Dog-friendly accommodation offerings Northern Ireland

With staycations on the horizon this summer what could be more ‘pawfect’ than embracing Northern Ireland’s Giant Spirit with your four-legged friend coming along for the journey?

During the past year, more people than ever have been welcoming some furry friends into their family, with a surge in the number of puppies being bought across Ireland. For many of these pups, this year’s staycation will be their first time staying away from their home and owners may be fretting about the logistics of taking short breaks with their beloved pets.

Across Northern Ireland visitors can find warm and welcoming pet-friendly accommodation. From private dog cabins to special dog treat menus, to an array of walks and trails to explore, destinations across Northern Ireland are ‘ruff’ and ready to welcome guests and their four-legged loved one.

Discover Northern Ireland has put together the ultimate list of dog-friendly destinations for all the family to enjoy.

County Antrim

Dunamoy Cottages & Spa (4*), Ballyclare

• Dunamoy cottages are hand-built stone cottages, renovated from 200-year-old farm buildings nestled between Ballyclare and Ballymena on the Causeway Coast. These self-catering cottages comes with living area, TV, Freeview, DVD, bathroom with bath and shower attached, fully equipped country kitchen and dining area. For timeout for you, check out their luxury spa offering.   https://www.dunamoy.com/

Fullerton Arms (4*), Ballintoy

• Voted NI Dog-friendly Bar of the Year in 2016 and 2017, this guesthouse, bar and restaurant where old meets new is no stranger to a wagging tail. Fresh decor, decadent menus and casual yet friendly table service. With three of its ten deluxe bedrooms designated dog-friendly, this comfy, modern guesthouse appreciates that your pet is part and parcel of your holiday experience and stock tasty dog treats behind the bar for post-walkies rewards. The Fullerton Arms is also in an ideal location for exploring Game of Thrones® locations and Ballintoy Harbour. https://www.fullerton-arms.com/

County Armagh

Ballydougan Pottery Courtyard Cottages, (4*), Portadown, 

• At Ballydougan Pottery Courtyard Cottages there are a number of cottages to choose from – Bramley Apple Cottage, Wheat Loft Apartment, Gaskins Grove, Dobsons Corner and Potters Cottage – all of which are pet friendly. There’s on-site pottery where you can try your hand at throwing a pot or two – can you resist throwing a food bowl for your four-legged friend? Located in a quiet, rural area convenient to Lough Neagh, there are also opportunities for dog walking at nearby Craigavon Lakes. http://www.ballydouganpottery.co.uk/cottages/

Belfast

AC Hotel Belfast (4*)

• Bring up to two pets per bedroom to this riverside city centre hotel and enjoy contemporary bedrooms with thoughtful touches of luxury such as king size beds and Nespresso coffee makers. Explore Belfast on foot or paw with Titanic Belfast, City Hall, and the shops of Victoria Square a short walk away. Why not visit dog-friendly bars such as Pug Ugly’s or the Dirty Onion? https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bfsac-ac-hotel-belfast/

County Down

Gracey’s Barn, (4*), Newry

• Gracey’s Barn offer luxurious and comfortable self-catering accommodation a stone’s throw from the beautiful Mourne Mountains & Slieve Gullion. There’s a two-bedroom refurbished barn for you, and a separate utility for your pet to sleep adjacent to your rooms, as well as generous private parking, a fully contained garden for your dog to roam freely, and a BBQ area. Babysitting can also be arranged on request and there is availability for additional sleeping facilities with a double sofa bed. http://www.graceysbarn.co.uk/

County Fermanagh

Ashbrooke House (5*), Enniskillen

• Who says a five-star Georgian House and a four-legged friend can’t mix? Located on the 1000-acre Colebrooke Estate with endless walks and trails on offer as well as art courses, horse riding, yoga retreats and a decadent hot tub for guests. Ashbrooke House presents self-catering and catered accommodation options, sleeping 16 in eight luxurious bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. This discreetly private stately home is surrounded by beautiful landscape with rolling hills and a charming river. https://www.ashbrookehouse.com/

County Londonderry

Beech Hill Country House, (4*), Londonderry

• Beech Hill Country House Hotel, gloriously situated between woodland, lakes and tranquil well tended gardens, and just a short distance from the Walled City of Derry, is famed for its warm welcomes and fine food. With a dedicated pet policy best suited to the most well-behaved (and adorable) pets, you can bring your cat or dog to stay in their spacious suites and they can roam around 32 acres of woodland freely. There’s even a cheeky Pawsecco or Doggy Beer on arrival, along with a special blanket, treat and water bowl just for your pet. Dog grooming and a pet walking service are available for an additional fee. https://www.beech-hill.com/petpolicy

County Tyrone

Finn Valley Cottages, (4*), Strabane

• Finn Valley self-catering cottages range from one bed to four bed lodgings, are tastefully decorated throughout, accessible for guests with limited mobility and offer a long list of amenities from BBQ area to playroom. Each cottage has a self-contained utility room perfect for your pet. With hillwalking and trails through the Sperrin Mountains, there are plenty of outdoor pursuits to keep your dog entertained and exercised. The cottages have fabulous views and easy access to local facilities like fishing (salmon and trout in Rivers Finn and Mourne), cycling and golfing for your peaceful, rural based holiday. https://finnvalleycottages.com/cottages/

*All accommodation featured holds the We’re Good to Go industry standard which shows they have agreed to comply with Covid-19 safety guidelines.

For more information on great places to visit when it is safe to do so, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.

When planning and visiting, please check visitor guidelines and opening times with individual providers and always follow current COVID-19 travel restrictions, available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19.

GUY Martin when interviewed by the BBC Northern Ireland has confirmed he intends to be at this year’s Armoy Road Races which highlights the high regard the top riders have for this testing three-mile road race.

Bill Kennedy MBE Clerk of the Course at the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club said he was thrilled to hear the news. He said, “Guy Martin has always been a great supporter of the Armoy Road Races and raced at Armoy up until 2015, thereafter he occasionally competed in classic and classic superbike races.

“We know that Guy would love to be back at Armoy and riding in the Classics race, but we also understand that his diary this year is pretty packed, including trying to achieve 300mph on a motorbike amidst a few projects the timing of which we believe have not been confirmed yet.

“Like all things Guy, until he’s on the boat and heading to Armoy, or even driving into the paddock, just before the races, we’ll not know for sure. However, his intention to race at the 2021 Armoy Road Races will be a great boost for the spectators and the Club.”

Guy who won the Torquetronix Superbike Race in 2015 for Tyco-BMW Motorrad Racing has previously said “It’s a right well organised meeting” and he “always tries to fit the Armoy in” but if he does race this year, he’ll be racing in the Senior Classics as opposed to racing in the Superbike or Open Races.

Bill continued; “To date, we are doing very well for race entries but we’ve some time yet. All entries are required to be in by the closing date Monday 28^th June 2021. Likewise, our spectator passes, which we launched last month, due to the pandemic restrictions are also going well. We know that there are many keen to attend the event, and also keen to understand the restrictions but the only thing I’ll say, particularly in this ever-changing world, is that the Club will be doing its very best to run these races and do so, safely.

“We understand there are lots of questions and to that end we have a frequently asked question page, where we address riders and spectators’ questions as best as possible. We’ve less than three months to the races and circumstances could very well change again – we’ll just have to wait and see.

“What I do know is that everyone is behind us, we’ve been working on the course already and we are finalising sponsors as I speak, although I think that’ll take a few weeks longer. There’ll be racing in Armoy on Friday and Saturday, the 30^th and 31^st July and the likes of Guy Martin in the mix is very welcome news indeed.”

For more information visit www.armoyroadraces.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook or follow on twitter @ArmoyRoadRaces.

Crime, Comedy & Combat Tells Story Of Life On The Frontline

Author William Clegg is celebrating the stocking of his debut book Crime, Comedy & Combat in Stewart Miller stores in Holywood and Newtownards.

The book, released in November 2020, is the former RUC officer’s story of 21 years on the frontline as a serving Police officer.

William said: “I’m delighted that Stewart Miller’s have decided to support the book by stocking it in their Holywood and Newtownards stores. It’s a great boost of confidence and a fantastic way of getting the story out to more people.”

Crime, Comedy & Combat traces William’s life from childhood, through to his experiences in the police force during some of Northern Ireland’s darkest days. 

“I joined the RUC in Enniskillen,” William said, adding: “and, for the next 21 years, I and my colleagues lived – and worked – through the horrors of The Troubles. 

“I wrote the book because, even though Northern Ireland is now, thankfully, living in relative peace, I wanted to show people – young people in particular – what life was like for RUC officers at that time. 

“I wanted to reflect the horrific experiences that we went through, and how we coped physically, mentally and emotionally.”

Tina Calder of publishers Excalibur Press believes that William’s tales will resonate with people across Northern Ireland.

“Having independent book shops like Stewart Millers supporting work like this book from William Clegg is testament to the great writing and stories we have to tell here in Northern Ireland” said Tina.

“Excalibur Press were delighted to publish this great anthology of stories from William’s experience. For the last year, we have all been forced to deal with the challenges created by a global pandemic, but we must never forget – regardless of your allegiances – that we lived through some very dark days. William’s story is the human face of those dark days.”

Although he now lives in Indonesia, William’s thoughts are never far from the province and from the colleagues he was proud to serve with in the most challenging times that Northern Ireland has ever known.

“I’m so pleased to see that the people of Northern Ireland – which is a beautiful country – are now able to enjoy relative peace, but I don’t think we can ever truly forget the risk and challenges that serving police officers experienced during the times of conflict. 

“We’ve now had more than 20 years of peace and I totally appreciate that young people will have little or no memory of what The Troubles were like at their height. It was an extremely bleak period and I am proud of how the RUC – my colleagues throughout Northern Ireland – coped with what they witnessed and lived through. I joined the RUC as a young man and so my life was very much shaped by my experiences. Crime, Comedy and Combat is my attempt to reflect our experiences in their entirety. 

“I sincerely hope that this anthology will ring true with anyone, who experienced life in Northern Ireland at that time, whether security services or others.

In Crime, Comedy & Combat William tells his story for people of all ages, how a young person’s life changed during the Troubles, joining the RUC, and the incidents and emotions that coloured his life.

Crime, Comedy and Combat, published by Excalibur Press is available from Amazon and excaliburpress.co.uk

Successful businesswoman and mentor, Bernie Allen, has launched a new series of free webinars to help businesses move forward following the most challenging period enterprise has ever experienced.

There can be few business people who have not been affected in some way by recent circumstances, but now is the time to push forward with new business plans in a new business world. 

But what if your confidence has taken a knock? Or, even more importantly, what if you’ve never felt confident in your own particular niche? 

With over 30 years experience coaching and mentoring business people, Bernie wants to help others to find their inner confidence and to enable them to stand out in their own niche.

The Lurgan businesswoman said: “Many people during the pandemic and, of course, prior to have found their confidence shaken at some point in their life. I spent many a year there myself.

“I want to use my experience both personally and professionally to help business leaders navigate these uncharted waters, especially those who have been adversely affected by the challenges they’ve faced as a result of Covid-19.

“I have been lucky this last year because my life’s experiences have given me the resources to face these challenges head-on. I’m very aware, however, that there are many people whose confidence will have been shaken to the core and who may be struggling to rebuild it.”

Bernie’s series of four webinars beginning on Tuesday May 4 and running through to May 25 explore everything from How To Create Your Inner Confidence To Help You Overcome The Pain Of Fear, Mastering The Art Of Self Confidence To Find Out What’s Holding You Back, How To Overcome The Fears That Are Causing You To Procrastinate and Discover The Secret To Unveiling Your Full Potential To Help You #GrowLikeAPro.

“I have always been aware of – and worked with – business people who have always lacked self-confidence and who have been forced to operate from behind a ‘mask’” said Bernie, adding: “Through this webinar series I want to show everyone how to overcome the fears that are stopping them from achieving everything they want to in business – all whilst discovering the secret to unveiling their full potential.”

Bernie’s webinars come on the back of a resurgence in popularity of her 2019 self help book How To Succeed in Business and Life..What’s Holding Your Back, published by Excalibur Press.

The book is Bernie’s personal journey from suffering a collapse in her business and personal devastation to achieve success speaking and mentoring business leaders worldwide.

“I wrote How To Succeed to help readers identify where they have been and why they have been there, or where they are now and how they got there and also to help them get to where they want to go” said Bernie.

 “In my experience, all those who succeed are the people who are prepared to do what they need to do to get what they want to get, don’t make excuses, always prepared to learn more of the how-to and are genuinely interested in helping others achieve and get out of the money versus happiness trap. And that’s what the book talks about.”

To book Bernie Allen’s webinars go to Eventbrite or for more information log onto bernieallen.com

Engineering company, PAC Group, have been named as a winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation – the UK’s highest accolade in recognising success in business. 

The company, based in Belfast, received the award in recognition of the outstanding innovation and commercial success of their carbon composite Hot Drape Former technology and machines, which are used to manufacture components for the aerospace, automotive, and marine sectors. 

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise is an awards programme for UK businesses and other organisations that excel in any of three categories; International Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Development. 

A total of just five companies from Northern Ireland have been awarded Queen’s Awards in 2021, with PAC Group being the only NI winner of the Innovation category, and the first Northern Ireland Innovation category winner for three years. 

Established in 2018, the electrical and mechanical engineering company have had a remarkable growth journey, doubling their turnover and employee numbers since 2019. In 2020, the company invested almost £500,000 in a new premises in Dargan Crescent, Belfast, and now employ 40 people.

Darren Leslie, Business Development Director at PAC Group, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation. It is a fantastic endorsement for our company to be recognised as world-class, and it is welcome recognition of our team’s capabilities and hard work. It also recognises how innovative our carbon composite preforming technology is, which brings significant benefits to industries seeking to lightweight their structures to tackle climate change and in response to the Green Agenda.”

The award follows PAC Group’s recent prestigious Platinum Level Innovator status from Innovate NI, the highest accolade available in the Department for the Economy Innovation Accreditation Programme, which is delivered by Invest Northern Ireland, local councils, and further education colleges.  

Holding 42 patents on the hardware and software, the company’s preformer machines have been purchased by companies such as Spirit AeroSystems, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre in Sheffield, and McLaren Automotive.

Congratulating PAC Group on its achievement, Economy Minister, Diane Dodds, said: “Northern Ireland has long been home to excellence in both advanced manufacturing and research & development. As we emerge from the global pandemic, innovation will be vital to our economic recovery and it is businesses like PAC Group who are leading the charge and using innovation to drive growth in their businesses.”

“Winning a Queen’s Award for Innovation and achieving Platinum Level Innovator status are major achievements and should be celebrated. To achieve the Platinum Level Innovator Status, the highest achievable innovator status from Innovate NI, is an exceptional achievement. I would like to congratulate the team at PAC Group for its hard-work, commitment and drive, which have helped it to achieve commercial success and created real value in the global aerospace and automotive industries.”

In 2019, PAC Group was awarded a contract by Spirit AeroSystems to design and manufacture a 20mx6m quartz infrared preformer for its new Aerospace Innovation Centre in Prestwick, Scotland, which is scheduled to open later this year. It is believed to be the largest preformer in the world, and represents a significant investment on behalf of Spirit to secure a step change in composite fabrication, automation, and assembly technologies of current and future aircraft.

PAC Group previously designed and manufactured an 18mx4m vacuum preformer for Spirit’s Wing Manufacturing and Assembly facility in Belfast. The preformer is used by Spirit on its advanced composite wing programme, which received the 2019 MacRobert Award for UK engineering innovation. 

The company has become an exemplar of innovation in its industry sector and a pioneer of carbon composite technology.

Elwyn Agnew, Engineering Director at PAC Group said: “In addition to the Queen’s Award for Innovation, achieving Platinum Level status from Innovate NI, is a true testament to the innovative capabilities of our team and our preforming technology. We seek to collaborate with customers to help them find cost-effective solutions to their problems. Our team specialise in thinking differently. We are constantly innovating and coming up with new ideas, applications, and solutions to help our customers reduce process cycle time, streamline processes, improve output quality, and improve their bottom line.”

“In 2020, we became Industry Partners to the UK Future Composites Manufacturing Research Hub, and we are currently undertaking R&D to make our preformer technology more cost-effective and accessible for a wider range of applications and sectors. Winning a Queen’s Award for Innovation, as well as being recognised as a Platinum Level Innovator for our technology, are just fantastic achievements for the PAC team.”

Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI’s Director of Innovation, Research & Development, added: “It is important to recognise the positive impact innovative companies have on the Northern Ireland economy. I am on the panel for the Queen’s Awards and it was great to see such high calibre of Northern Ireland applications. I would like to congratulate PAC Group on not only its Queen’s Award but also on obtaining Platinum Level Innovator status, the highest achievable innovator status from Innovate NI. 

“PAC Group is an ambitious company with a proven track record in following the principles of successful innovation from ideation through to commercialisation. It has used our support for R&D, marketing, and skills to achieve continued success with leaders in the aviation, marine, and automotive sectors, staying ahead of its competitors. I hope that other ambitious Northern Ireland companies will be inspired to follow in the footsteps of PAC Group, and Invest NI looks forward to supporting the company’s innovation journey for many years to come.”

For more information on PAC Group’s specialist division, visit PAC Composites, or contact their team today on 02893 364600 or info@pacgroup.co.uk.

15 April – 8 May 2021

VIEW THE SHOW

Online at gallery545.com – always open

Open at Gallery 545 at Blick Studios, 51 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 6RY – on

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10.30am-5.30pm from 30 April

(30 April, 1, 6, 7, 8 May, no booking required)

EVENTS

Virtual Tour Live on Instagram @gallery545online – Saturday 24 April, 2-2.30pm

Meet the artist at Gallery 545 – Saturday 1 May, 2-4pm

‘Wander Lands’ features award-winning artist Lisa Ballard. It presents her recent body of work, a series of atmospheric paintings inspired by landscapes she encountered in Ireland and around the world and her emotional response to them.

Ballard depicted enthralling distant or closer views of beautiful natural scenes. Leaning towards abstraction, but holding on to figurative elements, the paintings are a journey taking the viewer to towering mountains, majestic glaciers, rocky deserts, trees on hills and along sea coasts. While recollecting memories of countries she visited, the artist was drawn to the temporal in the landscape, and she captured in her works her experience – visual and emotional, of being in that moment and place. Ballard used the landscape to explore her fascination with colour and light. She intuitively played with brighter and more subdued hues, and applied washes, oil and spray paint to recreate the colours observed under the light of a particular time of the day or season. She also evoked the feelings arisen in her by the landscapes and their atmospheres – a sense of peace and calmness or animated liveliness.

The paintings were created through and reflect this artistic process – a series of diverse evocative semi-figurative natural scenes, all with a unique colour palette and light, suggesting joyful or serene moods, but also expressing the pleasure of the act of painting.

This solo exhibition is curated by Francesca Biondi, Art Director at Gallery 545 in collaboration with Lisa Ballard.

Artworks can be viewed and purchased online, at virtual private viewings or in person at Gallery 545. For enquiries, contact Francesca hello@gallery545.com / +44 7960 130414.

More online – a video tour and an interview with the artists are on the exhibition page.

Visiting the exhibition in person at Gallery 545 from 30th April when restrictions are eased. We would be delighted to welcome you at Gallery 545! There will be measures in place because of Covid-19 to keep visitors safe. The number of people allowed at the same time in the exhibition space is limited to 6. When visiting the exhibition, please wear a face mask /covering, adhere to social distancing guidelines, and leave your contact details for tracing purposes. Any updates about Covid-19 measures will be published on the exhibition page on our website. Unfortunately, there is no disabled access to this venue. https://gallery545.com/blogs/exhibitions/lisa-ballard-solo-exhibition.

About Lisa Ballard

Lisa Ballard lives and works in Belfast. She is an Associate Member of the Royal Ulster Academy, has exhibited extensively in Ireland and further afield and has won awards for her artistic achievements. Her paintings have been purchased for numerous private and public collections including those of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Ireland’s State Collection.

About Gallery 545

Gallery 545 is an online and pop-up gallery specialising in contemporary art of Northern Ireland and offering a special selection of affordable art works and fine art prints created by talented artists based here. The gallery celebrates the creativity of emerging and more established artists across the region and supports their practice providing a curated platform where they can showcase and sell their works. Having an online presence, but also pop-up exhibitions, the gallery brings art to a wide range of people with different tastes and budgets who love contemporary art, and makes it easier for them to access, discover and collect art works.

Find more information about Lisa Ballard and Gallery 545 at https://gallery545.com/.

Sunday 20 February 2022

Tickets on sale this Friday at 9am

In the 45th year since the release of his album “Spanish Train and Other Stories”, we are proud to announce that Chris will be embarking on an epic tour with his band to promote his brand new album “The Legend of Robin Hood.”

The tour, taking place in early 2022, will compromise of an entire performance of the new album plus many of his greatest hits. 

Tickets on sale this Friday at 9am:

www.waterfront.co.uk

www.ticketmaster.ie

www.cdeb.com

www.facebook.com/cdebofficial

Full Irish tour:

• Killarney, INEC: 15 February
• Cork, Opera House: 16 February
• Galway, Leisureland: 18 February
• Belfast, Waterfront Hall: Sunday 20 February 2022
• Dublin, Olympia Theatre: 22 February

Dog owners can now sign up for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Green Dog Walkers Scheme as part of its campaign against dog fouling.

The national initiative aims to tackle the ongoing anti-social problem by encouraging and supporting responsible dog ownership.

The scheme is free to sign up to and all participants will receive a Green Dog Walkers pack which includes branded dog leads, collars and poo bags.

It also encouraged dog owners to act as ambassadors by sharing spare poo bags with people who might need one for their pet when out and about.

Welcoming the scheme, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Feilding said: “I am pleased to launch this new initiative as part of Council’s commitment to addressing the problem of dog fouling which exists across the Borough.

“Through its practical assistance and awareness-raising I hope we can start to see improvements. We are calling on our local dog owners to work in partnership with us to protect both our environment and our communities from this hazardous and anti-social behaviour.

“I would like to thank all our responsible dog owners who already play their part by cleaning up after their dog and I would encourage people to pledge their support to the Green Dog Walker Scheme by signing up now.”

If you would like to become a Green Dog Walker please email your name and address to greendogwalker@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.

All those who sign up will receive a Green Dog Walker collar and lead for each licenced dog they own along with a keyring torch and approximately 50 branded poo bags. You can find out more information on our website at https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/health-and-built-environment/licensing/green-dog-walkers-scheme

In recent years the incidence of diseases like oesophageal or gastric cancer are on the increase. Thanks to the stresses and strains of modern life – in some cases unhealthy diets, an overabundance of processed foods and excessive levels of alcohol can contribute to the development of cancer, however, in many cases no obvious causes are ever determined.

As with most cancers, if they’re diagnosed at an early stage, they’re more likely to be treatable and – in many cases – curable.

The problem is, however, that these two types of cancer tend to be more gradual than others since their symptoms often resemble those of less serious and often simply annoying medical conditions such as heartburn, indigestion, difficulty swallowing and even plain hiccupping. For some people symptoms don’t begin to appear until the cancer is more advanced.

Heartburn/indigestion

We’re all familiar with the Gaviscon adverts, aren’t we? The firemen putting out the fire with their hoses and everything returning to normal? Anyone watching those adverts thinks, ‘Yes, I get heartburn. That will do nicely thanks….’ A couple of spoons of an anti-heartburn medication and you’re good to go….

Think that way?

Think again….

Certainly heartburn and indigestion are now common occurrences – and increasingly so – thanks to acidic foods, fatty meals, fizzy drinks and excess alcohol, but, unfortunately, heartburn and other ‘annoying’ medical issues can be a sign that there’s much more wrong than first meets the eye.

First, let’s look at the science…

Although it’s called ‘heartburn’, heartburn doesn’t actually have anything to do with the heart. In fact, it’s not even located over the heart, but behind the breastbone. In most cases it’s caused by acid reflux, which involves the acid in the stomach travelling back up the oesophagus (your gullet), causing a burning sensation in the oesophagus.

Put simply, at the point where your oesophagus meets your stomach, there is a muscle valve called the oesophageal sphincter, which ensures that your food passes in one direction from your gullet to your stomach. As soon as you eat something, this sphincter opens up to let food pass into your stomach. For the rest of the time, however, it should remain closed so that the contents of your stomach don’t come back up again. 

If this sphincter – or valve if you like – isn’t working properly, then the contents of your stomach are regurgitated or brought back up into your oesophagus, causing acid reflux and heartburn. Over a period of time the acid can cause inflammation in your gullet, leading to pain.

Unfortunately, this pain can range from the benign to the much more serious. When heartburn becomes almost permanent and is accompanied by other related symptoms, it is then referred to as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

At this stage it may also be accompanied by symptoms such as:

• Hoarseness
• Regurgitation of food
• Pain with swallowing
• Frequent heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unexpected weight loss
• Coughing during a meal
• Drooling 

While in some people the acid reflux may not even cause burning, but may simply cause a dull pain in the centre of the chest, in others the pain in the chest can become so acute that it can be mistaken for a heart attack. 

Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)

And then there’s the difficulty in swallowing….

In many people this feels as if they’re swallowing over a lump in their throat. The condition is actually called globus or dysphagia and, while it can be accompanied by pain, in most people it is painless. Again, this symptom is often attributed to the extreme form of acid reflux – gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – but it can also be caused by oesophageal motor disorders, inflammatory issues such as tonsillitis and chronic sinusitis.

Some people with dysphagia will experience problems swallowing certain foods or liquids, while others will be unable to swallow at all. 

Other signs of dysphagia, which may accompany the swallowing difficulties include:

• Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
• Persistent drooling of saliva
• Being unable to chew food properly
• Bringing food back up
• Experiencing the sensation that food is ‘stuck’ in the throat or chest

While dysphagia can be caused by another health condition, such as a condition that affects the nervous system, such as a stroke or head injury, and can also be linked to – and caused by GORD – there is also the chance that it is being caused by a mouth cancer or oesophageal cancer.

Hiccups

You may be surprised by this one, but hiccups may occur when an oesophageal tumour invades the phrenic nerve or diaphragm. When these structures are irritated, they cause repeated contractions of the diaphragm, hence the hiccups!

While hiccupping is a normal occurrence, is familiar to most people and usually terminates on its own, it should be investigated if it lasts longer than a month or so, when it is much less common. In the central nervous system, the upper spinal cord, brain stem and hypothalamus can all be involved in the production of hiccups and all signs can be transmitted to the diaphragm. Gastrointestinal causes of hiccups therefore include GORD, oesophageal cancer and hiatus hernia. 

If hiccupping lasts longer than two days and is linked to other issues, such as heartburn or trouble swallowing (see below) then, you should consult your GP for further examination.

When the symptoms are more serious

So, how do you tell the difference between everyday, benign conditions such as heartburn, indigestion, hiccups and dysphagia, and more serious illnesses, such as oesophageal or gastric cancer?

Well, the first thing that you can do is take a good look at your symptoms before seeking medical advice.

When it comes to indigestion and heartburn, you’ll probably experience the following:

• Heartburn, particularly after eating
• Feeling full and bloated
• Feeling sick
• Belching and passing wind
• Bringing up food or experiencing bitter-tasting fluids in your mouth

If, however, you experience sensations such as stomach ache, or back pain, then you need to have these investigated, since these are not symptoms of indigestion or heartburn. You may simply be constipated, but the symptoms definitely need to be looked into.

If you are suffering the symptoms of dysphagia, or if your hiccupping lasts longer than 48 hours and is accompanied by either of the previous conditions, you should always seek medical opinion. Early investigation can help to rule out more serious conditions, but your GP can assess you and refer you on for further tests, if required.

The OG Cancer NI Catch It Early campaign, funded by the National Lottery and OG Cancer, strives not only to increase the awareness of the signs of oesophageal-gastric cancers in the public but also throughout the medical and caring professions.

For further information follow #OGCancerNI, call 07568 157450 or make an appointment to see your local GP today.

Discover Northern Ireland serves up great self-catering options

It’s a land of stunning coastlines and dramatic countryside and the people are some of the friendliest you will meet. But you won’t need an epic trek to enjoy epic fun in 2021, with Northern Ireland on the doorstep.

Northern Ireland has amazing places to stay, from world-class luxurious five-star hotels to welcoming guesthouses, warm and cosy B&Bs and quirky one-off unmissable venues which have the potential to make your staycation a memorable one.

But if self-catering is what you’re after, then there are hundreds of places to choose from. In Northern Ireland, you can find adventures of all sorts, and self-catering can be the simplest and best-value way of giving you the freedom to come and go as you please.

Discover Northern Ireland has compiled a list of excellent self-catering options which have all the ingredients for the perfect staycation. Keep an eye out for the “We’re Good to Go” mark, Northern Ireland’s industry standard for tourism and hospitality businesses that are committed to operating safely so you can enjoy a visit with total confidence.

5* Willoughby Place, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh 

Willoughby Place is a 5* self-catering townhouse in the heart of Enniskillen. Built in the 1800s, the Grade II listed property has been the subject of extensive renovation to provide luxurious modern accommodation, whilst preserving its original Georgian layout and stunning period features. The house boasts three bedrooms comfortably sleeping up to six people in a mix of super king and double rooms. Features include a large reception room with an open fire and a modern well-equipped kitchen, which leads out through French doors into a charming south-facing courtyard complete with BBQ facilities. Furthermore, rather uniquely for a townhouse, the property has facilities to host a boat, and there is a public jetty at the nearby Round ‘O’, which is less than 200m away. www.willoughbyplace.co.uk  

5* Largy Coastal Apartments, Carnlough, County Antrim

This is luxury self-catering accommodation with magnificent sea views located in the second of the nine Glens of Antrim.  The three apartments are set in one and a half acres of gardens and woodland with a log cabin, a picnic area and a BBQ for outdoor dining. There is also a hot tub on the patio next to the log cabin for when you would like some relaxation.  The large spacious bedrooms are all ensuite, a modern kitchen is fully stocked with essentials while a welcome pack is provided for all guests. Offering garden or sea views, Largy Coastal Apartments has a terrace, along with a private beach area and a short walk into Carnlough town. www.largycoastalapartments.com

4* Ballygally Holiday Apartments, Ballygally, County Antrim

Set in five acres of a designated area of natural beauty opposite Ballygally beach, this is a family-run business which prides itself on high standards and a “home from home” environment. All apartments come with WiFi, a washer/dryer and widescreen TV, just some of the creature comforts on offer here – not to forget the safe play area for children on site. The business has won a host of tourism awards and all the essentials are provided. From here you can stride out on foot for a walk in the Antrim Glens themselves or take to four wheels and embark on the Causeway Coastal Route. www.ballygallyapartments.com

4* The Captains Cottage, Cushendall, Ballymena, County Antrim

The Captains Self Catering Cottage is a quaint but traditional-style cottage situated in a quiet location in Cushendall. This holiday home features a garden, BBQ facilities and free private parking as well as a fully equipped kitchen and large living area. This unique cottage features two bedrooms – one double (ensuite) and one twin that converts to a king size. Only a few minutes’ walk to the beach and village, this stay is perfect for a short family trip. https://discovernorthernireland.com/accommodation/the-captains-cottage-p725171

4* Fools Haven, Carrickfergus, County Antrim

This gem of a thatched cottage, with a historic blue plaque is over 250 years old with a strong Titanic connection. Fools Haven is where two local children, orphaned by the Titanic tragedy, were brought up. They had been sent to live there with their Aunt, when their father sailed on board the Titanic as an engineer on that fateful maiden voyage to New York in April 1912. Sleeping five with a fully modern kitchen while the outside space has a wooden BBQ hut, and a children’s playhouse, both set in a private garden. Guests receive a complimentary hospitality basket on arrival, celebrating locally sourced, quality award-winning foods. www.fools-haven.com  

4* Finn Valley Cottages, Strabane, County Tyrone

The Finn Valley luxury holiday homes in the rural location of Tyrone are surrounded by natural beauty looking out onto the Donegal hills. There are four great options to choose from, all include a wood burning stove, a free pool table and games room.  A stone’s throw away from River Mourne and River Finn where there is fantastic salmon and trout fishing, Finn Valley is also a great halfway point between Derry~Londonderry & Omagh. www.finnvalleycottages.co.uk  

4* & 5* Spice Cottages, Dungannon, County Tyrone

Four beautifully furnished and equipped cottages which have been recently converted from a former 150-year-old stone barn on a 40-acre site. They offer comfortable family sized accommodation in modern surroundings sleeping six to eight people. The kitchen/dining area is exceptionally well appointed and equipped while there is an outdoor BBQ area, new games room with table tennis facilities and various options for families and children including a stair gate, highchair, cot, kids outdoor play area and welcome pack. www.spicecottages.com

5* Scott’s Barn, Magherafelt, County Londonderry

Scott’s Barn is a luxurious country retreat situated at the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, in the heart of Mid-Ulster. The 400-year-old Barn was restored in 2009 in keeping with its traditional style whilst incorporating all modern conveniences, including under floor heating, plasma digital TV, power shower and dual powered cooker. Sleeping five, the Barn has a luxurious open plan living, kitchen and dining area as well as its own private entrance, courtyard, and gardens where visitors can relax and enjoy. Nearby facilities include hill walking, fishing, cycling and golfing. All guests will receive a welcome pack on arrival and there is a courtyard with free parking. www.scottsbarn.co.uk  

4* Custom House, Newry, County Down

Opened in 2020, the Custom House building in Newry is just one hour from Belfast. With an unrivalled rooftop city centre location, luxury styling and superior amenities, the two bed apartments sleep four and includes kitchen, laundry room, smart TV & broadband, free parking, private balcony and room servicing and CCTV. There is plenty to explore within walking distance, such as shops, restaurants, shopping centres and much more. https://discovernorthernireland.com/accommodation/custom-house-apartments-p748481

5* The Bakers Cottages, Seaforde, County Down

Once a former bakery and fully refurbished in 2019, many of the original site features have been sympathetically restored, including the Bakers Hole well. Three beautifully furnished bedrooms sleeping six, the cottage offers views of the Mourne Mountains and the rolling fields with easy access to Belfast. The cottage is newly refurbished with WiFi throughout, wood burning stove, smart TVs with complimentary Netflix in all rooms, free standing bath in bathroom and fully equipped kitchen.

There is a private hot tub house that seats six people with a fridge, wood burning stove and bath robes/slippers provided. Sliding glass doors open out to a patio with outside seating and large lawn. A fully equipped play park will keep the kids entertained while you enjoy a BBQ looking out over the spectacular views or toast marshmallows over the fire pit. www.thebakerscottages.co.uk  

4* Clonlum Cottages, County Armagh

Clonlum Cottages are located at the foot of Slieve Gullion, on the doorstep of Ireland’s Mountain of Mystery. In these three newly refurbished cottages, guests can cosy up in front of a wood-burning stove to unwind after a day breath-taking mountain views and hikes. Snug, modern, luxuriously furnished abodes that sleep up to four people per cottage, at Clonlum guests can enjoy the BBQ and firepit area as well as privacy in its secluded setting away from main roads. This family-friendly staycation spot in south Armagh is surrounded by beauty and attractions such as Killeavy Castle, Camlough Lake and Carlingford village. www.clonlumholidaycottages.com

Northern Ireland’s Giant Welcome will be here for you to discover when the time is right to travel. For more information visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

For the latest government guidelines on COVID restrictions, visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19