Month: July 2024

Armoy Road Races Set to Welcome Over 10,000 Visitors During Race Week

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Event Brings ‘Significant Boost’ to Local Economy Says Hotel Owner

ATTRACTING some of the biggest names in road racing, over 10,000 fans from across the world are expected to descend upon Armoy during Race Week, which is culminating in the iconic Armoy Road Races and the Bayview Hotel Race of Legends, taking place in the County Antrim village from Friday 26th – Saturday 27th July.

Over 10,000 fans are expected to descend upon Armoy during Race Week which is culminating in the Armoy Road Races and Bayview Hotel Race of Legends, taking place on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th July. Pictured are, members of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club, road racers, Dominic Herbertson, Ryan Whitehall, Jeremy McWilliams and Neil Kernohan, Trevor Kane, owner of the Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae and Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

Alongside drawing a huge number of visitors, this year’s event will see some of the most prestigious names in road racing taking on the circuit including Davey Todd, Jamie Coward, Derek Shiels, Michael Sweeney and Mike Browne. Competing at the Isle of Man TT a few weeks ago, Dominic Herbertson, Paul Jordan and Sam West will also be taking part in the Armoy Road Races this year.

According to William Munnis, Chairman of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club and Clerk of Course, the event has grown in popularity since its inception in 2009.

“We’re so proud that the Armoy Road Races has grown over the last 15 years to become one of the ‘must attend’ events in the Irish road racing calendar,” he said.

“The event commonly hosts thousands of fans from across Europe and the rest of the world including Australia and the United States of America and we hope that it will be the same this year, especially with the calibre of riders that will be taking part.”

Meanwhile, Trevor Kane, title sponsor of the Race of Legends and owner of the Bayview Hotel, in Portballintrae, says that the event provides a “significant boost” for businesses and local tourism in the area.

“Events like the Armoy Road Races are vital as they contribute a huge amount to the local economy,” he said.  

“The Races not only showcase Northern Ireland’s rich road racing history and its picturesque landscape, but it also provides an essential economic uplift for the area as it draws many thousands of visitors year on year.

“Our staff at the Bayview Hotel are busy preparing to welcome our global visitors in just a few weeks’ time and I have no doubt that they’ll enjoy an action-packed weekend of racing.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the Bayview over the years and continue to do so. It is vital that everyone continues to support the races in whatever way they can even by buying the programme package. The Club and its members who give of their time freely must be commended, so it’s only fair that we do our bit too and as local businesses and fans we must continue to support this fantastic sport and these exceptionally well run road races!”

Meanwhile, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council added: “Over the last 15 years, the Armoy Road Races has grown to become an event not to be missed and on behalf of Council, we’re very proud to continue to support this much-loved event.

“From hotels and restaurants to local retailers and transportation, this event helps boost the economy, while also attracting visitors to the Borough and showcasing what we have to offer. 

“The North Coast is synonymous with road racing and has produced some of the world’s greatest riders and we are delighted to see this continue.

“On behalf of the Borough, I hope that all those who travel from near and far to attend the Armoy Road Races, have a safe and enjoyable weekend, while also experiencing the world-class hospitality Causeway Coast and Glens is famous for.”

Part funded by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the Armoy Road Races are set to take place on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th July, culminating with the prestigious Bayview Hotel Race of Legends.

Programme packages are currently on sale via the website, that includes a vehicle parking pass and a limited-edition event lanyard which enables spectators to enter specific vantage points around the circuit.

Race Week is also taking place from Sunday 21st July until Saturday 27th July with various events scheduled including a ride out and barbecue, a classic car display and a classic bike display.

For more information on Armoy Road Races and Race Week, visit: www.amrrc.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook or follow on X @ArmoyRoadRaces.

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Marine Hotel, Ballycastle, County Antrim

Escape to the beach this summer with Marine Hotel’s ‘Summer One Night Family Break’ offer starting from £199 midweek. This offer includes bed and full breakfast for two adults and up to two children, additional children £22.00. Explore Ballycastle Beach with complimentary buckets and spades for your little ones on arrival and discover the local area with Penny’s Summer Scavenger Hunt. Enjoy some family time playing board games in the lounge or explore the children’s play park just outside the front of the hotel. Offer available until the end of August. Visit www.marinehotelballycastle.com for more information.

 

The Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown, County Tyrone

Tick Cuilcagh off the bucket list and enjoy an overnight stay with The Valley Hotel before or after your climb, with bed and breakfast, bubbles and packed lunch. Starting from £129 for a double room, the offer includes an overnight stay, delicious full Irish breakfast in the morning, bottle of bubbly, packed lunch in picnic backpack and complimentary car parking for all guests. Offer available from Sunday to Thursday, until 30 September. Visit www.thevalleyhotel.com for more information.

 

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com

SOMA FEST 2024 Returns To Castlewellan This Month

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The well known SOMA Festival will be returning to Castlewellan, County Down later this month with a whole host of musical performances, exciting activities and holistic experiences.

Running from July 19-21, the ever-popular SOMA Festival will feature a variety of performances, offering audiences the chance to embrace the alternative festival vibe that can’t be found anywhere else.

The three-day event has been specially curated by the SOMA volunteer team to ensure that the best artists from across the island of Ireland and beyond will be in attendance.

Tíona McSherry, SOMA Festival Director, said she was delighted to develop another fantastic line-up for this year’s event along with the wider team.

She said: “Our team has come up with another stellar programme for festival goers to enjoy this year. 

“We’re so excited for the incredible acts we have coming to perform. We hope Castlewellan is as buzzing for it as we are.”

With funding from Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Foras na Gaeilge, and sponsors and partners Whitewater Brewing Co., Glór Uachtar Tíre, Excalibur Press, Dolmes Climate Action Network, and Cumann Phobail Garbhdhoire, SOMA Festival 2024 tickets are already available and can be purchased for individual events or as a weekend access pass to all concerts.

With a full line-up set to be released in due course there will be a number of festival hubs scattered around the town with SOMA on the Square, Little Gems and Mind, Body & Soul also making a return.

Tíona added: “It takes a dedicated group of people to attempt to pull any festival off, not to mention doing it for the love alone. 

“A big thank you to all of our funders and sponsors, in particular Whitewater Brewing Co. and Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, and the wonderful volunteers who help make the SOMA Festival a reality.”

SOMA Festival 2024 is set to offer a welcome space for everyone regardless of what they’re interested in, including everything from live music and family entertainment to nature walks and meditation sessions.

The SOMA Festival runs between 19th-21st July and full details including tickets can be found at www.linktr.ee/thesomafestival 

Orangefest Celebrations Set For July 12 At Belfast City Hall

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Jonathan Walker, Ravenhill Road Volunteers LOL 580 and Leah Magill, Pride of the Raven Flute Band

A whole host of family fun activities is planned to take place at Belfast’s City Hall in conjunction with the annual parades to commemorate The Twelfth.

Created to complement the July 12 parades, Orangefest 2024 will take place from 10am-4pm at both Belfast City Hall and surrounding areas in Royal Avenue.

Established in 2007, Orangefest was created to enhance the well-known yearly parades with a variety of inclusive and entertaining activities. 

The 2024 festival boasts an impressive line-up from an international food market in the grounds of City Hall organised by Food NI and Taste of Ulster offering up a range of local and international cuisines as well as live cooking demonstrations.

Circusful street entertainers will be bringing their award-winning street theatre to the grounds of City Hall where stilt walkers, drumming workshop from community tribal drummers, drop in circus skills and circus shows provided free and suitable for all ages.

County Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Bro. Spencer Beattie said the organising committee are delighted “to be bringing together a variety of activities to encourage people to remain in the city centre throughout the morning.”

He said: “Our message this year is that Belfast is very much going to be open for business during the 12th July celebrations.

“Many retailers throughout the city centre have committed to remaining opening during the festivities from 1pm to 5pm and we want to encourage people to enjoy their time in the city centre responsibly and safely.”

As well as the programme of events in the grounds of City Hall there will also be a range of Belfast City Hall guided tours available throughout the morning allowing people to experience the city’s rich history.

Mr Beattie said he looks forward to welcoming people from all across the city to Orangefest this year: “It is our mission to enhance the well-known 12th of July celebrations by providing additional activities that are educational, entertaining, and accessible to all, fostering a sense of community and togetherness in Belfast.

“As we enjoy the spectacle of the 334th annual demonstration of the Battle of the Boyne, we are looking forward to a feast of activity at Belfast City Hall.

“We aspire to make the Belfast 12th a globally recognised event that not only highlights the cultural significance of the day but also promotes unity and economic growth. 

“Through our efforts, we aim to remove barriers, foster mutual respect, and create a positive and inclusive environment for all citizens and visitors.”

The events will also be complemented by a range of eye-catching street dressings and display banners, adding to the festive atmosphere by Image Zoo.

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