Food Focus: 10 things to do in Northern Ireland

As part of the ‘Taste the Island’ initiative for 12 weeks DiscoverNorthernIreland.com will have the top three food experiences and events in their weekly  10 things to do listing. DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week including food experiences and events (11 – 17 November 2019)

  1. Twilight-Market Belfast, 12 – 13 November.  Featuring over 100 traders specialising in local and continental foods from around the world, handmade arts and crafts and chef demonstrations too, bring the whole family and enjoy the very best in live music or simply treat yourself to some delicious food.
  2. Shortcross-Distillery-Experience-and-Masterclass Downpatrick, 15 & 16 November. The Shortcross Distillery Experience and Masterclass is not to be missed. Unlock some of the exciting secrets and skills that go into creating Shortcross at Rademon Estate, and listen to David Boyd-Armstrong, the head distiller, walk through the fascinating process.
  3. Taste-of-our-Waters Craigavon, 15 November. This November celebrate Northern Ireland’s wonderful produce from our magnificent waterways, loughs and seas. They have created a wonderful six-course tasting menu that will showcase local freshwater fish, sea fish and seafood alongside homegrown and local vegetables.
  4. Murder-in-Narnia Newry, 15 November. A Narnia themed Murder Mystery banquet with the finest local food and drink produce from the Newry, Mourne and Down region. Throw on your best fur coat, paint your face and prepare yourself for an exciting Narnia themed Murder Mystery.
  5. Picnic-in-Narnia Newry, 17 November. This magical day features a sumptuous breakfast, before following the Narnia Trail in the company of Narnian characters up to a special picnic at the Cloughmore Stone, a possible inspiration for Aslan’s How. Celebrate Rostrevor’s unique connection to the Chronicles of Narnia and discover the wonderful local produce of the area.
  6. Dram-on-the-Bann Coleraine, 16 November.  A marvellous opportunity to appreciate the historic town from a different perspective, and a perfect afternoon spent with family and friends. Guests will be treated to a selection of delicious canapés celebrating their award-winning local produce.
  7. Pink-and-Blue Belfast, 17 November. Two clowns discover Pink and Blue and playfully explore all these questions. With silliness and fun, come along and join the Crescent Arts Centre for this show that aims to find out if we can all be who we want to be and accept others as they are too.
  8. Naturally-North-Coast-and-Glens-Artisan-Market Ballycastle, 17 November. Naturally North Coast and Glens Market provides the opportunity to experience a unique artisan market in and around the Causeway Coast and Glens region of Northern Ireland. Market visitors will have every sense enticed through the colourful art and crafts, the delicious aromas, taste of fresh food produce and the sound of musicians.  
  9. Whitehead-Sea-and-Food-Tour Carrickfergus, 15 November. Experience the famous Causeway Coast as you depart Whitehead and kayak around Blackhead Lighthouse to The Gobbins, with qualified instructor Anne from Causeway Coast Kayaking. This special two hour kayaking tour will take in the sights and sounds of local wildlife offering a different perspective of The Gobbins.
  10. Belfast-Christmas-Market-2019 Belfast, 16 November. Visit the Belfast Christmas Market in the City Hall grounds from for an award-winning taste of Christmas. With over 30 international traders will be offering incredible foods and delightful gifts ideas, you’ll never be stuck for choice.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com. For additional Taste the Island events, please visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/tastetheisland 

If you can’t do the marathon – do the #tedathon!

Maeve Curley from Lavey (and a member of Termoneeny Running Club) is busy training for next year’s London Marathon.

Ted Curley #tedathon

She is determined to raise as much as she can for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) the charity which has been close to her heart ever since her six year old son, Ted, was given a life-saving liver transplant when he was just 22 months. Now Maeve has come up with a novel idea to keep her on track with her training and boost her fundraising – it’s the Tedathon!

“I want people to pledge to walk, run or cycle for 5K or 30 minutes each day during December,” says Maeve. “It’s only £10 to join in so it’s a simple way both to raise money for a fantastic cause and to improve health and fitness during a month of over-indulgence. I’m lucky to have got a London Marathon place but I appreciate not everyone can do that. However, anyone can join in the Tedathon I’ve got friends and family both here and overseas who have signed up.  With a choice of a Tedathon medal (that doubles up as a Christmas tree bauble), or a pair of glow in the dark laces (as well as a ‘fit’ December) upon completion, I would love if as many people as possible could get on board and get Tedathon done!”

“To have a child suffer liver failure and go through transplant at such a young age is truly traumatic but Children’s Liver Disease Foundation have been there for us with information and emotional support all along. We want every family in our situation to have that kind of support and this is my way of giving something back.” 

“I would not have been able to launch Tedathon without the support of Declan and Emma Leung at Virtual Run NI.  They have provided guidance and ideas, and are designing the most amazing medals,” said Maeve.  Declan said, “At Virtual Run NI, we want to encourage people to get fit and active, we want to motivate and encourage runners (and in this case walkers, cyclists and swimmers too!) of all abilities and ages.  We always reward all finishers with the most fantastic medals and we are really excited about our Tedathon medal!”

Jacqueline Mc Gonigle, Chair of Termoneeny Running Club said, “We are proud to support Tedathon, and would encourage all runners, walkers, swimmers and cyclists to sign up for this very worthy challenge.  Termoneeny Running Club is only too happy to promote this fundraiser, and have enjoyed coming up with lots of ideas to support Maeve and Tedathon.  We wish Maeve all the best with her London marathon training.” 

L_R Jacqueline McGonigle, Chair of TRC, Bobby, Maeve Curley, Ted Curley and Declan Leung from Virtual Run NI

Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “CLDF is the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver diseases, by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected. In order to do this however, we rely on voluntary donations, so we are delighted to hear about the Tedathon. What a fantastic and fun way to get people involved in raising awareness.” 

Click HERE to sign up to #tedathon19 and good luck!

You can join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter and use the hashtag #tedathon19

For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org.

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this week across NI

Down

Come along to North Down Museum’s Mulicultural Festival this Saturday at Bangor Town Hall to experience a range of unique multicultural activities, entertainment, family-friendly activities and workshops at this creative, community festival.

Armagh

Join the Millennium Court  Arts Centre Newry this Saturdayfor their Family Open Art Day. At 11:30am there will be a projection style screening of ‘Pokemon Detective Pikachu”, then join the arts team afterwards rom 1:30pm – 3:00pm to use a selection of materials to design and make some fake souvenirs from a fake place! 

Fermanagh

This Saturday evening the Ardhowen Theatre Enniskillen will host the world premiere of The Beating Heart of Ulster which celebrates the rich musical heritage from both Irish and Ulster Scots traditions as well as the local landscape. This world premiere performance blends song, dance and storytelling, and will be performed by local young musicians and dancers from across the district, bringing the audience on a musical journey through the history and landscape of Fermanagh and Omagh.

Tyrone

From 7th to 10th November the Craic Theatre Coalisland presents The Little Shop of Horrors! The meek Seymour Krelborn, who works in a flower shop on Skid Row, stumbles across a new breed of plant.  He calls it Audrey II – after the woman he works with and with whom he is love.

Derry 

Los Dramáticos take you on an exciting voyage around Latin America and Spain this Friday night at the Playhouse in Derry.  Los Dramáticos bring together flamenco guitar, the charango lute and vocal harmonies to give new life to traditional songs from both sides of the Atlantic. For this special show they are joined by renowned jazz drummer Steve Davis.  

Antrim

The RPSI will be holding its first Model Railway Day at Whitehead Excursion Station this Saturday, 9th November, with a line-up of marvellous miniature models, steam train rides, refreshments, etc. All this, and the Museum exhibits too!

Belfast

Join TinyLife #Premvember celebrations as they host a special Afternoon Tea event in Stormont, Parliament Buildings on Saturday 9th November 2019 courtesy of Robbie Butler MLA.  TinyLife guests will have a guided tour of Parliament Buildings, relax to music by the McAuley Swing Duo and enjoy Afternoon Tea in the eloquent surroundings of the Great Hall.  

For further details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Jacqueline McGonigle

Food Focus: 10 things to do in Northern Ireland

As part of the ‘Taste the Island’ initiative for 12 weeks DiscoverNorthernIreland.com will have the top three food experiences and events in their weekly  10 things to do listing. DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week including three food experiences and events (04 – 10 November 2019)

1.       The-Hillside-Game-Evening Hillsborough, 7 November. The Hillside are offering an experience like no other this November. Join them for a five-course gourmet meal focusing on local County Down game. The Hillside chefs work with Hillsborough’s local gamekeeper to source the best game produce from wild duck to rabbits and venison. A bespoke menu will be created and paired with fine wines, and a Copeland gin reception will welcome guests on the evening.

2.       Winter-Cookery-Demonstration-by-Ian-Orr Derry~Londonderry, 9 November. In celebration of Taste the Island, join the talented Chef Patron Ian Orr for a winter cookery demonstration. Ian will share tips for preparing amazing meals at home, and the demonstration will be followed by a delicious three-course meal.

3.       Fire-Feast-Ultimate-Game-of-Thrones-Tour Ballymena, 7 – 14 November. This Game of Thrones themed tour will include a full day fire and feast experience visiting several filming locations, with themed food and drink tastings, outdoor cooking, plus carving and spear throwing. The tour will also include a visit to the Game of Thrones® Doors carved from fallen trees of the Dark Hedges. This tour includes a two night stay at the four star Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort, a full Irish breakfast and use of the thermal spa.

4.       RUA-Saturday-Tours-2019 Belfast, 9 November. Guided tours of this year’s Royal Ulster Academy exhibition led by experts in contemporary art and as well as exhibiting Academicians. These tours last approximately 40 minutes and offer audiences new insights into the 389 works in this year’s exhibition.

5.       An-Evening-of-Music-and-Dance Belfast, 8– 9 November. Enjoy an Evening of Music and Dance as Birmingham Royal Ballet’s world-class orchestra showcases the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, under the baton of Northern Ireland’s own Paul Murphy. Alongside the company’s internationally-acclaimed dancers will be Belfast-born Melissa Hamilton, the rising star of the sister company The Royal Ballet.

6.       World-Wars-Coach-Tour Bangor, 9 November. On this tour you will have the opportunity to visit three key sites: North Down Museum, Grey Point Fort and the Somme Museum, along with other sites that link to momentous events including the Battle of the Somme and D-Day. A knowledgeable guide will entertain you with some interesting facts that might surprise you.

7.       Loughbrickland-Poin-to-Point Banbridge, 9 November. Loughbrickland point-to-point is the perfect day out for all the family. Unlike most racecourses, spectators can stand beside one of the fences and get close to the winning post for a bird’s-eye view of the thrilling action. The track is also the perfect location for a picnic where you can enjoy the action whilst entertaining friends and family.

8.       Boat-Fishing-Competition  Portrush, 2 November – 7 December. Portrush Yacht Club is proud to host the 2019 Boat Fishing Competition series in conjunction with Causeway Lass. In addition, a raffle will also take place on the day and all prizes will be awarded in Portrush Yacht Club after the event.

9.       Lurgan-and-the-1641-Rebellion Craigavon, 5November. In this lecture Dr. Naomi McAreavey of University College Dublin will examine the events of the 1641 Irish rebellion and the impact it had on the emerging town of Lurgan. Her talk will be based on an analysis of the witness statements taken during the 1641 depositions, which provide eyewitness accounts of the events in question.

10.   A-Conversation-with-NASA-Scientist-Dr-Sarah-Noble Belfast, 6 November. NASA scientist Dr Sarah Noble will present on lunar geology in the past, present and future. This is followed by a conversation moderated by journalist Sarah Travers, highlighting what we have learned about the Moon from the Apollo programme and more recent missions, what the future plans are for lunar exploration and what we want to learn when we do go back.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com. For additional Taste the Island events, please visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/tastetheisland 

11 Ways To Turn Household Chores Into A Workout

By Patience Bradley, author of The HouseWork WorkOut

Many people struggle to find time to exercise.  Sometimes just finding a little bit of time in our hectic schedule is virtually impossible.  So don’t try! At the end of the day cleaning and tidying your house is something you simply have to do, modifying your household chores shouldn’t be that hard.

By turning your household chores into a workout you can increase your heart rate and work your major muscle groups.  From hoovering, mopping and dusting to gardening and even cleaning the kitchen, there’s hundreds of exercises you can do at home.

When doing your HouseWork WorkOuts it’s a good idea to do these in 30 minutes slots.  You could even create a 30 minute playlist to work out to. Don’t forget that having up-beat and fast music on will help to keep you motivated, studies show that working out to fast music will increase your pace (which in turn increases your heart rate and therefore see you burning more calories), and the music typically makes you work out for longer.

1. Vacuum Your Entire House

Vacuuming can be a great exercise for your core and abs if you keep those muscles tense while cleaning. It burns around 190 calories per hour, but if you want to take this exercise further and burn more calories, do lunge motions while taking steps to work right in to those glutes.

2. Sweep Or Mop Your Floors

Prepare your floors by clearing the surfaces so you can clean as many as possible in quick succession. Where you can, squat rather than bending over to lift items and get to those hard-to-reach areas. Mopping burns around 195 calories per hour, but don’t forget to switch between your right and left arms to ensure an even work out. Use a good amount of elbow grease when you’re on your hands and knees scrubbing to work out your arms and shoulders, and remember to hold that tummy in while doing so to work out those abs.

3. Run Up And Down The Stairs

When you are tidying-up, and bringing items up or down the stairs, opt to repeat the action more often than you actually need to. For example, when bringing items upstairs, run up and down the stairs three times, as opposed to the one time that you need to. Walking up and down stairs at a brisk pace burns around 500 calories per hour. To turn this in to a toning exercise, go up two stairs at a time, but at a slower pace, so that it becomes a controlled strength exercise as opposed to a cardio one.

4. Do Calf Raises As You Wash Dishes

Start with your legs hip-width apart, before lifting up on to your toes. Hold this position for three to 10 seconds, before slowly coming down to stand on your whole feet again. Repeat this exercise 10 times per set, for three sets, with one minute rest in between sets.

5. Clean All Of Your Windows (Inside & Out)

Use both your left and right hands and arms to ensure an equal work out, and clean in a circular motion. Reach as high as you can to work your abs and oblique muscles (your waist). Cleaning windows burns around 180 calories per hour. The same applies to cleaning surfaces, mirrors, and dusting.

6. Weed Your Garden & Trim Plants

If weeding on your hands and knees, ensure you use proper cushioning, and engage your abs by keeping them tense throughout the work out. If you are doing short duration weeding in bursts, try squatting instead, and don’t forget to squat when gathering up the waste to put it in garden bags. Gardening in this way burns approximately 289 calories per hour.

7. Wash Your Car By Hand

Many of us enjoy the convenience of taking our cars to automatic or manual car wash services, but if you want to take advantage of nice weather, and get a work out in at the same time, wash your car by hand instead. A full car clean includes wetting, cleaning, rinsing, drying, and polishing, which are all fantastic actions for your arms and abs, as well as squatting to reach the lower areas of the vehicle, or to wet your chamois or sponge in soapy water. If you want to maximise this work out, clean the inside of your car, including the windows and hoovering the carpets and seats. Cleaning your car by hand burns around 230 calories per hour.

8. Make-The-Bed Triceps Dips

Depending on your skill level, changing bed sheets can feel like a work out on its own, especially if it’s a double. Maximise the benefits of doing this chore by fitting in some arm toning exercises at the same time. Sit on the edge of the bed with your hands placed palms down next to your hips, fingers facing forward. Scoot off the bed until you are only supported by your arms and feet. The further your feet are from the bed, the harder this exercise is. Lower down slowly, keeping your elbows tucked in to your sides, and use your arms to push yourself back up. Repeat 10 times in one set, for three sets, with  one minute rest in between sets.

9. Toilet Split Squats

When cleaning the toilet and the bathroom, use the toilet (with the seat down) to perform Bulgarian Split Squats. Place one foot on the toilet and your front foot far enough out in front of you so that you can lunge down without your knee going over your toes. Slowly lower your body down and use your extended leg to push yourself back up. Your instinct will be to lean forward over your extended leg – don’t – keep your upper body as straight as you can. This is a fantastic work out for your whole leg as well as your glutes! Don’t forget to repeat on both legs.

10. Lazy Bicep Curls

If you are carrying bags of groceries in to the house, or bags of rubbish out to the bin, use the opportunity to fit in a few bicep curls. Get a good grip on the bag palm facing up and make a fist, keep your elbows at your sides, and lift the bags so your hands reach your chest. This move can even be done with tins of beans, one litre bottles of juice, or anything else that makes a suitable weight, while you’re sitting watching TV!

11. No Time To ‘Waist’

If you are waiting for the kettle to boil, pasta to cook, or the microwave to ding, squeeze in a few squats, lunges, or push-ups off a wall or kitchen counter. If you make a dinner every evening, and a couple of cups of tea a day, the short-duration exercises will soon build up over a week, and after all, every little helps
The HouseWork WorkOut by Patience Bradley is out now and available from Amazon or www.excaliburpress.co.uk/book-shop

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

Down

Do things go bump in the night at the Exploris Aquarium? Well now is your chance to find out with the new alternative night out – Night at the Aquarium this Friday and Saturday Night.  Includes meal, guided tour and more!

Armagh

Join the Armagh Planetarium “Adult Only Takeover” when adults get the chance to take over the facility for the night this Friday.  Grab a glass of bubbles, experience the dome theatre, be entertained with the Hubble Bubble Toil and Trouble live science show with Scientific Sue and take home an intergalactic space photo.

Fermanagh

Scary trail for Children at Lusty Beg Island until 3rd November. Includes food and a drink.   Are you brave enough to walk the woods, can you explain the noises and sightings, are you ready to experience Fermanagh’s scariest Halloween Event?

Tyrone

Phil Coulter’s long career as a songwriter, producer and recording artiste has been recognised over the years and you can see Phil perform live at the Alley Theatre Strabane this Saturday night.  An original retrospective on the work of one of our finest, it’s a show for every lover of good music.  

Derry/Londonderry

The Walled City Market returns to Guildhall Square this Saturday from 11.00 to 4.00pm, welcoming the very best of artisan traders and offering visitors a family friendly shopping experience with a wide selection of speciality foods and hand crafted products.  Tickle your taste buds with homemade jams, chutneys, sauces, artisan breads and cakes,  a range or organic meats and of course some sweet treats!

 Antrim

Join the Marine Hotel Ballycastle on Saturday November 2nd for their Spooktacular Witches and Wizards Afternoon Tea.  Devour delicious sand-witches, drink down a poisonous potion, and indulge in some devlish delights.  Halloween Movie | Face Painter | Small Gift | Fancy Dress Competition | Witch-craft corner | Room Décor. .£12.50 per child | £16 per adult 

Belfast

An Evening of Irish Horror is the perfect, cozy scare for when the air gets cold and the night grows dark, with two classic Irish spook stories reanimated in the dark, with live music – two original scores for violin, cello, and guitar. Wireless Mystery Theatre presents A Story of Irish Gothic at the Crescent Arts Centre this Saturday evening.

For further details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Jacqueline McGonigle

Offers of the week!

Northern Ireland boasts an irresistible collection of places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

·         Halloween Spooktacular midterm break, Marine Hotel, Ballycastle from £199 based on 2 adults and 1 child (12 & under)

The Marine Hotel Ballycastle, occupies an unrivalled seafront position in the heart of the North Antrim Causeway Coast. The hotel is ideally located to allow visitors to enjoy the best Northern Ireland has to offer, only a short distance from world renowned tourist attractions including The Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle and The Dark Hedges. This spooktacular mid-term offer includes two nights’ bed & breakfast with complimentary dinner on the first night. To book call 028 2076 2222. Offer available from 28th October to 1st November 2019.

·         Christmas Shopping in Georgian Armagh, Armagh City Hotel, from £59.50 per person sharing

Enjoy the ultimate shopping and hotel experience with an overnight stay in the Georgian city of Armagh. The hotel’s elevated position and panoramic views over the historic landscape makes it the ideal place to soak up the sights and sounds of Ireland’s oldest city. Offer includes one night break in a double/twin room inclusive of full breakfast, a warming hot chocolate drink, a £20 meal voucher plus a discount voucher book giving discounts in 22 independent shops within walking distance of the hotel. To book call 028 3751 8888. Offer available until 23rd December 2019.

·         Autumn Stays At Belle Isle Estate, Walled Garden Cottage, Lisbellaw from £250 based on 2 people sharing

As part of the Belle Isle Estate this beautiful Cottage is situated in the Walled Garden and was originally built for the Estates Head Gardener more than two centuries ago. The cottage was refurbished into a cosy retreat in the heart of the Estate with stunning views over the countryside and Upper Lough Erne. This offer includes two nights based on two people sharing, breakfast plus complimentary ticket to Enniskillen Castle and 2 for 1 admission to Belleek Pottery. To Book Call 028 6638 7231. Offer available until 15th November 2019.

Food Focus: 10 things to do in Northern Ireland

As part of the ‘Taste the Island’ initiative for 12 weeks DiscoverNorthernIreland.com will have the top three food experiences and events in their weekly  10 things to do listing.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week including three food experiences and events (28 October-3 November)

1.       Enniskillen Taste Experience, Enniskillen, until 30 November. This tour, happening on Saturdays, starting at Enniskillen Castle, showcases the culinary delights local businesses have to offer and will delight customers with a substantial and memorable experience.

2.       Attack of the Killer Bees Halloween Slemish Market Supper Club, Ballymena, 1 November. Join the Supper Club in Adair Arms  for a Spooktacular evening of food, fun and a County Antrim ghoulish story at the “Attack of the Killer Bees” Halloween Slemish Market.

3.       Twilight Market, Newry, 1 November. Newry Market is transformed into a food and drink heaven where visitors are able to feast on some of the unique food and drink elements available in the region. Enjoy a wide selection of food and drink producers, pop-up restaurants, combined with chef demonstrations, food tastings, live music and full bar facilities.

4.       Derry Halloween 2019, 25 October- 1 November, Derry~Londonderry. Stay in the Walled City of Derry~Londonderry and take part in the city’s eight-day long Halloween festival, which features over 100 events with 1,400 performers across 40 venues in and around the city and its famous 400-year-old walls.

5.       Sound of Belfast 2019, Belfast, 1-10 November. Sound of Belfast includes a mix of collaborative, independent and partnership events involving showcases, gigs, industry talks, panels and workshops, youth, family, community events and the NI Music Prize including the Oh Yeah Legend Award. There are over 45 events this year, with over 70 performances and 18 participating venues.

6.       Museum of the Moon, Derry~Londonderry, 26 October – 1 November. Bathe beneath the light of the Samhain Moon as it evades capture in the Guildhall. Experience Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon. Touring internationally, this work features detailed NASA imagery of the Moon and an atmospheric soundtrack created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer, Dan Jones.

7.       Ladyboys of Bangkok, Belfast, 2-17 November. For its 21st year, the Ladyboys of Bangkok will be bringing audiences a show that is even more glitzy and glamourous. Every year there is a new theme, and ‘The Greatest Showgirls Tour’ allows you to celebrate your favourite divas.

8.       Hunter’s Moon of Airgialla, Killeavy, 2-3 November. A new Irish play written and brought to you by local Newry playwright, Rosemary Tumilty.  These wonderful evening events, incorporating dramatised readings, are presented by Oriel Dramatic Players, as they unveil a beguiling story that invokes the wit, will and wisdom of the 18th century poets of Creggan.

9.       Halloween at HMS Caroline, Belfast, 26 October- 3 November.  Get your costumes ready and explore the ship with the Black Cat Trail, inspired by HMS Caroline’s mascot Tom the black cat who lived on board during the First World War. Explore all the dark spaces on board the ship and hunt for all sorts of creatures along the way.

10.   Spooky Space, Armagh, 28 October-2 November. Come along to Armagh Planetarium this Halloween,  see their brand new show and  meet monsters, zombies and ghosts. On the 1st November they also have an ‘Adults Takeover’ for a more sophisticated night in the dome.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com. For additional Taste the Island events, please visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/tastetheisland

Taste of Comber Guided Food Tour!

Foodies from across the borough and beyond will be delighted to learn that a new guided food tour, Taste of Comber, will take place on Thursday 31 October.


Foodies from across the borough and beyond will be delighted to learn that a new guided food tour, a Taste of Comber, will take place on Thursday 31 October. Pictured are representatives from each of the restaurants taking part in the food tour. Pre booking is essential. Tickets cost £47 and are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown.

Taste of Comber, hosted by Ards and North Down Borough Council, is the third in a series of tasting tours this autumn, taking in some of the finest dining establishments in historic Comber. This foodie experience celebrates the abundance of flavours autumn has to offer with a distinctly local twist. 

The tour begins with a starter of local seafood at the award-winning Indie FÜde – experts at sourcing the finest artisan Irish produce. Next you will move on to enjoy a main course with wine at the luxury Georgian House followed by a delicious seasonal dessert at the multi-award-winning Sugarcane Bistro.  The tour ends at McBrides on the Square, where guests will enjoy the finest local artisan cheese paired with a tasting flight of local beers.

It’s a truly mouth-watering prospect and as the dark nights start to close in, treating yourself to an exquisite guided food tour in the historic town of Comber where you can hear about the culinary heritage and enjoy delicious food, never seemed like a better idea!

Pre booking is essential. Tickets cost £47 and are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown.

For more information, including a full menu, go to visitardsandnorthdown.com.

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on across NI this weekend.

Down

This Friday, North Down Museum, Bangor is bracing itself for some intergalactic visitors when ‘Invasion from Planet X’ takes place in its historic building.  Find out  if you could survive an alien invasion at this fun event. Visitors can expect storm trooper performances, escape rooms, alien walkabouts, live music and more!

Armagh

To celebrate Armagh City Centre being granted Purple Flag status, a number of events have been organised, kicking off the a ‘Halloween Movie Day’ in the Johnston’s Building on Saturday, 26th October 2019.  See family favourites Beetlejuice and Hocus Pocus!

Fermanagh

Calling all witches and wizards! Share Discovery Village are pleased to offer you a place on their magical Halloween Cruise,  26th – 29th October.   Report to Platform 9 3/4 by 2:30pm on the day of your cruise. Expect to be sorted into your house, cast some spells and sample some fascinating foods from professors, as well as other fun games and crafts.

Tyrone

Jamboree Oktoberfest – where Bavaria meets Fintona returns to the Ecclesville Centre Fintona on Saturday evening. Performing at this year’s Jamboree Oktoberfest will be Derek Ryan, Johnny Brady, Paul Kelly and Christopher King.

Derry

First performed in 2006, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, presented by Isosceles, is a fast-paced adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel which has enthralled audiences throughout Britain and Ireland and played to packed houses everywhere.  See it performed live at the  Playhouse in Derry this Saturday.

Antrim

Halloween Hullabaloo / Travelling Treeluminations comes to Ballylough Country Estate 25th to 31st October. Two events in one with the “seeing is believing” Travelling Treeluminations  lighting up the woodlands to specially composed music by Sharon Graham.  From there you’ll travel on to the Hullabaloo with family friendly ghosts, a haunted castle and maybe the odd scary zombie!

Belfast

Aisling Ghéar Theatre Co is taking over the Cultúrlann for its Samhain/Halloween celebrations!! Let ‘Butler McCracken’  take you on a special tour of this scary old building. Expect ghostly stories, spooky goings on and some creepy crawlies! This event is in Irish and is aimed at children who are attending Irish Medium Primary schools. It is easy peasy to understand but if in doubt consult your child for a quick translation!

For further details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni for news, competitions and what’s on near you.