County Antrim Cottages Awarded Four-Stars by Tourism NI

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Pictured at Limepark, Armoy cottages in County Antrim (L-r) are Hannah Reid, Estate Manager, Suzi McIlhatton, Accommodation Certification Manager at Tourism NI and Angela Biesty, owners of Limepark, Armoy cottages.

Limepark Cottages in Armoy, County Antrim, have been awarded four stars by Tourism NI. 

Situated near Ballymoney the cottages are ideal for exploring the picturesque views of the north coast and beautiful Glens of Antrim. Each of the self-catering cottages has been refurbished in an individual style while retaining their original historic features.

The cottages are based near some of Northern Ireland’s top tourist attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dark Hedges and the Bushmills Distillery which make it the ideal place to stay for families or for weekend trips away. 

Suzi McIlhatton, Tourism NI’s Accommodation Certification Manager, commented: 

“Now under new ownership, Angela and her family have taken the time and care to beautifully restore The Manor House at Limepark which is a wonderful addition to the six self-catering cottages already on the site. They thoroughly deserve the 4-star grading and I wish them every success for what sounds to be a very busy year ahead.”

Angela Biesty, one of the owners of Limepark cottages added: “We are delighted to have received the four-star grading from Tourism NI. It is wonderful to have Limepark featured by the organisation promoting all that is great about Northern Ireland.

“Limepark is a beautiful estate created from what was once a busy farm built in the 1720’s. The outbuildings have been transformed into six unique cottages each with their own charm and warmth. The buildings themselves have been renovated to retain their original features and yet have all the facilities needed for the modern traveller. The grounds are a mixture of manicured lawns and wildflower gardens with a communal fire pit for all guests to enjoy. We are also excited to announce that from 1st October, guests will be able to book the newly decorated Manor House, where they can relax in one of the four poster beds while planning their adventures for the day”.

Angela added: “We are hoping our four-star grading will give guests the confidence and assurance that they will have a lovely stay with us.”

Jacqueline’s Pick of What’s on this Week Across NI

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Antrim

In the heart of Co. Antrim nestled between the major towns of Ballymena and Magherafelt lies the village of Portglenone. The village rests along the banks of the River Bann, which has been immortalised by countless artists and writers down through the years.

It is here in this idyllic setting that the 21st ‘Gig’n the Bann’ Cross Community Music and Dance Festival will take place from the 7th – 9th October 2022. This festival has become one of the major events on the Summer Festival Calendar having built a reputation for offering a most impressive line-up of top performers spanning Traditional, Scottish and Folk Music circles.
Find out more HERE

Armagh

Award-winning Banbridge Musical Society make their debut at The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre 5th to 8th October, with ‘All Shook Up’, a musical comedy by Joe DiPietro, comprising an entire score created from the works of Elvis Presley.
Find out more HERE

Belfast

On the 8th of October 2022 you are invited to join Pretty n Pink and celebrate 16 wonderful years of this fabulous charity.  Join them for a 4-course meal at Titanic Belfast with Ibe Sesay. Entertainment will be provided by the fabulous Motown Sensations, so dust off your dancing shoes, get your glad rags on for a night to remember.

Find out more HERE

Down

The Bog Run is back and it’s bigger and boggier than ever! Are you ready to get stuck in this October in Castlewellan Forest Park in support of children and young people impacted by cancer?

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Try your hand at Adventure Caving at the Marble Arch Caves, Florencecourt. Please note, this is an adult only event.  Your group of ten guided by your cave leader will explore cave passages, negotiate boulder chambers and clamber through the well-known flyover to emerge into the public tour of the Marble Arch Caves before navigating your way out, muddy and ecstatic!

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Titanic Wrestling returns to the city of Derry this weekend! Wrestling Champion ‘The View’ Steven Carvel will be defending his Championship.

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

The Little Forget Me Nots Trust is hosting a unique event which helps kick start the beginning of Baby Loss Awareness week.  Bikers are invited to a very special Little Remembrance Ride from Peatlands Park on Sunday 9th October beginning at 10am.

Find out more HERE

Cara Dillon Live At The Market Place

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Cara Dillon occupies an enviable position at the very top of her genre. This extraordinary Irish singer has been captivating audiences and achieving exceptional acclaim for over 20 years. She has [according to Mojo magazine] ‘Quite possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice’.

Alongside a selection of favourites from her previous releases, Cara will be performing material from her new album ‘Wanderer’, which is a collection of beautiful and moving songs recorded in an intimate setting with her husband and musical partner Sam Lakeman.

Every note and word sung with a passion and confidence earned through a life of experience singing traditional songs.

Legions of fans will attest to their impassioned performances with Cara’s warm and natural stage presence something to savour.

Cara Dillon will perform for one night only at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Thursday 13 October.

Tickets are priced £24, and can be booked through the Box Office on 03300 561 025, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre

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.

Film Hub NI brings Irish Language Collective film tour to Limavady and Portstewart

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Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Arts Services is delighted to be part of Film Hub NI’s first ever Irish Language Collective film tour as it brings screenings of ‘Róise & Frank’ to Flowerfield Arts Centre and Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre.

An up-lifting tale of a shaggy dog, a grieving widow, a young hurling star and finding hope in the darkest of places, Róise & Frank has been a massive success on the festival circuit, winning numerous awards including Best Ensemble at Dublin International Film Festival and the Audience Award winner at both the Santa Barbara and Sonoma International Film Festivals.

The heart-warming film tells the story of recently widowed Róise (Bríd Ní Neachtain) who is struggling after the death of her husband Frank.  Grief-stricken and lonely, Róise’s son Alan worries that she is distancing herself from those who care for her, but when a stray dog starts to follow her every move, a rejuvenated Róise starts to believe in the reincarnation of her husband, and that he has come back to be with her again as well as coach the local sports team.

Róise & Frank will screen at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre on Thursday 6th October and Flowerfield Arts Centre on Thursday 20th October, both starting at 7pm.

Tickets are priced at £5 per person and can be booked online via www.flowerfield.org and www.roevalleyarts.com. Alternatively, ring Flowerfield Arts Centre on 028 7083 1400 or Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on 028 7776 0650.

Please note, this is an Irish language film, with English subtitles.

 

Carrick Manufacturer Ryobi Raise Vital Funds For NI Hospice

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After hosting a hugely successful family fun day recently, Carrick-based engineering firm Ryobi are celebrating raising over £10,000 to support the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

A variety of activities were available on the day for both children and adults, including a bouncy castle, face painting, a raffle and many more fun-filled options.

The event raised a grand total of £7,938 for the charity, an amount that is sure to go a long way and be greatly appreciated.

This huge amount is less than half of what Ryobi have donated to the NI Children’s Hospice, having already donated £7,000 to sponsor one of the elephants included in the Big Elmer Trail that took place across Belfast this summer.  

Speaking on the fundraiser, Rachel Beattie, from the CSR team at Ryobi, expressed her joy at the opportunity to be involved with both the Elmer Trail and the family fun day.

She said: “Ryobi sponsored one of the elephants at a cost of £7,000.

“A couple of us within the CSR team then created a small subdivision team to try and fundraise more money on top of that for the hospice.

“I organised this fun day because we wanted to reach out to the local community and help other businesses in the process.”

As well as the fun day and Big Elmer Trail Ryobi staff also organised a charity at Carrickfergus Golf Club recently where they raised £2,500 for the Hospice.

Ciarán Maxwell, who organised the golf day said: “The typical NI September downpour didn’t dampen the spirits on the Charity Golf day – a fantastic effort from all the players to brave the conditions and finish the round, and a massive thank you to all hole sponsors and players who helped raise £2,500 for Northern Ireland Hospice.”

All the proceeds raised will provide crucial funding towards the NI Children’s Hospice, enabling them to continue their services within the community helping young children in need.

The Hospice is currently self-funded, making fundraisers such as these even more critical as it ensures further care can be given.

Rachel said: “We know that the Hospice is completely self-funded, they don’t get any government funding. 

“It costs £700 for one day of palliative care for a child in their home. None of us know when we will need that. That’s why it’s so important.”

Marco Emig, managing director of Ryobi, was at the fundraising event, and was delighted by the outcome and support it received.

He said: “I’m actually amazed by the turnout of how many people actually came to support us here today. 

“Around a year ago we set up the corporate social responsibility team, and the idea for the family fun day and the charity golf day events came from that team.”

Marco also addressed how the community rallied around the cause, with individuals from across Carrick and beyond attending and donating to the Children’s Hospice.

He said: “We’ve been in Carrickfergus for more than 30 years, and it’s time to start giving back to the community. 

“It’s really good to see Ryobi employees and their families here, as well as a lot of people here who are not our employees, which I think is really important.”

Gwyneth Evans, HR Manager, also expressed her delight at the sense of community seen on the day.

She said: “We have been supporting the Northern Ireland Hospice throughout the year with various fundraising activities. 

“We wanted to take this opportunity to bring all of our employees and their families together so that they could spend time in a social setting. 

“And also, we wanted to outreach to the local community, so we made the family fun day open to the public too.”

Ryobi did a fantastic job at raising vital funds for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and hopefully this will be an annual staple within Carrick for years to come.

For more information on how you can join the Ryobi team go to https://ryobi.getgotjobs.co.uk/home

10 things to do in Northern Ireland Next Week

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Here are ten exciting things taking place October 3-9, 2022   

 

  1. Belfast International Arts Festival, Various locations across Belfast, October5 – November 6. Established in 1962, Belfast’s longest-running international arts festival, reimagined and reborn as Belfast International Arts Festival (BIAF) in 2015, has announced a new extended season of contemporary arts and cultural events as it marks its milestone 60th year. Over 320 imaginative, inspiring and intriguing events spanning the artistic disciplines of music, theatre, dance, film, visual arts and discussion will be hosted throughout the city for all to engage with and enjoy.  
  2. GrandaBen’s Spooktacular Ethical Zoo Trail, Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone, October 1-31. This October, come see Granda Ben’s Ethical Zoo, at Todds Leap Activity Centre, be transformed into an Autumnal Pumpkin Paradise with lots of activities, crafts and photo opportunities! Booking is required.  
  3. Celtic Pendant Woodturning Experience, Mullaghbawn, Co.Armagh, October 8. Using locally sourced native trees, learn how to use the lathe, sharpen tools, sand and finish under the expert guidance of Padraig. Stroll through the beautiful private woodland and learn how these trees have been used in woodturning for centuries throughout Ireland while enjoying the fresh country air and surrounding beauty of Slieve Gullion.  
  4. The Big Brent Weekend,Comber,  Down, October 8-9. Castle Espie Wetland Centre will celebrate the return of the light-bellied brent geese to Strangford Lough by hosting The Big Brent Weekend, which promises family fun, wildlife experts and free workshops. During the two days visitors can experience the incredible journey of the light-bellied brent through fun family activities, photography workshops, guide in the hide talks, and arts and craft workshops. 
  5. The Emigrant’s Walk, Maghera, Co. Londonderry, October8. Walk in the footsteps of an emigrant leaving famine-stricken Ireland. Local famine expert Cathy O’Neill will guide you up Carntogher Mountain, where the famine-struck emigrants once walked their final footsteps on Irish soil. You will place your own stone on the ‘Carn’ and feel what the emigrants felt as they departed their beloved homeland. At the site of an original soup kitchen, Friel’s Bar & Restaurant, you will see an authentic Famine Pot, taste the nettle soup they would have been served and learn more about local emigrants. This is a moderately challenging hike, which will require suitable clothing for walking, such as light layers and a raincoat, along with suitable walking shoes/boots. 
  6. Adventure Caving,Florencecourt, Co. Fermanagh, October 8. Your group of ten guided by your cave leader will explore cave passages, negotiate boulder chambers and clamber through the well-known flyover to emerge into the public tour of the Marble Arch Caves before navigating your way out, muddy and ecstatic. There are two sessions – a morning and afternoon time slot.  
  7. ElmfieldMarket, Gilford, Co. Armagh, October 8. The Elmfield Market brings together local food producers, artisans and wellness experts, to create an experience that realises the ethos of Elmfield Estate as a place of natural wellbeing through the power of whole foods. Gathered in the newly renovated courtyards, the market features passionate food producers, natural self-care products, plants and flowers, and art & artisan crafts. You can also participate in taster wellbeing experiences, take a tour of the gardens or listen to live music with a coffee and street food treat. 
  8. LakelanderGravel Grinder, Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh, October 8. The Lakelander Gravel Grinder returns to County Fermanagh. This ultimate off-road cycle challenge that’s open to gravel, cyclocross, MTB and even e-MTB riders will see riders traverse through relatively unexplored areas of forest wilderness. Distance options – Big Dog 100km or Little Dog 50km. Both events have been expertly designed by their experienced event team in order to challenge participants physically and mentally over a demanding route with stunning views across County Fermanagh and beyond.  
  9. Rock In TheMournes, Annalong, Co. Down, October 8. Immerse yourself in the majestic Mourne Mountains for a full day of exhilarating activities you’ll always remember. This exciting mountain day combines some easy yet beautiful hiking into the heart of the Mourne Mountains, followed by some new and exciting adventure activities you may not have tried before, guaranteed to leave you buzzing to be in the great outdoors. 
  10. Autumnal Garden Highlight Tour,Ballynahinch, C Down, October 9. Located at the beautiful Montalto Estate, this tour is ideal for those who have an interest in gardens and want to gain an insight into what it takes to be shortlisted for the UK Garden of the Year. Your tour will start with a short talk about the history of the estate by their Head Gardener. Following this, you will be inspired by this location, soaking in the sights and scents of one of the most beautiful gardens in Northern Ireland. 

 

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 www.discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Show your support for Macmillan Coffee Morning in Portballintrae on Friday 30th September

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Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Macmillan Move More Co-Ordinator wants to invite you to a fundraising coffee morning on Friday 30th September 2022.

Catherine King is hosting the annual event in Portballintrae Village Hall between 11am-1pm to coincide with the charity’s popular ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ initiative.

All money raised on the day will help to provide vital support services for people living with cancer, including the innovative Move More project.

Encouraging the public to support the event, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ivor Wallace, said: “The Move More project was first introduced in the Causeway Coast and Glens area in June 2019, and since then it has made a hugely positive impact on participants.

“Council is proud to have developed a strong partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, which is helping to improve the health and well-being of people living with cancer in the Borough, both physically and emotionally.

“Please come along to Portballintrae Village Hall on September 30th – enjoy a coffee with some friends and know that you are helping to make a positive difference to those people who are supported by the charity here every day.”

Council’s Macmillan Move More Co-ordinator, Catherine King, added: “I feel very privileged to help those affected by, or living with cancer, so that they become aware of the benefits of physical activity and are enabled to stay active at a level that’s right for them.

“Move More receives referrals from the point of diagnosis, through surgery, active treatment, palliative care and beyond, and so far 241 people living in Causeway Coast and Glens have availed of its services.

“We have held annual fundraising initiatives since 2019, and in that time we have raised an amazing £7114 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“Every coffee that we pour and every coin we collect really does make a difference so make a date in your diary with friends and family and come along to Portballintrae Village Hall on September 30th.”

People living with cancer can be referred onto Move More NI by a healthcare professional or can also self-refer onto the project. To get involved with Move More in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area, contact Move More Coordinator Catherine King at move.more@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or call 0759 7399 765.

‘Come Sing’ with music legend Phil Coulter ahead of the 10th City of Derry International Choir Festival

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With less than a month to go, there are some huge highlights to look forward to – with Phil Coulter kicking things off on October 8

The countdown is on for the return of the City of Derry International Choir Festival – and with less than a month to go, we’re inviting YOU to take part.

Kicking things off, musical icon Phil Coulter will be at Derry’s Ebrington Square at 2pm on Saturday October 8 for a one-off ‘Come and Sing’ event which will be filmed for broadcast at the festival later in the month.

But it’s not just Phil who will feature in the historic broadcast, because members of the public are invited to come along and join an epic sing-along with the star, performing iconic hit ‘The Town I Love So Well’.

The event, a celebration of Phil’s 80th birthday year and the City of Derry International Choir Festival’s 10th edition, is sponsored by Allstate NI and is set to get the people of Derry in the mood for a fabulous festival of music.

The five-day festival programme, which runs from October 19 – 23, will comprise of gala concerts, live performances, both competitive and non-competitive, as well as world-class choral events.

In addition to events taking place in the main festival venue, Millennium Forum, there will be a comprehensive Community Programme involving more than 1,000 singers aged eight to 80 across 40 fabulous choirs.

As well as pop-up performances across the north west, there will be community concerts featuring local, national and international choirs and a Sacred Trail where visiting choirs will join churches across the region to perform at Sunday Services.

The community programme, sponsored by Alchemy, will see 60 performances across the five days and will extend throughout Derry, Strabane and Donegal.

For the festival’s many competitive events, the City of Derry International Choir Festival will be joined by competitors and adjudicators from nations across the world including Estonia, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, the USA, UK and of course, Ireland.

Other highlights to look forward to include the Opening Gala Concert with Carmina Burana at Derry’s Millennium Forum on Wednesday October 19, a concert by the Polish Radio Choir on Thursday October 20 and an evening concert by Finnish a cappella ensemble Rajaton, who will perform on Friday October 21.

The final day of the festival will see a new National Choir of the Festival Competition on Sunday October 23, before the Closing Gala Concert and Awards Ceremony at the Millennium.

 

To find out more and book tickets, visit www.derrychoirfest.com

 

 

Armagh’s 7 Hills Blues Fest is back for the best of shake, rattle and roll!

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The UK and Ireland’s best-loved blues festival returns to the Cathedral City of Armagh from Friday 30 September to Sunday 2 October

The 7 Hills Blues Fest returns to Armagh for a full weekend on Friday 30 September in an international showcase that brings world class blues, rhythm and roots music to a variety of unbeatable venues and locations across the iconic Cathedral City and the island’s capital of apples and cider.

Renowned as one of the best blues and roots music events in the UK and Ireland, this year’s 7 Hills Blues Fest returns after a three-year hiatus with a promise to shake, rattle and roll returning visitors from near and far with over 35 free live gigs and some cracking family entertainment.

Blue’s sensations 4 Stuck Men, One Horse Pony, Grainne Duffy and Paul Sherry are all part of this year’s headline event, joining trending jazz acts Casino Dixieland Jazz Band and Ludwig & Co to ensure that old style bluesy atmosphere the 7 Hills Fest is famous back for this autumn.

Celebrating some of the world’s greatest blues artists, including Ray Charles, Bessie Smith and BB King, all of Armagh’s best pubs and bars – including Red Neds, Hole in the Wall, Mickey Kelly’s, Devlin’s, Keegan’s, Rafferty’s, the Toby Jug and the Armagh City Hotel, are backing this incredible musical collective.

Festival organisers are also adding a new layer of entertainment this year too, with an all-new citywide Blues Busking Trail on Friday and Saturday, a ‘Blast from the Past’ vintage fair at the Shambles Yard on Saturday afternoon and a weather-dependent ‘Melodies on the Mall’ session early Saturday evening all guaranteed to mark the best of a great weekend.

Armagh’s historic Market Square is the place to be on Saturday afternoon from 1pm for a full-on free children’s event experience as the wee ones get their faces painted, model balloons and fill their boots with mischief as live musicians entertain from the Bandstand.

Armagh’s Bandstand will also be the place to experience a ‘Live Lounge’ show of local musicians perform their craft, hosted by the award-winning MD Rafferty Music School team.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Paul Greenfield, said:

“Armagh City punches well above its weight for the best in entertainment, hospitality and music and this year’s 7 Hills Fest promises to be our best yet. Soak up the sounds, chill or dance your heart away in our best venues, inside or out, and relax with family and friends.

“There’s always a reason to visit Armagh all year round, but if you want to kick off your autumn with an experience to remember, make sure to check in and celebrate the best of the blues with us.”

For more information, visit www.7hillsblues.com

County Fermanagh Apartments Awarded Four-Stars by Tourism NI

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The Enniskillen Watersedge Apartments in County Fermanagh have been awarded four stars by Tourism NI. 

The Watersedge Apartments are an ideal place for a staycation to explore the Fermanagh Lakelands and the breath-taking local scenery. Located within walking distance of Enniskillen they are an ideal spot for families and weekend getaways with friends.

The self-catering apartments are also close to some of Northern Ireland’s top tourist spots including Enniskillen Castle Museum, Marble Arch Caves, Castle Coole, Belle Isle Estate and Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail. 

Alison Leslie, Tourism NI’s Quality Assurance Manager, commented:  

“The Enniskillen Watersedge Apartments are a fantastic addition to the tourism product in the County Fermanagh area. They are the perfect base for both local and international visitors to relax and unwind, with Enniskillen only a short distance from the apartments. This four-star rating now gives them a great springboard to draw even more visitors to the area.”

Alison added: “I commend Shane and the Cassidy Hospitality Group for all their efforts and wish them every success for their future.”

Shane Browne, Group Sales & Marketing Manager at Cassidy Hospitality Group, added: “We are delighted to be recognised as a four-star property by Tourism Northern Ireland, this recognition acknowledges the high standards and quality of the Enniskillen Watersedge Apartments. It allows us to position ourselves as a recognised self-catering offering in the Fermanagh Lakeland’s region, providing customers a four-star service and self-catering visit. We hope this recognition will drive business and tourism to the region and benefit growth for our business.”

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