Author: whatsonni

Northern Ireland’s largest cultural diversity festival, the 15^th Belfast Mela, sponsored by Sensata Technologies will take place across the city this year starting on Monday 23 August and running until Sunday 29 August.

A wonderful line-up of music, dance, cookery, visual art, theatre and wellbeing from around the world is planned, led by artists and performers who have made Northern Ireland their home.

U105’s Carolyn Stewart and UTV’s Paul Reilly will host a spectacular FREE ‘Mini Mela’ celebration on Saturday 28 August transforming the city centre into a global village with a pop-up programme of music, dance and art, as current Covid restrictions would make a return to Botanic Gardens for the traditional Mela format unworkable until 2022.

However, all week starting from Monday 23August, ArtsEkta, organisers of the Belfast Mela will be bringing the magic of Mela to outdoor spaces and venues across the city – North, South, East and West as well as the city centre with events to celebrate cultural diversity. Highlights include a Silk Road Supper Club eveningcelebrating food and traditions of our newer communities; a Caribbean Carnival night; the first Global Ceili of its’ kind in the city fusing together Irish trad, Indian and Chinese dance; a spectacular Luminate large scale outdoor lighting event in CS Lewis Square; Taste the World at St George’s Market; as well as lunchtime tasting tours; a beautiful evening of Sufi Music at St Anne’s Cathedral and Wonder Walks, an immersive family storytelling experience.

A spectacular FREE outdoor cinema event is also being planned with showings of Danny Boyle classic Slumdog Millionaire fused together with live Bollywood dance from ArtsEkta’s South Asian Dance Academy and an Indian Summer BBQ on the 28 and 29 August.

Nisha Tandon OBE, Founder of the Belfast Mela and Director, ArtsEkta said:

“Seven is a very special number for this year’s Belfast Mela Festival, with the seven continents and the seven seas we decided to put on seven days of Mela to reflect Northern Ireland’s growing diverse communities from all over the world.

“Following our successful Virtual Mela at Home last year which attracted an audience of over a quarter of million people worldwide, we are optimistic that given the current vaccine roll out in Northern Ireland we will be able to put on a series of wonderful events across the city this August.

“While it will not be possible again this year to hold the large-scale event at Botanic Gardens which normally attracts in excess of 30,000 people, we want to make sure the joy and positivity for which the Belfast Mela is renowned reaches as many people as possible while respecting current public health guidance as we emerge from the pandemic cautiously.

“Therefore, we are planning a week-long programme this Summer, with exciting events being organised in a variety of venues and public places in different parts of the city which everyone can enjoy in a safe and responsible way. Audiences can look forward to a spectacular return of Mela at Botanic Gardens in 2022.”

Tickets for selected Belfast Mela events are available to book via https://belfastmela.org.uk. Full details of the complete Belfast Mela 2021 programme will be announced in early August.

The Belfast Mela is principally funded by Belfast City Council with support from Arts Council for NI; Tourism NI, Community Relations Council; National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery Community Fund, Public Health Agency and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. The title sponsor is Sensata Technologies and Media Partners are UTV and U105.

With holidays abroad off the cards for many this summer the National Trust is encouraging everyone to get back to basics and enjoy a summer filled with simple, sensory pleasures.

The unmistakable smell of freshly cut grass, the reassuring sight of blue and sunny skies, the first glimpse of the sea, the tickle of grass between your toes. Nothing comes close to summer at home. And it’s finally here. National Trust gardens and parkland are popping with colour, woodlands are alive with chirping birds, meadows are swaying in the breeze and lakes are glistening – ready for exploring.

What’s more, a number of National Trust places will be encouraging everyone to experience these simple, sensory pleasures with their summer activity programme ‘Get Set, Go’.

Thanks to funding from Sport England, visitors will be able to have a go at over 20 different activities such as ‘go barefoot’, ‘make a splash’, ‘work together’– to stretch those lockdown legs – to explore and get outdoors together – and to connect with nature.

A range of downloadable activities will also be available online, for everyone to enjoy – with simple ideas for making the most of summer in the garden, the local park or even (whisper it), for rainy days spent indoors.

The conservation charity is also inviting people to participate in a special six-week series of sensory #NTchallenge(s) across Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to build on the established #NTchallenge on Instagram. Weekly challenges kick-off on the 23 July with themes including scents of summer, sounds of summer, taste of summer and more.

Here’s the National Trust’s pick of the best places to enjoy this summer

Mount Stewart, County Down

Take a dive into forest bathing, hunt for hidden digital treasures with geocaching or try your hand at archery. Make a bee line for the Magic Ink Pot, a natural play area themed around magical journeys and mythical creatures; or see what strange and exotic animals you can find in the ark in the Italian Garden. Pick up your Get Set, Go pack from the courtyard outside Visitor Reception and chose your own adventure.

Pre-booking recommended visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart

Castle Ward, County Down

Choose to go barefoot in the wildflower meadow, hit the target while buzzing along with the bees, Get Set Go in a potato sack race, catch your breath during a yoga pose, or find your way through the estate with a natural sensory trail.

Pre-booking not required, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-ward

The Argory, County Armagh

Challenge friends and family at Blackwater Bootcamp. How high can you jump? How much can you lift? Enjoy schoolyard skipping and tennis on the lawn; compose a nature tune in the giant arbour sound boot; try your hand at some Argory Art or help the next generation of cyclists learn to ride on the new free-to-hire balance bikes.

Explore the house at your own pace on a self-guided tour and take on the sporting challenge to see how many tennis balls you spot along the way. Book your self-guided tour ticket at Visitor Reception on arrival.

Pre-booking not required. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-argory

Castle Coole, Florence Court and Crom, County Fermanagh

Grab a Get Set, Go card at Castle Coole, Crom or Florence Court and create your own adventure as you explore the activities at each place. You can make a splash at Crom, add some bounce at Castle Coole, or follow the path at Florence Court, all whilst noticing nature at each of these special places.

For a quieter adventure, enjoy the wellness walk at Castle Coole or the sensory walk at Crom and enjoy the peace and tranquillity with your family.

Pre-booking not required visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/crom www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-coole   www.nationaltrust.org.uk/florence-court

Rowallane Garden, County Antrim

Download the Plant Hunter activity pack and embark on a journey through history as you meet some of the daring plant hunters that first discovered the plants and trees waiting to be found in the garden. Along the way, venture into Explore & Play, a natural playground filled with challenges based on the plant hunter’s passport. See if you can survive the swamp, find the tallest trees and get active in nature. Don’t forget to pick up a Get Set, Go card to inspire your summer adventure. ‘Find your way’ to explore new paths and discover different natural textures, or ‘feel the beat’ to tune in to the sounds and rhythms of nature.

Pre-booking recommended, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rowallane-garden

Award-winning Artist Frances McKenna opens ‘Perceptions’, a new exhibition of oil paintings at the Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre in Armagh on Monday 26 July.

Born near Navan Fort in Armagh in 1970, Frances McKenna graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art from the University of Ulster. Throughout her art career, Frances has achieved many awards for her work, including first prize in the Bass Ireland Award. Her major collectors include UTV, The Irish News, Northern Ireland Civil Service, Bass Ireland, Oifig an Taoiseach and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, as well as many private collections. In addition, Frances has exhibited her work in various group and solo shows in galleries across Ireland.

Frances’s current paintings are her emotional and nostalgic response for her love of Donegal and her home in Armagh. Her work captures the atmosphere and energy of the moment. ‘Perceptions’ will include vibrant oil paintings and a collection of some of Frances’s limited edition giclee prints.

Frances says, “Today my paintings are about portraying life’s beautiful energy, I want to move my viewer, to lift their spirits. I want them to be pulled into the painting and feel uplifted. It is my hope that the viewer of my work can get lost in my paintings, with a sense of joy. To walk and lose oneself among the wild flowers in a vast open space of sunshine, to feel the wind in their face, listen to the sounds of the oceans, taste the sea salt in the air & the smells of Irish turf burning fires. To live among colour of every description. A little piece of heaven on earth.”

Perceptions will be on display from 26 July until 4 September at The Market Place Theatre. The exhibition features as part of the prestigious John Hewitt International Summer School. An official exhibition launch by invitation only will take place on Saturday 31 July from 2.00pm – 4.30pm.

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 story of one mother’s loss.

The Shankill Road, Belfast 1993. On a sunny Saturday afternoon in October a bomb explodes in Frizzell’s fish shop, killing nine people and one of the bombers.

Then it hit me – my Leanne was under all them bricks  …

A mother’s instinct is to protect her child.  Who can protect their child from evil? I couldn’t.

Written and directed by Patricia Downey.

“A piece of work that will resonate with all people, regardless of class, colour or creed” – Audience Member

‘What If’ was performed on the Shankill in October 2018 during the 25th anniversary of the Shankill bombing, it had a profound impact on those that saw it.

Since then it has been the desire of those in the Shankill community who organised Shankill25 that the play should be seen by a wider audience. The proposals for the venues in October 2019 fulfil that commitment.’

Patricia Downey has over 20 years experience as a writer, director and workshop facilitator.  She is co-founder and artistic director of Spanner in the Works Theatre Company.

Spanner in the Works Theatre Company is known for its distinctive and challenging productions.  Drawing inspiration from the communities it works with, it interrogates contemporary issues in accessible and provocative ways.

A Five Day Festival of Sailing,  water activities, environmental, Drama Plays, crafts, food foraging and lots more a Festival for everyone based in Portaferry and on the shores of Strangford Lough Co. Down

Portaferry is preparing for a five-day Festival with covid restrictions in place they have adapted the programme which will include celebrating their heritage Sailing event The Narrows Series launching with the spectacular Bar Buoy Race with over 100 boats participating.  The festival which will be the biggest maritime event to come to Ards Peninsula  since the very popular ‘Galway Hooker Festival’ of many years ago.  The event is being hosted again this year by Portaferry Sailing Club and is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council will centre around the lough on the Shore Front.  The Events will spread out from the Club to all parts of the town ensuring plenty of family fun for everyone. 

The Club is running the festival we are expecting boats from all over the lough and North Down, Scotland, Isle of Man & ROI and farther afield.   The boats will gather on Thursday and racing will begin on Friday through to Monday for competitive racing with ticketed taster sessions kayaking/boat rafting and coastal rowing to allow locals and visitors to get up close and witness the spectacular boats in action

The festival highlight is a unique opportunity for the public to engage on the water and to cruise the lough on the beautiful boat “Cuan Shore” and for Game of Thrones fans an opportunity sail past the original filming ground of “Winterfell” not forgetting 2 Game of Thrones doors one in Strangford and one in Portaferry.  The new environmental boat “Citizen Sea” will be visiting and an opportunity to explore and sails on this beautiful ship

New event this year is two fantastic plays by Belfast production company Spanner in The Works performing “WHAT IF” & “BUTTERCUP” we also have family adventure day, food foraging/cooking demonstration, craft workshops, guided walking tours in Portaferry and Kearney Village. 

To compliment the Sailing, there will be local food outlets promoting local produce The visiting public can avail of free activities PAST maritime and heritage museum

Heritage & ferry door trail, family fun treasure map trial, Nugent’s Wood national trust woodlands walk  restaurants, coffee shops, hotel and fast food outlets are also gearing up for the Festival with special food menus to keep locals and visitors replenished.

The Festival this year due to covid restrictions and guidelines are limited in what can be delivered in comparison to other years, although different there are quite few new additional activities for everyone to sign up and try Eventbrite

Look out for details of all events, locations and times to be published and distributed all over the province in the near future.  The festival program can be found on our exclusive website www.portaferrysailsandsounds.com or follow us on facebook & twitter – (www.facebook.com/Portaferrysailsandsounds) for updates and festival information on where to buy tickets.

This promises to be one of the highlights of the summer and will involve many volunteers and local business owners who will go out of their way to extend a welcome to all visitors whether they come by land or by sea.

Due to the overwhelming response of the new Line of Duty Experience from Hastings Hotels and McComb’s coach Travel, new dates have been added and an overnight package has been launched.

The Line of Duty Overnight Experience, begins with lunch in the Grand Café in the Grand Central Hotel, before an action packed guided tour onboard a luxurious coach, taking in some of the most recognisable filming locations including the iconic Subway location, the favourite meeting point for Steve and Kate to have their secret rendezvous; ‘Pelbury House’ the headquarters of the Central Police force and ‘Hickey’s Bookmakers’ from the opening scene of series six that first made viewers suspect that DCI Davidson was a bent copper before finishing the afternoon with an AC12 cocktail or Wee Donkey mocktail in the Observatory, Ireland’s tallest cocktail bar in the Grand Central Hotel. Then it’s time to check in for a luxurious overnight stay and full Irish breakfast the following morning.

Guests will also receive the Hastings’ Line of Duty duck which has been designed with some of Northern Ireland’s best-known sayings.  

The Line of Duty Overnight Experience is available from £220 per room (based on two people sharing) on selected dates from Sunday 25^th July. To book go to www.grandcentralhotelbelfast.com

Great news for all the urban sports enthusiasts out there!  The V36 Urban Sports Park, is one jump closer to opening. 

This exciting project is now ready to commence and is aiming for completion in late 2021.  There will be so many features in this unique park, in particular its size, which when complete will be one of the largest in the U.K.

The V36 Urban Sports Park is a project supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match-funding for this project has been provided by The Executive Office, Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development, Ireland.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Billy Webb said “This is great news for the Borough. Urban Sports have really taken off and we are delighted to be working in partnership with the Peace IV Programme, to provide one of the biggest Urban Sports Park in the U.K. As a Council we are continually looking to improve and develop leisure facilities for our residents and this fantastic project is only part of a developing programme of enhancements.”

Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey and Chair of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Peace IV Partnership, Councillor Stephen Ross said “As Partnership members we have been involved in the development of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Peace IV programme over a number of years.  It is fantastic to now be at a stage where we are seeing projects come to life and this project will have a real impact by providing a new, accessible, shared space for our Borough.”

Keep an eye on our social media channels for more information.

The Lyric Theatre is getting ready to re-open to live audiences from the end of July 2021 with the announcement of two productions on the Lyric’s main stage. 

Having had to close the doors to live audiences for sixteen months, the team are delighted to announce details of two Lyric productions: a version of the classic Dracula by Scottish writer Liz Lochhead with actors from the Lyric’s Drama Studio, 27^th July – 1^st Aug 2021, and a brand new play by Tara Lynne O’Neill, Rough Girls 4^th – 25^th Sept 2021, telling the story of the first all-female football team set in Belfast at the end of the First World War.

The Lyric, like all other cultural venues in the region, will comply with both the latest Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of all audiences and staff members.  Itwill re-open to the public on 19^th July for patrons to enjoy the Café Bar, with the first live theatre performance scheduled to begin on Tuesday 27^th July to a socially distanced audience, one-third of the main stage’s normal capacity.

Dracula is a masterpiece of the horror genre, probing questions of identity, sanity and the dark corners of Victorian sexuality and desire.  Young actors from the Lyric’s hugely successful Drama Studio programme, which for over a decade has nurtured new talent such as Anthony Boyle, will perform a version of Dracula.  This story has been adapted from the original Bram Stoker classic by former Makar, the Scots equivalent of the Poet Laureate, Liz Lochhead.

Set in Belfast 1917 – 1921 and based on true events, Rough Girls by Tara Lynne O’Neill, is the untold story of Belfast women who stepped onto a pitch in society-shocking shorts and footie boots, a ball at their feet and a point to prove.  Rebels with a ball, who kept kicking their way through the outraged defence of a male-dominated game, they raised thousands of pounds for those returning from war.  This ambitious, large-scale production features an impressive eleven strong female cast with live music creating the heartbeat of the city at the time.  The new production is generously supported by Garfield Weston and Electric Ireland.   Audiences also have the unique opportunity to sit amongst the action, with 24 onstage tickets available each night.  This new play is not to be missed for theatre and football fans alike!

The Lyric Theatre is also delighted to announce Electric Ireland as sponsors for their production of Rough Girls.   Electric Ireland’s campaign Game Changers NI is a partnership with the Irish FA that supports and nurtures the talent and commitment of girls and women in football.  One hundred years on since the formation of the first female football team in Northern Ireland, this partnership makes the connection between the magic and skills of live theatre with the magic and skills of being on the pitch.  It also aims to bring a new sporting audience to theatre and sport to an arts audience.

Jimmy Fay, Executive producer at Lyric Theatre Belfast said:

“I am delighted to announce that our re-opening shows will be our Drama Studio production of Dracula and a brand new Lyric commissioned play, Rough Girls by Tara Lynne O’Neill. Everyone at the Lyric is grateful for the continued support of The Arts Council of Northern Ireland and is delighted to welcome Electric Ireland as a sponsor for Rough Girls.  This is all the more important after the last sixteen months and at a time when our core funding is at a stand-still for the seventh successive year.  Without a substantial rethink from funders towards venues like the Lyric which employs hundreds of artists and serves audiences of tens of thousands telling stories from the place and people where we live, then our future is likely to be as perilous as the recent past. Getting back to the electric energy of live performance is crucial for our team at the Lyric as well as for the long-term sustainability of the theatre industry. We are live and we can’t wait to welcome audiences back into the theatre in July even as we continue to provide audiences with access to the productions online.”

Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: 

“I am delighted to see the Lyric open its doors to welcome the public back to enjoy live theatre once again.  There is nothing quite like the direct experience that live theatre brings and I’m sure many people have been waiting for this day to come.  As we slowly and safely emerge from this exceptionally challenging time, we look forward to better days ahead for the arts sector.”

Sponsorship Specialist with Electric Ireland, Anne Smyth, commented:

“Electric Ireland are thrilled to be part of the Lyric Theatre’s 2021 programme and to support the Rough Girls production as part of our wider Game Changers NI campaign which supports all levels of girls and women’s football here in Northern Ireland. Live theatre is just magic and we have all missed it, what better way to return than with an original production about fearless women who want to play sport. We want to bring that story to a new audience, bringing the arts to sports fans and sport to arts lovers.”

Tickets for Dracula and Rough Girls will be on sale on Friday 25 June 2021.  For further details visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk.  Follow the Lyric on Twitter and Instagram @LyricBelfast and Facebook @LyricTheatreBelfast.

The Lyric Theatre is supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery funding, Belfast City Council and Garfield Weston Foundation.

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland today has asked the public to name its new woodland in the Belfast Hills.

Set next to Cave Hill Country Park the 98 hectare site will be developed over the next five years with open treed areas, hedgerows, upland wet heath and species rich grassland; the first of over 150,000 native trees will be planted later this year with hopes to open up the new woodland to the public for free as soon as the end of 2021. The new site in the Belfast hills was purchased thanks to funding from Biffa Award, as part of the Landfill Communities Fund, NIEA and private donations.

As this new woodland is a blank canvas, the Woodland Trust wants to encourage local residents to get involved and help them develop a destination that is fit for the purpose of its visitors – to do this the charity is co ordinating a community consultation. The consultation seeks input on types of events the public would like to get involved in, volunteering opportunities, access points and pathways, and even help to choose the name for the site. Details of this community consultation are available at http://www.woodlandtru.st/zIKcw

Gregor Fulton, Senior Outreach Manager for the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland said:

“As part of our plans to launch our new site in the Belfast Hills we are running a community consultation. We really want the local community to get involved in their new woodland and we value the ideas and comments from our new neighbours and from everyone who wants to visit our new site.”

To get the conversation started, the Woodland Trust has already pre-selected a choice of names reflecting the geography, history and location of the new woodland including Bellevue Wood, Collinwood, Glas-na-bradan and Hazel Hill. Members of the public are invited to vote on their favourite or submit a wild card choice of their own.

The new site is in Collinward and borders Cave Hill Country Park, which attracts over 270,000 visitors every year from Belfast and the surrounding areas and will link existing pathways through Divis and the Belfast Hills. It will also be a vital piece of the jigsaw linking current Woodland Trust sites at Carnmoney Hill, Monkstown Wood and Throne Wood, providing free outdoor spaces for the local community in North Belfast, Newtownabbey, South Antrim and the greater Belfast area.

Northern Ireland currently has the lowest tree cover within Europe, with just 8% cover; of which 4% are native trees and 0.04% ancient woodland. The Woodland Trust aims to create new native woodland for wildlife, people and the climate. With the addition of the new site in the Belfast Hills, the Woodland Trust has created woodland in Northern Ireland on a landscape scale for a second consecutive year. In 2020, the woodland conservation charity created the single largest native woodland to date on 60 hectares at Aughrim Hill.

The consultation will run from 21 June to 16 July, to have your say, you can complete the survey at http://www.woodlandtru.st/zIKcw

There’s no better way to celebrate the longer, warmer days of summer than packing a picnic and catching up with friends and family.

With miles of coastline, acres of countryside and numerous gardens and parks the National Trust cares for some of the best spots in the country for eating al fresco and drinking in the stunning views. 

For those whose picnic hampers have a bit of room left, there are also plenty of ways to make it extra-special with the delicious local, seasonal food on offer at National Trust cafés.

And of course, should you forget anything the National Trust shop has a host of eco-friendly picnic accessories, including bamboo cutlery and crockery as well as bees wax wraps and reusable straws. 

Here are some of the top picnic spots and places to stop for a tasty treat this coming National Picnic Week (19-27 June):

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/perfect-picnic-spots-in-northern-ireland

Please note: Advance booking for visits helps us keep everyone safe and socially distanced. At quieter times such as weekdays, booking shouldn’t be necessary, but to guarantee entry we recommend booking in advance, especially at weekends and bank holidays. Please check the property webpage before you visit and follow government guidance.

Mussenden Temple, Downhill, County Antrim

For a picnic with a view, you can’t beat Mussenden Temple at Downhill Demesne. With panoramic views of the famous Antrim coast, this clifftop walk is the ideal place for kite flying. There are picnic tables in the apple orchard or take shelter in the shaded Black Glen woodland and go in search of the small lake hidden in the valley.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mussenden-temple-and-downhill-demesne

Minnowburn, County Down

Close to Belfast, Minnowburn is an idyllic picnic spot in the heart of Lagan Valley Regional Park. Enjoy riverbank, meadow and woodland walks and see if you can spot a kingfisher as you picnic by the water’s edge. Following an Italian sunken garden style, with Art Deco and Arts and Crafts influences, Terrace Hill Garden has a range of seating fashioned from the old decking of the Lagan weir bridge. Take a seat, take in the sights and smells and enjoy panoramic views of the valley.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/minnowburn

Castle Ward, County Down

Part gothic castle and part classical Palladian Mansion, this unique 18th century house is famed for its mixture of architectural styles, while the wider estate offers plenty to explore from the Georgian farmyard to the shores of Strangford Lough. Dragonflies and damselflies, exotic flowers and sweet garden scents will surround you if you roll out a picnic rug in the Victorian Sunken Garden. Alternatively, stroll along the shore, relax by the quayside with a picnic and see if you can spot any seals in Strangford Lough.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-ward

The Argory, County Armagh

Work up an appetite with a stroll along River Blackwater and up through Lime Tree avenue. Let the kids run wild in the woods, before exploring the fabulous gardens. Picnic on the rolling lawns in front of this Irish gentry house or seek shelter and solitude in the shade.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-argory

Crom, County Fermanagh

Lying on the southern shores of Upper Lough Erne, the Crom estate is the ideal spot to while away a summer’s day. Wend your way through the cool shade of ancient woodlands to seek out castle ruins, or ramble across meadows in search of butterflies and dragonflies. If you fancy seeing things from a different viewpoint, hire a boat from the Visitor Centre to row out across the lake to enjoy the cool breeze. Then when you’re ready for lunch, indulge in something from the tearoom or make use of the picnic benches perched by the water’s edge.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/crom

Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down

Summer and the seaside go hand in hand and where better to soak up the sun than Murlough National Nature Reserve. Follow the trails and boardwalks through the ancient dunes, before emerging onto the sandy Blue Flag beach with its crystal clear waters that are perfect for swimming. Pack a picnic along with your bucket and spade and enjoy a family day by the sea.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/murlough-national-nature-reserve

Rowallane Garden, County Down

Just a short drive from Belfast, Rowallane is a beautiful setting for a walk and picnic. With acres of garden filled with interesting plants to see and smell, Rowallane has plenty of sturdy benches available, or take a blanket and find your own hidden corner among the blooms. Top locations include the grassy knoll near the Visitor Centre which is surrounded by large rhododendrons and the beautiful iron bandstand that provides perfect cover if you experience a summer rain shower.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rowallane-garden

Every single visit supports the National Trust’s conservation work, looking after special places for people to enjoy for years to come.