Author: whatsonni

The Council are supporting our tourism industry by developing a series of unique tourism experiences revealing the Ancient Buildings, Castles and Gardens of Antrim and Newtownabbey as part of a joint funded project with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Tourism service providers from across the Borough have been working with a team of tourism experts to develop the design and launch of several unique experiences for the area.

These exclusive experiences will play a significant part in supporting Antrim and Newtownabbey to grow and target their tourism brand and offering to local, national and international visitors.

The experiences developed as part this project include:

1. Antrim’s Hidden Gems Tours: A full day tour which explores the highlights of the Borough and includes visits to The Whitehouse, Round Tower, Antrim Castle Gardens and Antrim Town Centre, an exclusive visit to Shane’s Castle Estate and a stop at the Lock Keeper’s Cottage to sample traditional Lough Neagh eel and hear tales from local fishermen.

• Mindfulness at The Motte: Sunrise mindfulness and Pilates experience on one of the oldest and most historic sites in the Borough – The Motte at Antrim Castle Gardens. A wellbeing experience that will leave a feeling of happiness lasting into the day ahead and beyond.

• Antrim Castle Gardens Tour:  The jewel in the Crown in Antrim & Newtownabbey.  The tour of the Gardens explores the history of the Massareene family and enables the visitor to explore the 17th century Anglo Dutch water garden, one of only three in the British Isles.

• Shane’s Castle Angling: A 3-day experience in conjunction with the Dunadry Hotel. Led by an expert Gillie will guide and advise even the most experienced angler and will bring to life the history and fishing on the Estate.

• Ballyrobert Gardens:An experience that explores the 6-acre grounds of the traditional cottage gardens and includes a tour that reveals the formal garden, an orchard, woodlands, a meadow garden and 3 of the rush fields which have been transformed into iconic symbols of historic interest in the form of concentric rings, a spiral and a Brigid’s Cross.

• Rewilding & Wellness: This half day experience is led by crafter Jennifer Shaw at Willow Cottage and is based around Jennifer’s journey of rewilding her 1-acre cottage garden. The experience combines advice and guidance on how to rewild a garden and incorporates mindfulness.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr. Billy Webb said; “I am very excited about the tourism products developed as part of the Ancient Buildings, Castles and Gardens of Antrim and Newtownabbey project.  With thanks to funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs we have revealed a range of amazing experiences using the unique places and spaces bespoke to the Borough. The Council will continue to work together with the businesses involved as we focus on developing, enhancing and promoting our tourism product to national and international visitors.”

Looks like it’s going to be another busy week!

Newcastle AC Hill and Dale Series – Castlewellan Forest Park

To take part in the 2022 H&D Series you must register for the series which is free of charge. You will be issued with a race number by email. Your race number will be required to enter and pay for each race individually. Your race number can be collected at your first race and the retained for the 2022 series. Note that your age category will be taken on the date you register for the series and will remain for the series. You cannot change age category during the series.

Slieve Donard race is stand alone with new race numbers. Register HERE.

Noel McManus Run/Cycle 2022

The Annual Noel McManus Run/Cycle returns on Good Friday, 15^th April 2022 starting at the beautiful surrounds of Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill, Co. Leitrim.

Start Times:

• Cycle commencing at 11.00
• Half marathon commencing at 11.15am
• 10k/5k run/walk commencing at 11.30am

Walkers will not be chip timed or receive a tshirt.  If walkers wish to be chip timed and receive a tshirt, please register above under the 5k or 10k option.

There will be NO registration on the day

Ballyliffen Coastal Challenge 2022

This year’s event will take place on Saturday the 16th of April 2022, with an 11.30am start time.

Each entrant will receive a t-shirt and a special commemorative medal.

You can collect your Race Pack from the Strand Hotel, Ballyliffin on the day of the event from 8am to 11am OR the day before – Friday the 15th of April from 3pm to 6pm.

Registration this year will be ONLINE ONLY.

If you have any queries please contact us at ballyliffincoastalchallenge@gmail.com 

PLEASE NOTE ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT

Kilmovee 10k/5K Mayo

Kilmovee 10k, in association with Kilmovee Shamrocks GAA club and in partnership with Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation are delighted to hold the annual 10k road race in Kilmovee, which takes place on Easter Saturday, each year, to raise funds for both organisations with €80,000+ raised so far for hospice.

This year there is also a 5K option available. There will be no registration on the day.

Visit our website for all the news & information https://kilmovee10k.com. Register HERE. Walkers, joggers and runners are all welcome!

Beragh 5 Mile Road Race

St Mary’s Park, Beragh

16 April 2022 » 16 April 2022

Start time: 11am

Registration process as follows:

Friday 15th April 7-9pm – St Mary’s Pavilion, St Mary’s Park, Beragh

Saturday 16th April 8-10.30am – St Mary’s Pavilion, St Mary’s Park, Beragh

Fees: 

5 mile: £12

5k: £7

For more information, contact Adrian Donnelly on 07761610828 or via email:

adrianjdonnelly@hotmail.com

Whitehead Road Race, Easter Monday

• Numbers capped at 250 (5-mile race) and 100 (1.6 mile fun run).
• Online registration closes once the capped entry has been reached or at 5pm on 14th April 2022, whichever comes first
• Race numbers can be collected from Whitehead Community Centre between 10.30am and 11.45am
• Late entry of £20 will be applied for all on the day registration – 18th April 2022 (subject to availability)
• Entries must be 15 years of age or over on event day
• Entries are NON-REFUNDABLE

ROAD RACE SOLD OUT – FUN RUN STILL OPEN FOR ENTRY HERE

Ballygalget Easter Sunday Run

Entries for the 2022 Wastewater Solutions Circuit of Ireland International Rally have now closed and we are delighted to announce that the cream of the crop have decided to take the ‘Fast & Furious’ challenge at Easter.

A full house of 91 entries, marking the 91st running of the oldest Rally in Ireland will tackle the 11 superlative stages, covering over 120 stage miles during Good Friday and Easter Saturday. The service area in Ballymena will see competitors and spectators receive a very warm and traditional welcome from the local community. The support from people across the North East of the Province has been superb and we thank them all for their generosity and help to make this event happen said Nigel Hughes the Clerk of the Course.

It is clear from the top 10 entries that there will be seriously ‘fast and furious’ driving skills exhibited on the technically demanding stages to thrill those who come to enjoy this fantastic spectacle on some of the classic stages of the ‘Circuit’. Jonnie Greer the current leader of the McGrady
Insurance ANICC Stage Rally Championship believes that this event will challenge even the best. William Creighton, current Motorsport UK Junior British Rally Champion and one of the UAC Future Champions will be entertaining the crowds so keep up to ‘speed’ with our live streaming via youtube and facebook.

Top 10 entries:

1. Alastair Fisher & Gordon Noble Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
2. Josh Moffett & Andy Hayes Hyundai i20 R5
3. Callum Devine & Shane Byrne Ford Fiesta R5
4. Meirion Evans & Jonathan Jackson Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
5. Cathan McCourt & Liam Moynihan Skoda Fabia R5
6. Derek McGarrity & Graham Henderson Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
7. Jonathan Greer & Darragh Mullen Citroen C3 Rally 2
8. Desi Henry & Paddy Robinson Ford Fiesta MK 2
9. Brendan Cumiskey & Martin Connolly Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
10. Declan Boyle & James O’Reilly Volkswagen Polo GTi R5

Stendhal Festival has announced that their comedy line-up for this summer’s cavalcade of creativity will be headlined by the one and only Reginald D. Hunter on Saturday, July 2nd.

The hilarious American will be joined by Stendhal’s largest ever offering of amazing homegrown comics including; Micky Bartlett, Dave Elliot, Paddy McDonnell, Mark McCarney, William Thompson, Ruairi Woods, Emer Maguire, Jordan Robinson, Luke McGibbon, Bronagh Diamond, Ciaran Bartlett, Céilí Rae Minogue and Ciaran Franco.

Since his first UK comedy gig twenty-one years ago, Georgia-born Reginald D. Hunter’s searingly honest observations both onstage and on TV and Radio have garnered him a cross-generational fan base.

During that time he has become one of the Comedy industry’s best-known performers for his distinctive take on the most diverse range of subjects. His work can be brutally honest and is often considered to be controversial but it is always meticulously thought out and he has never been afraid to face challenging issues head on even when the focus is on his own principles or beliefs.

He reached the final of So You Think You Are Funny in 1998 during his first visit to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and was nominated for The Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer in 2002 and then nominated for The Edinburgh Comedy Awards main prize in 2003 and 2004.

In 2006 he won the Writers’ Guild Award for Comedy for his show Pride and Prejudice and Niggas.

His TV appearances have included Never Mind The Buzzcocks, QI and Have I Got News For You? He also filmed two series of the BBC2’s hugely popular Reginald D Hunter’s Songs Of The South & Reginald D Hunter’s Songs of The Border, documenting Reginald’s epic road trip through 150 years of American popular song.

Reginald regularly tours the UK and Ireland and he has been seen by audiences around the world from America to Australia.

Festival Director Ross Parkhill said that he is excited to welcome Reginald to the event: “Reginald D. Hunter is without question one of the funniest stand-up comedians I have ever seen live. He is a regular visitor to Ireland and has a great understanding of what we find funny. We are all delighted that he will be joining us at Ballymully Cottage Farm in July.

Ross added: “The funny doesn’t stop there though, as always we have a stellar cast of indigenous standup comics, some really well known like Micky Bartlett, Emer Maguire, Paddy McDonnell and some brilliant up and comers like Céilí Rae Minogue. So, if you are looking your funny bone tickled this summer, Stendhal has you covered.”

For tickets and more information visit www.stendhalfestival.com 

Following the smash hit success ‘Menopause The Musical’, audiences in Armagh can look forward to a new adventure as ‘Menopause The Musical 2 – Cruising Through Menopause’ sails into The Market Place Theatre, Armagh on Tuesday 24 May, starring Crissy Rock [Benidorm | I’m a Celebrity | Celebrity MasterChef], Rebecca Wheatley [Casualty], Nicki French [Eurovision] and Susie Fenwick [West End Star].

The original Menopause the Musical®, was a gigantic smash hit, packing audiences in theatres across Ireland. Now in the hysterical sequel to Menopause The Musical®, we fast forward five years to catch up with the same four ladies and tales of their lives, loves and losses as they set off on the high seas.

Hot flushes, mood swings, memory lapses, weight gain – these are a few of our favourite menopausal things! Cruising Through Menopause is a hilarious, heartfelt, reassuring and unflinching look at the joys of menopause and friendship. When your life is a bumpy ride full of twists and turns, it’s hard to find true friends. But step on board and we’ll take you on a trip of self-discovery, love and friendship all backed by a soundtrack of brand-new toe-tapping parodied hits!

For these four ladies the menopause was not the beginning of the end, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship where love conquers, and friendships never fail.  So, all aboard and we’ll have you laughing, singing and feeling like you’ve just met 1000 new best friends, as you join us for ‘Menopause The Musical 2 – Cruising Through Menopause’. Recommended for age 16+.

Tickets can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre, or through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.

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.

The Ards International Guitar Festival rocks into Newtownards this weekend and promises to showcase a wealth of local and international guitar talent. With a fantastic programme featuring guitarists from every genre, there really is something to suit every musical taste at Ards and North Down Borough Council’s much-loved festival which runs from 7 – 10 April.

One of the highlights of this year’s programme is Jon Gomm, the Leeds- based guitarist and singer-songwriter with a revolutionary virtuoso guitar style. Jon will be taking to the stage in the Queen’s Hall, Newtownards on Saturday 9 April, supported by Carlow-born virtuoso Shane Hennessy. A night of live music not to be missed!

Blue’s fans will love the Mike Wilgar Blues Band who are performing in The Ivy Bar, Newtownards on Friday 8 April. Mike first picked up the harmonica at the age of nine and has been blasting out tunes for four decades since! Well known on both the local and international scene, Mike and his band have received great praise from blues critics and fans alike. The band’s 2006 album Swimming with Sharks remains a regular on the playlist for blues and roots radio DJs across the world.

On Thursday, 7 April the festival’s Film Screening will take place in The Ivy Bar, showing ‘Guy Clark – Without Getting Killed or Caught.’ This celebration of the life of American Folk and Country Legend Guy Clarke will include the film by Tamara Saviano which explores the intimate triangle of the subject his wife Susanna, and Townes Van Zandt and will be followed by a live set from two of Ireland’s foremost aficionados of Guy’s work – Barry Johnston (acoustic guitar) and David Neill (acoustic bass), from the band Illegal Smile.

For those who fancy honing their guitar skills by learning from the experts, the festival’s Guitar Clinics are the perfect opportunity! The Clinics hosted by Paddy Anderson, Shane Hennessy, Jon Gomm, Ronnie Greer and Anthony Toner will guide you through various styles of playing. The Clinics will take place in Ards Arts Centre on various dates. Pre-booking is essential.

Commenting on the Festival, Emily Crawford, Festival Director said: “After a 2-year hiatuswe are delighted to welcome audiences back, many shows have already sold out but there are still tickets available for some festival favourites including our annual brunch with Ralph McLean. We are anticipating a great festival of live guitar music this year and we’d love to see you there.”

Ards International Guitar Festival is a must for music fans everywhere. For ticket details or to view the full programme please visit the website www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk  or alternatively call Ards Arts Centre on 028 9181 0803

WITH the highly anticipated Series 2 of Bridgerton on our screens, the Culloden Estate & Spa is helping fans feel part of the drama.

Guests of the 5-star hotel are being invited to experience the splendour of high society with a scandalously decadent Bridgerton-inspired afternoon tea in the hotel’s stunning setting overlooking Belfast Lough. 

Such a treat seems fitting for a hotel that’s part of the luxury Hastings Hotels group.

Tastebuds will be tickled with a demi-tasse of soup (a small cup to the ordinary person), followed by elegant finger sandwiches, warm buttermilk scones with lashings of clotted cream and a sumptuous array of pastries and cakes – all served in fine bone crockery laid out on a suitably dressed antique table.

Along with the finest selection of speciality teas and coffees, guests have the option of adding a glass of champagne to enhance the experience.

And if you’re feeling specially audacious you can partake in Lady Whistledown’s Gossipy Gimlet cocktail – cleverly disguised in a teacup to avoid any scandal.

Dressing up for such a sanctimonious occasion is optional but will not be frowned upon.

The Bridgerton-inspired afternoon tea costs from £35 per person and is served daily at 1.30pm.

To make a reservation call 028 9042 1066 or for more information go to www.cullodenestateandspa.com

Garden Show Ireland will return from Friday 29^th April until Sunday 1^st May with celebrity gardener Diarmuid Gavin announced as show ambassador

Northern Ireland’s leading gardening event, Garden Show Ireland, is set to make a highly anticipated return to Antrim Castle Gardens from Friday 29^th April until Sunday 1^st May.

Widely regarded as a highlight of the events calendar across Ireland, the 3-day event has consistently attracted almost 30,000 visitors eager to immerse themselves in what is a festival of flowers, food and fun!

Fresh from announcing the return of the event at last year’s One Giant Weekend,  renowned celebrity gardener Diarmuid Gavin will officially open Garden Show Ireland on Friday 29^th April.

Alongside his show ambassador role, Diarmuid will also be involved in the forthcoming Platinum Jubilee celebrations, creating a permanent, bespoke installation within Antrim Castle Gardens intitled the ‘Clockwork Garden’.  The garden, similar in style to Diarmuid’s critically acclaimed ‘garden of pure imagination’ created at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2016, will be the first of its kind to assume permanent residency in any garden across the UK.

Commenting on his involvement and subsequent installation, Diarmuid said:

‘I am absolutely thrilled to be working with Garden Show Ireland and delighted that visitors to the show will be able to catch a glimpse of the Clockwork Garden build in real time! My inspiration for the garden comes from some of the UK’s most imaginative minds, resulting in an active, entertaining and playful space. Every 15 minutes the garden actually comes to life and engages in a short performance which certainly surprises spectators and creates a few smiles! It has been my dream to bring it home to where it belongs and Antrim Castle Gardens is that place.’

‘It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to work alongside students from CAFRE in the physical building of this project. These young people are our next generation of horticulturalists, and their enthusiasm and hard work should be both applauded and nurtured.’  

In addition to enjoying a weekend of gardening expertise, ideas and inspiration, visitors will also have the opportunity to visit the Food NI Food Pavilion to observe chef led food demonstrations and sample food from some of Northern Ireland leading artisan food producers.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb, commented:

‘Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has been hosting Garden Show Ireland since 2014 and we are very excited to, once again, welcome the event back to Antrim Castle Gardens for 2022. Our gardens are of the most unique and historically intact gardens in the UK and throughout Ireland, therefore the perfect space for Northern Ireland’s premier horticultural event. We are excited to see the Clockwork Garden in action, and its permanent residency in the gardens will be a wonderful tribute to Her Majesty The Queen in the year of her Platinum Jubilee.’

‘As a result of recent world events, individuals have become much more aware of their outdoor space and the need to create a sustainable environment that meets the needs of future generations. On arrival to the show you will actually be greeted by the residents of Scarecrow Avenue, all of whom have been created by our local primary schools using a combination of re-cycled or borrowed materials. Our schools are also being encouraged to create miniature gardens in anything from a bucket to an old boot, either of which can attract, feed or even reproduce your own version of a bird, bee, bug or butterfly!’

Claire Faulkner, Event Director of Garden Show Ireland, added:

‘Since its inception in 2004, Garden Show Ireland has grown significantly, in both profile and attendance. With the shift towards holidaying at home and generally spending more time in our gardens and on home improvements, we have no doubt that this year’s event will be our biggest yet.

It’s wonderful that after a difficult few years we are able to host a 3-day celebration of this calibre, made even more special with the talented Diarmuid Gavin opening the show! Visitors will be spoiled for choice, with green fingered experts on hand to guide them through all their gardening quandaries, whether that be the creation of a climate friendly garden or the addition of an organic vegetable patch to an outdoor space. With everything from a live jazz band and stilt walkers to crazy golf and dog shows in our dedicated ‘Doggie Zone,’ Garden Show Ireland certainly has something for the entire family…including your pets!’

Garden Show Ireland runs from Friday 29^th April until Sunday 1^st May. A courtesy shuttle bus will operate from The Junction between 10.15am and 6.15pm each day. There will be a plant and produce creche available for visitors who want to store their garden purchases while they browse, and these purchases will be allowed on board the shuttle.

Tickets for Garden Show Ireland cost £10 and can be purchased online at gardenshowireland.com. Children under 16 go free.

Dozens of prehistoric toy brick dinosaurs will arrive at Armagh Observatory & Planetarium this summer, showcasing over 20 species for a Jurassic scale display. This is the first time the Brickosaurs! Evolution will be showcased in Northern Ireland this June and tickets are now on sale.

The towering 3-D brick dinosaurs are made using more than 2 million toy bricks and an interactive expedition will be on display at the Planetarium, making it a perfect place to visit this summer to excite families and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.

Presented and built by Brick Live, the Brickosaurs exhibition has been touring across the UK and its next stop is Armagh Observatory & Planetarium this summer.

Visitors will have the chance to go back in time and come face to face with pre-historic creatures such as the seven-metre long Spinosaurus, a nodding Heterodontosaurus and a huge Mosasaur emerging from the water.

There will be plenty of photo opportunities too, including a sit-in Carnotaurus, a giant dino egg, and the chance to get up close to nine adorable baby dinosaurs.

Ria Mee, Senior Education Officer, from Armagh Observatory & Planetarium said: “The display is something totally different for us and we are delighted to host such a fantastic event. We haven’t had an exhibition of this scale before, and we are excited to welcome guests this summer for an immersive and educational adventure.”

Brickosaurs is a spectacular experience for the whole family. To witness the scale and the detail that has been lovingly crafted into these models is something that never fails to amaze.”- Christina Anthony, director, BRICKLIVE

The exhibition will be available to visit from Saturday 11^th June – Sunday 31^st July 2022.

Tickets are on sale now. Book online today at armagh.space. Pre-booking is essential and exhibition entry is free with any dome show purchase. Separate exhibition area tickets are available for anyone not choosing a dome show.  

Copywrite © Brick Live Group Limited. All rights reserved. Brick Live Group Limited is an independent producer of BRICKLIVE and is not associated with The LEGO Group. LEGO® is a trademark of LEGO Juris A/S.

If you fancy making memories with family and friends this year, discover what Ards and North Down has to offer with a selection of fantastic experiences that allow you to explore fascinating places, enjoy delicious food and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Borough! 

From April through to the end of the year, a fabulous selection of experiences will be available in Ards and North Down. ‘Spring’ into action this April with the Castle Park Minibeasts Kiddies Walk (13 April). Or if you fancy something a little bit different this Easter Sunday, why not try an Easter Egg Hunt on water with the Easter SUP Experience (17 April) at Ballyholme Beach. 

If you ‘knead’ some time for yourself, try the Kneading Yoga Experience (20 April) in the beautiful surroundings of Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen where a one-hour yoga session will be followed by some delightful homemade breads and delicious cake. Alternatively, the Weaving with Nature Experience (22 April) lets you learn basic weaving skills in the stunning Kiri Cottage, using materials you’ve foraged for in the heart of Ards Peninsula. 

Looking beyond April, more experiences will be on offer including a High Tea at Sea (7 May) speedboat experience, Garden Escape (14 May), Art in the Garden (20 May) watercolour workshop and a Bat Walk and Talk (26 May) in Crawfordsburn Country Park. 

As we enter the summer months, many more experiences will be available with plenty to satisfy those who are fond of water. The SUPaoke Experience (3 June) combines paddleboarding with some fun karaoke in the middle of Belfast Lough, or spend some quality time with your family and make great memories by taking a guided kayak tour for Family Time on the Water (5 June). 

If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on dry land, why not celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and take a guided walking tour of Bangor with the Jubilee Jaunt Back in Time (5 June) where you will uncover the town’s Royal connections. 

Find out what it takes to look after Castle Espie with the Ranger for a Day Experience (18 June) or if you prefer to go for a walk with your furry friend and enjoy a gin cocktail, Paws for Gin (19 June) is definitely worth a look. 

With many more Experiences in Ards and North Down available over the coming months, there will be plenty of things to do during all seasons of 2022! 

Experiences must be pre-booked so book early to avoid disappointment. For more information, including ticket prices, terms and conditions, and a full list of available Experiences, go to visitardsandnorthdown.com/experienceAND.