Month: June 2019

Come and Explore Randalstown’s Unique History

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Join us on Saturday 22 June at 11am for a tour around the award winning Randalstown by our qualified Blue Badge Guide. Explore and discover a town steeped in rich history and heritage with some tasty treats along the way. The trail will take you round some of the most historic sites of an award winning town.

Discover a unique bridge from the glory days of steam and take in the many reminders of the areas industrial heritage and links to the linen and iron industries. The influence of the Old Bleach Linen Company and the O’Neill Estate will be explained and the links to the historic traditions of fairs and markets. One of the highlights of the walk will be crossing Charles Lanyon’s magnificent viaduct which affords wonderful views over the town and into the Shanes Castle demesne.

A project supported by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council through Randalstown town team will see tours in the town take place on the fourth Saturday of each month at 11am or by appointment at any other time. Tours last for up to two and half hours and will cost £5 per person. Already visitors from Northern and Southern Ireland as well as England, Scotland and Australia have been delighted to be taken through the ages with stories of Old Randalstown as well as being personally welcomed and offered hospitality by business owners.

For further information or to book a tour contact Randalstown Local Information Office (situated in Kearney’s supermarket Main Street) T. 028 9447 9800 or E. kearneysrandalstown@gmail.com

Arts Centre to host Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival launch

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Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in Limavady is proud to host the Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival launch night on Thursday 13th June at 7.30pm.

Now the longest running festival of its kind in Northern Ireland, the event will feature acclaimed singer Clara Rose who will be joined on stage by a host of special guests.

The much loved festival, now in its 23rd year, will run until Sunday 16th June allowing audiences to enjoy some of the very best jazz and blues musicians and singers.

Tickets for the launch evening can be purchased by going to www.dannyboyjazzandblues.com/tickets

All other events over the course of the weekend are free. For further information go to www.dannyboyjazzandlues.com

Local band Hunkpapa provide the soundtrack for Armagh Hostellers

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Armagh band Hunkpapa’s track ‘Losing All’ is used as the backdrop to Armagh City Youth Hostel’s new minute long video.

‘Create Armagh Hostelling Memories’ transports hostellers through a year-round program of incredible things to do, pairing the homegrown soundtrack with evocative shots of Armagh’s unique events and vibrant festivals.

The video celebrates the hostel’s prime location, situated at the heart of the ancient cathedral city, adjacent to the beautiful St Patrick’s COI Cathedral and with spectacular views of the iconic St Patrick’s RC Cathedral. The hostel offers great value, modern accommodation for up to 56 people in twin, double and dorm rooms, all providing en-suite bedroom facilities. It welcomes groups of all sizes and interests, independent travelers of every age, families and has been awarded a 4* rating by Tourism Northern Ireland. The eighteen rooms include a fully equipped kitchen, spacious dining and lounge areas, a games room complete with pool table, free wi-fi, free spacious car-parking and a left luggage facility. The hostel opensApril through to October and welcomes larger group bookings during the period November – March and for the festival celebrations.

Armagh band ‘Hunkpapa’ have just increased their fan base after playing Open House Festival in conjunction with SnowPatrol’s Ward Park 3 concert. This follows Gary Lightbody’s effusive praise of the band’s songs and BBC Radio 1 presenter, Phil Taggart’s comment ‘Hunkpapa are the best band I have seen in ages with massive, massive tunes.’  Prior to their Ireland and UK tour in the autumn, Hunkpapa will be performing an intimate hometown gig in The Market Place Theatre on Saturday 29th June and students are encouraged to bring the ‘end of exams’ summer party to Armagh with a hostel stay, a very special music gig and a chance to explore Armagh’s distinctive and eclectic cultural history.

To view ‘Create Armagh Hostelling Memories’ video, please visit www.facebook.com/armaghhostel

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this Father’s Day weekend in NI

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Family Day out at Bullsbrook Farm, part of the Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend. Taking place across 15th and 16th June, the initiative is hoping to attract upwards of 16,000 visitors from rural and urban towns and cities. 21 participating farms will also have fun activities throughout the weekend such as petting farms, pony rides, competitions, live music and demonstrations.  

Armagh

Discover the ancient Chinese practice of Qi Gong with Fiona Jennings this Sunday  at the Elmfield Institute, Gilford. Find out how to give your body, breath and mind a full workout, at your own pace and level. This class is suitable for all. 

Fermanagh

The USPCA is recruiting participants to climb the stunning ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Cuilcagh Boardwalk on Sunday the 16th of June.  Cuilcagh is 665 metres high and is located on the border between Fermanagh and Cavan. It is the highest point in both counties. The starting point for the Cuilcagh boardwalk is at the Marble Arch Caves at 11.30am.

Tyrone

A charity Tractor and Truck Run will leave Kinturk Cultural Centre on Sunday 15th June 2019 at 5.00pm in Aid of Macmillan Nurses.  This will be followed by a barbecue and dance in Kinturk Cultural Centre at 8.00pm with music by Tiny Lions.  Admission is £10.

Derry

Join the Everglades Hotel on Sunday 16th June from 12.30pm – 3pm for a Father’s Day Medieval Banquet Sunday Lunch, with a selection of live performers including a Court Jester! Adults £28 | Children £16, with a gift for every dad!

Antrim

This Saturday 15th June, join RSPB NI Rathlin warden Liam McFaul on board a specially chartered boat to enjoy a tour of Rathlin Island from the water. Setting off from Rathlin Harbour, look out for gannets, gulls and guillemots. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and eider ducks too – they can often be seen lazing around the harbour. In summer, seabirds including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars gather in their thousands to jostle for space. Please book ferry to and from Rathlin prior to booking.

Belfast

Belcycle is back!  Belfast’s family-friendly festival dedicated to all things cycling will take place on Saturday 15th June at CS Lewis Square in East Belfast. Be inspired to get on your bike – whatever your age or ability and join in the FREE festival.

Social inequality in Northern Ireland explored in new, critically acclaimed play at the MAC

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Fresh from a successful run at Edinburgh Fringe and London theaters, hit play Killymuck will make its Northern Irish debut at the MAC on 13-14 June.

A darkly comic, semi-autobiographical play about class, poverty and the struggle to escape by award-winning playwright, Kat Woods, the play centers on a fictitious housing estate in 1970s Northern Ireland, Killymuck, and follows Niamh, a kid from the benefit class system played by Irish actress, Aoife Lennon, as she navigates the trials and tribulations of life.

Directed by Cat Shoobridge (Recipient of the Genesis Future Director Award and Young Vic Associate Director), Killymuck highlights the lack opportunity, educational barriers, impoverishment, addiction and depression present in cycles of poverty.

Having been longlisted for an Amnesty International Freedom of Expression award and shortlisted for the Filipa Braganca acting award, the play explores how those from deprived areas or with less access to money often have less opportunity in life and shines a light on how social and psychological behaviours impact and shape who we become.

Speaking about the show, Kat Woods said: “There is a forgotten segment of society that we never talk about when it comes to the arts – the lower classes. The underclass. The benefit class. I am from that background and this piece is inspired by my own narrative. These stories need to be told and need to find representation on stage. We are in danger of theatre becoming an elitist domain. Let’s create theatre for all not just the few. Killymuck is my battle cry.”

Woods’ previous work includes Belfast Boy (Fringe Review Award for Outstanding Theatre, The Stage Award for Excellence), Wasted (New York transfer as part of the Fringe Encore Award), and Mule (Edinburgh, London and NI Tour).

Tickets for Killymuck at the MAC are on sale now at themaclive.com or call box office on 02890235053.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (10-16 June)

1.       Father’s Day Experience at the National Football Stadium, Belfast, 16 June. Windsor Park’s Father’s Day Experience invites you and your dad to relive the atmosphere of some of its famous nights, gain insights into the drama on and off the pitch and feel the rush of emotions shared by everyone in the stadium – win, lose or draw.

2.       The Epic Journey to The 148th Open, Tyrone, 13 June. The Epic Journey to The 148th Open tour will include golf’s most iconic trophy, the Claret Jug, along with a giant #TheOpen letter sculpture, designed by Tourism NI and made out of 4,000 golf balls. Enjoy the opportunity to have your photo taken with the replica Claret Jug, chat with local sports stars and test your pitching skills as the tour comes to the Hill of O’Neill Visitor Centre  in Tyrone.

3.       Fun Run of the Glens (FROG), Ballymena, 15 June. Join hundreds of cyclists and runners taking on the Glens in this fantastic annual event. Challenge yourself on a number of cycling, running or walking routes with all proceeds going to Cancer Focus NI.

4.       Belsonic 2019, Belfast, 12-28 June. The popular  festival once again runs throughout June. This year’s massive line-up includes Slash, George Ezra, Hozier and The Killers, playing different dates throughout the month.

5.       Strajamba, Strabane, 15 June.  The live music festival returns to Strabane’s Canal Basin. In addition to headline act Nathan Carter, the festival showcases local performers including Mickey Joe Harte and David Oliver and hosts a great selection of food vendors. 

6.       Belcycle Festival, Belfast, 15 June. This event at the CS Lewis Square will host bikes of all shapes and sizes to test ride on the day including tandems, a side- by-side bike and balance bikes. Event includes activities such as children’s cycle training, maintenance workshops, led rides, giant outdoor games and a slow bike race. 

7.       Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival, Limavady, 13-16 June. The Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival taking place in and around the town centre of Limavady promises an array of top quality jazz and blues acts with headline act Clara Rose and special guests.

8.       Father’s Day Tea, Belfast, 16 June. Step back in time at Titanic Belfast  to a period of luxury, elegance and five-star service as you enjoy a sumptuous menu featuring a selection of finger sandwiches, classic scones with fresh cream, mouth-watering sweet treats and tasty savoury bites.

9.       Art in the Garden, Holywood, 15 June-1 July. The Culloden Estate, in conjunction with Gormleys Fine Arts, will play host to a unique art exhibition, including the largest collection of Dali’s works seen in Ireland.

10.   The Girl on the Train, Belfast, 11-15 June. Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ novel – an international phenomenon selling over twenty million copies worldwide – and starring Samantha Womack, this gripping new play at the Grand Opera House will keep you guessing until the final moment.

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

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

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Northern Ireland boasts an irresistible collection of 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.

  • Three for two nights, Belle Isle Estate, Co. Fermanagh from £249 based on two people sharing.

Situated in Belle Isle Estate’s peaceful Walled Garden, this beautiful cottage offers a tranquil and cosy retreat in the heart of the Estate, with views over the countryside and Upper Lough Erne as well as a picnic area and tennis court. Offer includes 20% Discount on Bistro Bookings, free entry to Enniskillen Castle plus prosecco, strawberries and s’mores Summer Welcome Hamper. To book call 028 6638 7231. Offer available until 31st August.

  • One night B&B, Culloden Estate and Spa, Co. Down from £120 per person sharing.

The Glenavon House Hotel on the outskirts of Cookstown, County Tyrone provides a haven for businesspeople and holidaymakers alike. Overlooking the Ballinderry River and set in nine acres of its own mature grounds, the luxurious hotel offers a wide range of high quality facilities to the discerning traveller. Offer is valid only on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights and includes an overnight break with 4-course dinner at the hotel restaurant, bed and breakfast.  To book call 028 8676 4949. Available until 31st December.

  • One night B&B, The Old Inn Bangor, Co. Down from £115 per night based on two people sharing.

Located in the picturesque village of Crawfordsburn and on the doorstep of Crawfordsburn Country Park, the charming hotel is just minutes from the seaside town of Bangor. Relax, unwind and prepare to be spoiled with this overnight stay in a beautiful en-suite bedroom full of character.  Offer includes full Irish Breakfast, a delicious 3-course dinner for two in the award winning and highly acclaimed Rosette Lewis Restaurant. To book call 028 9185 3255. Offer available until 30th November.

Nathan Carter, Johnny Brady and David James Headline Summer Jamm Weekend 2019

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Strabane’s Big Weekend returns with Summer Jamm from Friday 14th – Sunday 16th June.  The town centre will come alive with live music, dance, street entertainment, arts & crafts, and ‘Strajamba’ Music Festival with headline act Nathan Carter.

Summer Jamm in Strabane kicks off on Friday night with DJ Jamie B & support in Ruby’s Nightclub.  Saturday is full of family fun from 1pm – 5pm as Encore PAA will be opening the event with a showcase extravaganza.  This will be followed with live music throughout the town from Folk N Trad Mad, Mad Notions, Strabane Brass Band and Trad for Youth. To celebrate Youth 19, local singers will be performing in the busking tent including Juno Hassan, Jamie Donnelly, Darci Wilders to name but a few.   

Families will enjoy an array of street theatre, flash mobs, games, funfair, face painting, Jungle Pets, and a host of activities for the whole family to enjoy.  Plus a range of products and food will be available from a selection of stalls from Strabane Market.

North West Regional College (educational partners of Summer Jamm) are back with their National Award Winning Careers Team.  Join them at a ‘Careers Roadshow’ –which will encourage people to indulge in some beauty treatments, health checks, have a go at gardening and learn more about computer coding!

Closing Saturdays afternoon activities will be Class Act Choir with a performance that you don’t want to miss.

The entertainment continues from 5pm as ‘Strajamba’ live music festival is back in Canal Basin for another year of great music.  Headlining the big stage will be country sensation Nathan Carter, supported by some amazing local acts.  Make a night of it with food, licenced bar and VIP Tent. On until 11pm, the atmosphere is sure to be electric with the best of local artists and the best of Country music.

Country music continues on Sunday with a FREE family concert.  This years ‘Country Fest’ in Canal Basin will welcome back the superb Johnny Brady, David James and a host of local musicians! Join in the fun with plenty of activities including circus workshops, arts & crafts and face painting! Love dancing? Then join with the jiving and line dancing happening throughout the afternoon. Grab a bite to eat at a choice of food stalls and relax and enjoy the sun in the licenced bar area.

Summer Jamm in Strabane is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council and supported by Strabane Business Improvement District (BIDS), North West Regional College and Youth 19.

Speaking ahead of attending this year’s festival, newly-elected Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Cllr ______ said: “The Summer Jamm in Strabane is growing year on year to become one of Council’s most popular annual events. Indeed, it’s great to see the festival running over three days – which means lots more fun and entertainment for all!

“Having viewed this year’s programme, I can guarantee there’ll be plenty of family-friendly activities to suit everyone. I also expect this year will be even more popular than previous years with a brilliant mix of rising and established stars on the programme.

“With such a strong programme, I have no doubts that thousands of people will visit this year – firmly establishing the event as the largest celebration of live music & entertainment in Strabane’s cultural calendar!”

Kate Duffy, Director of Human Resources and Learner Services at North West Regional College added: ‘We’re delighted to be the official education partner for the Summer Jamm in Strabane.  This ongoing partnership will enable local learners to take part in a range of interactive career activities delivered by our National Beacon Award winning Careers team. We will have current students and tutors on hand throughout the day to answer any questions, in conjunction with a full timetable of live demonstration in horticulture, joinery, health & beauty, plus fun competitions in weight lifting and gardening.

Come along and find out about our new and exciting range of courses, as we will be based in Butcher street car park from 1pm – 5pm on the 15th of June.

Michael Kelly, MK’s Bar and Chair of the Strabane Business Improvement District (BID) added: “The BID are delighted to be bringing Strajamba Live Music Festival to Strabane for the third year. After the huge success of Strajamba 2018 with headline act Hothouse Flowers this year’s event is aiming to be bigger again. We have an amazing line up of bands, across two stages headlined by Nathan Carter. The theme for this event is ‘nurturing home grown talent’ – and will host a number of performances from the Wailin Banshees, David Oliver, Adam Dolan, Shonagh Forbes, Darren Doherty & the Heathen Choir, and multi-platinum songwriter and Eurovision finalist Mickey Joe Harte.   Strajamba has been such a huge hit with the public – and with country legend Nathan Carter headlining this year I have no doubts that it will be a fantastic evening with a positive impact on the town of Strabane!”

For further information and a full list of the programme details please visit www.summerjammstrabane.com

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

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Join Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry for World Ocean Day this Saturday 8th June. Protecting the World’s Oceans is extremely important to everyone at the  Aquarium  and they want to share their knowledge on how you can help. On World Ocean Day you can do your part through workshops and craft activities throughout the day. Dive on in!

Armagh

Visual Artist Nathan Nesbitt presents ‘Smoke in Motion’, an exploration of the unique surrealist technique fumage – the art of drawing with smoke at the Market Place Theatre, 7th June to 13th July.  Utilising an open flame to deposit trails of black smoke on paper Nesbitt sculpts the plumes to capture the delicate, passionate motion of his subject. 

Fermanagh

The Enniskillen 10k Road Race and Leisure Walk will take place on Saturday 8th June commencing at 2.00pm from the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen.  Kiddies Fun Run starts at 12 noon. This year’s Enniskillen 10k has been included within the Novosco 10k Grand Prix. 

Tyrone

St. Michael’s Church in Castlecaulfield, are hosting a flower festival on the theme of “All things bright and beautiful” on the weekend 7th –  9th June.  A community festival of flowers, handcrafts and music!  Lady Eames will be the speaker at the official opening of the Flower Festival on Friday 7th June, 7.00pm.

Derry/Londonderry

The Health, Wellbeing & Natural Therapies event takes place at the Guildhall, in the heart of Derry City on the 8th & 9th June.  Speak to and learn from exhibitors, attend free inspirational seminars and workshops, book yourself a psychic reading, try some body pampering, watch the free stage performances, join a free meditation session and taste some delicious health foods!

Antrim

The Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival makes a welcome return this weekend. Enjoy two days of fantastic entertainment and activities will spread across Bushmills Main Street, Milliennium Park, Bushmills Distillery and The Salmon Fisheries. Come along for the weekend, bring the family, try some new food, see some new sights and have a wonderful foodie experience!

Belfast

A compelling new comedy-drama exploring our capacity to accept change – in others as well as ourselves – All Mod Cons engages directly with current conversations in Ireland and beyond about our complex relationship with gender, consent, and individual responsibility. All Mod Cons runs at the Lyric Theatre until Sunday 9th June.

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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

Jacqueline McGonigle

Portaferry Sails & Sounds Sailing Trip Schedule

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Book online:   www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown

  • All trips are inside Strangford Lough
  • All trips are weather dependant.
  • Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor activities.
  • Boat not wheelchair accessible
  • Access to boat limited for those with any physical restrictions
  • All minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
  • All Times are approx. out and inbound (times can vary up to 30min difference due to tides)
  • Please make us aware of any food allergies before trip

TICKET PRICE – £45 p/p

TICKETS PER PERSON PER TRIP (includes light refreshments drink on board)  £5 discount voucher for Portaferry Sailing Club (Bar or Restaurant).

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