Author: whatsonni

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 30 September – 6 October

 

  1. Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival, Bushmills, County Antrim, 4 – 6 October. Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival will make a welcome return this autumn to celebrate the food, drink and local heritage of the area. The programme includes a wide variety of activities and events – including fantastic food and drink samplings and cookery demonstrations, unique bespoke hosted foodie tours and experiences, a self-guided Taste Trail to sample delicious dishes and cocktails . There’ll be live music as well as great street entertainment, a range of fun kids’ activities, craft workshops, fly casting & tying and much more.
  2. Stargazing Evening at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, 4 October. Join Armagh Observatory and Planetarium for a series of Stargazing evenings. For each session they will have a team of experts to help you navigate the night sky using their telescopes (weather depending) along with a dome show in their digital theatre and an astronomer talk.
  3. Apple Sundays at Ardress House, Annaghmore, County Armagh, 6 October. Set in the middle of orchard county, this is the ideal location to hear all about Armagh’s famous apples and have some family fun. Have a go on the apple press and taste some local cider. You will also have the chance to pick some apples from the local orchard (limited availability). It will also take place on Sunday 13 and Sunday 20 October.
  4. Shorelife Celebration, various locations, County Down, 5 October. Join the brand new Shorelife Celebration events at WWT Castle Espie and National Trust Mount Stewart on Saturday 5 of October from 10am – 5pm. Enjoy FREE ENTRY for all (both members and non-members) to explore both stunning locations. Lots of extra entertainment, kids’ crafts, and activities for families and nature lovers alike. Plus, enjoy live music and local food and drink available throughout the day. Getting there is easy with free event buses.
  5. Cinemagic International Film & Television Festival for Young People, Belfast, 5 October – 3 November. The 35th Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People will offer a programme of unmissable opportunities for young people this October with over 200 events in the Ulster Museum, Queen’s Film Theatre, The Belfast Barge, Accidental Theatre, Black Box, and ODEON Cinemas Belfast.
  6. The Wiggle Room by Boom Clap Play at the Mac, Belfast, until 29 November. Step inside The Common Room on the third floor, and every move you make – whether it’s wave of the arm or a giant leap – unleashes a world of colourful characters, wild animations, and sounds that react in real-time. It’s a thrilling mix of physical and digital fun, transforming your playful energy into an interactive experience. Commissioned by Belfast 2024 and brought to life by Boom Clap Play, with the creative genius of Big Motive and the play experts at Play Board NI, The Wiggle Room isn’t just any space; it’s one that’s been co-designed by Belfast’s own children.
  7. Exclusive Tour at Belleek Pottery | Lough Erne Heritage Festival, Belleek, County Fermanagh, 1 October. Discover the Magic of Belleek Pottery at the Lough Erne Heritage Festival. For just £20.00, delve into the rich history and exquisite craftsmanship that define Belleek Pottery.
  8. Halloween Prelude, Derry~Londonderry, 4, 11, 18, 24 October. For visitors who will not be in Northern Ireland during Halloween, this intriguing small group tour explores several ancient sites and primeval habitats, where you will discover structures and plant species that can be linked to many of the rituals and traditions that collectively became known as “Samhain” or Halloween. On this informative, thought provoking and fun experience you will learn about some of the dark origins of ” Samhain” Halloween. Created by Foyle Trails.
  9. Zombie Run at The Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, 6 October. Zombie Run returns this year. This year’s course will be a challenging 6K obstacle run, complete with various ‘infected zones’ where you will be faced with the task of evading their life stealing zombies. After the Adult races, we have the Kids and Teens Zombie Runs with 2km and 6km zombie infested courses.
  10. The Sperrin Sculpture Trail – a Giant Adventure, three locations across the Sperrins – Nowanois: The Storytellers – Glenelly Valley near Cranagh, Darach: The Guardian – Mullaghcarn Mountain, and Ceoldán: The Stargazer – Davagh Forest, County Tyrone, check website for timing details. Nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland, the Sperrin Mountains offer nature lovers and adventure seekers an unforgettable experience. Deep within this beautiful landscape, lie three gentle and majestic giants. Together, the trio form the Sperrin Sculpture Trail, an art installation created by world acclaimed artist, Thomas Dambo. Visitors will use the stunning walking trails and dramatic driving and cycle routes to travel between the sculptures enabling them to immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of the Sperrins.

 

 

October Exhibitions at Ards Arts Centre

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Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards welcomes two new art exhibitions for the month of October: Earth-Made, a collaborative exhibition between ceramicist, Patricia Millar, and textile artist, Ruth Osborne and Humans of Covid-19, a solo exhibition by BJ Olsen (Quarembroidery).

In Earth-Made, Patricia Millar and Ruth Osborne explore commonalities through the use of natural materials in textile, ceramic, print, colour and texture. The exhibition brings together new collections of work through sharing practice, materials and research. Underpinning all work in the exhibition is the use of earth-made materials and methods such as wild clays, earth pigments, natural dyes and inks, which offer dialogues across disciplines and explores themes related to, place, sustainability, traditions, folklore and heritage.

This process of researching and experimenting with earth-made materials is showcased as a “Process Lab” – within the main exhibition, which shares the artists’ techniques, processes and experiments. Earth-Made will show in the Georgian Gallery.

Humans of Covid-19 explores the artist’s experience of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 as an artist, but also as a nurse. During the pandemic, BJ Olsen was not able to work, and thus turned to fibre art to work through the feelings of helplessness and fear. BJ began to share the artwork online which provided a small comfort to people across the world, creating textile art of the human condition, where digital culture and analogue humanity intersect.

BJ Olsen, Quarembroidery, is a textile artist based in Northern Ireland. Their work is inspired by cyber culture, expressed in a traditional format. This juxtaposition expands the work and creates a beautiful, palpable dimension to what most people have seen at least once on their mobiles in a social media app. Humans of Covid-19 will be on display in the Sunburst Gallery.

Both exhibitions open on Thursday 3 October and continue until Wednesday 23 October. Admission is free.

All are welcome to attend a preview event in Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 3 October at 7pm.

For more information visit; www.andculture.org.uk

Aspects Festival 2024 Kicks Off Next Week!

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Aspects Festival, Bangor’s celebration of reading, writing, and words, is just around the corner, kicking off next week with an exciting lineup of events for literary enthusiasts. Running from 25 September to 6 October, this year’s festival promises an engaging programme featuring top authors, poetry, exhibitions, politics, and more.

Poetry fans can look forward to two exhilarating Poetry Slams, starting with the North Down Heat on Saturday, 21 September, followed by the Ulster Final on Saturday, 28 September, both at Studio 1A, Bangor. The festival is also delighted to welcome Galician poet Isaac Xubín for the Galicia Exchange at the Imperial Bar, Bangor on Wednesday, 25 September, followed by the lively Festival Club.

A special highlight of this year’s festival will be Owen O’Neill‘s performance at Bangor Castle on Friday, 27 September. In his show Hold Yer Tongue, the award-winning writer and performer will present a unique hybrid of poetry and storytelling. This is not a stand-up show but rather an intimate experience of wit and lyrical narrative. Owen has won two Fringe Firsts at the Edinburgh Festival, Best Actor at the Off-Broadway Irish Festival, and the New York Critics Award for Best Play.

On Saturday, 28 September, acclaimed Irish novelist, Mary Costello, will discuss her latest book Barcelona at Bangor Castle. A 2024 Irish Times Bestseller, the stories in Barcelona reflect on the complexities of modern life and the darker sides of human nature. Mary is renowned for her earlier works, including The China Factory and Academy Street, both critically lauded.

For crime fiction fans, Andrew Hughes will present his gripping new novel Emma Disappeared at Aspects’ Crime Night on Friday, 4 October at North Down Museum. He will be joined by crime writer Brian McGilloway to discuss the suspense-filled tale.

Finally, the much-loved Bangor’s Ghost show returns to the atmospheric Bangor Abbey on Friday 4 October. This intimate evening will feature live music, poetry, and stories inspired by Bangor’s past, performed by a talented collective of local writers and musicians.

Speaking about the festival, Patricia Hamilton, Festival Director said: “We are really excited that the festival is starting next week. We look forward to welcoming award-winning writers from all around the island of Ireland who will showcase their work alongside local talent.”

For the full programme and bookings, visit aspectsfestival.com.

Hillsborough Castle promises spellbinding days in great outdoors as Autumn family activities are launched – Halloween Half Term 26th October – 3rd November 2024

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Historic Royal Palaces is bringing autumnal magic to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens this Halloween with a full programme of activities to celebrate the cosy season.

From conker tournaments to apple bobbing, welly tossing and hay bale mazes, visitors can enjoy classic Halloween fun while enjoying the gardens in their most enchanting season.

Autumn Activities

Halloween Half Term at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens will see an array of family events taking place across the gardens, from a hay bale maze to pumpkin carving, wildlife walks and storytelling.

Enjoy an array of autumn outdoor workshops throughout half term, all included with a gardens ticket. Family bushcraft sessions will test mum and dad’s nature skills, visitors can explore paths with leaves crunching under foot and listen out for bird calls while discovering the garden’s biodiversity. Visitors will be encouraged to use natural materials, leaves, twigs, acorns and feathers to create a piece of Autumnal Art that will be displayed within the Visitor Centre during half term.

Scarecrow Parade

As Halloween approaches, the scarecrows will rise, taking their watch of the Walled Garden from 5th October – 17th November. Myths and legends will be unearthed and celebrated through the designs of this year’s Scarecrow Parade, with local artists engaging with schools and community groups throughout Northern Ireland to design, create and decorate a gathering of 27 scarecrows for Halloween.

No spooky festivity is complete without pumpkin carving, and Hillsborough Castle will hold workshops on 27th, 29th and 30th October to ensure everyone has a jack-o-lantern to light on Halloween night.

Mini Food Fair

Local artisans will be popping up in The Walled Garden on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd November for a mini food fair, offering their locally sourced and made products throughout the weekend, soundtracked by talented local artists who will play live music in the gardens.

Stuart Campbell, Public Engagement Manager at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens added; “Our family programming for the autumn season has been designed to connect families with the sensory beauty of the season, and with each other, through our beautiful grounds, nature, sights and sounds at Hillsborough Castle.

“Our Scarecrow Parade this year showcases the creativity of local schools and artists, who have been challenged with a Myths and Legends theme for 2024.

“There is plenty to get involved with at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens this autumn and the Halloween holidays, and of course all visitors can upgrade their garden tickets to include our specially designed family fun tour, which will run every day during half term.”

For more on Autumn at Hillsborough Castle and to book tickets, visit Halloween at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens | Hillsborough Castle | Historic Royal Palaces (hrp.org.uk)

JOHN O’NEILL FOLK AND TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

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The popular John O’Neill Folk and Traditional Music Festival returns to Donaghmore from 27 to 29 September. Bringing a blend of familiar faces and new talent to the Old Cross Arts Centre, the festival weekend is dedicated to honouring the life and legacy of legendary traditional Irish musician, John O’Neill.

Hosted by singer songwriter Malachi Cush, the festival is a highlight in Co Tyrone’s traditional music calendar, attracting top-tier international talent to perform, an enduring testament to the true spirit of Irish music in the area. Festival goers will be enthralled and uplifted by the unforgettable sounds of some of the island’s biggest names in folk and traditional music with the line up including Sean Keane, known for his unique and penetrating voice and captivating talent as a multi-instrumentalist.  

On Friday night Sean will be joined by Máirín Brown and Brendan Browne from the Galway band Backwest. The show will be opened by Brookeborough man, Brian McGrath, a gifted piano and banjo player who carries a stunning knowledge of the ‘old music’ with a distinctive sound that reflects the 1920s piano style, accompanied by accordion player Darren Breslin from Lisnaskea.

On Saturday morning, musicians of any musical prowess can attend a range of workshops for children and adults where they will be tutored by international performers who have a proven track record as teachers and educationalists. There will be workshops in singing, whistle, piano, flute, guitar, accordion, concertina, fiddle and banjo.

On Saturday evening, John O’Neill’s granddaughters, Niamh and Ciara McCrystal will open the evening for Lúnasa, one of the most influential bands in the history of traditional music.

Speaking about the festival which was created by John’s family through The John O’Neill Trust, John’s daughter Clare McCrystal said: “This year’s John O’Neill Folk and Traditional Music Festival programme includes a diverse range of musical talent which will appeal to all ages. From workshops to traditional music sessions and sets by some of the country’s most acclaimed performers, I am thrilled that the festival is firmly established in the traditional music calendar as a lasting legacy to my dad’s memory.

“As well as entertaining traditional music enthusiasts with our concerts, I am passionate about introducing traditional music to the next generation and our music workshops will be open to children from five years and older. This year we are also offering children a complimentary ticket to see the pioneers of Irish music at one of our concerts as I believe it is extremely important for children interested in Irish music to get the opportunity see these wonderful musicians perform.”

The John O’Neill Traditional Folk and Music Festival concerts take place in the Old Cross Arts Centre, St Joseph’s Grammar, Donaghmore, on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 September at 8.00pm (doors open from 7.00pm) and weekend tickets granting admission to both evening headline concerts can be purchased for £40.00.

On Saturday, Festival Workshops, priced at £25.00 each, take place from 11.00am to 2.00pm in St Joseph’s Grammar, Donaghmore.

On Sunday 29 September at 3.00pm the Festival will close with a session in Hayden’s Bar in Pomeroy.

Festival goers can also enjoy an exhibition featuring the latest artwork from local artist Jim McKee entitled ‘Keeper of the Flame’ at the Old Cross Arts Centre throughout the weekend where there is also a full bar.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/jonfest

Follow the John O’Neill Folk and Traditional Music Festival on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/johnoneillmusicfestival and on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/john_oneill_trad_fest/

Ards Puppet Festival Returns for a Fun-Filled Celebration of Puppetry and the Animal Kingdom

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The popular Ards Puppet Festival returns this October, bringing two days of puppetry magic to the heart of Newtownards.

Taking place on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 October, the Autumn-themed festival will welcome a packed programme celebrating animals of all shapes and sizes, through puppetry performances, workshops, and interactive experiences.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, this year’s festival promises something for everyone, from world-renowned puppet shows to puppet-making workshops and even a Puppet Petting Farm.

Listen to the Story Man, in Sea Legs Puppet Theatre’s gentle, musical adaptation of The Ugly Duckling and join Henry Clutterback and The Musicians of Bremen on an exciting new adventure in the classic fairytale of friendship and courage. Look out for the wolf in Banyan Puppet Theatre’s classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood, and whatever you do, have lots of fun when Granny has a sleepover in the brand-new show, Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite!

With cows, goats, pigs, ducks, bugs, and even a temperamental crocodile making appearances, the festival is set to capture the imaginations of children and families alike.

Throughout both days, festival-goers can also enjoy Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre’s rendition of Billy Goats Gruff and Professor Queen-Bee’s It’s Bee-Hind You, a Punch and Judy-style show with an environmental twist. Handmade Theatre Company will delight audiences with their Puppet Petting Farm, where families can interact with handcrafted animal puppets, and children can take part in puppet-making workshops to create their own puppet characters.

Speaking about the festival, Arts Community Development Officer, Amy McKelvey said: “We are thrilled to be running another Ards Puppet Festival and to be welcoming these amazing puppeteers to Newtownards, to entertain and inspire our young audiences and their families. It’s always a gorgeous event and we are super excited to meet all the animal puppets this year and welcome our lovely audiences back again.”

With a mix of ticketed performances and free activities, Ards Puppet Festival promises two-days of fun for the whole family. The festival is a perfect opportunity to embrace the joy of puppetry and explore the wonderful world of animals in a creative, engaging environment.

Ards Puppet Festival takes place on 27 and 28 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

Belfast Film Festival to open with Halloween night screening of Irish language horror flick Fréwaka

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Belfast Film Festival returns for its 24th edition from 31st October to 9th November, opening with a Halloween night screening of Irish language horror Fréwaka, written and directed by Aislinn Clarke.

After receiving rave reviews at its world premiere in Switzerland this summer, the latest feature from the Belfast-based filmmaker is set to make its Irish premiere at the Cineworld in Belfast on the evening of Thursday 31st October.

Haunted by a personal tragedy, home care worker, Shoo (Clare Monnelly) is sent to a remote village to care for an agoraphobic woman (Bríd Ní Neachtain) who fears the neighbours as much as she fears the Na Sídhe – sinister entities who she believes abducted her decades before. As the two develop a strangely deep connection, Shoo is consumed by the old woman’s paranoia, rituals and superstitions, eventually leading her to confront the horrors from her own past.

Fréwaka is Aislinn Clarke’s second horror feature, after the bold and uncompromising The Devil’s Doorway (2018). Bursting with Irish talent, it features an all-female cast including Clare Monnelly (Moone Boy, Nowhere Fast) who astounds in the lead role Shoo alongside powerhouse Bríd Ní Neachtain (The Banshees of Inisherin, Róise and Frank) as Peig.

Fréwaka is proudly produced by Dermot Lavery of DoubleBand Films and Patrick O’Neill of Wildcard and was made under the CINE4 feature film initiative with the financial support of TG4, Screen Ireland and Coimisiún na Meán.

Director Aislinn Clarke said:

“Twenty-four years ago I moved to Belfast to study film and fell in love with the city. Belfast is where I cut my teeth as a filmmaker. It’s an incredible honour to now have my film opening the 24th Belfast Film Festival. In a way we have grown up together.”

Dermot Lavery from DoubleBand said:

“It doesn’t get much better for an Irish folk horror film than to be the opening film on Halloween night of the Belfast Film Festival. We can’t wait to present Fréwaka to our ‘home-town’ audience – we think they’ll enjoy a truly cinematic experience!”

Patrick O’Neill of Wildcard added:

“Aislinn has made such a unique and terrifying horror film – drawing inspiration from recent and ancient fears in our society, and it is such a great honour for the film to have its Irish Premiere at Belfast Film Festival.”

Belfast Film Festival Programmer Rose Baker said:

“We are thrilled to open the festival with Aislinn Clarke’s latest work. Fréwaka exemplifies the depth and breadth of talent audiences can expect from this year’s festival. We are centring Irish film in this year’s festival, with both North and South represented within a vibrant international cinematic offering.”

Tickets for Fréwaka go on sale on Friday 28th September with the full programme announced on 3rd October. For tickets go to https://belfastfilmfestival.org/

Belfast Film Festival is funded by Northern Ireland Screen, Belfast City Council, the Department for Communities and Film Hub NI. And proudly sponsored by Yellowmoon, Birra Moretti and Hastings Hotels.

10 Things to do in NI!

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Here are ten exciting things to do 16 – 22 September

 

  1. Sound Links by Ulster Orchestra, Zeppo Arts and Townsend Street Enterprise, Belfast, 21 September. Townsend Street will be transformed for a one-day takeover festival of culture and creativity on International Peace Day. This vibrant outdoor event promises an unforgettable day for all ages filled with live music, bustling markets, dance performances and delicious food offerings.
  2. Nobodaddy, Belfast, 17 and 18 September. Join for an unforgettable experience as Nobodaddy performs at the Waterfront Studio, as part of Belfast 2024. This is the world premiere of Nobodaddy, a coproduction by An Droichead and Teac Damhsa, a large-scale dance with a company of nine dancers and six musicians including the renowned folk singer and musician, Sam Amidon. While Nobodaddy is the name of a destructive divinity who appears in several of William Blake’s notebook poems, Teaċ Daṁsa’s Nobodaddy is an ode to the peacemakers and the bringers of good things.
  3. Tour of Troubles and Beyond at the Ulster Museum, Belfast, 18 September. Join Modern History curator, Rebecca Laverty, on Wednesday 18th September for a guided tour of the Troubles and Beyond exhibition at Ulster Museum. The tour will explore the impact and legacy of the period known as ‘the Troubles’ through objects from their collections and first-hand accounts. The ‘Troubles and Beyond’ exhibition continues to evolve through feedback from visitors. It offers new insight into recently acquired objects and the continuing work of the museum.
  4. Eugene Onégin at The Grand Opera House, Belfast, 14, 17, 19, 21 September. Love, friendship and fidelity collide with devastating consequences in this story of passion, pride, a moment’s madness, a duel and a true love lost. After two consecutive sold-out productions of ‘La Traviata’ in 2022 and ‘Tosca’ in 2023, Northern Ireland Opera returns to the Grand Opera House in September 2024 with Tchaikovsky’s stunning operatic masterpiece, ‘Eugene Onégin’.
  5. Who Lives in a House Like This? Blessingbourne Estate, Fivemiletown, County Tyrone, 21 September. A special welcome will await you from the Lowry family home at the award-winning Blessingbourne Estate. A beautiful historic 550-acre Country Estate, nestled in the heart of woodlands, lakes and wildlife on the edge of the Clogher Valley. Colleen will allow you to delve into the estate’s captivating history. In the coach house Bronagh Duffin from BakehouseNI will demonstrate her traditional baking including her now very famous soda farls.
  6. Marble Arch Caves – Guided Tour, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, visit website for open times and dates. Explore this underworld labyrinth as you trace the journey of the Owenbrean River and discover its energy as the waters gurgle and splash venturing deeper into the black abyss. Enlighten your senses as you smell, hear and feel this active living cave around you.
  7. Wild and Fired BBQ Feast // Indian BBQ with Rooh Vodka, Derry~Londonderry, 20 September. Join Lo & Slo for Culture Night 2024 at the stunning Walled Garden of Brook Hall Estate for an unforgettable gastronomic BBQ fusion event. Lo & Slo teams up with local entrepreneur Lee Jagota, creator of Rooh Vodka, to bring you a unique blend of Indian heritage and American fire cooking.
  8. Mrs C’s “Bake me a traditional loaf and eats & treats”, Dundrum, County Down, 16 September. Under Mrs C’s careful guidance, you will learn how to make traditional wheaten bread in her home kitchen, overlooking the stunning Mourne Mountains. An exceptionally warm welcome awaits you on this experience that reaches far beyond the art of traditional bread making.
  9. Roald Dahl Afternoon Tea at The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, County Down, 21 and 22 September. The Old Inn invites you to a delightful Roald Dahl Afternoon Tea complete with special screening of Matilda, celebrating Roald Dahl Day. Enjoy BFG Snozzcumber, Fantastic Mr. Fox sandwiches, Matilda’s Parents’ chorizo wraps, and Cardiff leek & broccoli quiche. Savour James & The Giant Peach scones with Frog Spawn cream and blueberry jam, plus sweet treats like Spiker & Sponge vanilla buttercream, Ladybird macaroons, and Matilda’s chocolate truffle cake. Don’t miss this magical afternoon of nostalgia and deliciousness.
  10. Trust10 at The Argory, Moy, County Armagh, 22 September. Join in a 10k family and adult run along the scenic trails of The Argory on the 4th Sunday of every month. Get ready to lace up your running or walking shoes and soak in the breathtaking views of the estate and the beautiful Blackwater River.

 

 

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

 

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Roe Park Resort, Limavady, County Londonderry

From £115 per person sharing, enjoy unlimited golf at Roe Park’s 18 Hole Parkland Golf Course during your overnight stay at Roe Park Resort. The offer also includes a full Irish breakfast. Please quote ‘Discover NI Stay & Play offer’ when redeeming. Subject to availability. Visit www.roeparkresort.com to book. Offer valid now.

The City Hotel Derry, County Londonderry

Check in at the City Hotel for your next golfer’s getaway from £52.00 B&B per person sharing. The City Hotel is an ideal base to explore some of the most breathtaking golf courses in Northern Ireland, whilst enjoying a buzzing cultural experience in the beautiful walled city. The offer includes an overnight stay with a full cooked Irish breakfast. Subject to availability (excludes Friday and Saturday, Bank holidays and Special events).

To book your next golf break, visit www.cityhotelderry.com/golf. Offer valid until Thursday, 6th March 2025.

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

 

Dive into Autumn with the Shorelife Celebration!

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Step into Autumn and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of our shoreline at the brand-new Shorelife Celebration! Join us on Saturday, 5 October at the stunning WWT Castle Espie and National Trust Mount Stewart. With free admission to both venues and complimentary pre-bookable bus travel, it’s the perfect day out for families and nature enthusiasts!

This exciting event, brought to you by Ards and North Down Borough Council in partnership with WWT Castle Espie and National Trust Mount Stewart, offers a rare chance to experience the wonders of our shoreline. Enjoy a day filled with fun activities, engaging talks and tours, live music, and delicious local food and drink. Plus, take advantage of the free ticketed bus service for easy access!

With 115 miles of stunning coastline, Ards and North Down is the perfect place to celebrate our shore. Kids and families will love the interactive games and activities, while guided tours and talks will provide fascinating insights into local wildlife and conservation efforts.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said:

 

“We are delighted to partner with Mount Stewart and Castle Espie for this fantastic event. The Shorelife Celebration is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to enjoy free access to both venues. It aims to foster community spirit and environmental stewardship, encouraging everyone to appreciate and protect our beautiful shoreline. The picturesque settings of Mount Stewart and Castle Espie are ideal for this event, offering a variety of activities for all ages to enjoy.”

 

Pre-bookable park and ride services will be available from Newtownards Bus Centre and Dundonald Park and Ride (Dunlady), with stops at both Mount Stewart and Castle Espie.

 

Mark your calendars for Saturday, 5 October, from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free for everyone, including National Trust and WWT Castle Espie members and non-members. Some activities require tickets, so be sure to pre-book in advance. Terms and conditions apply.

 

For more information, visit visitardsandnorthdown.com/Shorelife

 

Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of our shore.

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