Month: October 2020

Offers of the week inspiration from Discover Northern Ireland

With stunning coastlines, idyllic walks and beautiful forest parks to explore, Northern Ireland is the perfect place to enjoy some quality time together with a loved one during the year of the staycation. From luxurious and boutique hotels to superb B&Bs, you are always just one small step away from a giant adventure.

During autumn and winter, even the most familiar places can take on a different look as the light and colours change. It is a perfect time to connect with nature and explore our beautiful countryside before retiring to your hotel for some well-earned rest and relaxation.  

Discover Northern Ireland has compiled the following offers to provide some inspiration for a relaxing getaway.

County Antrim

One-Night B&B, Ballygally Castle Hotel (4*) from £120 per room based on 2 people sharing

• Perched on the tip of the famous Causeway Coastal Route, sits Ballygally Castle, a stunning 17th Century Castle which overlooks the golden sands of Ballygally Bay and has uninterrupted views across the Irish Sea. The 54 bedrooms at the Ballygally Castle are full of character and charm. Beautiful, original beamed ceilings, combined with tasteful contemporary decor, add to the welcoming atmosphere. Book with their guaranteed best available flexible rate. During your stay, enjoy luxurious overnight accommodation with Full Irish breakfast. To book call +44 (0) 28 2858 1066. Offer available until 31^st December 2020. Subject to availability.

County Fermanagh

Halloween Break B&B, Westville Hotel (4*) from £145 per night based on 2 people sharing

• This modern, contemporary, boutique style hotel is ideally situated in the centre of Enniskillen. With 28 beautifully designed bedrooms, including four executive rooms and two luxury suites, all with en-suite facilities, providing a touch of extravagance for each guest and space to set base for an epic adventure in County Fermanagh. The overnight stay offer includes a Halloween themed cupcake on arrival and three-course meal at The Terrace Restaurant. To book call +44 (0) 28 6632 0333. Offer available until 31^st October 2020. Subject to availability. 

County Armagh

Mid-week break B&B, Newforge House (5*) from £440 based on 2 night minimum and 2 people sharing (offer available Tuesday and Wednesday)

• Cradled in beautiful gardens and green fields, Newforge House offers warm hospitality and superb food in tranquil surroundings. Six beautifully furnished en-suite bedrooms blend antiques with contemporary comforts and offer views of the gardens and surrounding countryside. Dining at Newforge House is a treat with their passion for local, seasonal food showcased on their daily dinner menu. Their orchard provides fruits for desserts, chutneys and preserves, and is home to their friendly chickens who lay fresh eggs for breakfast. Homegrown vegetables also feature in their dinner menu. To book call +44 (0)28 926 11255. Offer available until 31^st December 2020. Subject to availability.

For more inspiration on great places to stay in Northern Ireland visit www.discovernorthernireland.com or follow Discover Northern Ireland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Accommodation availability and prices correct at time of publication. All offers are subject to availability.

Armagh magician Caolan McBride, is set to star in Cahoots NI’s latest immersive magical digital theatre experience.

The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers from the comfort of their own home.

In this ambitious and innovative undertaking, Caolan will be part of the Cahoots NI team broadcasting from an extensive, purpose-built set in Belfast, where magic and illusion have no boundaries.

The 37-year-old said he was looking forward to taking part, and can’t wait until audiences get to experience it.

“The ideas that were being talked about when I was approached were so exciting,” Caolan explained. 

“Especially how the Magic could be presented online.

“From a magician’s point of view there were things I hadn’t seen done anywhere before and I knew early on that something special was happening, so I had to be involved.”

The show will have it’s Northern Ireland premiere as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1.

And, the Armagh native believes the University of Wonder and Imagination will be something special.

“In our current world the online format has become so important,” Caolan said. “I love Cahoots NI.’s take on the format because it’s equally ambitious and distinctive.

“There are things happening that only Cahoots NI could pull off so it’s a joy to be working in that world.”

The magician is no stranger to working for the theatre company.

“I first started performing with Cahoots NI back in 2005 not long after I became a full-time performer,” he explained. “What I like most is the end product. I absolutely love their shows and I know first hand the joy that they bring to audiences all over the world.

“To get to be a part of sharing that joy with the audience is exactly why I became a Magician in the first place.

“I am bursting to tell you all about the amazing things that happen in this show, but I won’t spoil it…All I will say is book tickets, you will experience something truly Magical.

Speaking about the new production, Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, Creator/Director of The University of Wonder and Imagination, and Artistic Director of Cahoots NI, said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the University of Wonder and Imagination for enrolment.

“Now, more than ever, we want to capture the sheer joy and wonder that theatre and live performance brings young audiences, something we so desperately miss being able to provide at this time. We have worked hard to create an experience that would act as a first step to bridge the gap between young people and live theatre that can be enjoyed at home.

“Developing this production has allowed us to explore a completely new channel through which to bring magic and illusion to children and their families via digital technology. The choices our audiences make live, during the event, will shape their unique theatre experience – and that’s hugely exciting for us.

“The technology we are using for the production is intricate, but it will be seamlessly blended with physical sets and magical illusions. Our audiences haven’t seen anything like this from Cahoots NI before, and we believe it will be a fun-filled, thrilling experience for children, for their families and for our cast and crew to be a part of.”

The University of Wonder and Imagination is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Despite the enormous challenges presented to the Arts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Cahoots NI continues to offer audiences world-class children’s theatre with their latest show, The University of Wonder and Imagination, this Autumn.

“This latest show promises to be a wonder to behold! The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is hugely proud to support this terrific production which will be enjoyed by many online, helping to bring great art to everyone.” 

Cahoots NI is at the forefront of Northern Irish theatre and is the leading professional theatre company producing work for children. Since beginning operations in 2001, Cahoots NI has produced original, critically acclaimed work for children including Under the Hawthorn Tree, Secrets of Space, Shh! We have a Plan and has toured its work internationally including in China and the USA.For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNI

A stunning array of Northern Ireland talent has been gathered to present Cahoots NI’s immersive digital theatre experience with the aim of bringing the magic and joy of theatre to young audiences at home.

The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers.

In this ambitious and innovative undertaking, actors, magicians and composers will be part of the Cahoots NI team broadcasting from an extensive, purpose-built set in Belfast, where magic and illusion have no boundaries.

From Belfast to Ballycastle, from Bangor to Armagh, all have assembled to help families enjoy the theatre experience, this time with a tremendous twist.

The show will have its Northern Ireland premiere as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1.

The cast includes actors Sean Kearns (Newry), Hugh Brown (Bangor), Philippa O’Hara (Belfast), Lata Sharma (Bangor) and magician Caolan McBride (Armagh).

Also involved with the show is composer, sound designer and musical director Garth McConaghie (Ballycastle).

Artistic Director and Creator of University of Wonder and Imagination, Paul Bosco McEneaney, said he was delighted to have so much talent for the show.

“We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the University of Wonder and Imagination for enrolment, with such an array of Northern Ireland’s best contributing,” he said. 

“Now, more than ever, we want to capture the sheer joy and wonder that theatre and live performance brings young audiences, something we so desperately miss being able to provide at this time.

“Developing this production has allowed us to explore a completely new channel through which to bring magic and illusion to children and their families via digital technology. The choices our audiences make live, during the event, will shape their unique theatre experience – and that’s hugely exciting for us.”

The show will have its Northern Ireland premiere as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1.

Speaking of the show Hugh Brown said: “A huge amount of effort is going into the development of this show on all levels. From writing and development, vision and production, technology and design there is a crack team of individuals working together to produce what I believe will be hugely entertaining and a theatrical revelation in these unusual and testing times.”

Limited to pre-booked audience numbers per performance, guests will assemble with their fellow University students and, led by the mysterious Professor Bamberg, will embark on a journey where nothing is quite what it seems.

Sean Kearns said he was excited to be part of the ambitious undertaking.

“The wonderfully frightening thing about this project is that the format is new to all of us, so we are all discovering it together,” he said. 

“Technically the show is enormous, and we are still figuring out what can be achieved. As the University Motto states ‘In Imagination we Trust and in Wonder We Must’.”

Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.

Magician Caolan McBride said: “From a magician’s point of view there were things I hadn’t seen done anywhere before and I knew early on that something special was happening.”

Philippa O’Hara added: “It feels like we’re entering a new frontier of online theatre due to Covid-19 and Cahoots are diving headfirst into this new world.” 

Composer Garth McConaghie said Cahoots NI are bringing the theatre directly to people in their own homes.

“The fact that we are pushing technical boundaries in exploring new ways to tell stories and present theatre.”

Radio star Lata Sharma, said that even the cast were daunted at first by the scale of the show.

“When I first heard about the format, it was a little scrambled in my head but as I read through the script and began to recite it out loud, it all began to fall into place.”

Speaking of the technology being implemented to show The University of Wonder and Imagination Paul McEneaney said: “The technology we are using for the production is intricate, but it will be seamlessly blended with physical sets and magical illusions.

“Our audiences haven’t seen anything like this from Cahoots NI before, and we believe it will be a fun-filled, thrilling experience for children, for their families and for our cast and crew to be a part of.”

The University of Wonder and Imagination is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNI

Antrim Castle Gardens will host a photography exhibition on the COVID-19 pandemic captured by Dr. Tuck Goh, an associate specialist at the Ulster Hospital.  

Dr. Goh who has worked in the Emergency Department for 23 years, quickly engaged his passion for street photography to the Emergency Department at the Ulster Hospital as they prepared for COVID19.

Originally from Malaysia, Dr. Goh has enjoyed extensive travel which has taken him across the world, however nothing could have prepared him for COVID19.  He knew that he had to capture the real action in the fight against the pandemic from the frontline for both this generation and those to come.

This remarkable exhibition gives the sense of what goes on in the day-to-day work carried out by the doctors, nurses, porters and domiciliary staff as they battle against COVID-19.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said “I am looking forward to seeing this unique exhibition, capturing first-hand the real story of COVID-19. This pandemic has gripped the nation for many months and this is a valuable opportunity to see the story unfold through these images. I am pleased the Council is supporting Dr. Goh and giving the public a chance to see the courageous work carried out by the real heroes of this pandemic.”

The exhibition opens at The Oriel Gallery from Tuesday 6 – Sunday 15 November. Visitors are welcome to view this exhibition whilst maintaining social distancing and adhering to the NI Executive guidelines. 

Ards and North Down Borough Council is encouraging everyone to be part of a collective effort to reduce air pollution on 8 October and throughout the year by taking part in Clean Air Day.

Many people in the borough have embraced walking, cycling and general exercise in recent months. They have grabbed the opportunity to walk along the coastal paths, dander along the beach, cycle on the Greenway and perhaps walk or cycle to the shops.

But as society attempts to make tentative steps to return to business as usual, everyone is being encouraged to forget old habits and try to maintain these new activities by incorporating them into their daily lives.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Trevor Cummings, said:

“During lockdown, there was a noticeable reduction in air pollution relating to vehicle emissions. Now that many people are returning to work and students have returned to school, we want to encourage everyone to try to maintain the momentum of living a healthier lifestyle by leaving their cars at home, when possible, and choose to walk or cycle. Not only is this healthier but it helps to reduce air pollution and is better for the environment which ultimately benefits everyone.”

There is no better time to start than Clean Air Day on Thursday 8 October. So why not try to leave the car at home and get on your bike, or your feet. Your health and the environment will benefit!

Newry born actor and performer, Sean Kearns, is set to star in Cahoots NI’s latest immersive magical digital theatre experience.

The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers from the comfort of their own home.

In this ambitious and innovative undertaking, Sean will be part of the Cahoots NI team broadcasting from an extensive, purpose-built set in Belfast, where magic and illusion have no boundaries.

Sean said that he was looking forward to taking part, and can’t wait until audiences get to experience it.

“The sheer scale of this show and the technical wizardry required to bring it to fruition is what excited me,” he said. 

“From my initial chat with Cahoots NI Artistic Director Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney it became very clear how passionate he was about bringing a different style of on-line performance to life.

“The wonderfully frightening thing about this project is that the format is new to all of us, so we are all discovering it together. Technically the show is enormous, and we are still figuring out what can be achieved. As the University Motto states ‘In Imagination we Trust and in Wonder We Must’.”

The show will have it’s Northern Ireland premiere as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1.

The 55-year-old is no stranger to the ambitious productions of the theatre company.

“I have previously worked with Cahoots on Two Christmas at The Mac Belfast, playing Rocombollo in Pinocchio and Stan the shoemaker in The Elves and the Shoemaker, he said.

“I love working with Cahoots as Paul really knows who his target audience is, I love being in a rehearsal room with him helping him bring to reality the myriad of incredible ideas he has flying around his head.”

For Sean this is the latest in a long line of successes.

“I didn’t go to drama school so the fact that I have performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company for two seasons plus two seasons at Shakespeare’s Globe,” he explained. “I have appeared in the West End in Billy Elliot, The 39 Steps, The Commitments, Wicked and the comedy About a Bank Robbery.”

Other credits include the hit TV show, Ballykissangel and the film Angela’s Ashes.

Limited to pre-booked audience numbers per performance, guests of the University of Wonder and Imagination will assemble with their fellow University students and, led by the mysterious Professor Bamberg, will embark on a journey where nothing is quite what it seems.

Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.

Speaking about the new production, Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, Creator/Director of The University of Wonder and Imagination, and Artistic Director of Cahoots NI, said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the University of Wonder and Imagination for enrolment.

“Now, more than ever, we want to capture the sheer joy and wonder that theatre and live performance brings young audiences, something we so desperately miss being able to provide at this time. We have worked hard to create an experience that would act as a first step to bridge the gap between young people and live theatre that can be enjoyed at home.

“Developing this production has allowed us to explore a completely new channel through which to bring magic and illusion to children and their families via digital technology. The choices our audiences make live, during the event, will shape their unique theatre experience – and that’s hugely exciting for us.

“The technology we are using for the production is intricate, but it will be seamlessly blended with physical sets and magical illusions. Our audiences haven’t seen anything like this from Cahoots NI before, and we believe it will be a fun-filled, thrilling experience for children, for their families and for our cast and crew to be a part of.”

The University of Wonder and Imagination is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Despite the enormous challenges presented to the Arts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Cahoots NI continues to offer audiences world-class children’s theatre with their latest show, The University of Wonder and Imagination, this Autumn.
“This latest show promises to be a wonder to behold! The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is hugely proud to support this terrific production which will be enjoyed by many online, helping to bring great art to everyone.” 

Cahoots NI is at the forefront of Northern Irish theatre and is the leading professional theatre company producing work for children. Since beginning operations in 2001, Cahoots NI has produced original, critically acclaimed work for children including Under the Hawthorn Tree, Secrets of Space, Shh! We have a Plan and has toured its work internationally including in China and the USA.

For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNI

Enjoy autumn’s kaleidoscope of colours during a family getaway

As the half term school holidays approach, it is the perfect time for families to enjoy some epic fun without the epic trek.

Northern Ireland has a host of hotels with fun family activities just a small step away. As the nights draw in and we prepare for the long winter months, why not enjoy autumn’s kaleidoscope of colours when spending some time together with loved ones.

Discover Northern Ireland has put together a list of great places to stay with fun activities on your doorstep:

Belfast

La Mon Hotel & Country Club (4*)

Located 15 minutes from Belfast city centre, La Mon Hotel & Country Club is nestled in the picturesque countryside of County Down. The hotel offers family friendly accommodation with 121 luxury bedrooms, suites and award-winning dining. Guests can relax and avail of the 15m swimming pool and tennis court on site. For local activities, you’re about a 15-minute drive from a wetland paradise at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre and a ten-minute drive from Streamvale Open Farm, with a Halloween Pumpkin Patch experience from 17th October – 31st October. Offer from £215 for one night’s B&B plus two-course meal, treat plate and kids Halloween activities and access to the Country Club (based on two adults and two children). Subject to availability. https://www.lamon.co.uk/

Crowne Plaza, Belfast (4*)

Crowne Plaza is a refined hotel in a parkland setting in the Lagan Valley regional park just 15 minutes from central Belfast, with stylish dining, complimentary car parking and an indoor pool (separate time for kids and families to enjoy). Plus, for a day of family packed adventure, you’re only a quick drive away from We Are Vertigo, featuring Northern Ireland’s largest indoor inflatable activity course. Offer from £184 per night based on two adults and two children and access to leisure facilities. Subject to availability. https://www.cpbelfast.com/

Clayton Hotel, Belfast (4*)

A city centre location means you will be close to many of Belfast’s main entertainment and attractions including Titanic Belfast and Ulster Museum. Facilities ensure there are endless activities from entertainment in the hotel’s swimming pool and family friendly dining options. Offer from £179 B&B per night based on two adults and three children (limited availability). Subject to availability. Visit https://www.claytonhotelbelfast.com/ 

County Fermanagh

Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges (4*)

Commanding stunning views overlooking scenic Lough Erne, the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges features luxury hotel accommodation, lakeside lodges, an Elemis Spa, choice of restaurants and Health Club (also accessible to kids and families). Only about one mile from Enniskillen, and a short drive from the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark and National Trust’s Florence Court, there is lots to explore with the family. The kids will also love the new ‘Killy Kids’ Outdoor Play Park. Offer from £155pps for two nights B&B, plus dinner on one evening. Children aged four years and under stay complimentary and for 5-12 year-olds it’s £20 per night B&B. The offer also includes use of the indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and outdoor hot tub at Killyhevlin Health Club. Subject to availability. https://www.killyhevlin.com/ 

County Tyrone

Silverbirch Hotel (3*) 

Within walking distance of Omagh, a bustling market town, the hotel is a family-run business for over 41 years. It is home to a collection of 64 bedrooms a bustling entertainment scene and its Barreta Bar & Grill is a firm favourite with the locals. During your stay, plan a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park. About a 10-minute drive away, immerse yourself in the story of the brave emigrants who made the journey across the Atlantic to America hundreds of years ago. Offer from £99 B&B based on two adults and two children under 12 or £129 B&B for two adults and three children under 12 in a large family room. Subject to availability. https://www.silverbirchhotel.com/ 

County Antrim

Bayview Hotel (4*)

The Bayview Hotel is situated at the heart of the picturesque village of Portballintrae, one mile from Bushmills, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and close to the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle. A great spot for families with their junior and superior rooms, and ideal for traveling around the Causeway Coast and Glens. In addition, the warmth of the Porthole Bar & Restaurant provides a focal point of the hotel where you can watch the world go by with the sea view and enjoy a memorable family-friendly meal. Offer from £149 including Bed & Full Breakfast for two adults and two children. Subject to availability. http://www.bayviewhotelni.com/ 

County Armagh

Armagh City Hotel (3*)

A fantastic base for exploring all Armagh has to offer, guests can enjoy 93 en-suite bedrooms, delicious modern cuisine in the Friary Restaurant as well as the state-of-the-art health and leisure club. The Armagh City Hotel combines all the rest and relaxation you need with activities right on your doorstep. Kids will love the hotel pool and you’ll love the great value and spacious family rooms. Family break offer from £295.00 includes two-night B&B for two adults and two kids, £50.00 meal voucher and a family ticket to Navan Center & Fort or Armagh Planetarium (re-opening on 28 October) and tickets to the Armagh Cider Tour. Subject to availability. https://www.armaghcityhotel.com/ 

For further inspiration on great activities and places to stay across Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com. Or follow Discover Northern Ireland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Accommodation availability and prices correct at time of publication. All offers are subject to availability.