Month: March 2025

Arts Night Returns to North Down Museum!

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Mark your calendars – Arts Night at the Museum is back at North Down Museum in Bangor on Friday, 21 March! This much-loved annual event invites local artists, art enthusiasts, and visitors of all ages to explore their creativity in a welcoming environment.

Attendees can take part in a variety of artistic activities, from screen printing and clay work to sketching, drawing, and digital art – there’s something for everyone! Whether you prefer to watch skilled artists at work or try your hand at creating your own masterpiece under expert guidance, this free event offers an exciting chance to get involved.

The historic museum will come alive with art, offering visitors the opportunity to engage, observe, and participate in a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. As you explore the museum and its galleries, unleash your inner artist and let your creativity flow!

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts Officer, Patricia Hamilton, said: ‘North Down Museum transforms into a creative hub with lots of different types of ‘have a go’ arts activities. Bring your friends and family and enjoy an evening of creativity in a relaxed atmosphere’.

Coffee Cure, the museum’s café will be open throughout the evening, serving light meals, snacks, and beverages.

The event runs from 6pm to 9pm, with free admission and no booking required for any activities. Don’t miss this fantastic night of art and creativity!

For more information, visit: www.andculture.org.uk

15 Exciting Things to do this Week across NI!

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Here are 15 exciting things to do from 10 – 16 March

 

  1. Taste Mid Ulster Restaurant Week, various locations, 10 – 16 March. Discover culinary delights in Mid Ulster as participating restaurants across the district are rolling out the red carpet to showcase their finest culinary creations. From gourmet delicacies to classic comfort foods, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
  2. Fireside Stories, Downpatrick, Newcastle, Newry, County Down, 13,14,15 March. Fireside Stories will be hosted in three different outdoor locations across the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion, celebrating local landscapes, places and spaces. The performers specialise in a unique blend of skills in circus and contemporary dance and the manipulation of fire to achieve strong storytelling that packs an emotional punch.
  3. Leprechaun Treasure Trail, Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down, 15 – 17 March. Enjoy a St Patrick’s Day treasure trail in search of some mischievous leprechauns. You will receive a pack from the ticket office which will include a map to help you with your search. Explore the trails and gardens and have some fun along the way. When the treasure trail has been completed you may also receive a reward from the ‘Pot of Gold’.
  4. St Patrick’s Day Celebrations at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, County Down, 16 March. Join Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for a fun-filled family day out, with stories, music and celebration, in honour of St. Patrick’s Day. Immerse yourself in the magic of traditional Irish storytelling with renowned storyteller Eamonn Keenan, accompanied by the captivating music of Aodan MacSeafriadh.
  5. Irish Whiskey Masterclass at the Home of St Patrick Festival, Hole in the Wall Bar, Armagh, County Armagh, 14 March. The tasting experience will provide an immersive dive into Irish whiskey, where you will sample six varieties and be guided through each one by expert host, Ronan Collins, AKA Whiskey4Breakfast. You will sample whiskies from some of the most exciting new and innovative Irish distilleries that have emerged over the last decade.
  6. St Patrick’s Shindig at the Home of St Patrick Festival, Market Square, Armagh, County Armagh, 14 March. Armagh is set to rock on St Patrick’s weekend, with a superb live open-air concert featuring an electrifying line-up. The High Stool Prophets will make a welcome return to Armagh after blazing a trail on the Irish folk scene. Also appearing will be Pure Blarney, a vibrant Irish folk and traditional band.
  7. JigJAZZ at the Home of St Patrick Festival, Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, County Armagh, 16 March. JigJAZZ is a new contemporary Irish dance show featuring world champion Irish dancers. Combining traditional Irish dance with elements of tap and jazz, this high energy masterpiece is accompanied by outstanding singers and musicians to make it an enjoyable and memorable night.
  8. Belfast St Patrick’s Music Festival, Belfast, 14 – 17 March. The range of free and ticketed events celebrate the very best of our traditional arts and include concerts, céilís, displays, taster sessions, workshops, outdoor music stages and more.
  9. St Patrick’s Day Festival Weekend, Bushmills, County Antrim, 15 – 17 March. Come and celebrate St Patrick’s Day weekend at the Giant’s Causeway, with lots of family-friendly activities. From whimsical leprechaun trails, facepainting, treasure hunts, trad bands, selfie opportunities with resident friendly giant, Finn McCool and so much more. This event promises to be a magical giant experience for all ages.
  10. Steam Whitehead St Patrick’s Weekend, Whitehead Railway Museum, County Antrim, 15 March. On the historic 1907 platform at Whitehead Excursion Station you’ll board their train for a short trip within their premises. Hauled by their 104-year-old locomotive No.3BG ‘Guinness’, you will travel in a carriage which a certain famous wizard would feel at home in as you are transported to a bygone era. Included in your ticket price is a train ride and admission to the five-gallery museum (allow at least an hour). Afterwards, you can treat yourself to tea/coffee and snacks in the café.
  11. Wild Caving – Marble Arch Caves, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 15 March. Delve off the beaten track with an experienced and qualified Cave Leader to explore ‘wild caving’ in the depths of the Marble Arch Caves system. Your group of ten will explore wild cave passages, negotiate boulder chambers and clamber through the well-known flyover to emerge into the public tour area of the show cave before navigating your way out through the wild chambers.
  12. Patrick’s Flotilla 2025, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 16 March. Enjoy a spectacular St. Patrick’s Flotilla as beautifully decorated, illuminated boats take to the waters of Enniskillen. Departing from the Ardhowen Jetty, the flotilla will journey through the town in a stunning green-lit procession, creating a breathtaking sight.
  13. St Patrick’s Day at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 16 – 17 March. Learn about the history of the shamrock as you take in the sounds of traditional Irish music across Ulster and America. Watch Irish dance performances and see traditional craft demonstrations like basket weaving throughout the day. Stop by the Mellon House where the table will be filled with traditional foods like colcannon and apple tart or follow the ‘Shamrock Selfie Trail’ and get involved in some St Patrick’s themed crafts.
  14. The Chocolate Box at The Chocolate Manor, Castlerock, County Londonderry 15 March. Led by Chief Chocolatier at The Chocolate Manor, Geri Martin, you will begin by learning the fundamentals of working with chocolate at home and learning what equipment you need. You will then move on to hands-on chocolate making, practicing tempering chocolate to create a delicious selection of flavoured chocolates using ingredients such as honeycomb and orange. You will also discover the differences in working with selected varieties of chocolate.
  15. St Patrick’s Day Beach Ride with Crindle Stables, Limavady, County Londonderry, 15 March. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a scenic horseback ride along the stunning Northern Ireland coastline. This beach ride offers a unique outdoor adventure for riders 12 years and older and is perfect for all skill levels.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.

Offers of the Week

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Killeavy Castle Estate, Killeavy, County Armagh

 

As the centrepiece of 365 acres of mixed farm and woodland in County Armagh’s stunning Slieve Gullion, Killeavy Castle Estate is the ideal place to escape, retreat, relax and unwind. Starting from £149 per person sharing, the offer includes two course dinner for two in Gullion at Killeavy, luxury overnight stay, access to thermal spa facilities and traditional Irish breakfast. Offer valid until Monday 31st March 2025. Visit www.killeavycastle.com for more information.

 

 

Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

 

Enjoy stunning views directly overlooking scenic Lough Erne at Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges in Enniskillen. From £135pps, this two-night midweek stay offer includes, full cooked breakfast, use of Killyhevlin Health Club including indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, outdoor lakeview hot tub and gym. Offer valid selected Sun – Thurs dates March 2025, subject to availability. Visit www.killyhevlin.com for more information.

 

 

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

 

Offers are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability and change without notice. Terms and Conditions apply to each offer and can be viewed on the individual provider’s websites. Tourism NI acts as a promoter of third-party offers and accepts no responsibility for any changes, withdrawals, or inaccuracies made by providers.

 

World Superbike Champions headline Joey Dunlop celebration in Ballymoney

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The achievements of motorcycling legend Joey Dunlop will be remembered at a special event in Ballymoney on Saturday, May 24th 2025.

The JOEY 25 celebration will be held in his hometown, a quarter of a century since his passing, and will be hosted by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

Multiple World Superbike champions Carl Fogarty and Jonathan Rea will headline a star-studded line up of 25 riders who will be in attendance to celebrate the life of one of Northern Ireland’s greatest ever sporting ambassadors.

A host of British Superbike riders, Joey’s former teammates, rivals and friends will ride 25 of his original bikes in a closed road event around the town centre.

The event is being held in conjunction with Joey’s family, who are pleased his life will be remembered 25 years since he died, aged 48, in a racing accident in Estonia.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to remember Joey than an event in his hometown,” said Joey’s wife Linda.

This will be the biggest collection of Joey’s bikes that has ever been brought together, and to have so many of his friends and famous riders take part in this event is very special.

This landmark anniversary of Joeys passing is a really tough time for the family, and we would like to thank the local council for staging this event, which we hope thousands of people can enjoy.”

Jonathan Rea will ride a famous Joey Dunlop bike at the event.

“I am honoured to be on board one of Joey Dunlop’s machines at this celebration event in his home town,” said the 6 time World Superbike Champion.

“What a thrill to be able to ride his Isle of Man winning Yamaha TZ750 around the streets of Ballymoney.

Joey was a hero of mine growing up and he inspired so many riders from this country, including me, to achieve our dreams”

The Joey 25 event will take place 2 weeks after the North West 200 in what is a busy time for the Borough.

“We look forward to welcoming what is sure to be thousands of motorbike fans to this special Joey 25 event in May,” said Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, the youngest mayor in the history of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

“I am thrilled that the council has agreed to host an event in celebration of the achievements of the icon that was Joey Dunlop.

“Joey was a local hero and an incredible ambassador not just for Ballymoney, but for fans across our Council area and indeed the world. It is fitting that we celebrate his legacy.”

As part of the celebration there will be a Joey 25 exhibition of his memorabilia running from April in the museum, and another parade of race bikes at the Classic Bike Festival Ireland in August. The full line up of riders for May 24th will be announced soon.

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