Author: whatsonni

Christine Tobin: A Thousand Kisses Deep – An Evening of Leonard Cohen

Celebrated singer-songwriter Christine Tobin is set to bring her critically acclaimed show A Thousand Kisses Deep to Portstewart’s Flowerfield Arts Centre on Saturday, 8^th June.

Christine will be accompanied by guitarist Phil Robson, the performance will captivate audiences for the way it reimagines eleven Leonard Cohen classics, ranging from early works in 1960 right through to selections from his 2001 album.

In addition to performing Cohen’s work, Christine is set to show off her own original compositions, showcasing her poetic storytelling and musical talent.

Her abilities to blend the profound and sensual lyrics of Cohen with her own evocative compositions has taken her to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she won the prestigious Herald Angel Award.

Christine’s musical interpretations of Irish poet W.B. Yeats and contemporary Irish poet Paul Muldoon show her versatility and abilities to connect poetry and musical traditions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an evening of extraordinary music and storytelling. Tickets are priced at £15 and £13 for concessions, with unreserved tiered seating.

Find out more at flowerfield.org.  Tickets can be booked online at flowerfield.org, by calling 028 7083 1400, or call into the centre to purchase at reception.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christine-tobin-a-thousand-kisses-deep-tickets-861428093617?aff=oddtdtcreator

Kids go free to France this summer with Stena Line

Longing for an idyllic summer getaway but put off by the cost of travel for the whole family? Stena Line has sailed to the rescue with its Kids Go Free offer, just in time to book ahead of the school holidays.

The Swedish-owned ferry company is introducing its Kids Go Free offer on all Economy and Flexi motorist fares on the Irish sea until 5^th January 2025 if the trip is booked before 7^th June.

Family holidays start the second you set foot onboard any of Stena Line’s ships, with games zones, movie lounges and kids play areas for the young ones and facilities such as the Pure Nordic Spa, Taste Bars & Restaurants, and excellent shopping for the grown-ups.

Even your furry friend can relax in the pet lounge when travelling between Belfast and Cairnryan or a pet cabin on other Irish sea routes.

So, if you fancy a fantastic family adventure in France here are just some incredible low-cost activities for the whole family to enjoy in Normandy and further afield, this summer.

Find adventure in Honfleur

• Enjoy a great day out at Honfleur’s leisure park – Village Aventures. Located at the Honfleur Normandy Outlet, this 3,300m2 leisure park promises fun for all the family aged 3+. With inflatables, agility games, pedal go-karts, giant slides and airbag jumping, a visit to Village Adventures is sure to be a day to remember for the whole family.

 

Explore the lavender fields of Provence

• While this may be more for the adults than the children, the sight of rows and rows of lavender flowers in full bloom is sure to create a memory they will never forget. While here, don’t miss out on the fields of sunflowers in the region which bloom at the same time, providing the opportunity to capture the perfect family holiday picture.

 

Find fun at the fish farm

• Thomas LeFraçois welcomes you to his fish farm in Douvrend just 25 minutes from Dieppe. This Aquatic paradise has five sustainable fishing ponds of 200m2 to 500m2 and has been producing fish for more than 50 years. Everyone, from beginners to seasoned anglers can fish for rainbow trout, lake trout and even brown trout. Fishing equipment is available to rent at the entrance to the park and children under four can fish for free.

 

Visit Europe’s cleanest lake (Lake Annecy)

• Enjoy a trip to Lake Annecy, the cleanest lake in Europe. Formed when glaciers melted over 18,000 years ago, kids will enjoy the walking and cycling trails that meander around the lake or a hike up the surrounding hills. And, to help you cool off why not enjoy a dip in the cooling crystal clear waters of the lake before a peaceful stroll through the picturesque, cobblestone streets of Annecy.

Enjoy an afternoon at Parc de l’Aquilon

• Parc de l’Aquilon is where children reign. The playground at the park is divided into four facilities for children of different age groups ranging from 2 to 12 years old while a green amphitheatre regularly hosts botanical themed shows during the summer season. And, from April to November the ‘O’fil des branches’ tree climbing course is set up in the heart of the park with three courses for children and adults to enjoy.

 

Be inspired by Monet in Giverny

• Visiting Claude Monet’s home in Giverny between Normandy and Paris is a great activity for any budding artist or nature lover. Packed full of flowers and butterflies, this garden is the ideal spot to stop and let their imaginations run wild as they sketch their own interpretation of the waterlilies and colours in the garden.

 

Play in the Luxembourg Garden

• A quintessentially French experience the Luxembourg Garden is frequented by locals and tourists alike and is known for its lawns, tree-lined promenades, tennis courts, flowerbeds, its Medici Fountain and of course, the model sail boats that cruise along its octagonal Grand Bassin. Your young ones will love playing with the boats on the pond and for just a few euro, this is a perfect way to spend an afternoon in Paris.

 

With Stena Line’s Kids Go Free offer, prices start from just €165 per car with one adult & up to four children one way and the offer is subject to availability.

To get the best price for your family get away, secure your economy fare now or, if your best laid plans have a habit of changing, don’t worry – with Flexi fares customers can change the time and date of their sailing.

To ensure your kids travel for free between 1^st June and 5^th January 2025, book your Irish sea crossing by 7^th June. For more information visit https://www.stenaline.ie/special-offers/kids-go-free.

LQ BID is giving access to nearly 80 free events including fitness classes, health checks, CPR training and sound healing

Linen Quarter Business Improvement District (LQ BID) has introduced a summer walking tour to mark the return of its annual Health Week, now it its fifth year.

Nearly 80 free events will take place across the district to inspire and support improved health and well-being. Developed in partnership with Creative Tours Belfast, Spinning Yarns Walking Tour will dive into the history of the Linen Quarter weaving together stories of its people and bringing to life a legacy spanning over 250 years.

Kicking off June 10, new additions this year include sound healing, Bollyfit dancing, a group run, and new cycling exhibition Gears and Beers taking place at The Ewart which will highlight the transformation of the modern bicycle and showcase the latest in cycling technology. Health Week will also see employees across the Linen Quarter receive access to almost 50 classes at Pure Gym on Adelaide Street as well as the return of yoga classes, dog petting and personal health checks. All sessions are free to attend, but space is limited. To secure a spot at any of the events visit linenquarter.org/event/linen-quarter-health-week/

In a move to enhance emergency preparedness within the district, the BID is also encouraging its members to invest in life-saving equipment, covering up to 50 per cent of costs for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The devices can deliver crucial shocks to restore normal heart rhythms during sudden cardiac arrest significantly increasing the chances of survival.

Lawrence Geoffrey Tingson, Linen Quarter BID Healthy and Sustainable Manager said, “Health Week is a crucially important initiative for the BID. Not only does it serve as reminder for us to prioritise our health and wellbeing, but it highlights the role of employers in ensuring their employees are both happy and healthy – which should be a priority for all businesses as a happy workforce is a productive one.

“This year we’re delighted to partner with Creative Tours Belfast to launch our summer Walking Tour which will share the fascinating journey from the heart of the linen industry in the 1800s to the vibrant and distinct district it is today. Our aspiration is to make Spinning Yarns a permanent attraction to drive local tourism and increase footfall in the area. It aligns perfectly with our broader mission to make the Linen Quarter an exceptional place to live, work, visit and enjoy.”

The first Spinning Yarns Walking Tour will take place on June 13 and will run for ten-weeks on a trial basis.  A limited number of free tickets for each tour will be available to employees of Linen Quarter-based organisations.

Dolores Vischer, Founder of Creative Tours Belfast said, “We’ve designed the ‘Spinning Yarns’ Walking Tour in a way that helps people learn about the area’s rich heritage, including the importance of the linen industry and how it earned us the title of ‘Linenopolis’ – as well as seeing how vibrant it is today. Along the way people can expect many entertaining ‘yarns’. They will discover where the largest bell in the city rang out from and why it was silenced for a time, visit historic venues such as the Grand Opera House where Luciano Pavarotti made his UK debut in 1963, and the Ulster Hall were Led Zeppelin first played ‘Stairway to Heaven’ live in 1971. As well as taking in the area’s impressive architecture and historic bars, they will see super street art and fantastic eateries.”

LQ BID is dedicated to sustaining the Linen Quarter’s health and wellbeing with the installation of outdoor parklets and planting, advocacy for active and sustainable travel, and a pioneering new project to monitor and improve air quality throughout the district.

To celebrate Health Week the BID has also partnered with Belfast based clinic ACCA to offer advanced technology and wellness treatments such as Cryotherapy, Oxygen Therapy, and IV Nutrient shots with £25 vouchers available to its members.

For more information on Linen Quarter Health Week, visit linenquarter.org/event/linen-quarter-health-week/or to reserve a ticket for the Spinning Yarns Walking Tour email stephen@linenquarter.org or visit Www.creativetoursbelfast.com

For non-members tickets are priced at £18 and can be booked directly via Visit Belfast.

After last year’s tour of ‘Sense and Sensibility’, Hotbuckle Theatre Company are back with their unique style of adaptation of classic novels.

The virtuoso troupe have been entertaining audiences for over 12 years with their inventive interpretations of familiar texts and this June they are bringing ‘Pride and Prejudice’ to The Market Place, Armagh.

In this fast-paced, multi-role adaptation, Hotbuckle invites us to enter the world of the Bennets. From the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet to the proud Mr. Darcy, Hotbuckle’s rich characterisations abound in this latest piece by skilled writer Adrian Preater.

Full of humour and invention, this is storytelling at its finest, as we meet 5 sisters who deal with marriage, morality and misconceptions in unique Hotbuckle style.

This is Jane Austen as you’ve never experienced her before, so, Hutbuckle up for the carriage ride of your life!

‘Pride and Prejudice’ will take place at The Market Place Theatre, Armagh on Thursday 6^th June. Tickets can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

Emerald Park Officially Opens Tír Na nÓg!

Europe’s longest intertwining family and thrill coasters.  €22 million euro investment in Co. Meath.  Over 65 rollercoaster enthusiasts from around the world travel to Ashbourne, Co. Meath

Rollercoasters include 5 thrilling upside down experiences.

Today, Tuesday 21^st of May, Emerald Park officially opens its first fully themed and immersive land, Tír Na nÓg. Home to Europe’s longest intertwining family and thrill coasters, ‘Na Fianna Force’ and ‘The Quest’, Tír Na nÓg promises to be a world-class entertainment destination located in Ashbourne, Co. Meath.

The opening of Tír Na nÓg marks a substantial investment of €22 million at the theme park and zoo. A first of its kind in Ireland, the 6.5 acre site will include three new attractions called Na Fianna Force, The Quest and The Celtic Dreamer. The new land will also include new food outlets, retail spaces, and an entrance that will create real excitement and wonder with Irish mythology and fantasy theming across the site.

Over 65 rollercoaster enthusiasts have travelled from around the globe to Ashbourne, Co. Meath to be the first to experience these thrilling coasters which will offer an unparalleled rush for thrill-seekers seeking the ultimate adrenaline fix!

As part of the development, Emerald Park commissioned a number of local suppliers for the theming of Tír Na nÓg. The fully themed and immersive land includes over 30 swords, 70 shields, 120 arrows, 70 spears and 15 bows hand crafted by local Blacksmith of the Boyne Valley, An Gobha, from Bohermeen, Navan, Co. Meath. Over 500 mature native Irish tress will be planted across the site with a further 50,000 plants used to create a wild natural landscape, while over 400 tonnes of shotcrete and 2,400 tonnes of concrete were used to create various mythical themed towers and buildings across the land.

This seven-year project stands as a testament to the vision of Emerald Park’s late founder, Raymond Coyle. This ambitious development embodies Coyle’s unwavering commitment to innovation and creating a theme park and zoo that would compete with its international counterparts.

Managing Director, Charles Coyle of Emerald Park, said, “We are thrilled to unveil Tír Na nÓg after seven years of dedicated work and innovation. This new addition to Emerald Park is not only our commitment to creating unparalleled experiences but also a landmark in amusement park attractions with Europe’s longest intertwining coasters right here in Ashbourne, Co. Meath”.

“The opening is a testament to the enduring legacy of my late father and founder of Emerald Park, Raymond Coyle who I know would be so proud of our team today and would have enjoyed all the madness and fun of our opening day. We look forward to welcoming guests to explore and immerse themselves in the magic of our first immersive land – Tír Na nÓg“.

Book your tickets now from www.EmeraldPark.ie

Instagram – @emeraldparkireland

Facebook – @emeraldparkirl

Tiktok – @emeraldparkireland

Pictured is Managing Director of Emerald Park, Charles Coyle at Tír Na nÒg

Today, Tuesday 21^st of May, Emerald Park officially opens its first fully themed and immersive land, Tír Na nÓg. Home to Europe’s longest intertwining family and thrill coasters, ‘Na Fianna Force’ and ‘The Quest’, Tír Na nÓg promises to be a world-class entertainment destination located in Ashbourne, Co. Meath.

The opening of Tír Na nÓg marks a substantial investment of €22 million at the theme park and zoo. A first of its kind in Ireland, the 6.5 acre site will include three new attractions called Na Fianna Force, The Quest and The Celtic Dreamer. The new land will also include new food outlets, retail spaces, and an entrance that will create real excitement and wonder with Irish mythology and fantasy theming across the site.

Over 65 rollercoaster enthusiasts have travelled from around the globe to Ashbourne, Co. Meath to be the first to experience these thrilling coasters which will offer an unparalleled rush for thrill-seekers seeking the ultimate adrenaline fix!

As part of the development, Emerald Park commissioned a number of local suppliers for the theming of Tír Na nÓg. The fully themed and immersive land includes over 30 swords, 70 shields, 120 arrows, 70 spears and 15 bows hand crafted by local Blacksmith of the Boyne Valley, An Gobha, from Bohermeen, Navan, Co. Meath. Over 500 mature native Irish tress will be planted across the site with a further 50,000 plants used to create a wild natural landscape, while over 400 tonnes of shotcrete and 2,400 tonnes of concrete were used to create various mythical themed towers and buildings across the land.

This seven-year project stands as a testament to the vision of Emerald Park’s late founder, Raymond Coyle. This ambitious development embodies Coyle’s unwavering commitment to innovation and creating a theme park and zoo that would compete with its international counterparts.

Managing Director, Charles Coyle of Emerald Park, said, “We are thrilled to unveil Tír Na nÓg after seven years of dedicated work and innovation. This new addition to Emerald Park is not only our commitment to creating unparalleled experiences but also a landmark in amusement park attractions with Europe’s longest intertwining coasters right here in Ashbourne, Co. Meath”.

“The opening is a testament to the enduring legacy of my late father and founder of Emerald Park, Raymond Coyle who I know would be so proud of our team today and would have enjoyed all the madness and fun of our opening day. We look forward to welcoming guests to explore and immerse themselves in the magic of our first immersive land – Tír Na nÓg“.

Book your tickets now from www.EmeraldPark.ie

Instagram – @emeraldparkireland

Facebook – @emeraldparkirl

Tiktok – @emeraldparkireland

The largest air show on the island of Ireland will make an action-packed return to Causeway Coast and Glens this September with a spectacular aerobatic performance from Airbourne Pyrotechnics.

The NI International Air Show 2024, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, will welcome spectators to the seaside town of Portrush on Saturday 7^th and Sunday 8^th September for two days of aviation attractions and family fun.

To mark the return of the hugely popular event, it is moving to a new location along the coast starting from Ballyreagh Golf Course to West Bay in Portrush, offering visitors panoramic views and a chance to get prime viewing of the attractions in the sky.

The support of title sponsors, Spirit AeroSystems and Thales, leading names in the global aerospace engineering sector, marks an exciting development for the flagship event as thousands of visitors are expected to enjoy the ground and air displays.

The fast and furious Typhoon will appear on both days, demonstrating its rip-roaring power with a collection of jaw-dropping manoeuvres, along with the Battle of Britain Memorial trio of Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane performing their mesmerising flypasts.

Along the breathtaking coastal route, a wide range of captivating and family friendly activities will expand the entertainment offering to include an array of vintage aircraft, live music, trade stands, fun zone, artisan food markets, and arts and crafts stalls.

The exciting STEM Village sponsored by Matrix will make a welcomed return and bring together world-class local employers and education providers. These exhibits, located at Ballyreagh Golf Course, are aimed at inspiring young people to consider a STEM orientated career with interactive, fun and engaging displays and tasks.

Launching the NI International Air Show 2024, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Steven Callaghan, said: “I am thrilled to see the return of our beloved Air Show once again, following a five-year absence.

“It is one of the biggest highlights of our tourism calendar, offering fantastic aerial displays and a host of family-friendly entertainment on the ground.

“I am particularly excited about the new location this year, which will provide visitors with the best possible viewing experience as they enjoy the spectacular aerial acrobatics.”

For more information visit www.airshowni.com or NI International Airshow on  Facebook or Twitter.

Council is delighted to announce the return of the newly rebranded Rathlin Sound Festival.

Due to take place between May 24^th and June 2^nd, the 10-day festival celebrates the people, culture and heritage across Ballycastle and Rathlin Island.

Council is collaborating with Ballycastle Community Development Group and the Rathlin Development and Community Association to bring you this hugely popular celebration.

Inspired by the Rathlin Sound – the body of water connecting Rathlin Island to the Ballycastle mainland, the programme is packed full of activities on the dry-land and in the sea.

Visitors can look forward to a diverse programme of live music performances, ‘have a go’ activities, crafts, talks, wild cookery demonstrations and a number of artisans from the Naturally North Coast and Glens Market.

The festival offers something for everyone, whether you want to find out more about traditional boat making, enjoy some family fun on the beach or have a go at paddle boarding.

To add to the expanding festival, a new addition this year is the music stage in Ballycastle on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May, which will host a variety of local music performers.

Some examples of what the festival offers include blessing of the boats, traditional coracle boat making, colourful kite display and a sand sculpture demonstration on Ballycastle Beach.

In anticipation of the festival, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan, said: “I am delighted to see this illustrious festival return. It has long been one of the highlights of our calendar and I am looking forward to seeing many of the talented craftsmen, musicians and artisans that we have in our Borough.”

The full programme is available on the website by visiting www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/whats-on/rathlin-sound-festival for the latest updates, or contact Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre on 028 2076 2024.

Please note, details are subject to change due to tides and weather conditions, so visitors are advised to follow the Festival’s Facebook (@RathlinSoundFestival) and Twitter (@RathlinSoundMF) channels for the most up-to-date announcements.