Month: September 2023

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Finn Lough, Lakeside Villas, County Fermanagh

Soak up the beautiful views of Lough Erne by your Lake Villa or Suite and the sights and enjoy the sounds of the forest. This offer includes one evening meal at The Barn Restaurant and complimentary access to the newly launched Awen Shore Spa. It incorporates the healing power of water and heat in an immersive experience that reflects the tranquillity of the lake. From £235 per room per night. Visit https://www.finnlough.com for more information.

Marine Hotel, Ballycastle, County Antrim

Take a break and explore this beautiful part of Northern Ireland while getting your clubs out before the chill of winter. This offer gives you the chance to play a round of golf at the Ballycastle course, with an evening meal in Marconi’s Bistro. You can enjoy the sea views and get into the swing of autumn. Two nights B&B from £190 per person sharing. Visit https://marinehotelballycastle.com for more information.

The Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown, County Tyrone

Situated in a super location for exploring Tyrone or near neighbour County Fermanagh with Enniskillen just twenty minutes by car. Enjoy a restful overnight stay in a refurbished room of your choice, plus a £30 dining voucher and a hearty Irish breakfast the next morning. A one-night retreat getaway from £160 per couple. Visit https://thevalleyhotel.com for more information.

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

The Enchanted House of Puppetry Returns to Ards Arts Centre!

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The Enchanted House of Puppetry makes a welcome return to Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards this Halloween when the historical building will once again be transformed into a puppet wonderland! No ghosts or ghouls, just incredible performances and workshops to inspire the imaginations of both young and old alike.

Presented by Ards Puppet Festival, the two-day event will feature an eclectic mix of scheduled performances, free puppet shows and workshops and plenty of madcap puppet shenanigans! Expect puppets in all shapes and sizes, from hand puppets to strings and socks!

One of the programme highlights is Snug and Grub Catch a Bug by Garlic Theatre. Snug and Grub live safely underground in their earthy heap. One day they pop out from under a rock to see some googly eyes peering through the grass. What on earth is it? And who can catch it first? But beware, something is hovering in the blue sky ready to swoop down… A wonderfully wiggly adventure for all the family. Join Garlic Theatre for this funny organic tale, with clowning and a host of colourful puppets, a beautifully crafted set and foot tapping music on Sunday 29 October at 11am and 3pm.

As well as scheduled performances, visitors can expect drop-in shows and workshops, taking place at various times throughout both days. The Noughty One An installation by Noisy Oyster fuses puppetry, automata, and robotics with 3D printing to explore our relationship with technology and the mercurial nature of the human world.

The Puppet Labyrinth is also back! Take a weelie wylie wander through the magical meandering puppet labyrinth to find the naughtiest troll in all of Ards, Aloisious Ginderbalm. Only the bravest travellers dare to seek out the enchanted ramblings and gobbledegook from an ancient 700 year old Swedish Troll. He tells the tallest tales for being the shortest troll!

There are also opportunities to get creative at the Puppet Making Workshops where everyone can have a go at making simple puppets to take away and create your very own puppet shows at home.

The Enchanted House of Puppetry is also delighted to celebrate the Puppets in your Place programme! Cre8 Theatre Company have been working with groups from Holywood, Comber, Donaghadee and Portaferry to create this puppet spectacular, funded through the Arts Council of Northern Irelands Rural Arts Engagement Programme. Expect large scale puppets, music and dance to celebrate these four communities. Taking place in Conway Square on Sunday 29 October at 4pm.

Speaking about event, Amy McKelvey, Community Arts Development Officer with Ards and North Down Borough Council said; “We are very excited to be presenting The Enchanted House of Puppetry again this October, when Ards Arts Centre will come alive with puppets! The Ards Puppet Festival is a long-established family favourite and every year we look forward to seeing all the looks of amazement, screams of delight and happy smiling faces. This is one not to miss.”

The Enchanted House of Puppetry takes place from 29 – 30 October in Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards. To view the full programme and to book tickets, go to: https://puppetfestival.andculture.org.uk/whats-on

Printed copies of the programme are also available from Ards Arts Centre, North Down Museum or any of the Council’s Visitor Information Centres.

MUSIC FOR THE MASSES AT ARMAGH’S MARKET PLACE

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Next weekend at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre is set to be filled with music to appeal to all tastes.

On Thursday 5 October the popular and multi-award-winning quintet Goitse will take to the stage. Goitse was forged in the white-hot creative crucible of Limerick’s Irish World Academy. Named Live Ireland’s Traditional Group of the Year, Chicago Irish American News’ Group of the Year, as well as winning the prestigious Freiburger International Leiter 2016 award in Germany, Goitse have become a leader of the new generation of traditional Irish ensembles. Their distinctive sound lies in the quality of their own compositions interspersed with traditional tunes from Ireland and abroad.

Then on Friday 6 October, a truly innovative merging of live music and film. Nosferatu is arguably the film that gave birth to the horror genre and is notable as the first cinematic interpretation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Its combination of expressionistic acting and unforgettable images render it just as powerful and unsettling today as when it first thrilled cinema goers 100 years ago.

 

The screening will be accompanied by Chris Green’s new score which was commissioned by English Heritage for a live outdoor screening of the film at Dracula’s spiritual home of Whitby Abbey. The music is a haunting blend of electronic and acoustic instruments performed live by the composer and, combined with FW Murnau’s iconic images, makes for a genuinely remarkable and unique cinematic experience.

 

An old favourite returns for a much-anticipated fourth visit to The Market Place Theatre on Saturday 7 October – the hugely popular Irish Pink Floyd Tribute, ‘Beyond The Horizon’. The band have a reputation for recreating the instrument and album sounds from Pink Floyd’s iconic back catalogue from the psychedelia of the ‘60s through to The Division Bell, and all performed by genuine Pink Floyd fans for Pink Floyd fans.

 

Tickets for all performances can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

GOITSE to perform at Flowerfield Arts Centre as part of NI tour

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Traditional music sensations GOITSE are touring NI this October with Moving On Music, supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and will be stopping at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart on Friday, 6th October.

The multi-award winning five piece have amassed five critically acclaimed records and with a busy year-round touring schedule, we are delighted to present this rare performance at Flowerfield. They will also be performing at Market Place Theatre, Armagh & Duncairn Arts Centre, Belfast.

Together, the quintet Goitse makes what Irish Music Magazine calls “Music that’s brimming with energy and creative zeal”. Their distinctive sound lies in the quality of their own compositions interspersed with traditional tunes from Ireland and abroad.

Laying the foundations for the music are World and All-Ireland Bodhrán Champion Colm Phelan, along with Conal O’Kane, who is fast making a name for himself as one of the finest guitarists of his generation. The gripping rhythm section sets a powerful drive for the music while the sweet, charismatic voice of Áine McGeeney draws audiences into a song the way few performers can. Multi-instrumentalist Alan Reid features mainly on banjo and bouzouki, drawing from an extensive knowledge of archival collections of Irish, which enriches the bands repertoire. Daniel Collins is a multi-instrumentalist All-Ireland Champion and is known for his distinctively intricate bass work on accordion.

There are limited tickets remaining, which are priced at £20 full, £18 concession.  This event will be seated cabaret style and it is BYOB. Tickets are available from: https://www.flowerfield.org/events/goitse or by calling reception on 028 7083 1400.

FALL INTO AUTUMN AT VINCENT’S POP-UP SHOP

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Vincent’s stores across the north west are bringing together the most sought after autumn fashions at a pop-up shop on Saturday 30 September in St Pio’s Centre in Derry.

This cash only event is offering thousands of items for sale at only £1 each. From menswear to womenswear, childrens clothing, footwear and handbags, there is a bargain to be had for every member of the family! As well as the latest trends in autumn fashions, if you’re looking forward to some winter sun, there’ll be summer stock available to choose from ahead of your winter holiday.

Speaking about the event, Anne McLarnon, St Vincent de Paul Regional Retail Representative, said: “With the change in seasons we all need a refresh in our wardrobe. Taking our inspiration from the ethos of St Vincent de Paul we wanted to offer affordable clothing and accessories to everyone in the north west. This pop-up shop is the perfect way to give people an opportunity to buy great quality items at just £1 and be autumn ready with comfy knits and warming footwear as the weather changes.”

Throughout the day stock will be replenished and visitors to the shop will be able to purchase all the essentials for their capsule winter wardrobe with a few luxury items thrown in to add a pop of colour or glitter to brighten up their look.

Vincent’s has 30 stores across Northern Ireland and the Clearance Pop-Up Shop has been made possible with Vincent’s stock from Derry, Dungiven, Enniskillen, Killyglogher in Omagh and Strabane as well as Buncrana and Letterkenny.

Vincent’s Clearance Pop-Up Shop takes place in St Pio’s Centre, beside St Joseph’s White Chapel, Fairview Road, Galliagh, Derry, on Saturday 30 September. Doors open at 10am and the shop will close at 4pm. All are welcome and there will be raffle prizes up for grabs on the day as well as free refreshments for shoppers to enjoy after shopping til they drop!

To request help from SVP or for information about becoming a member, please visit: www.svp.ie

LOUGH NEAGH PARTNERSHIP SPEARHEADING OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP NEW TOURISM EXPERIENCES IN MID ULSTER

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Lough Neagh Partnership has been appointed by Mid Ulster District Council to spearhead a new initiative aimed at fostering the development and growth of tourism experiences in the Mid Ulster area.

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Cllr Dominic Molloy, is pictured with Eimear Kearney, Marketing Manager of Lough Neagh Partnership, and Martin Armour, owner of Mid Ulster tourism business, Rosehill House, launching Mid Ulster District Council tourism project being managed by Lough Neagh Partnership. https://loughneaghpartnership.org/mid-ulster-tourism-experiences/

This new project will showcase everything that is unique about the area, especially its people and their stories, family history, cultural traditions and invaluable skills. In partnership with Mid Ulster District Council and working with Tourism NI, the organisation is calling for people that have an authentic experience that they would love to develop, to express their interest in the programme. From food producers to farmers, storytellers to fishermen, craft providers to activity providers – anyone with an experiential idea that could be developed to attract local, national and international visitors, should apply.

The project is open to everyone with an interest in tourism – those new to tourism and those with existing tourist focused businesses or hobbies.

The vision is that the project will create high quality authentic tourism experiences by recruiting potential participants who may be suitable for developing a bespoke experience or which might be suited to a collaborative approach with other businesses. The multi-faceted approach, includes identifying and engaging with the right businesses, providing mentorship, conducting market research and crafting an action plan aligning to Tourism NI’s Embrace a Giant Spirit and Visit Mid Ulster, Unwinding Time.

Eimear Kearney, Marketing Manager, Lough Neagh Partnership, said: “Lough Neagh Partnership is perfectly positioned to assist this project to establish a new tourism experience for the Mid Ulster area. We are committed to sustainable development, environmental conservation, community engagement and we are dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Mid Ulster while considering new ways to encourage visitors to the region.”

A rigorous review process will determine successful applicants who will enhance the development of these high quality and authentic local tourism experiences. Lough Neagh Partnership already works with a range of businesses and represents the Lough Neagh Artisans. Its experience in marketing intelligence, research and support is unparalleled in delivering tourism projects for local businesses, including the provision of unique visitor experiences with Lough Neagh Tours.

“Businesses and individuals with viable ideas will be guided through the process by the mentor and we are excited to see what hidden gems are located in and around the area just waiting to be discovered. The programme aims to stimulate ideas and will include advice and guidance on bringing new tourism experiences to fruition”, added Eimear.

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Cllr Dominic Molloy, said: “Mid Ulster District Council has a strong tourism product offering and we are keen to further develop and enhance visitor experiences across the district.  This project will help to strengthen existing experiences, and identify new visitor experiences, that will lead to a more immersive and quality time for the visitor. All of which can be aligned to Tourism NI’s “Embrace A Giant Spirit” brand experiences.”

Expressions of interest must be completed by 6 October 2023 and it is anticipated that, following a pilot, the successful experiences will be launched in March 2024. For anyone interested in seeking more information about the assistance this project will provide, please visit https://loughneaghpartnership.org/mid-ulster-tourism-experiences/

Bannsider Productions presents CONSTELLATIONS by Nick Payne at Flowerfield Arts Centre this October

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Bannsider Productions are delighted to bring Constellations by Nick Payne to Flowerfield Arts Centre for three epic performances this October

This thought-provoking piece focuses on the lives and relationship of Marianne and Roland.  Marianne is a quantum physicist. Roland is a beekeeper. They meet. They hit it off. Or maybe they don’t. They go home together. Or maybe they never speak again.

In Nick Payne’s multi-award-winning Constellations, every decision you have and haven’t made exists in a parallel universe of infinite possibilities.

Epic yet intimate, this funny, sharp and heart-breaking play asks which of our choices make for a life well lived.

Donelle Reynolds will take on the role of, physicist, Marianne, while Alan McClarty will play Roland, a beekeeper.

See the West End and Broadway smash hit CONSTELLATIONS at Flowerfield Arts Centre from 12th-14th October 2023.

Tickets are priced at £14 full and £12 concession, plus a booking fee and are available from flowerfield.org or by calling 028 7083 1400.

 

Expert Marketer Paul Kennedy To Speak At Momentum Business and Mindset Event

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Belfast business and mindset event Momentum have announced founder and director of Life Like Media Marketing Paul Kennedy as a speaker for their forthcoming A Night At The Museum.

In his session, ‘Mastering Marketing Assets: Crafting Creatives That Convert’, Paul will share his marketing expertise and equip listeners with the knowledge, frameworks and systems for building their own creatives for business in a way that will convert into sales and leads.

Momentum: A Night At The Museum, supported by Gekkoshot, will take place at the Ulster Museum on September 22, and Paul is only one of the all-star speaker lineup being revealed that includes leading names in hospitality, mindset, marketing, ecommerce, data and much more.

Speaking of his involvement with the event Paul said: “Momentum is providing a platform to educate on the more detailed nuances of marketing.

“If I can help even a few business and brand owners understand how creative will work for them by pulling back the curtain on our exact frameworks working with eight figure ecommerce brands, such as how to make ad content and measure success, it will be a huge win.

According to organisers Warren Giffin and Amée Spence, the event plans to bridge the gap between business needs and mindset support.

“We’re delighted to be bringing Momentum back for a second event, building upon the resounding success of our inaugural event back in January at The MAC” explained Warren, adding: “Last time we had fantastic speakers such as self-made entrepreneur and CEO of Bellamianta & Iconic Bronze, Linda Stinson, as well as passionate mental health advocate and Let’s Face It podcast host, Domhnall Nugent.

“This time we’re excited to get ready to announce an equally special lineup of industry experts who will give our attendees a night to remember.”

Paul revealed that the biggest topic of conversation in the marketing industry is the role of ad creative in achieving success in paid social media marketing, stating that it is the variable to success.

“No longer can we put out one graphic and target our exact audience and get sales.

“The platforms are very smart these days, so it’s not the targeting that matters and should not be the focus, its the actual ad itself – what is being seen, what message is being delivered and can you make enough variations to give yourself something to test. 

“This is only the beginning of a very important topic of conversation in social media marketing, but it’s fundamental.”

The marketer hopes that attendees will walk away from his ‘Mastering Marketing Assets: Crafting Creatives That Convert’ with a deeper understanding into ad creative, and the ease at which it can be developed.

“I hope business owners will discover that building conversion focused ad creative is as simple as following a framework and a system, allowing them to feel more comfortable in trying out the process of creating more content for themselves. 

 

“If anything, they will give this a try and learn from the process, or better yet – see an increase in sales!”

Tickets for Momentum: A Night At The Museum on September 22, 7:00pm-late are now on sale from thisismomentum.co.uk 

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Slieve Donard – Marine and Lawn Hotel & Resort, Newcastle, County Down

This wonderful Edwardian Railway Hotel has had a multi-million-pound refurbishment in time to celebrate its 125th birthday. Twinkling chandeliers and polished mahogany all point to its five-star rating. Grandeur inside and out as the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. Enjoy an overnight stay and a two-course meal at the Percy French and birthday cupcakes on arrival. Celebrate the re-opening of this Grand Dame of Northern Ireland Hotels at the special price of £125 per person sharing until September 30th. Visit https://marineandlawn.com/slievedonard/  for more information.

Fermanagh Self Catering, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

This four-star accommodation offers four varying sized holiday homes in a spacious site with wooded paths and lovely views. With pet friendly options, there are a choice of cottages suitable for up to eight people. Hills and walks are in abundance here with restful vistas over the Lough. There’s a games room on site with table tennis and snooker available as well a choice of board games in the relaxing sofa area. If you fancy more adventure, segway tours, archery and kayaking are available, on site on request. Lakeview, and Rafters sleep four, with three nights’ accommodation in either property from £300.  Visit for more information.

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 24th September- 1st October

  1. Cinemagic International Film & Television Festival for Young People, Belfast, County Antrim, 30 September-1 October. The 34th year of this film and TV festival for ages 4-25, offers a programme of unmissable opportunities for families, schools, and young filmmakers. There are over 200 events in venues across the city. Packed with screenings and workshops with creatives in the industry, this is a great opportunity for young people keen to capitalize on Northern Ireland’s place in the world of film making.
  2. Paddle Back in Time, Strangford, County Down, 30 September. Discover the stories of the monks and Vikings as you take to the water and travel out to Mahee Island, taking a historic route used by smugglers. Rory Martin, a native of the area, will be your guide as you visit the beautiful islands of Strangford.
  3. FEAR – Fermanagh Endurance Adventure Race, Derrygonnelly, County Fermanagh, 30 September. Are you willing to become a legend in your own lifetime and face the fear? This is a test in cycling, trail running and kayaking. Cut through the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark on your bike, get immersed in the wetter side with a swim in Lough Erne and face the Magho Cliff challenge. Not for the faint hearted!
  4. Martel’s Candlelight Tour, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 30 September. This two-hour guided tour will be looking at the difficulties faced by Edouard Martel when he explored the caves back in 1895. Among the things that will be looked at is how he measured cave passages using rope and how he gauged cave depths.
  5. Blessingbourne Mountain Bike Trails and Pump Track, Fivemiletown, County Tyrone, throughout September. Located in the heart of the Clogher Valley with trails catering for all ages and abilities this is a fun day out or all the family. Why not give the Pump Track a go? This short criss-crossing circular trail of rollers and berms where you use your weight distribution on the bike to flow over the features without having to use your pedals. The trails have been created by the world class Phil Saxena the course designer for the Beijing Olympics. Bike hires available. Check website for availability.
  6. W5 Late, Belfast, County Antrim, 29 September. The grown-ups can get to scale the heights of Climbit with no kids to ruin their fun! This adults-only, after-hours evening at Northern Ireland’s award-winning science and discovery centre is a must for those wishing to release their inner child! You can try the 250 hands on exhibits and enjoy a drink from the fully licensed bar. Pre booking essential.
  7. Sailing in the Wake of Giants, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, 25-30 September. Feed your sense of adventure and try something new. Take to the high seas for a tour around Belfast Lough. And don’t worry – no previous sailing experience required! See Belfast and its unique sites like Cavehill and yellow cranes of Samson and Goliath from an unusual angle. A memorable, exhilarating day out.
  8. Portrush Tasty, Portrush, County Antrim, 29 September. This foodie tour is the perfect Friday night opener to a great weekend. It kicks off with a behind the scenes visit to Portrush’s only craft brewery for a private tasting, moving on for a delicious main course on Main Street, and rounding off with a cool new cocktail in an awarding-winning bar and entertainment venue. Wendy will introduce you to flavours and characters of this coastal gem in this three-hour experience.  Over 18’s only. Check website for availability.
  9. Cake decorating workshop, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 29 September. This small family business is passionate about food, the Northern Ireland countryside, and local produce. This three-hour workshop will allow you to work on a freshly baked cake, which is yours to take home. You will learn piping techniques, how to make the best buttercream and how to make flowers for your creation. A tasty, fun way to make a new friend or have fun with old ones! All equipment and ingredients are provided. Check website for availability.
  10. The Argory, Moy, County Armagh, throughout September.  This amazing Neo-classical masterpiece dating from the 1820’s is a real delight. The former home of the McGeough Bond family, a tour of this reveals it is unchanged since 1900. There are beautiful walks in the 320-acre estate with woods and riverside to explore. You can browse the second-hand bookshop and gift shop, explore the adventure playground, and relax in The Courtyard Coffee Shop which serves up tasty treats for all the family.

 

Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/blog/read/2023/04/bank-holiday-ideas-for-families-b262

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