Author: whatsonni

Here are ten exciting things to do 15-21 January

1. Seedheads Arts Streets Walking Tour, Belfast, Country Antrim, 21 January. Explore the changing face of the city through its ever-evolving street art. On this gently paced, two-hour guided walking tour, you’ll see the incredible work from artists across the globe who are leaving their mark, particularly in the Cathedral Quarter. Hear their stories and get a better understanding of Belfast’s relationship with street art and how a city, long associated with murals, is changing the narrative.

2. Copeland Distillery Tour, Donaghadee, County Down, 20 January. Situated in the old picture house a stone’s throw from the Harbour and lighthouse. This was once the busiest port in Northern Ireland with global seafarers landing with spirits and spices. Immerse yourself in the magic of the this coastal distillery where whiskey, gin and rum are made. Experience the tales of this beautiful part of the world and the great stories of smugglers and long ago battles and voyages.

1. W5, Belfast, County Antrim, 15-28 January. A special offer this month helps make the New Year more fun for less, for all the family!  Get hands-on with over 250 interactive exhibits across eight action-packed zones, marvel at daily science shows and experience the Ghosts of Winterly Manor, all for only £7per person. This offer applies to adult, child and concession tickets only. Check website for availability.

4. Crawfordsburn Country Park, Helen’s Bay, County Down. Located on the southern shores of Belfast Lough, this park provides a relaxing natural retreat with two excellent beaches, spectacular scenery and a tranquil walk through wooded glens and a long coastal path. There’s also a café if you need to stop to refuel. A great day out for the family.

1. Ritual Landscapes walking tour, County Tyrone, 20-21 January. This is a unique tour which starts at An Creggan where storytelling, ecology, archaeology and folklore are combined. During this four hour walk, Martin from Foyle trails will provide many fascinating insights into the ancient ritual sites and habitats that have survived in this undiscovered part of Northern Ireland. You will explore pagan sites and standing stones and hear the stories behind them. A memorable day out.
2. St Aidan’s Church and Holy Well, Magilligan, County Londonderry. While the ruins of the church are thought to be 13th century, the remains of St Cadan (a follower of St Patrick) are buried here, as are those of Denis Hempson a renowned blind harper known as the last of the bards. He died in 1807 at old age of 112! Explore this ancient site and learn the tales that have made it famous. Visit the water from the nearby holy well, which is said to cure ills when applied to the afflicted area!

1. Sundar Yoga at Carrick-a-Rede, Ballintoy, County Antrim, 19 January. Wanting to kickstart 2024 with some winter wellness? Why not join yoga instructors Hatha and Chrissie for a one-hour morning session of complete relaxation at Carrick-a-Rede. After your morning flex, take a dander along the stunning 1km coastal path, taking in the breath-taking views of the North Coast, and then cross the 20-metre chasm to the island of Carrick-a-Rede!
2. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh,16-19 January. Come along midweek and enjoy the afternoon  “Birth of Planet Earth” show for a specially discounted price of £5 per person, or explore the exhibition area for just £3 per person. The show tells the twisted tale of our planet’s origins. The film explores some of the greatest questions in science today: how did Earth become a living planet in the wake of our solar system’s birth? Come along and find out!
3. Winter Blues Floral Workshop, Ballynahinch, County Down, 21 January. Come along to the stunning surroundings of Montalto Estate and learn how to arrange your very own winter floral arrangement. Using seasonal foliage and blooms, you will be shown how to prepare and condition your stems. The workshop will be in The Coach House and is perfect for all levels. This is the perfect activity to relax and let your creativity flow. Enjoy refreshments and wonderful homemade traybakes after you create your masterpiece.
4. Enniskillen Castle Tour, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, throughout January. Experience Fermanagh’s unique heritage in the beautiful setting of Enniskillen Castle on the banks of the River Erne. The self-guided visit takes in the historic Castle buildings, Watergate and Courtyard.  The castle is home to the Fermanagh County Museum where you can learn about the area’s prehistory, natural history, traditional rural life, local crafts and Belleek, and history of the castle.

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

Here are ten exciting things to do 8-14 January

1. Mourne Trails and Ales Tour, Newcastle, County Down, throughout January. Have you got a thirst for adventure? Then why not experience the trails, their tales and ultimately the ales of Mourne by Electric Bike. Over three hours you will explore the hidden highs and lows of the Annesley Estate, now Castlewellan Forest Park. You will be guided throughout and have the chance to try artisan ales from the Whitewater Brewery alongside some locally inspired trail cake. Check website for availability.
2. Castle Archdale Marina Boat Hire & Water Sports, Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, throughout January. There are a range of water activities to enjoy within the grounds of Castle Archdale Country Park from kayak hire, water trampolining, cycle hire and many other activities. There are two styles of boat available for hire – that can take up to 8 people! If you don’t fancy the water, you can stick to dry land and hire bikes and take in the beautiful woodland landscape or discover the shores of Lough Erne. Suitable for individuals, families, and groups of all ages.
3. Ulster Museum, Belfast, County Antrim. Come explore these rich collections of art, artefacts, and natural science all within the grounds of the city’s Botanic Gardens. Prepare to be dazzled by the sunken treasure from the Spanish Armada and intrigued by the ancient Egyptian mummies. There’s also an incredible video archive on the history of the troubles. It’s free entry, and there’s also a great onsite café with a hands-on interactive playroom space for little visitors. A great day out for any age.
4. Peace Maze, Castlewellan, County Down. This is one of the world’s largest permanent hedge mazes comprising of 6,000 yew trees, planted by people from all over Northern Ireland. With a hedge length of over two miles, it’s a great fun and free family adventure. Visitors can attempt to solve their way to the peace bell in the centre of the maze. Give yourself an estimated forty minutes!
5. Ghosts of Winterly Manor, Belfast, County Antrim, 8-31 January. W5 brings a brand-new experience for the winter months in this low-light walk-through experience that will see W5’s AMAZE space transformed into the haunted Winterly Manor. Encounters with a range of ghosts, ghouls, phantoms, and restless spirits await. Enter if you dare!
6. Dolly Parton and Shania Twain Tribute Show, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 13 January. A great night of entertainment for lovers of country music everywhere or just those who love fun spectacles. This tribute show will have you foot tapping your way into the dark days of January and beyond!
7. Drum Manor Forest Park, Cookstown, County Tyrone. There’s something to delight in any season, with scenic walks around the forest and wildfowl lake. Enjoy the Japanese garden, arboretum, ponds, and mixed woodlands. There’s a variety of trails which follow a circular route, pick the one that suits you best! There’s a lovely play park, good car parking and public toilets. This area is also wheelchair accessible.
8. George Best House Tour, Belfast, County Antrim, 12 January. Step inside the family home of footballing legend George Best, as it would’ve been in the summer of 1961 when a fifteen-year-old George left to follow his dreams in Manchester. An experienced local guide will tell you all about Best’s early life in east Belfast’s Cregagh Estate and you will have a rare opportunity to flick through his old school reports and read letters he sent home to his parents. Check website for availability.
9. Armagh’s Ecclesiastical Trail, Armagh, County Armagh. Check out this new self-guided tour of city’s many important church sites in this city of saints and scholars. Go at your own pace and explore ten churches across the city offering a glimpse into the history, heritage, and architecture of this beautiful city. The map is available online and as a hardcopy in various venues across Armagh including Navan Fort and The County Museum.
10. Foyle Adventures, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry. This rib boat experience will give you a new perspective on The Walled City. Expert guides will take you on an unforgettable journey delving into the city and river’s rich history. This experience isn’t just for nature enthusiasts out there but is a fun and novel way to discover more about stake in the city. Check website for availability.

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

Here are ten exciting things to do 1 – 7 January

1. The Shortcross Gin Discovery and Tasting Experience, Crossgar, County Down, 5 January. This amazing experience takes place on Rademon Estate, which dates back to AD 565. As you arrive and make your way across the stone bridge over the Ballynahinch river, up the winding forest path and onto the distillery grounds, you’ll be welcomed by your Shortcross host. Then it’s time to settle in to your visit by enjoying one of their many show-stopping cocktails at the distillery bar. Your visit includes neat tastings and a lesson on how to pour the perfect G&T, as well as creating a bespoke label and wax dipping your own personalised bottle of gin to take home.

1. Game of Thrones Music Experience, Banbridge, County Down, 6 January. Experience the magic of the Seven Kingdoms as the Ulster String Quartet take you on a journey through all eight seasons of Game of Thrones with sounds inspired by composer Ramin Djawadi. The performance will be included in the price of admission and visitors will get the chance to hear symphonic tones fill the lobby where you can enjoy the performance with a refreshment at the beginning or end of their tour.

1. Brian Hurst exhibition, Belfast, County Antrim, 19 October – 11 January. As Northern Ireland’s film industry continues to go from strength to strength, celebrate the life and work of the man often regarded as one of Northern Ireland’s best film directors, Brian Hurst at the Ulster Museum. Born into a working-class family in East Belfast in 1895, Hurst went on to make over thirty films and is perhaps best known for his 1951 ‘A Christmas Carol’ adaption Scrooge. This exhibition, sponsored by Quartertoten Productions Ltd in conjunction with the Brian Desmond Hurst Estate showcases posters, invitations, lobby cards and original press clippings from Hurst’s own scrapbooks.

1. Share Village on Ice, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, 1-4 January. Enjoy a fantastic indoor synthetic rink, which is almost identical to a frozen surface but much more eco-friendly for all the family to enjoy. Whether you’re a budding skater or a confident glider, this wheelchair-friendly ice rink is open to all ages and abilities! Enjoy some festive fun before the holiday season is over.

1. Gosford Karting, Markethill, County Armagh 1-7 January. Experience the thrill racing outdoors gives you at the Gosford Katring track. A member of the National Karting Association, this high-quality racing service is the perfect way to kickstart your week with some competitive fun with loved ones! Practise sessions for children aged eight years upwards are available on junior karts. For adults with a need for speed, Grand Prix karts are also available on site.

1. Kelpra: Artists and Printmakers, Belfast, County Antrim, 1 January – April 28. Kelpra was set up by Chris and Rose (nee Kelly) Prater at their kitchen table in 1957 and went on to become one of the most pioneering print studios in history. Combining the commercial techniques of screen-printing with fine art practice. Kelpra was renowned for working in close collaboration with artists to produce daring and eye-catching original prints. The artists in this exhibition worked collaboratively with Kelpra and other print studios and these prints are the result of innovative technical and artistic expertise and the sensitive collaboration between individual artists and printmakers.

1. New Year’s Day Guided Walk, Donaghadee, County Down, 1 January. Start the new year off on the right foot in the stunning seaside town of Donaghadee, the nearest port to Scotland and the backdrop to BBC’s crime drama, Hope Street. Guided by Dr Robert Neill, immerse yourself in stores from 1600 to the present day. Explore the history of the nearby moat, streets and churches in the town and learn about the heroic actions of the crew of The Sir Samuel Kelly lifeboat which rescued survivors from the MV Princess Victoria in 1953.

1. Bad Bridget exhibition, Omagh, County Tyrone, throughout January. Learn some of the stories of the thousands of women who left Ireland for North America between 1838 and 1918. The exhibition, based on research from Dr Elaine Farrell and Dr Leanne McCormick, charts these women’s experience of migration through an eclectic mix of sights, sounds, smells and objects. Unlike migrants from other countries, hundreds of thousands of Irish girls travelled alone, and once in America, often faced a life of poverty and hardship.

1. The Derry Girls Experience, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, throughout January. Visit the home of Derry Girls and discover where it all began, see original memorabilia from the hit show, including Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s pyjamas and Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater, not to mention the infamous Spice Girls costumes. If you’re a Sister Michael fan don’t miss the chance to sit on her chair and roll your eyes at anyone who crosses your path.

1. Visit Kearney Village, Portaferry, County Down. Carefully restored by the National Trust to give the authenticity of a traditional fishing village, make sure to visit Kearney village this New Year. The Trust owns a number of cottages in the area and has restored their vernacular style to give authenticity to this place of character. In the nineteenth century, Kearney was a flourishing community that is now an idyllic place of recreation. Just three miles to the east of Portaferry this is the kind of place you could find by accident yet find yourself returning to again and again.

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/