Author: whatsonni

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 (30 July – 5 August)

 

  1. Belfast Pride Festival, Belfast, 27 July – 5 August. Belfast Pride is one of the biggest festivals in Belfast celebrating the LGBTQA+ community and runs over 100 events across 10 days. The week includes a range of activities from workshops to social events and much more, with the main parade held on Saturday 4 August.
  2. The Wickerman Gathering 2018, Armagh, 4 August.  As the Celts celebrate the festival of Lughnasa, marking the beginning of the harvest season, join the clan in their preparations for the ceremonial burning of the 30ft Wickerman. Music, dancing and face painting will all be available at this event alongside the great ceremony of burning the Wickerman.
  3. Ulster Military Vehicle Club Show, Portrush, 4 – 5 August.  This annual event gives the public the opportunity to see up close a range of historic military vehicles. The Ulster Military Vehicle Club exists to promote the restoration, preservation and display of ex-military vehicles. There will be re-enactments and display stalls alongside the exhibition.
  4. Teddy Bears Picnic, Falls Park, Belfast, 5 August.  The Teddy Bears Picnic will have arts and crafts, a petting farm, graffiti wall art and a few other surprises. Bring along a picnic, a blanket, your teddy and its owner. There will also be a competition for the best dressed teddy bear and owner.
  5. Hog ‘n’ Bog Weekend 2018, Newcastle, 3 – 5 August. The Hog “n” Bog weekend will see hundreds of Harley Davidson motorbike fans descend on Newcastle, Co. Down, for the chance to ride-out through the stunning surroundings of the Mourne Mountains. This year’s event will be based at the Burrendale Hotel and will feature a custom bike show, live music and much more.
  6. Improv Comedy Festival, Belfast, 4 – 5 August. Improv acts from as far afield as Shanghai and as close to home as Dublin will be performing their unique form of comedy over the course of five evenings at the Accidental Theatre.
  7. Kite Festival, Castlerock, 4 – 5 August. This high-flying spectacle offers fun for all the family as a kaleidoscope of kites of all sizes take to the skies over the iconic coastal estate of Downhill Demesne. There will be award-winning kite displays, stunt kite teams, and other kite related activities, all of which will make this a weekend not to miss.
  8. Foyle Cycling Club 3 Day Race, Derry~Londonderry, 3 – 5 August. The FCC 3 Day Race is an event designed for A1, A2, A3 and junior male riders and A1, A2 and A3 female riders with the aim to be one of the best cycling events of its kind. Over the course of the weekend the race will see some of the best riders compete on some of the hardest roads in the North West.
  9. Ulster Rugby Family Fun Day, Belfast, 3 August. Ulster Rugby’s Fun Day lets fans meet and greet members of the 2018/19 playing squad. Activities available on the day include rugby skills and tag sessions, a bouncy castle, meet and greets, a climbing wall, a petting zoo and much more.
  10. Dog Leap Rally, Limavady, 4 August. A day of high quality motorsport entertainment, attracting top drivers and co-drivers. Visitors can experience high speed, high octane and an ultimately exhilarating event, making for a fantastic day out for all the family.

 

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

First ever Tafelta Festival this August!

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The first ever Tafelta Festival, the ancient name for Magherafelt, will take place in the town centre next month.

The 2-day music and entertainment event will take place in Magherafelt from 10-12 of August.

The event, which has been organised by Mid Ulster District Council in partnership with Magherafelt Town Centre Forum and local hospitality businesses, will see a selection of free family friendly entertainment in the town accompanied by entertainment in hospitality businesses throughout the weekend.

The idea for the festival came from the hospitality trade in the town following the success of last year’s Magherafelt Christmas Market.

From Monday 6 – Friday 10 August, an Orchestra of Change Makers Project will take place from 11am – 3pm at the Bridewell where young people aged 11 – 18 can get involved in performing, producing, choreographing etc a musical piece that will then be showcased in the Bridewell on Saturday 11 August at 2pm. The project is being facilitated by Beyond Skin and delivered by experienced tutors Raphael Frank and Nikolas Petsakos.

Anyone interested in taking part should email info.beyondskin@gmail.com.

On Saturday 11 August free family entertainment will take place in the town centre from 12pm – 4pm including face painting, balloon modelling, street entertainment (including HipOps and Queen B and Honey B), and a street art workshop where children can experiment with graffiti and chalk art.

Drop in arts and craft workshops will also take place during the same time in Bank of Ireland.

Sunday 12 August will see a host of family entertainment including face painting, balloon modelling and special walkabouts by singing chefs circus jesters, take place at Meadowlane Shopping Centre from 1pm – 5pm.

Hospitality businesses taking part in the festival include: Mary’s Bar, Dorman’s Bar, Slims Healthy Kitchen, The Coachman, The Terrace, Ground, Brysons, The Flax, The Step Inn, Market Tavern and Meadowlane Shopping Centre.

A host of entertainment and promotions will take place in the establishments over the duration of the festival including musical and dance performances, a Farmer’s Market and special food and drink promotions.

For more information on the Tafelta Festival go to: www.midulstercouncil.org/Tafelta.

Speciality Food Fair returns to Moira Demesne bigger and better

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Speciality Food Fair will return to Moira Demesne on Saturday 18th August for its fourth year with a focus on local artisan food with sustainability and preservation of food a key focus for 2018.

 

The Food Fair has grown in popularity among traders and consumers alike as a key date in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s summer events calendar. This year’s event will benefit from additional funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme, with new features added to the event programme.

Popular features from previous years will be retained, with an extended artisan food hall, chef demos, café bar, street food and picnic village. This year an ‘edutainment’ element will be added to the line-up featuring expert talks, workshops and masterclasses for both adults and children.

Reflecting on the popularity of the Speciality Food Fair, Alderman William Leathem, Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Development Committee said, “We are delighted to welcome the return of the Speciality Food Fair to Moira for its fourth year. We are very pleased with the growing interest in the event from award-winning producers based within the Council area and further afield. Produce will be on offer to suit all tastes and dietary requirements, so we hope to see many local visitors as well as foodies from across Northern Ireland celebrate the top-notch producers and products against the stunning backdrop of Moira Demesne.”

Producers from varying artisan backgrounds will take part including Abernethy Butter, Ke Nako Biltong, Krazi Baker, Harnett’s Oils, Burren Balsamics, The StillHouse Moira, Crumbs Vegan Bakery, Bara Bakehouse, Ispini Charcuterie and Ballyriff Buffalo among many others.

Head of DAERA’s Regional Food Programme, Louise Millsopp said, “I am delighted that the Department is providing support to the Council’s Speciality Food Fair through the Regional Food Programme this year. The event will be a fantastic showcase of Northern Ireland’s local, award-winning, agri-food industry highlighting the quality, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship that exists across the food and drink sectors. I’m sure it will be a really enjoyable day with something to suit all the avid foodie enthusiasts among us.”

Enjoy the great outdoors at the Food Fair

Set amongst the lush backdrop of Moira Demesne’s stunning parkland, guests will enjoy plenty of opportunities to indulge their interests, whether it is chatting to producers or going along to the chef demos in the Kitchen Sessions, or to one of the expert talks. There will be plenty of options also to enjoy speciality treats al fresco, whilst relishing in live entertainment from local musicians.

As always, the street food village and picnic area will be a primary outdoor feature at the Food Fair with an even greater choice on offer, reflecting Northern Ireland’s burgeoning gourmet street food scene. Guests are encouraged to get acquainted with emerging faces on Northern Ireland’s gourmet street food scene, including Dickie D’s Grilled Cheese, Fionnbobs Food Wagon, Burger Republic, The Hatch as well as more established names such as Pheasantshill Farm.

Plenty to quench guests’ thirsts

The Café Bar will also return, serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages suitable for all ages, with local apple juice, cordials, craft beers, ciders, and spirits. Speciality coffees for those in need of a caffeine fix will be served up alongside teas and hot chocolate. The StillHouse will up the ante in the café bar, bringing a taste of what is on offer in their newly created Distillery Bar located a stone’s throw away in Moira village.

Fun for the whole family with children’s workshops and Kitchen Sessions

The popular Kitchen Sessions will return to this year’s Speciality Food Fair in addition to fringe events featuring leading chefs and experts. Award winning Moira chefs, Chris McGowan of Wine & Brine, Danni Barry of Clenaghans Restaurant and Stephen Jeffers of Forestside Cookery School will lead the charge with Chris focusing on a modern twist to traditional food preserving, Danni giving a workshop on foraging and incorporating your finds into your home cooking and Stephen offering a skills masterclass in addition to cooking a dish from his new cookbook.

‘Edutainment’ will once again be the key focus for all interactive family fun activities, encouraging kids to learn about the natural world around them and to get involved in planting their own food. Interactive activities will include bug hotel making, observational beehives, beeswax wrap making, all as 30-minute workshops running from 10am-3pm. For a full schedule go to the Visit Lisburn Castlereagh website.

Entry and parking to the Speciality Food Fair is free and will run from 10am – 6pm on Saturday 18th August. Access for disabled visitors is provided.

For more information on traders and a full programme of events visit visitlisburncastlereagh.com or follow Visit Lisburn Castlereagh on Facebook.com/enjoylisburn, Twitter @VisitLisburn and Instagram @visitlisburncastlereagh.

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

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Down

This month sees the return of the much-loved Skiffie Festival on Strangford Lough and in Delamont Country Park. From the 27th to the 29th of July, international competitors and locals will descend upon Strangford Lough in their community-built skiffs for this action-packed weekend of events. Visitors will not only have the opportunity to watch the racing, there will also be a range of free family centred activities including boat trips, live music, model air craft displays, a food village and much more. The festival marks the first of five events in the Giant Adventures summer programme, spearheaded by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Armagh

Lúnasa Festival 2018 – Lúnasa… Bringing it on! takes place on July 28, 2018 from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Slieve Gullion Courtyard, Meigh.  Lúnasa is one of the four great days in the Celtic wheel of the year. It traditionally  announced the beginning of the grain harvest, was recognised as a time for matchmaking and marks the sun’s progress around our planet. These were days of rent paying and stock taking but also days of pausing, merriment, reflecting and exploring what needs to be done in the coming period. You are invited to come along and enter into a pausing space, a space to reflect and discover what personal gifts, skills or ideas you need to harvest and bring forth over the coming season. Facilitated by Janet O’Hagan.

Fermanagh

Asda Enniskillen is hosting a Teddy Bear’s Picnic in aid of Children in Need in store this Saturday 28th July.. There will be lots of ‘bear-y’ exciting activities for everyone to take part in, from teddy bear bingo to a traditional tombola. A fun filled day for all the family to enjoy while doing their bit for Children in Need.

Tyrone

Dergfest Music Festival is back for its fifth year this weekend from 27th to 29th July. This year’s line-up includes Mark McCabe, Darude, Teddy Cream, Niamh McGlinchey, Jim Devine, Derek Ryan, Rough Justice, Mundy and the Logues. Full details at dergfest.co.uk.

Derry

Frock Around The Clock will be taking The Great Summer Holiday Fair to the wonderful seaside location of Portstewart for the first time on Sunday 29th July. This event will feature 20 stalls of beautiful artisan crafts, vintage & antique items, holistic therapies and much more, including fashion accessories, jewellery, homewares, collectables, textiles & decor, art and photography, health and beauty, artisan food, & much more besides. Town Hall, The Crescent, Portstewart. Admission is  £2 and children go free.

Antrim

Randox Antrim Show takes place on Saturday 28th July at Shanes Castle, Antrim, from 9.00am – 5.00pm.  Take a walk in the country at one of Northern Ireland’s bets known regional agricultural shows and its beautiful location on the shore of Lough Neagh.  From cookery demonstrations by Paula McIntyre in the Festival of Food marquee, to livestock, sheep shearing and horse jumping competitions there’s plenty to keep all of the family amused. There’s also a dog agility display, a children’s pet show, a petting zoo, Young Farmers Games, Irish dancing, live music and a jiving competition to be found among craft stalls, family entertainment, and Home Industries and Horticulture exhibits.  Admission is £10 per person, where accompanied children under 16 years of age go free. Car parking is also FREE. Admission is payable at the gate, and discounted early bird tickets can be purchased online for £9 until Wednesday 25th July. Further show information available at www.randoxantrimshow.com.

Belfast

On Saturday 28th July, Belfast Zoo will go ‘quiet’. Belfast Zoo’s quiet hours allow visitors on the autism spectrum, their family and friends to enter the zoo an hour early at 9am. This is an opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet of the zoo for an hour before it opens to the general public. Normal admission prices apply. You can book online in advance or can purchase your ticket on arrival.

 

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

 

Mary Coughlan in concert at Flowerfield Arts Centre

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Arguably one of Ireland’s greatest female jazz and blues singers, Mary Coughlan will perform at Flowerfield Arts Centre on Friday 27th July.

Described as ‘Ireland’s Billie Holiday’ Mary has overcome childhood trauma, alcohol and drug addiction to become a musical force like no other. Her wonderful whisky-blurred, smoke-seared voice is full of husky notes, laconic wit, bitter-sweet defiance and despair. Mary is equally at home with the songs of Cole Porter or Jagger and Richards.

The artist has carved out a timeless and highly regarded career and has a legion of fans worldwide. Since her first album ‘Tired and Emotional’ rocketed her to overnight fame in 1985, her ability to deeply connect with both the song and audience remains undiminished, a testament to her inner strength and to the power of transformation & redemption.

Her live performances ‘have to be seen to be believed’ as described by British music journalism website NME.

Don’t miss this truly exciting ‘one night only’ performance at Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart.

Tickets are available by calling 028 7083 1400 or at www.eventbrite.com and www.flowerfield.org

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.

 

Spring Family Titanic Offer, Crowne Plaza, Belfast from £151 based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing

Enjoy a “Titanic” family break at the four-star Crowne Plaza Belfast. This modern hotel is situated in the picturesque surroundings of Lagan Valley Regional Park and is just 10 minutes’ drive from Belfast’s thriving city centre, making it the perfect location for a family adventure.  Offer includes an overnight B&B stay in a family room and family ticket to the world’s leading tourist attraction, Titanic Belfast.  To book call 028 9092 3500. Offer available until 30 September 2018.

 

Time Together, Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel, Co. Londonderry from £115 per person sharing

The ideally located four-star Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel is less than five minutes’ drive from the centre of the historic walled city of Derry ~ Londonderry. Enjoy the perfect combination of sight-seeing and leisure time with that someone special. Build up an appetite as you walk along the city walls, then relax with some lunch and shopping in the city centre. Offer includes an overnight B&B stay and a romantic four-course evening meal with a bottle of wine in the hotel’s 68 Clooney Restaurant. To book call 028 7186 0606. Offer available until 31 March 2019.

 

Summer Spa Package, Mellon Country Inn Hotel, Co. Tyrone from £120 per person sharing

The three-star Mellon Country Inn Hotel is nestled at the feet of the spectacular Sperrin Mountains, between Omagh and Strabane. Here you will find the heart of Tyrone’s most popular spot for leisure activities such as walking, cycling, fishing and golf, making it the perfect location to slow down and relax. Offer includes an overnight B&B stay with a welcome platter on arrival, use of a private hot tub and a full body lava shell massage and three-course evening meal with complimentary bottle of wine. To book call 028 8166 1224. Offer available until 30 September 2018.

 

SKIFFIE FESTIVAL READY TO ROW INTO STRANGFORD LOUGH FOR THIRD YEAR

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This July will see the return of the much-loved Skiffie Festival on Strangford Lough and in Delamont Country Park.

From the 27th to the 29th of July, international competitors and locals will descend upon Strangford Lough in their community-built skiffs for this action-packed weekend of events. Visitors will not only have the opportunity to watch the racing, there will also be a range of free family centered activities including boat trips, live music, model air craft displays, a food village and much more.

The festival marks the first of five events in the Giant Adventures summer programme, spearheaded by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Around 20 races take place across the weekend, with teams competing from across the island of Ireland and Scotland.

Councillor Mark Murnin, Chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down Council said: “The Skiffie Festival is a highlight of the Giant Adventures programme. The breath-taking setting of Strangford Lough and picturesque nature of Delamont Country Park presents the ideal location for this wonderful competitive racing and family fun festival. Following the excitement of the Skiffie World Championships in 2016 and last year’s successful Skiffie Festival, we are delighted to host this thrilling weekend, once again.’’

Families can enjoy a wide range of activities, suitable for all ages at Delamont Country Park. For further information about the Skiffie Festival and the Giant Adventures programme visit www.visitmournemountains.co.uk

`Legendary Clubsound headline Party in The Park!

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Join us for a Festival of Fun at Party in The Park in Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday 4 August from 1-5pm.  Now in its seventh year, this free family fun event is the only party to be at this summer.

Headline act, local comedy legends Clubsound, now in their 47th year on the road, will play a two-hour Rock & Roll set celebrating the music and fun of the fabulous 50’s&60’s (there is a strong possibility that a few jokes may find their way into the set). The guys will be accompanied on stage by the one and only, Trevor Kelly.

Other activities in this year’s lineup include bungee trampolines, crazy golf, swing boats, arts & crafts, balloon modelling, face painting and a range of culinary delights from the food fayre.

We hope you can join us for Party in The Park at Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday 4 August, the perfect day out for both young and old alike.

For more information visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/partyinthepark

10 things to do in Northern Ireland 23rd to 29th July

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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 (23-29 July)

 

  1. The Wizard of Oz, Belfast, 26-29 July. Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Grand Opera House as the Theatre’s Summer Youth Project stages an unmissable production of one of the best-loved musicals of all time. All of the characters and songs from the iconic movie will be brought to life by a hugely talented cast of young people.
  2. The Portstewart Community Red Sails Festival, Portstewart, 22-28 July. The Red Sails Festival includes a diverse range of free musical events, children’s entertainment and competitions, street theatre and dance. With O’Hara’s Castle a backdrop, the Red Sails Festival finale fireworks display has become one of the most popular displays in Ireland
  3. Nathan Carter in Concert, Newcastle, 28 July. Nathan Carter is an exciting figurehead on the UK country music scene and returns to Newcastle for a one night concert in the stunning surroundings of the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa.
  4. Historical Walking Tour, Newtownards, 26 July. Situated at the northern end of Strangford Lough, Newtownards has a wealth of historical treasures waiting to be discovered. Medieval events, Oliver Cromwell’s campaign, the 1798 Rebellion and more have all influenced the town. Find out about Newtownards on this walking tour which departs from the City Hall.
  5. Wild Air Run, Belfast, 28 July. The Wild Air Run coming to Stormont Estate is a dynamic fun run suitable for all abilities that features 10 giant inflatable obstacles as part of a 5K course, including Europe’s biggest inflatable slide.
  6. Grant Goldie – That Man, Newcastle, 28 July. A man and his case in a world of chance and opportunity, creating a show with interactive participation, acute absurdity and mesmerising manipulation. A wordless performance, not merely a juggling show but more a projectile assault on gravity coming to Newcastle promenade.
  7. SupercupNI, Co. Londonderry, 22-27 July. SuperCupNI is an international youth football tournament, where teams from all over the world compete against each other at venues in Coleraine, Ballymoney, Limavady, Portrush and Ballymena.
  8. Cairncastle Bluegrass & Folk Musical Evening, Larne, 24 July – 1 Aug. Cairncastle Ulster Scots Bluegrass & Folk cross community festival is held in the Halfway House Hotel, in the picturesque village of Ballygally and features international bands, performances and workshops playing a mixture of Irish, Scottish, Country and Bluegrass music.
  9. Belfast Pride Festival, 27 July – 5 August. Belfast Pride is one of the biggest festivals in Belfast celebrating the LGBTQA+ community and runs over 100 events across 10 days. The week includes a range of events including workshops, social events and much more with the main parade held on the 4th
  10. Ulster Fleadh 2018, Castlewellan, 23-29 July. The Ulster Fleadh is a unique event offering something for everyone. It is a family friendly festival of Irish music, song, dance and language – suitable for all ages.

 

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

10 things to do in Northern Ireland 16th to 22nd July

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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 (16-22 July)

 

  1. Soma Festival, Newcastle, 18-22July. Soma Festival is the brainchild of a small band of musicians, artists, and creatives from Castlewellan and surrounding areas. Over the years, the festival has organically grown into an intoxicating fusion of arts, crafts, storytelling, food & drink, health & well-being, and children’s activities, all the while keeping high calibre music at its heart and core.
  2. Foyle Maritime Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 14 – 22 July. The theme of this year’s festival is ‘voyages’ in acknowledgment of the city’s rich maritime heritage. The quayside becomes engrossed in maritime magic as the city hosts a fantastic collection of live music, markets, entertainment, and river based activities.
  3. Rose Week, Belfast, 16-22 July. Rose Week is a celebration of the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Rose Garden. The full programme of activities includes music and entertainment for all the family with face painting, bouncy castle, mega slide, balloon modelling, Punch and Judy shows and much more.
  4. Bushmills Through the Wars, Bushmills, 12-22 July. This exhibition takes in the Great War, Second World War and Korea. The event commemorates soldiers from all sides who lost lives serving their country. Exhibits include uniforms, medals, rations, worktime fashions,the experience of evacuees, information about G.Is and much more.
  5. Ulster Pipe Band Championship, Newcastle, 21 July. Come along to Donard Park and see Pipe Bands from all over Northern Ireland compete for the prestigious Ulster title, with competitions for Grades 1 – 4 and Novice, Junior, Juvenile, Senior drum major titles up for grabs.
  6. Foyle Cup, Derry~Londonderry, 16-21 July. Seen as one of the most important and pivotal tournaments in Northern Ireland, the Foyle Cup presents an opportunity for the youth of Northern Ireland to show their football playing abilities.
  7. Parklife 2018, Lisburn, 7-28 July. Parklife encourages local people to reclaim their open spaces and celebrate their shared cultural heritage and identity. Held at Wallace Park the programme includes drama, dance, crafts and sporting activities for everyone to enjoy.
  8. Lush! Classical – Ebrington Square, Derry~Londonderry, 21 July. A phenomenal, breathtaking event featuring a 65-piece classical orchestra, world-renowned DJs and live vocalists playing floor fillers from the past 20 years, all produced in conjunction with Kylie Minogue’s musical director
  9. Stripey Socks – Curious World, Newcastle, 21 July. An enchanting comical twist on a classic children’s tale comes to Newcastle Promenade. Explore with Alice as she enters this curious world and meets the Mad Hatter, has a tea party and finds herself tangled up in this new aerial and acrobatic adventure
  10. From an Abbey to a Stately Home Coach Tour, Newtownards, 21 July. View one of the finest Georgian country houses in Ireland, Grey Abbey House. The current owners will guide you around and join you for tea and a treat. You will also visit the Cistercian abbey founded by Lady Affreca, the wife of John de Courcy.

 

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

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