Author: whatsonni

Offers of the week inspiration from Discover Northern Ireland

With stunning coastlines, idyllic walks and beautiful forest parks to explore, Northern Ireland is the perfect place to enjoy some quality time together with a loved one during the year of the staycation. From luxurious and boutique hotels to superb B&Bs, you are always just one small step away from a giant adventure.

During autumn and winter, even the most familiar places can take on a different look as the light and colours change. It is a perfect time to connect with nature and explore our beautiful countryside before retiring to your hotel for some well-earned rest and relaxation.  

Discover Northern Ireland has compiled the following offers to provide some inspiration for a relaxing getaway.

County Antrim

One-Night B&B, Ballygally Castle Hotel (4*) from £120 per room based on 2 people sharing

• Perched on the tip of the famous Causeway Coastal Route, sits Ballygally Castle, a stunning 17th Century Castle which overlooks the golden sands of Ballygally Bay and has uninterrupted views across the Irish Sea. The 54 bedrooms at the Ballygally Castle are full of character and charm. Beautiful, original beamed ceilings, combined with tasteful contemporary decor, add to the welcoming atmosphere. Book with their guaranteed best available flexible rate. During your stay, enjoy luxurious overnight accommodation with Full Irish breakfast. To book call +44 (0) 28 2858 1066. Offer available until 31^st December 2020. Subject to availability.

County Fermanagh

Halloween Break B&B, Westville Hotel (4*) from £145 per night based on 2 people sharing

• This modern, contemporary, boutique style hotel is ideally situated in the centre of Enniskillen. With 28 beautifully designed bedrooms, including four executive rooms and two luxury suites, all with en-suite facilities, providing a touch of extravagance for each guest and space to set base for an epic adventure in County Fermanagh. The overnight stay offer includes a Halloween themed cupcake on arrival and three-course meal at The Terrace Restaurant. To book call +44 (0) 28 6632 0333. Offer available until 31^st October 2020. Subject to availability. 

County Armagh

Mid-week break B&B, Newforge House (5*) from £440 based on 2 night minimum and 2 people sharing (offer available Tuesday and Wednesday)

• Cradled in beautiful gardens and green fields, Newforge House offers warm hospitality and superb food in tranquil surroundings. Six beautifully furnished en-suite bedrooms blend antiques with contemporary comforts and offer views of the gardens and surrounding countryside. Dining at Newforge House is a treat with their passion for local, seasonal food showcased on their daily dinner menu. Their orchard provides fruits for desserts, chutneys and preserves, and is home to their friendly chickens who lay fresh eggs for breakfast. Homegrown vegetables also feature in their dinner menu. To book call +44 (0)28 926 11255. Offer available until 31^st December 2020. Subject to availability.

For more inspiration on great places to stay in Northern Ireland visit www.discovernorthernireland.com or follow Discover Northern Ireland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Accommodation availability and prices correct at time of publication. All offers are subject to availability.

Antrim Castle Gardens will host a photography exhibition on the COVID-19 pandemic captured by Dr. Tuck Goh, an associate specialist at the Ulster Hospital.  

Dr. Goh who has worked in the Emergency Department for 23 years, quickly engaged his passion for street photography to the Emergency Department at the Ulster Hospital as they prepared for COVID19.

Originally from Malaysia, Dr. Goh has enjoyed extensive travel which has taken him across the world, however nothing could have prepared him for COVID19.  He knew that he had to capture the real action in the fight against the pandemic from the frontline for both this generation and those to come.

This remarkable exhibition gives the sense of what goes on in the day-to-day work carried out by the doctors, nurses, porters and domiciliary staff as they battle against COVID-19.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said “I am looking forward to seeing this unique exhibition, capturing first-hand the real story of COVID-19. This pandemic has gripped the nation for many months and this is a valuable opportunity to see the story unfold through these images. I am pleased the Council is supporting Dr. Goh and giving the public a chance to see the courageous work carried out by the real heroes of this pandemic.”

The exhibition opens at The Oriel Gallery from Tuesday 6 – Sunday 15 November. Visitors are welcome to view this exhibition whilst maintaining social distancing and adhering to the NI Executive guidelines. 

Ards and North Down Borough Council is encouraging everyone to be part of a collective effort to reduce air pollution on 8 October and throughout the year by taking part in Clean Air Day.

Many people in the borough have embraced walking, cycling and general exercise in recent months. They have grabbed the opportunity to walk along the coastal paths, dander along the beach, cycle on the Greenway and perhaps walk or cycle to the shops.

But as society attempts to make tentative steps to return to business as usual, everyone is being encouraged to forget old habits and try to maintain these new activities by incorporating them into their daily lives.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Trevor Cummings, said:

“During lockdown, there was a noticeable reduction in air pollution relating to vehicle emissions. Now that many people are returning to work and students have returned to school, we want to encourage everyone to try to maintain the momentum of living a healthier lifestyle by leaving their cars at home, when possible, and choose to walk or cycle. Not only is this healthier but it helps to reduce air pollution and is better for the environment which ultimately benefits everyone.”

There is no better time to start than Clean Air Day on Thursday 8 October. So why not try to leave the car at home and get on your bike, or your feet. Your health and the environment will benefit!

Enjoy autumn’s kaleidoscope of colours during a family getaway

As the half term school holidays approach, it is the perfect time for families to enjoy some epic fun without the epic trek.

Northern Ireland has a host of hotels with fun family activities just a small step away. As the nights draw in and we prepare for the long winter months, why not enjoy autumn’s kaleidoscope of colours when spending some time together with loved ones.

Discover Northern Ireland has put together a list of great places to stay with fun activities on your doorstep:

Belfast

La Mon Hotel & Country Club (4*)

Located 15 minutes from Belfast city centre, La Mon Hotel & Country Club is nestled in the picturesque countryside of County Down. The hotel offers family friendly accommodation with 121 luxury bedrooms, suites and award-winning dining. Guests can relax and avail of the 15m swimming pool and tennis court on site. For local activities, you’re about a 15-minute drive from a wetland paradise at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre and a ten-minute drive from Streamvale Open Farm, with a Halloween Pumpkin Patch experience from 17th October – 31st October. Offer from £215 for one night’s B&B plus two-course meal, treat plate and kids Halloween activities and access to the Country Club (based on two adults and two children). Subject to availability. https://www.lamon.co.uk/

Crowne Plaza, Belfast (4*)

Crowne Plaza is a refined hotel in a parkland setting in the Lagan Valley regional park just 15 minutes from central Belfast, with stylish dining, complimentary car parking and an indoor pool (separate time for kids and families to enjoy). Plus, for a day of family packed adventure, you’re only a quick drive away from We Are Vertigo, featuring Northern Ireland’s largest indoor inflatable activity course. Offer from £184 per night based on two adults and two children and access to leisure facilities. Subject to availability. https://www.cpbelfast.com/

Clayton Hotel, Belfast (4*)

A city centre location means you will be close to many of Belfast’s main entertainment and attractions including Titanic Belfast and Ulster Museum. Facilities ensure there are endless activities from entertainment in the hotel’s swimming pool and family friendly dining options. Offer from £179 B&B per night based on two adults and three children (limited availability). Subject to availability. Visit https://www.claytonhotelbelfast.com/ 

County Fermanagh

Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges (4*)

Commanding stunning views overlooking scenic Lough Erne, the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges features luxury hotel accommodation, lakeside lodges, an Elemis Spa, choice of restaurants and Health Club (also accessible to kids and families). Only about one mile from Enniskillen, and a short drive from the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark and National Trust’s Florence Court, there is lots to explore with the family. The kids will also love the new ‘Killy Kids’ Outdoor Play Park. Offer from £155pps for two nights B&B, plus dinner on one evening. Children aged four years and under stay complimentary and for 5-12 year-olds it’s £20 per night B&B. The offer also includes use of the indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and outdoor hot tub at Killyhevlin Health Club. Subject to availability. https://www.killyhevlin.com/ 

County Tyrone

Silverbirch Hotel (3*) 

Within walking distance of Omagh, a bustling market town, the hotel is a family-run business for over 41 years. It is home to a collection of 64 bedrooms a bustling entertainment scene and its Barreta Bar & Grill is a firm favourite with the locals. During your stay, plan a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park. About a 10-minute drive away, immerse yourself in the story of the brave emigrants who made the journey across the Atlantic to America hundreds of years ago. Offer from £99 B&B based on two adults and two children under 12 or £129 B&B for two adults and three children under 12 in a large family room. Subject to availability. https://www.silverbirchhotel.com/ 

County Antrim

Bayview Hotel (4*)

The Bayview Hotel is situated at the heart of the picturesque village of Portballintrae, one mile from Bushmills, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and close to the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle. A great spot for families with their junior and superior rooms, and ideal for traveling around the Causeway Coast and Glens. In addition, the warmth of the Porthole Bar & Restaurant provides a focal point of the hotel where you can watch the world go by with the sea view and enjoy a memorable family-friendly meal. Offer from £149 including Bed & Full Breakfast for two adults and two children. Subject to availability. http://www.bayviewhotelni.com/ 

County Armagh

Armagh City Hotel (3*)

A fantastic base for exploring all Armagh has to offer, guests can enjoy 93 en-suite bedrooms, delicious modern cuisine in the Friary Restaurant as well as the state-of-the-art health and leisure club. The Armagh City Hotel combines all the rest and relaxation you need with activities right on your doorstep. Kids will love the hotel pool and you’ll love the great value and spacious family rooms. Family break offer from £295.00 includes two-night B&B for two adults and two kids, £50.00 meal voucher and a family ticket to Navan Center & Fort or Armagh Planetarium (re-opening on 28 October) and tickets to the Armagh Cider Tour. Subject to availability. https://www.armaghcityhotel.com/ 

For further inspiration on great activities and places to stay across Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com. Or follow Discover Northern Ireland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Accommodation availability and prices correct at time of publication. All offers are subject to availability. 

Northern Ireland’s first ever outdoor forest school has launched a week-long spook-tacular Halloween Camp at Barnett Demesne in Belfast.

The Holistic Kidz Forest School Halloween Camp, which takes place from Monday 26^th – Friday 30^th October, promises lots of fun for children aged 4 to 12 including tree climbing, tepee creations, scarecrow building, magic wand and mud pie potion making, spooky stories, hot chocolate around the campfire and the Hogwarts nature trail.

Colette McCartney, Founder of Holistic Kidz said: “We are delighted to launch our 2020 Halloween Forest Camp. With children now settled back into school, we’re pleased to be able to help families continue with a routine during the half-term – and add a lot of fun and fulfilment at the same time. Our camp is all outdoors in nature and we are fully compliant with the current government regulations so parents can rest assured in the knowledge that their child is having a good time in a safe and nourishing environment.

Children are stimulated by spending time outdoors and there are so many proven scientific benefits including increased energy levels, improved mood and focus and running around breathing in the fresh air always ensures a good night’s sleep. Our ethos is very much built around nature and giving our Holistic Kidz the opportunity to learn new skills, build their confidence and emotional well-being, boost their creativity and imagination and develop essential problem-solving skills.”

“Our coaches are highly skilled and fully qualified in early years education and various holistic services and we keep our group sizes small to ensure each child has the chance to really make the most of their special time with us in camp. Sensible clothing is recommended as we love nothing more than climbing trees and jumping in muddy puddles – all the things that children love to do best when in the great outdoors!” Colette added.

A Weekly Explorer to the Holistic Kidz Halloween Forest Camp is £110 per child and a Daily Explorer is £27 per child.  There is a 10% discount for siblings. Places must be booked in advance.

For further information go to www.holistickidz.com or holistic_kidzni on Instagram.

Belfast will be the only UK city to host interactive art installation

NEXT month will see Northern Ireland join a number of European countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and Greece to host The Disappearing Wall, an interactive art installation that celebrates Europe’s diversity of languages and ideas.

Belfast is the only city within the UK to host the installation which is based on an idea proposed by Maria Jablonina in a workshop carried out by the architect and engineer Werner Sobek and initiated by the Goethe-Institut.

The Disappearing Wall, which will be on display on the roof of Castlecourt Shopping Centre from October 1-12, consists of a plexiglas frame which will host 6,000 wooden blocks showing original and translated quotes collected by the Goethe-Institut earlier this year via local contests across Europe.

Visitors to the Wall are invited to take home a block which will contain one of a wide range of quotes, from the likes of Albert Einstein, Adorno, Rosa Luxemburg, Sartre and Jonas Mekas, to Beatles’ lyrics and lines from Winnie the Pooh or the film Amélie.

As more and more blocks are removed, the Wall will ‘disappear’ with only the clear Plexiglas grid that held them remaining.

Other cities to host the The Disappearing Wall include Antwerp, Barcelona, Brussels, Gdansk, The Hague, Madrid, Milan, Namur, Nicosia, Poznan, Segovia, Thessaloniki, Turin, Vilnius and Warsaw.

Katharina von Ruckteschell-Katte, Director of the Goethe-Institut London, commented: “We are delighted to bring the Disappearing Wall to Belfast. This installation will not only celebrate Northern Ireland’s diversity but also the potential to symbolically overcome borders visible and tangible.”

Goethe-Institut London has commissioned Belfast-based Urban Scale interventions (USI) to bring The Disappearing Wall to life in Belfast with Claire Hall, USI Projects Producer, commenting: “We are proud to help bring The Disappearing Wall to Belfast as it is an important project for NI as we celebrate our country’s diversity. Encouraging visitors to take away inspirational and thought-provoking quotes and therefore destroying the wall to leave a clear view across the city symbolises how we can come together to destroy any barriers that are holding us back.”

Mirroring the project’s aims of celebrating the diversity of Belfast and Northern Ireland, Belfast arts collective Catalyst Arts is running a programme of workshops that will engage with the community through sharing stories, experiences and history.

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Thomas Wells of Catalyst Arts said: “Over the next couple of months, Catalyst Arts will develop and present a series of engagement events looking at a re-mapping of the city beyond geography by inviting participants to share lived experiences of Belfast. The outcome of which will be shown as part of an ongoing engagement with the installation of the Wall in Castle Court Shopping Centre kicking it off”.

The Disappearing Wall is one of several projects that the Goethe-Institut is carrying out for Germany’s EU Council Presidency and as part of the Federal government’s cultural programme in Europe.  With different topics and target groups, the projects are devoted to the overarching question of what will constitute Europe in future and how the European community and cohesion can be strengthened.

The Disappearing Wall is backed by the Federal Foreign Office with special funds for the German EU Council Presidency 2020.  In Northern Ireland, the installation is supported by Catalyst Arts and Urban Scale Interventions.

More information on The Disappearing Wall with dates and locations can be found at www.goethe.de/disappearingwall. 

The Market Place Theatre’s full programme of interactive workshops is back to bring a bit of sunshine to Autumn 2020.

It’s time to get out, get creative and get happy! With full safety measures in place and limited numbers, you’ll need to be fast to secure your place for what has fast become the most popular interactive experience around.

Bake Off fans will be delighted with the tasty range of baking experiences on offer from learning how to create bespoke children’s birthday cakes to decorating an in-vogue drip cake. Or why not allow the kids take part in decorating their own range of Christmas cupcakes, piped and decorated with a selection of seasonal decorations.

Wanting to create a unique piece for your home? Then you’ll be spoilt for choice with the range of imaginative workshops enabling you to produce beautiful items of homeware. Why not make your own super-cute dog-shaped cushion, or learn how to weave stunning, contemporary coasters. Use winter foliage and greenery to produce a gorgeous willow door wreath to add the wow factor to your home. Or design, construct, carve and decorate your own Moroccan styled ceramic lantern.

If looking after yourself and your appearance is more your thing, then you can join one of our make-up masterclasses, and gain confidence in perfecting your look. Or you can learn old style tailoring by designing and stitching a gent’s tweed necktie. There’s a superb opportunity for youngsters to learn how to create an item of clothing from scratch with The Great British Sewing Bee’s Angeline Murphy. Or you can accessorise after completing your very own bespoke leather wallet or belt, hand-crafted to your specifications.

These are just a selection of the amazing workshops on offer, with many more to choose from this Autumn and Winter, so get the creativity flowing again, and come along and immerse yourself in one of these hugely engaging experiences.

Tickets for these, and many more incredible workshop experiences, can be purchased by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre

Keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, 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.

Antrim Castle Gardens has been awarded Tourism Northern Ireland ‘We’re Good To Go Certificate.

Tourism Northern Ireland (TNI) working in partnership with Visit England, Visit Scotland and Visit Wales have developed this standard to ensure a common approach across the UK to provide reassurance that safe working guidelines in relation to COVID-19 have been adopted. 

Antrim Castle Gardens has been a safe haven for locals and more recently visitors as lockdown restrictions have relaxed. With additional visitor services now available at the award-winning Gardens a number of COVID-19 secure measures were put into place to ensure that Executive guidance on the operation of visitor attractions during recovery was fully complied with.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Jim Montgomery said “I am delighted that Antrim Castle Gardens has received this accreditation allowing visitors to feel confident about the management and operation of this attraction during recovery. It is so important for our health and wellbeing to enjoy the freedom of open spaces and with record numbers availing of the Gardens during this pandemic our focus on public safety is paramount.”

Businesses operating within the visitor economy including accommodation, visitor attractions, restaurants and pubs, business conference and events venues and tour and coach operators are currently eligible to apply for the ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard.

Discover Northern Ireland helping to save your holiday break

September 7: Northern Ireland’s hotels and restaurants are excited to be giving a warm welcome to visitors after reopening, meaning it is just a small step to a giant adventure this autumn.

Now you can embrace Northern Ireland’s giant spirit with a staycation at one of the many B&B’s, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties on offer.

Discover Northern Ireland has selected the best offers of the week because, this year, it’s not about how far, it’s about how fun.

County Tyrone 

Two and Three-Night Family Breaks, Glenavon House Hotel (3*) from £95 per person sharing 

Enjoy a fantastic family break and chill out in one of Glenavon House Hotel’s spacious family rooms including a full breakfast each morning to set you up for a busy day ahead. Two and three-night breaks available and includes use of the hotel’s luxurious leisure facilities, 20 metre swimming pool, kids pool, sauna, fitness suite and steam room. (Kids hours apply for leisure facilities).  Please note the changing rooms and the Jacuzzi in the leisure facilities are currently closed following Government guidelines. There is also tons to do nearby including movie nights at the local cinema, local playparks, feed the ducks at Drum Manor Forest Park or enjoy a day out at Jungle NI. To book call +44 (0 )28 867 64949. Offer available until 31^st December 2020. Subject to availability 

Derry~Londonderry

One-Night B&B, Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel (4*) from £89 per room per night based on 2 people

An ideally located family run hotel less than five minutes drive from the centre of the historic walled city of Derry~Londonderry and on the main route to the Giant’s Causeway. Enjoy this 4-star hotel with leisure facility, including a 20m pool, kids pool area, fully equipped gym, luxurious beauty suites, hot tubs and day spa. The hotel has its own newly refurbished, and award winning restaurant and bar on site.  To book call +44 (0) 28 7186 0606. Offer available until 31^st March 2021. Subject to availability.

Belfast

Autumn Staycation Deal, Stormont Hotel (4*) from £45 per person sharing, plus 20% off if you stay for two+ nights

Experience a staycation without the fuss. Just minutes away from the City Centre and adjacent to Stormont Estate, the Stormont Hotel offers the perfect location for a visit to Belfast or exploring County Down and beyond. Stay 2+ nights and get 20% off the total price. Your staycation includes luxurious overnight accommodation with Full Irish Breakfast, exclusive ESPA products, luxury bathrobes & slippers and complimentary WiFi with access to over 7,000 digital newspapers & magazine. To book call +44 (0) 28 9065 1066. Offer available until 30th December 2020. Subject to availability.

Just days after his 75^th birthday, rock legend Van Morrison has confirmed a series of socially-distanced live shows at Belfast’s Europa Hotel in October.

The socially-distanced concerts will take place over three nights on October 29, 30 and 31at the world-famous hotel, which is part of the Hastings Hotels group.

Tickets will be sold in pairs or by tables of eight and the maximum number at each show will be 184 as part of measures to adhere to social distancing legislation in Northern Ireland.

The performance with the Belfast native will be preceded by a drinks reception and two-course supper showcasing the best of Northern Ireland produce.

Ticket prices for the first two rows are available at £250 per person, or £2,000 for a table of eight, and all other tickets are £150 per person or £1,200 per table of eight

The world famous four-star Europa Hotel is located in the heart of Belfast City Centre and offers a choice of 272 hotel rooms – including 92 executive bedrooms and suites.

The elegant decor, contemporary bistro, bustling bar and relaxing piano bar lounge make it the hotel of choice for business and leisure guests visiting Belfast.

Due to its prime location, the Europa Hotel is a short distance from many of Belfast’s top visitor attractions including the Ulster Museum, Grand Opera House and Titanic Belfast.

Hastings Hotels has been voted Ireland’s best luxury hotel group for the past two years.

The Hastings collection has seven hotels, including the five-star Culloden Estate and Spa, the world-famous Europa Hotel, the four-star Stormont Hotel and Northern Ireland’s largest hotel, The Grand Central Hotel.

Tickets for the Van Morrison concerts can be purchased through Ticketmaster or for further information go to www.hastingshotels.com/europa-belfast/events