Author: whatsonni

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Slieve Donard – Marine and Lawn Hotel & Resort, Newcastle, County Down

This wonderful Edwardian Railway Hotel has had a multi-million-pound refurbishment in time to celebrate its 125th birthday. Twinkling chandeliers and polished mahogany all point to its five-star rating. Grandeur inside and out as the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. Enjoy an overnight stay and a two-course meal at the Percy French and birthday cupcakes on arrival. Celebrate the re-opening of this Grand Dame of Northern Ireland Hotels at the special price of £125 per person sharing until September 30th. Visit https://marineandlawn.com/slievedonard/  for more information.

Fermanagh Self Catering, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

This four-star accommodation offers four varying sized holiday homes in a spacious site with wooded paths and lovely views. With pet friendly options, there are a choice of cottages suitable for up to eight people. Hills and walks are in abundance here with restful vistas over the Lough. There’s a games room on site with table tennis and snooker available as well a choice of board games in the relaxing sofa area. If you fancy more adventure, segway tours, archery and kayaking are available, on site on request. Lakeview, and Rafters sleep four, with three nights’ accommodation in either property from £300.  Visit for more information.

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to 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

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Here are ten exciting things to do 24th September- 1st October

  1. Cinemagic International Film & Television Festival for Young People, Belfast, County Antrim, 30 September-1 October. The 34th year of this film and TV festival for ages 4-25, offers a programme of unmissable opportunities for families, schools, and young filmmakers. There are over 200 events in venues across the city. Packed with screenings and workshops with creatives in the industry, this is a great opportunity for young people keen to capitalize on Northern Ireland’s place in the world of film making.
  2. Paddle Back in Time, Strangford, County Down, 30 September. Discover the stories of the monks and Vikings as you take to the water and travel out to Mahee Island, taking a historic route used by smugglers. Rory Martin, a native of the area, will be your guide as you visit the beautiful islands of Strangford.
  3. FEAR – Fermanagh Endurance Adventure Race, Derrygonnelly, County Fermanagh, 30 September. Are you willing to become a legend in your own lifetime and face the fear? This is a test in cycling, trail running and kayaking. Cut through the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark on your bike, get immersed in the wetter side with a swim in Lough Erne and face the Magho Cliff challenge. Not for the faint hearted!
  4. Martel’s Candlelight Tour, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 30 September. This two-hour guided tour will be looking at the difficulties faced by Edouard Martel when he explored the caves back in 1895. Among the things that will be looked at is how he measured cave passages using rope and how he gauged cave depths.
  5. Blessingbourne Mountain Bike Trails and Pump Track, Fivemiletown, County Tyrone, throughout September. Located in the heart of the Clogher Valley with trails catering for all ages and abilities this is a fun day out or all the family. Why not give the Pump Track a go? This short criss-crossing circular trail of rollers and berms where you use your weight distribution on the bike to flow over the features without having to use your pedals. The trails have been created by the world class Phil Saxena the course designer for the Beijing Olympics. Bike hires available. Check website for availability.
  6. W5 Late, Belfast, County Antrim, 29 September. The grown-ups can get to scale the heights of Climbit with no kids to ruin their fun! This adults-only, after-hours evening at Northern Ireland’s award-winning science and discovery centre is a must for those wishing to release their inner child! You can try the 250 hands on exhibits and enjoy a drink from the fully licensed bar. Pre booking essential.
  7. Sailing in the Wake of Giants, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, 25-30 September. Feed your sense of adventure and try something new. Take to the high seas for a tour around Belfast Lough. And don’t worry – no previous sailing experience required! See Belfast and its unique sites like Cavehill and yellow cranes of Samson and Goliath from an unusual angle. A memorable, exhilarating day out.
  8. Portrush Tasty, Portrush, County Antrim, 29 September. This foodie tour is the perfect Friday night opener to a great weekend. It kicks off with a behind the scenes visit to Portrush’s only craft brewery for a private tasting, moving on for a delicious main course on Main Street, and rounding off with a cool new cocktail in an awarding-winning bar and entertainment venue. Wendy will introduce you to flavours and characters of this coastal gem in this three-hour experience.  Over 18’s only. Check website for availability.
  9. Cake decorating workshop, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 29 September. This small family business is passionate about food, the Northern Ireland countryside, and local produce. This three-hour workshop will allow you to work on a freshly baked cake, which is yours to take home. You will learn piping techniques, how to make the best buttercream and how to make flowers for your creation. A tasty, fun way to make a new friend or have fun with old ones! All equipment and ingredients are provided. Check website for availability.
  10. The Argory, Moy, County Armagh, throughout September.  This amazing Neo-classical masterpiece dating from the 1820’s is a real delight. The former home of the McGeough Bond family, a tour of this reveals it is unchanged since 1900. There are beautiful walks in the 320-acre estate with woods and riverside to explore. You can browse the second-hand bookshop and gift shop, explore the adventure playground, and relax in The Courtyard Coffee Shop which serves up tasty treats for all the family.

 

Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/blog/read/2023/04/bank-holiday-ideas-for-families-b262

Aspects Festival 2023 Starts Next Week!

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Aspects, Bangor’s festival of reading, writing and words starts next week with a full programme of events celebrating the written word. This year’s festival features a packed line-up, with something for everyone on offer, from top authors to poetry, exhibitions, history and politics.

Opening the festival on Wednesday 27 September is the Galicia Exchange and Concert with poets Keith Payne and Xavier Quiepo at North Down Museum. Galician Xavier is visiting Northern Ireland on a Cultural Exchange and will spend a month at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre as part of the experience. The evening will also feature music from award-winning Galician musician Su Garrido Pombo.

Golden Thread Gallery
Fionola Meredith Book Launch ‘The Stamp of Beauty’
Out to Lunch Festival 2023
1301JC23

North Down Museum is also hosting some fantastic book events with Judith Mok presenting her memoir The State of Dark there on Saturday 30 September. Judith Mok is a Dublin-based classical soprano, a leading voice coach, novelist and poet. She was born in the Netherlands to Jewish survivors of the Holocaust trying to rebuild their shattered lives. The State of Dark is a memoir and a detective story which delves into her family’s past. Join authors Fionola Meredith and Olivia Fitzsimons also in North Down Museum, on Thursday 5 October, as they discuss their new books The Stamp of Beauty and The Quiet Whispers Never Stop with Nuala McKeever.

The stunning Chamber room in Bangor Castle is the location for many of the festival’s events. Award-winning composer of Riverdance Bill Whelan will join Neil Martin in conversation in this beautiful venue on Sunday 1 October. Bill’s new book The Road to Riverdance charts his life from his childhood right up to that spectacular Eurovision performance which went on to become a global phenomenon. Glenn Patterson takes to the stage in The Chamber on Friday 6 October to discuss his latest book Two Summers, a pair of novellas, set over two pivotal summers in the lives of two young men from Belfast, as they recall the constraints of the place where they were born and the times in which they are living.

 

For those who want to enjoy literature in the great outdoors, author Maggie Doyle will lead a creative walk along Bangor’s beautiful Coastal Path on Saturday 30 September. Using her new book Mountain Notes, A Nature Diary for inspiration, the walk will include readings and sketching.

Poetry lovers are also in for a treat at this year’s Aspects; the popular Poetry Slam returns on Saturday 30 September at Studio 1A, Bangor. This dynamic competition pits poets against poet, working against the clock and their peers to showcase original work. The outright winner will be crowned Aspects Poetry Champion and the winner and runner-up will go forward to the Ulster Poetry Slam Final in Derry~Londonderry in early November.

Aspiring writers will enjoy the Festival Club which returns to the Imperial Bar, Bangor on Monday 2 October. Writers are invited to take part by reading a short passage of their own original work in a relaxed atmosphere at this special event.

Aspects Festival runs from 27 September to 7 October at various locations around Bangor. For more information on the full programme and to book tickets, visit aspectsfestival.com

OMD Ulster Hall, Belfast: 27 February 2024

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After the recent announcement of their forthcoming new studio album, synth pioneers Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) reveal details of their return to the stage, with the band taking to the road next year.

Across February & March 2024, OMD will play 22 dates across the UK & Ireland, including a night at the Ulster Hall, Belfast on 27 February.

“We are so excited to be able to tour again with a brand new album to showcase.” says Andy McCluskey. “It’s been six years since we learned new songs for live performances. The songs from Bauhaus Staircase will fit beautifully into our setlist – we just have to choose which five to play, as we have to treat people to the hits as well!”

The band also release ‘Slow Train’ – the second installment from their forthcoming new studio album Bauhaus Staircase – out October 27th. A raucous, glam-tinged explosion, ‘Slow Train’ arrives with help from the band;s only other external influence David Watts. Known as a rock producer, who helmed Sheffield band The Reytons’ recent No 1 album What’s Rock And Roll?, he brings a sharp, exciting new sound to the record.

“Slow Train is a bonkers song and the video is stunningly crazy!” Andy reflects. “It feels nice to be able to challenge people’s expectations of the band after 45 years of creating music”

The new album sees the band’s most explicitly political record and the crowning achievement of their desire to be both Stockhausen and Abba – born from the impetus to kickstart new explorations during lockdown. A broad, electronic, sonic masterpiece that lyrically tackles the topics of the future, it was predominantly written, recorded, and mixed by both McCluskey & Paul Humphreys (who has recently become a second-time father).

OMD have sold an astonishing 25 million singles and 15 million albums, which has established them as electronic synthesiser pioneers and one of Britain’s best-loved pop groups. Their 13 albums include reissued ‘Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark’ (1980), ‘Organisation’ (1980), ‘Architecture & Morality’ (1981) and ‘Dazzle Ships’ (1983).

By rights, OMD should be in semi-retirement, performing classics like Enola Gay and Maid Of Orleans on the nostalgia festival circuit like so many peers. Instead, they’ve created a landmark album worthy of their finest work. If real life meant OMD were happy to get help, Bauhaus Staircase remains unmistakably the work of a duo who are still perfectly in sync 45 years after their first gig at legendary Liverpool club Eric’s.

Connect with OMD

Instagram / Twitter / Website / Spotify

 

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

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Antrim

Jazz in the Gardens, Castle Gardens, Lisburn.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

The Superstar Wrestling Live Tour is coming for an evening of rip-roaring action. Expect to see edge of your seat, death-defying moves as the stars of Wrestling take part in action-packed matches for the whole family to enjoy! Market Place Theatre, Armagh.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Northern Ireland Opera returns in 2023 with Puccini’s ‘Tosca’, after our critically acclaimed and sold-out production of ‘La Traviata’ in 2022. Grand Opera House.

Find out more HERE

Down

See TRÚ perform live at the Portico of Ards this weekend. The trú was a mythological trio of poet-musicians who were revered throughout the Celtic world. From their British-Ukrainian, Ulster-Scots and Irish heritage, they have inherited an unusual and fruitful ethos based on respect and exploration.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Coffee & Connect – Meet up for local business women! Join the Mums at Work network to attend these local Enniskillen Coffee Mornings – you are welcome to come along and see what they have to offer before you join.  Our meetings are relaxed, inclusive, supportive and informative.  Join us for coffee and connections as we get to know you and learn all about your business.
Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Country fans are given a taste of Nashville in this brand-new show Made in Tennessee – the soundtrack of American Country.  With a band made up of some of UK’s finest country musicians, Made in Tennessee takes you through the decades of the nation’s fastest growing music genre.
Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Now seen by over 350,000 fans live and watched by millions on TV Europe’s No.1 multi award-winning show “The Legends of American Country”  returns for another fantastic night of toe-tapping Country nostalgia. Legends of America Country Music Show Presented by JMG Music Group. Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown.
Find out more HERE

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 18th – 24th September

  1. Oakfire Adventures, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry , throughout September. If you love flying high, then Zip Trekking has your name on it! Challenge yourself with four epic lines spanning the Faughan Valley over woodland, water, and cliffs. For families, why not try the Tree Trek Adventure which allows you to harness up and join in, or cheer on, from the forest floor. An exhilarating and memorable day out.
  2. Temple of the Winds – Autumn Equinox Sound Healing Retreat and Workshop, Newtownards, County Down, 23 September. Join Tessa Ann at the mindful setting of the Temple of the Winds with breathtaking views over Strangford Lough. You will be introduced to the effects that different types of therapeutic sound and musical instruments can have on the body. Relax and prepare yourself for autumn. Check website for availability.
  3. Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Adventure Playpark and Fionn’s Giant Adventure Castlerock, Killeavy, County Armagh, throughout September. Join a luxury dining experience inside Mussenden Temple, celebrating everything this iconic landmark has to offer and the best local food. Enjoy a fully guided experience and an exclusive and unique opportunity that is only available to a small number of individuals per year. This event features a five-course taster menu and a range of locally sourced products. Check website for availability
  4. Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Museum, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, throughout September. This traditional thatched Ulster-Scots farmhouse built in 1750s highlights Carrickfergus’ strong American and Ulster Scots connections as well as telling the story of Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States whose parents emigrated from Carrick to America in 1765.
  5. Garden of Celtic Saints, Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, throughout September. Discover the Devenish figures, a unique collection of wooden sculptures carved out of Irish oak the grounds of the Sacred Heart Church. The figures of saints and scholars which include Saints Patrick, Brigid and Columbanus and are the work of Lithuanian sculptor Jonas Raiskas. You can also see a Memorial of The Irish Famine close by. Open all year round.
  6. Féile le Chéile, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 21-24 September. This festival is celebrating 50 years of Traditional music in Derry~Londonderry. Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin is hosting a series of concerts, workshops, and community-led events for all. Whether you’re a calloused piper or casual punter, be sure to check out their dynamic programme and find out what makes our island’s world-renowned musical heritage so special. Tying together a grassroots celebration of our city’s many generations of traditional music pioneers, with opportunities to experience the crème de la crème of current players.
  7. Orchard/Cider Experience and Cooking Demo with Granny’s Traditional Griddle Bread, Portadown, County Armagh, 23 September. Come along to Long Meadow farm right in the heart of The Orchard County to see and taste nature’s bounty for yourself. Walk through the orchards and learn about the whole craft cider/apple juice production from start to finish in this family run business. Taste their award-winning products and sit back and relax in their new glass fronted Bramley Barn and enjoy a cuppa with granny’s traditional griddle breads, cheese and chutneys. Check website for availability
  8. Sperrins Walking Festival, Gortin, County Tyrone, 23-24 September. Get your boots on and prepare to walk across this area of outstanding natural beauty. These guided walks with outdoor experts Far and Wild are designed to help walkers of all abilities to enjoy our beautiful landscape as well as promoting health, physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
  9. Mourne Dew Spirit Experience, Rostrevor, County Down, 23 September. As part of this Gin, Whiskey and Poitín: Spirits of Fire and Revolution experience come along to one of Ireland’s oldest bars, Fearon’s, dating from the 1700’s. Get an insight into how Northern Ireland’s smallest distillery makes its award-winning drinks and try the company’s full range and come away with some cocktail ideas.
  10. Rathlin Paddle, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, 23-24 September. If you have ever wanted to explore the clear waters of Rathlin Island, why not try Stand Up Paddle Boarding a go? This two-hour session will give you a great introduction with a qualified instructor. All equipment is provided including paddle boards, wetsuits, buoyancy aids and changing facilities. Under fifteen’s need to be accompanied by an adult. The event is weather dependent.

 

Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/blog/read/2023/04/bank-holiday-ideas-for-families-b262

JOHN O’NEILL FOLK AND TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL LAUNCHES

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The John O’Neill Folk and Traditional Music Festival takes place in Donaghmore on 22 to 24 September. With a packed toe tapping festival programme at the Old Cross Arts Centre, organisers of the festival, which was established more than five years ago, are confident that the festival weekend, which is dedicated to honouring the life and legacy of legendary traditional Irish musician, John O’Neill, will be the best one yet.

A highlight in Co Tyrone’s traditional music calendar, the festival has attracted 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 trad music and the line up includes Four Men and a Dog, Deanta and Malachi Cush and friends.

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 for children 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 trad music calendar as a lasting legacy to my dad’s memory.

“As well as entertaining trad music enthusiasts with our concerts, I am passionate about introducing trad music to the next generation and our music workshops will be open to children from four years and older.”

The festival begins on Friday night at 8pm with performances from Deanta and Niall Hanna. Niall will be accompanied by Rachel McGarrity and Damian McKee. On Saturday night, Four Men and a Dog and Malachi Cush and friends will take to the stage.

On Saturday morning, a range of workshops will be offered from 11am to 2pm. Suitable for all levels, children will be tutored by international performers who have a proven track record as teachers and educationalists. There will be workshops in singing, whistle, flute, guitar, bodhran, button accordion, concertina, fiddle and banjo.

NxNW will play at the festival club in Hayden’s Bar on Saturday evening at 11.30pm, with the festival coming to a close with an afternoon session in Hayden’s hosted by Donal Murphy and Ryan Molloy on Sunday.

Tickets for the festival club are priced at £12 with concert and workshop tickets priced at £25. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/jonfest or from Stewart’s Music shop in Dungannon.

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/

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Belle Isle Cottages, Lisbellaw, County Fermanagh

Enjoy an outstanding mix of natural beauty and authentic heritage on this private estate designated a Special Area of Conservation. It’s the perfect time to don your coat and boots and enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot, before retreating to a warm cottage, with wood burning stove as darkness descends. Better still, as part of this September offer, your furry friend can stay for free! From £150 per night based on up to four people sharing a two-bedroom coach house, cottage or courtyard apartment on the estate. Visit https://belle-isle.com for more information.

The Whistledown Hotel, Warrenpoint, County Down

Relax in this quaint spot on the banks of Carlingford Lough. With lovely views and great walks. Visit the inspiration for C.S Lewis’ Narnia at nearby Kilbroney Park or take a drive around the Ring of Gullion. Enjoy some autumn downtime with this ‘You and Me, G & T’ package. One night B&B from £150 for two people with welcome drinks on arrival and sweet treats in your room. Visit https://www.thewhistledownhotel.com for more information.

Roe Park Resort, Limavady, County Londonderry

Escape from the everyday with some me time at this restful spa four-star resort. You can enjoy a one-hour traditional Swedish back massage and Elemis Taster Facial before experiencing the delights of the indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. After a pamper you can escape into the serenity of the adjacent Roe Valley Country Park with its stunning woodland walks. B&B from £157 per person sharing. Visit https://www.roeparkresort.com/ for more information.

 

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

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

Get grooving in the grounds of City Hall this September

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The grand finale of Music in the Parks is taking place in the grounds of City Hall on Saturday 30 September.

Organised by Belfast City Council, ‘Groove in the City’ will feature a range of live music from 12.30pm to 5pm.

There will be performances by:

  • String Ninjas
  • Wookalily
  • Kerry Fearon
  • Belfast Groove Collective
  • Belfast Rock Choir

This is a free ticketed event with tickets available from Visit Belfast at  https://visitbelfast.com/event/groove-in-the-city/

Music in the Parks featured live music performances in several council parks across the city on Fridays and Sundays from May.

Councillor Micky Murray, Chair of Belfast City Council’s People and Communities Committee, said:

“Our parks and open spaces in the city are to be enjoyed throughout the year and we were delighted to host live music performances in various locations from May to September.

“We’re very much looking forward now to hosting ‘Groove in the City’ outside City Hall on Saturday 30 September marking the grand finale of the programme.”

For more information on events taking place in the city, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events

 

LEADING JAZZ TRIO AT THE MARKET PLACE

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Three of Ireland’s leading jazz artists, The RBG Trio will appear at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre this September to support the release of their debut album.

Renowned for their tight interplay and incredible storytelling, The RBG Trio features Meilana Gillard (tenor saxophone), Dave Redmond (bass) and Kevin Brady (drums). With blues always in their foundation, their sound ranges from pre- to post-bop, soulful to grunge, free to swinging.

The trio’s repertoire ranges from the traditional Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson to more contemporary and improvised output. It is an approach where free-form exploration rubs shoulders with reimagined music from the like of Nirvana and Soundgarden.

Ultimately, nothing is off limits. It is a band led by tunes – mainstream or lesser known, self-penned or reinterpreted, traditional or contemporary. If it works, it works. Additionally, each member of The RBG Trio composes for the band, which lends to the trio’s diverse output and constant surprise.

The RBG Trio will be on stage at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Friday 22 September at 8pm. Tickets are priced £15 and can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025. This show is recommended for age 18+ as it may contain strong language and adult themes.

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