. In his traditional end-of-year review show, Jake will be casting a satirical eye over the preceding 12 months, combining stories and pictures from the Irish News with the madness of the Internet to debunk the great, the not so great, and himself. Book tickets visit WaterfrontHall.co.uk.
  8. Out To Lunch Arts Festival 2018, Belfast, 5-28 January. Now in its 13th year, the utterly unique and totally boutique Out To Lunch serves up a feast of music, comedy, spoken word and theatre with a thrilling mix of familiar favourites and fresh talent. Line-up includes Andrew Maxwell, Cat Stevens and Joanne McNally, for the full programme of acts and dates visit cqaf.com.
  9. Declan Nerney, Lisburn, 12 January. Enjoy an evening of country and Irish traditional song at Lagan Valley Island from Drumlish-born singer Declan Nerney. To book tickets visit LaganValleyIsland.co.uk.
  10. Rowan Leslie With Graeme Armstrong, Belfast, 13 January. The Crescent are delighted to welcome County Antrim fiddle player and composer Rowan Leslie to the stage, accompanied by guitarist Graeme Armstrong.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.E

ROCKIN’ START TO NEW YEAR AT THE MARKET PLACE

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The Rock ’N ’Roll Years and Dance Hall Days show is back at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Saturday 13 January with a brand new show featuring George Jones, Clubsound and four wonderful singers.

The show will transport you back to the nostalgic days and incredible music and artistes of 50’s and 60’s, with over forty classic songs.

Combining evocative love ballads with the greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll hit songs of the era, this show will carry the audience back to a time when dance halls were full and the youngsters danced, jived and rocked to The Four Seasons, The Shadows, Neil Sedaka, Dean Martin, Patsy Cline, Elvis and many, many more!

Tickets priced £20 are available from the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

The Love Hungry Farmer – 1-3 Feb at the MAC, Belfast

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Introducing the show described as ‘Fiercely serious and bruisingly hilarious’ by the New York Times. Catch The Love-Hungry Farmer at the MAC from 1-3 February 2018.

 

This is the story of John Bosco McLane, a bachelor of ‘indeterminate’ age and according to his own assessment, ‘past his best’ and evidently still a virgin. McLane’s amorous adventures range from the hilarious to the pitiful. Des Keogh, one of Ireland’s foremost actors and entertainers, stars in this hugely successful and award-winning show.

The Love-Hungry Farmer has been one of the most popular shows to tour on the island of Ireland in recent years.

Book Now (https://themaclive.com/event/the-love-hungry-farmer).  £25-£12.50

 

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI!

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Down

‘The Streets of Donaghadee’ exhibition from 4th to 29th January at Ards Visitor Centre, will feature the old hotels, pubs & businesses of Donaghadee’s past including the Cyril Lord Carpet Factory, which for many years was the largest employer in the town!  Please note that the exhibition is closed on Sundays.

Armagh

Flash Harry have been performing the music of Queen for over 25 years. From the small beginnings of five Queen fans getting together for a one off gig, Flash Harry have gone from strength to strength, playing venues throughout Ireland, the UK and further afield. See them perform live this Friday 5th January at the Market Place Theatre. Show starts at 8.00pm.

Fermanagh

“Each a Glimpse and Gone Forever”* – Fermanagh’s Railway Story – a photographic exhibition at Castle Museums until 13th January,  featuring Fermanagh railway scenes captured by John J. Smith (1925-2007). Originally from Eastbourne, John visited Ireland on a number of occasions during the heyday of steam. He portrays the story of Fermanagh’s railways through the camera lens; capturing locomotives, signal boxes and stations!

Tyrone

After all the hard work is done, the ladies deserve an after Christmas treat!  Call the gang and enjoy a fabulous evening meal in The Mellon Country Inn’s O’Brien’s Restaurant, before dancing the night away to ABBA SENSATIONS! The Ultimate Abba Tribute. Adm. to dance only: £10.00.  Make a night of it and book a table!

Derry/Londonderry

Join The Everglades Hotel this Saturday evening for a great night of tribute songs from local artist JP Mac who will be performing songs from Johnny Cash and June Carter.  Doors open from 7.30pm and Show Begins at 9.00pm.  Tickets are available at the Hotel Reception Desk or on Ticketmaster.  Why not make a night of it and book in for a pre-show dinner – or even stay over on the “Ring of Fire” package which includes an overnight stay, tickets to the show, and breakfast.   Details of the Ring of Fire package can be found at www.hastingshotels.com.

Antrim

Join the Ballygally Hotel this Saturday for an amazing night of music and dance with all the best known songs from Elvis starring Jim Brown and his band.  Make a night of it and book in for a pre-show dinner or even stay overnight on one of the “Heartbreak Hotel” packages which includes an overnight stay, tickets to the show, and breakfast the next day.  Tickets are available on Ticketmaster or at the Hotel Reception Desk, and the “Heartbreak Hotel” packages are available on line at www.hastingshotels.com or Telephone 02890 471066 and ask for the Reservations Department.  Doors open from 7.30pm and show begins from 8.45 pm.

 

Belfast

Start 2018 with a glittering tribute to Vienna and Strauss, from the Ulster Orchestra at the Waterfront Hall this Saturday the 6th January,  which is a true delight for the eyes and ears. Featuring a stunning programme of whirling waltzes and sweeping melodies accompanied by guest artists, let the luscious bars of the Blue Danube Waltz leave your heart beating in triple time!

 

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to 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.

HASTINGS HOTELS LAUNCH 2018 DIGITAL FORUM TO HELP NI BUSINESSES  

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NORTHERN Ireland’s leading collection of hotels has launched the 2018 Digi-Talk: The Forum, a monthly event that allows for shared learning of the fast-moving digital industry.

Press Eye/Darren Kidd

The innovative monthly forum, organised by Hastings Hotels, starts on Wednesday 24th January with Digital Trends for 2018.

Each month a different expert will cover a topic of relevance providing local organisations with the opportunity to learn more about the growing realm of digital marketing and how it can be applied to help businesses.

Hannah Corbett, group digital strategist for Hastings Hotels said: “We are delighted to launch the 2018 Digi-Talk: The Forum and have secured a fantastic programme of speakers who will share their knowledge and provide plenty of topical information. People scroll three hundred feet a day on their phone and we only have 1.7 seconds to stand out on social media so the forum provides a great opportunity for local businesses, especially smaller ones who might not have budget to invest in digital personnel, to learn more about digital marketing and how it can help.”

Throughout the year a range of topics will be covered including writing for the web, how to succeed at social media, digital PR and social media influencers, video production and the new General Data Protection Regulation.

Delegates will have the opportunity to interact and learn from local experts, ask questions and have access to the slides from each presentation.

Clara Killen, digital marketing & development manager at the SSE Arena added: “I have been a member of the Digi-Talk: The Forum since its inception and I have found the monthly events really helpful. The subjects have all been very topical and the speakers always offer a great insight into digital marketing. I would recommend the forum to all local businesses wishing to increase their knowledge and learn from likeminded professionals.”

Further information on the 2018 Digi-Talk: The Forum can be found at www.hastingshotels.com/digitalk, call Hannah Corbett on 028 9067 4168 or email hannah@hastingshotels.com

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