Author: whatsonni

Do something different and swap the bath bombs for baking this festive season

 

Are you tired of gifting the standard issue scent, socks and skincare gift sets? Do you want to find that truly memorable present that won’t be forgotten before the turkey leftovers are finished?  Well, this is the year to embrace change so why not step into Christmas and a giant experience in Northern Ireland.

In this fast-paced modern world, it can feel as if the festive season is gone within the blink of an eye. But science says exposing yourself to new experiences, sights and sounds rewards and stimulates your brain in a way repeated experiences don’t.

So, to make this festive season more fun and help make this wonderful time of the year feel like it is lasting longer, gift an adventure they’ll remember.

From making to baking you can create great memories in Northern Ireland while maybe even learning a new skill and supporting local talent in the process.

So, to ensure you squeeze every last drop of joy out of the holidays, Discover Northern Ireland has put together a selection of unique gift ideas.

County Fermanagh

• Located on the banks of Lough Erne just outside Enniskillen lies a distillery focused on producing pure spirits with a sustainable and organic approach. With picturesque views of the lough on tap, The Boatyard Distillery is the first legal distillery in County Fermanagh in over 130 years and a tour of the premises could be the perfect gift for the gin lover in your life. Before the tour is finished, you’ll also get the chance to label and sign your own bottle of Boatyard Double Gin. This immersive experience offers the perfect chance to see, taste and embrace the spirit of Fermanagh.

County Antrim

• Enjoy an intimate Jewellery Making Workshop at Gobbins Crafts in Islandmagee. Led by experienced goldsmith and designer, Heather McFadden, you’ll discover the enjoyment and satisfaction of making your own piece of jewellery. With each session limited to four people, Helen’s guiding hand and the relaxed and peaceful surroundings at Gobbins Craft means everyone will get the most from their experience. Each guest will leave having created their own set of stacking rings, knot rings or pendant.

County Tyrone

• For the little chefs in your life, why not learn some new skills and take a cookery class together? At Wee Buns Cookery School near the Moy, the adult and child baking class provides the perfect shared experience as you and your little one learn how to make the most delicious sponge cakes, buttermilk scones and rocky roads. Over the course of this three-hour class that is suitable for children aged seven and up, each adult and child will make a Victoria Sponge Cake, Vanilla Buttercream to fill and decorate the cake and some buttermilk scones.

County Londonderry

• For the adventurer in your life why not introduce them to Dragon SUPs with Far and Wild in Derry~Londonderry. Half Stand Up Paddle Board and half Dragon Boat, this 22ft long and 34-inch-wide board is built for speed. The four-man crew required to pilot the board can be made up of family friends or random companions for the day. Depending on other bookings you will either be racing along the River Foyle against at least one other group of four or against the clock on a pre-made iconic route. Don’t worry if you’ve never been on a paddle board before as Far and Wild’s experienced guide will put you through your paces before the racing begins.

County Armagh

• For the budding photographer in your life, why not help them see Northern Ireland with a creative eye via Panoramic Ireland. These photography experiences and workshops are tailored to the participant’s skills and interests so whether you’re a beginner who wants to accelerate the learning process or a photographer who wants to find the best locations for that perfect shot, this is the tour for you. So, whether it’s learning to create a panorama at the coast, practicing long exposure photography with waterfalls or taking architectural images of some of Northern Ireland’s finest buildings, this tour could be the perfect gift.

County Down

• The craft maker in your family is sure to love a trip to Mount Ida Pottery on the outskirts of Dromore. On this truly rewarding and relaxing experience you will receive a warm welcome from owner Trevor Woods who will encourage you to get in touch with your creative self as he shares his passion for pottery. No matter your level of experience, with Trevor’s patience and expert guidance you’ll be amazed at what can be achieved in just a few hours and you’ll be encouraged to inscribe your piece with your own signature before its glazed and posted to you.

For more amazing Northern Ireland experiences you can gift this festive season visit http://www.discovernorthernireland.com.

Ends

For further media information, please contact:

• Tourism NI: Nuala Napier napier@tourismni.com
• Jago Communications: Grace White grace@jagocommunications.com

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is delighted to partner with both PSNI and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership for this year’s ‘Polar Plunge’ in support of Special Olympics.

The annual event, being held in Portrush, will help raise much needed funds which will help sports, leadership, and health programmes to be delivered to Special Olympics Ireland athletes in clubs across Northern Ireland.

Special Olympics Ireland in collaboration with The Law Enforcement Torch Run officially launched the 21^st Annual Polar Plunge, proudly supported by Gala Retail and this exciting fundraising campaign will see people from across the island “take the plunge” to support Special Olympics Ireland’s athletes and programmes.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan said: “As event partners alongside the PSNI and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership, Council is delighted to support this year’s Polar Plunge event and welcome it to Portrush.

“This annual event, now in its 21^st year, provides valuable support for Special Olympics Ireland athletes, many of whom are from the Borough.

“I’d encourage you to come along on the day to show your support all those participating, good luck to everyone who takes the plunge this December to help raise valuable funding for these key sporting programmes.”

Now in its 21^st year, Polar Plunge events will take place in five locations across the island throughout December 2023.

In Northern Ireland, people can take the icy dip at Portrush, Co. Antrim on Sunday December 3^rd. Participants can also complete their own Polar Plunge virtually from their own locations.

Special Olympics Ireland is delighted that its long-term charity partner, Gala Retail, have once again kindly sponsored this year’s Polar Plunge events, which are organised in collaboration with The Law Enforcement Torch Run.
For more information or to sign-up for a daring dip this December, visit https://www.specialolympics.ie/polar-plunge-2023.

Shaun Cassidy, Ulster Regional Director, Special Olympics Ireland said: 

“We are delighted to launch the 21st Polar Plunge in support of our athletes, clubs and programmes. The challenge of getting ‘Freezin’ for a Reason’ is all the more apt this year as we prepare for the Ireland Winter Games in 2024.

“For all of us involved in Special Olympics, the grassroots and everyday activities at local club level are the most important. It is so important that people with an intellectual disability have an outlet through sport, an outlet to meet friends, train hard and compete, with support from the local community and club volunteers. We would be delighted if you would consider getting ‘Freezin’ for a Reason’ in Portrush on the 3^rd December for Special Olympics Ireland and help us raise the necessary funds that will help support athletes in the local area and beyond.”

CEO of Gala Retail, Gary Desmond said: 

“We are so proud to partner with Special Olympics Ireland and support The Polar Plunge for the third year in a row.

“I was lucky enough to travel to the Special Olympics World Games this year and see first-hand how inspiring these athletes are and how much it means to their families. All their great achievements start in their local community clubs. We’re asking for as many people as possible to get involved in their local Polar Plunge and support Special Olympics clubs.”

Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year at Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel with a fabulous selection of short breaks and dining experiences for family and friends to ‘Make Memories By The Lakes’ and celebrate the festive season together.

Shop ‘til you drop with a Lakeside Christmas Shopping Break From £85pps which includes a £25 Experience Enniskillen Gift Card, redeemable in over 110 businesses throughout Enniskillen and a luxurious overnight stay, cocktail in the Lakeside Grill, breakfast the following morning and use of the Killyhevlin Health Club.

Add some extra sparkle with the Merry and Bright Christmas Fireworks Evening on Friday 1^st and Friday 8^th December. Enjoy a festive 4 course dinner, a visit from Santa with a gift and a dazzling fireworks display overlooking Lough Erne followed by a disco. Priced at £32.50 for adults and £19.50 for children.

The Santa Sunday Family Lunch is the perfect pre-Christmas get together with family and friends with a delicious 5 course carvery lunch, a special visit from Santa with gifts for all the children and a kids disco with DJ Bob. Running Sunday 3^rd, 10^th and 17^th December and priced £29.50 for adults and £19.50 for children.

Enjoy Festive Afternoon Tea with a seasonal twist and indulge in a selection of dainty sandwiches, warm fluffy scones, traditional cake, choice of homemade desserts and chef’s selection of pastries. Served Friday, Saturday and  Sunday from 1pm – 4pm – £32.50pp.

To book a festive break at Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel visit www.killyhevlin.com or call +44 (0)28 6632 3481 for further information.

The brand new Spring ’24 season of events has just been launched at The Market Place Theatre, so if you’re searching for the perfect Christmas gift for that special someone, then look no further! Treat them to a night of great entertainment and make some memories at The Market Place Theatre!

Comedy fans will be delighted to hear that Neil Delamere will kick off 2024 at The Market Place with his brand new stand up show ‘Neil by Mouth’. Followed throughout the season by a whole host of other hilarious Irish comedians; Jake O’Kane, Jason Byrne, Vittorio Angelone, Conal Gallen, Paddy Raff, Jarlath Regan and Diona Doherty.

If live music is more up your street, there is plenty to choose from this season with performances from The High Kings, The Fureys, Cara Dillon, Ronnie Greer, The Shamrock Tenors and many more.

For country fans there is plenty to look forward to, The Stars of Country Show will take the stage in January, followed throughout the season by local legends such as Patrick Feeny, Philopmena Begley and Ray Lynam, Mike Denver and Brendan Quinn; who will be celebrating 60 years in the music business!

There will also be some incredible tribute acts on stage at The Market Place this season. Come and sing along to some of the greatest hits by icons such as Queen, Adele, Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles, Ed Sheeran and Pink Floyd.

For those who prefer a bit of drama in their lives, the Spring season will not disappoint. The Baric Theatre will present Oscar Wilde’s classic, ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and Jez Butterworth’s gripping take of betrayal and redemption, ‘The Ferryman’. Bruiser Theatre Company will take the stage with the fast paced and highly entertaining ‘Teechers’ and Amadan Ensemble will bring everyone’s favourite puppet maker ‘Geppetto’ to life.

We also offer a wide range of creative workshops which would make a perfect gift for anyone with an artistic flair – from cake decorating and jewellery making, to wood turning and leather work, it’s all happening at The Market Place! You will need to be quick, because these are sure to be as popular as ever, and tickets won’t hang around for long.

Details of all events can be found online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre, and tickets can be booked by contacting the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Translink has unwrapped details of its popular late-night bus and train Christmas Nightmover services operating on Friday and Saturday nights from 24^th November.

With the party season fast approaching, Translink has partnered with a number of organisations including the Belfast Improvement Districts, Hospitality Ulster, Visit Belfast and local taxi companies fonaCAB and Valuecabs to encourage revellers to travel into the city for their Christmas catch ups with the assurance they can get home safely.

Late-night Belfast Metro services will start first on Friday 24^th November and will be followed by Goldliner/Urby and rail services from Friday, 1^st December offering a range of departures to towns and cities across Northern Ireland.

Special Nightmover fares will be applied for all passengers starting from £6 for an adult Metro single ticket.  These can be purchased from the driver, conductor or station staff on the day of travel.

Commenting on the return of the late-night timetable, Translink Group Chief Executive, Chris Conway said: 

“We are pleased to offer these additional popular festive services and welcome the vital support from our partners this year. The night-time economy plays an essential role in boosting tourism, jobs and in keeping people better connected and we want to play our part in helping more people enjoy the fantastic hospitality on offer.

“People can come into the city and enjoy all the Christmas craic and festivities knowing they have a safe and reliable way home.

“We know there has been strong public interest in late night bus and rail services and we are expecting them to be busy as more people make the most of the festive season. We look forward to working with our partners to create a more connected, sustainable, and liveable city for all,” Chris concluded.

Commenting on the return of Nightmovers …

Clare Guinness from the Belfast Chamber of Commerce spoke about Nightmovers, “This is a welcome initiative from Translink that will support Belfast’s outstanding night-time economy and will allow people to extend their enjoyment of the Christmas festivities knowing they have a safe and reliable route home.”

William McCausland, fonaCAB Managing Director commented, “We’re delighted to partner with Translink, and to support the Nightmover service this festive season. With so many more people going out in the night-time economy at this time of year, having more options for travel can only add to the numbers enjoying what our great hospitality has to offer. The “on demand” service which taxis offer complements the regular scheduled timetable that Translink provides, and combined gives passengers a wider choice for travel in what is sure to be a busy time for all.”

Christopher McCausland from Valuecabs said, “We love the festive period and seeing people out enjoying themselves. With the use of Nightmovers encouraging people to come to the city we can help those people get around Belfast to continue the fun. We can also take people the last mile home and bring people to their front doors after using Nightmovers services.”

Anne McMullan from Visit Belfast said, “A thriving, exciting destination packed with great hospitality, a wide and unrivalled retail offer and outstanding world class attractions, we want to everyone to make it a Belfast Christmas this year and we’re delighted that Nightmovers delivers yet another great reason to visit, to enjoy all the exciting festivities on offer and to get home safe.”

Chris McCracken, Managing Director of Linen Quarter Bid said, “We are delighted to support Nightmovers again after the success of it last year. Our aim is to help local businesses especially around the festive period and get people to the Linen Quarter area. We encourage our businesses and customers to promote and use the service so that we can build the case for a more permanent service.”

Damien Corr, Manager of Cathedral Quarter Bid said, “Cathedral Quarter BID are delighted to support the return of Translink’s ‘Nightmovers’ initiative. The service enables people from right across the City and indeed further afield to enjoy the famous hospitality of the Cathedral Quarter and the wider City. We are encouraging businesses to promote the service to their customers as the smart way to do Christmas this season!”

Alan Crowe, CEO of Belfast One said, “Belfast is such a vibrant city with so much to offer so with Nightmovers we can welcome more people to come and see it for themselves. Especially during this busy Christmas season, the option for guests to stay longer and enjoy shopping and socialising into the evening should be highly popular.”

Joel Neill from Hospitality Ulster said, “It will undoubtedly encourage people to visit the cities where they can eat, drink, and enjoy our world class hospitality offering for longer, without the time constraint of returning home earlier than planned. It’s great to see Nightmovers back before Christmas, but to increase traffic year-round, not just during the holidays, these services must receive financial support and be made permanent.”

Michael Stewart from Purple Flag Committee said, “Hospitality and retail businesses across the cities will really benefit from the Nightmovers. With an increase in footfall around Northern Ireland these businesses can have a successful night-time economy at Christmas.”

Boyd Sleater and Holly Lester, from Free the Night, added, “Free the Night’s aim is to enrich nightlife in Northern Ireland and ensure it is safe and accessible for all. We are pleased to hear that Nightmovers is returning this Christmas and hope to see even later services in the future which extend throughout the year and reflect night-time opening hours of our night-time economy.”

Councillor Clíodhna Nic Bhranair, Chair of City Growth and Regeneration Committee at Belfast City Council said, “This is a really welcome initiative from Translink as we enter the festive period and actively encourage more people to come and enjoy the Christmas offering in Belfast. The return of late-night services will not only ensure that our nighttime economy thrives, but more importantly the service will allow both residents and visitors to the city to extend their enjoyment, knowing they have a safe and reliable route home.”

This announcement follows the recent introduction of additional later evening Foyle Metro services already introduced on Friday and Saturday nights in Derry~Londonderry with departures from Foyle Street Bus Station to most parts of the city between 10.30pm and 11pm.

Services will run every Friday and Saturday until Friday 22 December. Full details of Translink’s festive travel package and Christmas timetable arrangements are now available at www.translink.co.uk/nightmovers, social media channels and via our contact centre.

St Vincent de Paul Presents An Evening of Seasonal Songs at Clonard Monastery this November

The event will be the jewel in the Society’s fundraising calendar as winter approaches. As well as an opportunity for concert goers to make a donation to SVP’s efforts to provide families across the North Region with a wonderful Christmas, the event will bring together some of Northern Ireland’s much loved musical artists.

Broadcaster Claire McCollum will introduce enchanting performances from Malachi Cush, Fr Martin O’Hagan and Margaret Keys. Local schools St Clare’s and St Dominic’s choirs will also join in the singing.

Speaking about SVP Presents an Evening of Seasonal Songs, Mary Waide, SVP Regional President for the North Region, said: “This year we are looking forward to launching SVP’s annual Christmas Appeal in the most magical way with local children supporting our professional performers at this wonderful concert in Clonard Monastery.

“We are looking forward to the unforgettable experience that this concert will bring to those in attendance. I trust that it will be an uplifting evening of music and fill the audience with joy. Although this concert is about launching our fundraising appeal and will provide people with an opportunity to make a donation to our Christmas Appeal, it’s about community and enjoying beautiful music, knowing that we are making a difference to those across the region who are facing impossible choices every day.”

It is said the voice of Irish folk singer, Malachi Cush, can melt the coldest hearts with his warm and melodic voice breathing life into traditional Irish ballads, cherished folk songs and religious classics he’s known and loved for. Soprano Margaret Keys has been singing since the age of four. She has a voice of pure warmth and beauty and has performed for Pope Francis. Fr Martin O’Hagan comes from a musical family and has performed at festivals and liturgical celebrations. He has also performed for Pope Benedict.

SVP Presents an Evening of Seasonal Songs, Sunday 19 November at 7.00pm in Clonard Monastery. Tickets for the event are priced at £20 and can be purchased now via https://www.svp.ie/an-evening-of-seasonal-songs/

If you would like assistance from SVP or if you would like to join SVP please visit svp.ie.

The SSE Arena, Belfast Sunday 06 October 2024

A diamond anniversary is very rare, even rarer still in the world of entertainment.  So when an artist achieves such a remarkable milestone, it is worthy of the greatest of celebrations.

Having recently announced and sold out two shows at Dublin’s 3Arena, join The Wolfe Tones with very special guests at The SSE Arena, Belfast on Sunday 06 October 2024, for a wonderful night of entertainment with this most legendary of Irish groups as they celebrate their 60th Anniversary.

Tickets on sale via www.ticketmaster.ie

From humble beginnings in Dublin, to the hallowed halls of Carnegie Hall, New York and the Paris Olympia, The Wolfe Tones have enthralled generations of Irish music fans around the globe in their own unique style. Iconic, legendary, often overused superlatives, however they are never more appropriate than when referencing The Wolfe Tones.  In a career spanning from 1964 to 2024, the group reached the summit and that’s where they have remained ever since.

This concert promises to be a unique experience for all in attendance. You can hear the songs and ballads that created legends in their lifetimes from ‘Irish Eyes’ to ‘Grace’, ‘Streets of New York’ to ‘Let The People Sing’ at an evening that promises hit after hit!

Joined by special guests to celebrate this amazing achievement, The Wolfe Tones guarantee a unique and once-off experience as they celebrate 60 legendary years.

Connect with The Wolfe Tones

Instagram / Twitter / Website / Spotify

 

For more information, contact james@jamesrollins.co.uk

 

Over 100 musicians will descend on Portstewart and Portrush next week to participate in the award-winning Atlantic Sessions Music Festival

From 16-19 November, live music from Northern Ireland’s finest artists will take place in restaurants, hotels, and music venues, with each musician playing their own music for at least one hour, forming a music trail across the two resorts. The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council event has over 30 music trail gigs, free of charge, and no booking is required.

The music trail of free gigs will feature artists such as Paul Casey, John McCullough, Bello Duo, Polar Bolero, The Daisy Chain, Rhinos, Andy Rogers, Grainne Cooke, Luca FD, Acoustic Dan, Taylor Lally, Seefin, Brian Robb, Tyler Michael, Neil Martin and Rod McVey. Many will be premiering their work at the festival.

Join us also for some ticketed gigs. Watch out for local emerging talent Brand New Friend at the new Barn venue at Kelly’s, Ralph McLean’s annual ‘In the Round’ concert and a new addition to the festival – Ralph’s Record Club – where the focus will be on classic album ‘Rumours’ by Fleetwood Mac.

The 4 of Us have sold out at Flowerfield Arts Centre, but tickets for nineties sensations The Minnows, blues musician Dom Martin and a Q&A with Horslips at the Portrush Playhouse are still available. Don’t tell anyone, but Jim and Barry from Horslips plan to join Paddy Goodwin and his band ‘The Holy Ghosts’ for a few tunes on stage.

All music trail events are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tickets for headline events and accommodation offers can be found at  www.atlanticsessions.com and we recommend early booking due to demand.

Atlantic Sessions is a Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council initiative with programming and coordination by Basslines.

Tickets are now on sale for our headline events, available at www.atlanticsessions.com

All other gigs are admission-free, and no booking is required.

Follow Atlantic Sessions on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest announcements.