Offers of the Week

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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.

·         Spa Experience, Roe Park Resort, Co. Londonderry from £114.50 per person sharing

The four-star Roe Park Resort is one of Northern Ireland’s premiere golf and spa resorts. Set amidst the gorgeous surroundings of the Roe Valley Country Park it overlooks its own stunning 18 hole golf course and is the perfect place to unwind. Offer includes an overnight stay with full Irish breakfast the following morning, plus a traditional Swedish back massage followed by an Elemis taster facial. To book call 028 7772 2222. Offer available until 31 December 2019.

·         Dinner, Bed & Breakfast, The Old Inn, Co. Down from £57.50 per person sharing

With its traditional thatched roof, beamed ceilings and many open fires the four-star Old Inn  hotel provides a cosy, relaxed atmosphere. Located in the coastal town of Bangor, this hotel is the perfect base to explore the County Down area. Offer includes an overnight stay, a three-course meal and a full Irish breakfast the following morning. To book call 028 9185 3255. Offer available until 30 November 2019.  

·         Spring Afternoon Tea Stay, Curran Court Hotel, Co. Antrim from £105 per room  

The four-star Curran Hotel is ideally located at the Gateway to the Causeway Coast & Glens in Larne town. This comfortable hotel is the perfect base to explore tourist destinations like the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Bushmills Distillery and many of the iconic filming locations for Game of Thrones® . Offer includes overnight accommodation with a full Irish breakfast the following morning. Plus on arrival, enjoy an elegant Afternoon Tea with specialty teas or coffee accompanied by finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with cream and jam, finished off with a range of delicate, but indulgent miniature desserts. To book call 028 2827 5505. Offer available until 30 June 2019.

10 things to do next week in NI

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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 (27 May- 2 June)

1.       Maritime Memories, Bangor, 31 May. This tour departs from North Down Museum, and includes Eisenhower Pier, Donaghadee, the Ards Peninsula  and Portavogie. Learn the important role of the Coastguard in the modern day, visit a Lifeboat Station and hear of local legends and tales of the sea.

2.       Ballymoney Show, Ballymoney, 31 May-1 June. The Ballymoney Show is a local agricultural show providing two days of entertainment for the whole family. Show includes livestock judging, food tents with cookery demonstrations, agricultural products, artisan foods, local crafts as well as entertainment in the form of music, football competitions and tug of war.

3.       The Epic Journey to The 148th Open, Portrush, 30 May. The Epic Journey to The 148th Open tour will include golf’s most iconic trophy, the Claret Jug along with a giant #TheOpen letter sculpture, designed by Tourism NI and made out of 4,000 golf balls. Have the opportunity to take a photo with the replica Claret Jug, chat with local sports stars and put your pitching skills to the test as the tour comes to Portrush.

4.       French Wine Dinner, Derry~Londonderry, 31 May.  For an evening out with a difference, come along to Brown’s  fabulous French Wine Dinner. Enjoy sparkling wine on arrival and a six course tasting menu with perfectly paired wines; a wonderful dining experience and a delight for foodies and wine lovers.

5.       Use Your Senses Belfast 5K, Belfast, 1 June. Walk, jog or run a sensational 5K. This family friendly fun run on behalf of Guide Dogs features  five sensory experiences at Sense Stations along the route. Use your senses and change the lives of families living with sight loss.

6.       Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, Belfast, 25-27 May. There will also be lots to see and do over the weekend in Titanic Quarter with live music, authentic nautical cuisine and family fun. You’ll also be able to experience Belfast’s rich maritime heritage through a bumper-packed programme of free activities along the Maritime Mile.

7.       Cookstown Continental Market, Cookstown, 1-2 June. Cookstown Continental Market will feature over 40 traders from as far afield as Morocco, India, Belgium, France, Russia, Holland, Spain and China, who will set up stalls alongside local traders from the weekly street market.

8.       Belfast Girls, Downpatrick, 31 May. Packed with songs from the Belfast Girls page, this comedy play will have you dancing in the aisles. Also starring the hilarious Christina Nelson from ‘I’ll Tell My Ma’ and directed by Alan McKee (Handbag Positive)

9.       AVA Festival, Belfast, 31 May-2 June. The festival showcases the best in local talent across audio visual arts as well as bringing some of the best International artists in the field to Belfast. AVA have showcased shows in Belfast such as Jeff Mills & Guillaume Marmin’s ‘Close Encounters of the 4th Kind’, Bicep (Live), Larry Heard aka Mr Fingers (Live), Rodhad, Fatima Yamaha (Live), DVS1 and more.

10.   Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, Ballycastle, 24 May-2 June.  The festival celebrates the culture, cuisine and coastal treasures with an exciting sea-focused programme of nautical themed events in Ballycastle and Rathlin Island.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival returns with a renewed ‘foodie’ focus!

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Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival will have an even bigger ‘foodie focus’ when it returns to the village from June 7th – June 9th.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Sean Bateson pictured with Gary Stewart from Tartine Restaurant, Ian Orr from Browns Bonds Hill Group and Joanna Morrow from Bushmills Distillery at the launch of the Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival which takes place from June 7th – June 9th.

Celebrity chef Ian Orr, from the multi award winning Browns Bonds Hill Group, will be the special guest in the festival Cookery Theatre on Saturday 8th June from 12pm. Located in Main Street car park, visitors can enjoy a unique opportunity to get up close as Ian demonstrates his culinary prowess with delicious recipes using the best of local produce. As a previous guest on the popular Saturday Kitchen food show and regarded as one of Ireland’s top talents, event organisers are delighted to have his support this year.

On Sunday, it’s the turn of some of the region’s best local chefs to showcase the foodie repertoire of the Causeway Coast and Glens with appearances by Trudy Brolly (Ocho Tapas, Portrush), Pol Shields (Marine Hotel, Ballycastle) and Kevin Farren (Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae). Compered by local food tour guide Wendy Gallagher, the live audience will benefit from her specialised knowledge and passion for local produce.

Over the weekend make sure to visit Bushmills Distillery, the oldest of its kind in Ireland and a unique attraction where you can sample the famous whiskey while learning more about the story of whiskey distilling in the village which stretches back for centuries

To celebrate the International Year of the Salmon, the Salmon Fisheries will be open throughout the weekend (Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm) offering free talks and tours showcasing ‘The Cycle of Wild Atlantic Salmon’ and the history of the station. Fly tying and casting demonstrations, fish tanks, visitor stands and information on outreach and funding for angling events will also be available.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Sean Bateson said: “The Salmon and Whiskey Festival celebrates the village’s famous local produce and our growing reputation for world renowned hospitality. With free live music and artisan market stalls featuring an exciting mix of our food, arts and crafts produce there is so much to enjoy and Bushmills looks forward to welcoming you all.”

Throughout the weekend, take part in the self-guided Bushmills Taste Trail highlighting unique specialties from a range of local cafes and award winning restaurants. Maps can be picked up from participating businesses allowing you to plot your own course through the village from The Old Bushmills Distillery to The Bushmills Inn with many tasty stops along the way. Guided Food Tours are also available and can be booked at www.irishfeast.com.

For those with an interest in history, a free ‘Taste of Bushmills Heritage’ guided walk, led by Art Ward of Bushmills Walking Tours, will let you experience the conservation village’s unique history, heritage and culture. Please note, places are limited and tours are weather dependent.  For further information and to book your place please ring Bushmills Visitor Information Centre 028 2073 0390.

For the children, Millennium Park will host various free fun activities and entertainment throughout the weekend. A ‘quiet time’ Jumping Clay session will be available for young people with additional needs on Saturday from 10.30am-11.30am.

The Festival’s main attractions over the weekend will follow the hotly anticipated Bushmills Banquet which takes place on Friday evening. Building on its inaugural success last year, the Banquet is already a sell out. If you are lucky enough to have a ticket, the collaborative gourmet event will celebrate Bushmills Irish Whiskey and serve up festival themed dishes from local restaurants and artisan food producers.

To find out more about Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com or ring Bushmills Visitor Information Centre on 028 2073 0390.

To keep up to date with the latest announcements follow Causeway Coast and Glens Events team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Simon & Garfunkel are “Homeward Bound”for the Market Place Theatre, Armagh

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Critically acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest tribute shows, ‘Simon & Garfunkel Through The Years’ returns with an all new production. Featuring a full live band, moving video footage and stunning vocal harmonies, this spectacular concert takes audiences on a journey through the songs and history of Simon and Garfunkel.

The show is a celebration of the incredible rise to fame of two boys from Queens, New York who would go on to become the most successful folk-rock duo of the 1960’s, selling 38 million albums in the US alone, winning 10 Grammy Awards and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Hear all of the hits such as ‘The Sound of Silence’, ‘Mrs Robinson’, ‘The Boxer’ and the iconic ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, as well as hits from Paul Simon’s solo career such as ‘Call Me Al’, ‘Kodachrome’ and ‘50 Ways To Leave Your Lover’, in this unmissable show. On The Market Place stage on Saturday 1 June.

Tickets are available from the Theatre Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre. 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.

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

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Down

Newtownards is preparing for a puppet invasion this month when the Ards Puppet Festival returns to Ards Arts Centre and Conway Square. The popular festival which is taking place on Sunday 26th and Monday 27th May presents a full-programme of puppet mayhem and will be fun for all ages!

Armagh

Armagh Craft Fair returns for the ninth year to the wonderful surroundings of The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre on Saturday 25th May.  Bringing high quality craft to the heart of Armagh City this annual event offers something for everyone.

Fermanagh

The Country Fair at Florencecourt takes place this Sunday 26th May. Enjoy this annual Country Fair with dog shows, rare breeds, live music, craft stalls and much more. It’s an event not to be missed!

Tyrone

‘Spirit of Folk 2019’ is a unique festival  taking place this Sunday 26th May in The Moy.  This year will showcase the best folk trad in Ireland, combining traditional festival shenanigans that embody inclusiveness for everyone. ‘Spirit of Folk 2019.

Derry/Londonderry

This Sunday 26th May explore the great outdoors with a Canoe & Picnic Trip on the River Roe with Carrowmena Activity Centre.  Carrowmena  transport you to an entry point in Limavady where you will paddle back to Swanns bridge, fully immerse yourself in the outdoors, taking in beautiful sights such as Binevenagh Mountain.

Antrim

RTE Dancing with the Stars contestant and Irish Country Sensation Cliona Hagan makes her debut performance at the Marine Hotel on Sunday 26th May for the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival.  Doors open 9pm. Tickets can be purchased over the phone by calling the Marine Hotel Ballycastle on 02820762222 or online from Eventbrite,

Belfast

Shhhh! Visitors on the autism spectrum and those with sensory requirements can enjoy the peace and quiet of Belfast Zoo during Quiet Hour on Monday 27th May.  The zoo will open at 9am, an hour before normal opening times. Visitors can expect reduced crowds and lower levels of noise, helping to create a more relaxed atmosphere.

For more 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

Discover the magic of Puppets this weekend at Ards Puppet Festival!

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This Bank Holiday weekend Ards Arts Centre and Conway Square, Newtownards will be animated with puppets in all shapes and sizes when the annual Ards Puppet Festival returns to the town!

Over the two days, Sunday 26 and Monday 27 May, the jam-packed programme will offer scheduled shows, street theatre, walkabouts and craft workshops.

The Conway Square programme of activities which runs from 12noon to 4pm each day, includes colourful street-theatre, whacky walkabouts and puppet-making workshops. Watch the ‘Billy Goats Gruff’ as they tussle with the grumpy troll, queue up at the ‘Rat Choc Chip’ ice-cream van and get more than you’ve bargained for, enjoy a ‘Teddy Bears Picnic’ or traditional ‘Punch and Judy’. More creative visitors can get stuck into puppet-making at the free interactive workshops where children can build their very own puppets, with help from professional artists.

One of the programme highlights will be performances by the Budapest Marionettes. Performing for the first time in Northern Ireland, Bence Sarkadi is a Hungarian marionette artist / puppeteer who travels the globe, entertaining crowds with his award-winning, one-man show. Prepare to be amazed as Bence’s mastery brings his puppets to life. All Conway Square performances are FREE of charge.

Lyngo Theatre bring their productions of Tom Thumb and Jack and the Beanstalk to the festival where cBeebies’ Patrick Lynch will work his magic, retelling these classic tales in the magical Lyngo way.  Clydebuilt Theatre will make a welcome return to the festival with their adorable ‘Lost Bear’ production and the much-loved Banyan Theatre will also return with their enchanting show ‘The Hedgehog Prince’. All scheduled shows cost £3 per ticket, advanced booking is required. Please note the 11.30am performance of Jack and the Beanstalk on Sunday is now sold out but there are tickets remaining for the other shows.

Speaking about the festival, Amy McKelvey, Community Arts Development Officer with Ards and North Down Borough Council said*****************************************************

Ards Puppet Festival takes place from 26 – 27 May in Conway Square Newtownards. Copies of the Puppet Festival programme are also available from Ards Arts Centre, North Down Museum or any of the Council’s Visitor Information Centres.

For more information, to book tickets or to download the programme go to: www.ardsarts.com

Belfast Book Festival 2019

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Helping to spread the word about this year’s Belfast Book Festival (7-16 June) which launched at rooftop bar Babel are (l-r) writers and festival participants Glenn Patterson and Dawn Watson, Festival Director, Roger Courtney, Sonya Whitefield (Arts Council of Northern Ireland) pictured with actress Louise Parker who plays Molly Bloom in a specially commissioned and adapted for stage performance of  “YES” Molly’s Soliloquy from James Joyce’s Ulysses.

The 9th Belfast Book Festival features over 80 events showcasing high profile writers and personalities from home and further afield. From Bake-Off’s Prue Leith, Irish novelists Roddy Doyle and John Boyne to former hostage Terry Waite. The line-up also includes ex- politicians Lord David Owen and Alan Johnson, television presenter and satirist Will Self, Poet Laureate of the United States Tracy K Smith and renowned journalists Reni Eddo-Lodge and Paul Mason.  

Well-known local talent featured during the festival includes Belfast’s Lucy Caldwell, crime writer Sharon Dempsey, poet Medbh McGuckian, novelist Michael Hughes and famed poet Michael Longley who marks his 80th birthday with readings, conversation and a Duke Special musical performance of Michael’s work.                  

This year’s theme is Where do you like to read? and the public are invited to join in the conversation at #BelfastBook. For more information and to book tickets got to Belfastbookfestival.com.

CLAIMED CLASSICAL PIANIST AT THE MARKET PLACE THEATRE ARMAGH

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Acclaimed internationally, renowned pianist David Quigley will perform at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Friday 24 May. The concert will include a range of popular and classic piano works.

Picture by Edward Moss www.edwardmoss.co.uk All rights reserved. David Quigley musician

His most recent album ‘Piano Nocturnes’ [Avie Records], is described by Classic FM as ‘Just Divine’ and played ‘with assured skill and sensitivity’. 

His programme features music from the album and classics from Chopin, Liszt, Scarlatti and Debussy’s exquisite ‘Clair de lune’

This is an evening not to be missed! Tickets are available for £14 and £12 (concession), with a £5 rate for students.

Tickets are available from the Theatre Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre. 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.

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

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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.

·         Belfast Titanic Experience, Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast from £150 per room

The ideal place to stay when you come to Belfast, this three-star, family run hotel is located in the fashionable Malone Road area. The Wellington Park Hotel offers a personalised service and is famous for a casual and relaxed atmosphere with value for money. The Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens and many great restaurants are just steps away. Offer includes overnight accommodation for two nights with a full Irish breakfast each morning, a complimentary drink on arrival and entry to the infamous Titanic experience, including the SS Nomadic. To book call 028 9038 1111. Offer available until 31 December 2019.

·         Three Night Seasonal Break, Glenavon House Hotel, Co. Tyrone from £120 per person sharing

The three-star Glenavon House Hotel is situated on the outskirts of Cookstown. Overlooking the Ballinderry River and set in nine acres of its own mature grounds, this luxurious hotel offers a wide range of high standard facilities. The hotel’s central location makes it an ideal base to explore Northern Ireland. Offer includes overnight accommodation  for three nights with a full Irish  breakfast each morning. To book call 028 8676 4949. Offer available until 31 December 2019.

·         One Night Wine and Dine, Westville Hotel, Co. Fermanagh  from £148 per night

Perfectly located in the heart of Enniskillen’s waterside, the four-star Westville Hotel is a sophisticated, yet understated, boutique destination with comfortable rooms. Offer includes overnight accommodation, a three-course dinner in the evening with a bottle of house wine and a full Irish breakfast the following morning. To book call 028 6632 0333. Offer available until 30 June 2019.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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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 (20-26 May)

1.       Brainiac Live, Belfast, 24-25 May. Strap on your safety goggles boys and girls, due to popular demand Science’s greatest and most volatile live show is returning with a vengeance to the IIC Belfast. Expect exploding dustbins, combusting microwaves and loads of live daredevil stunts.

2.       Armagh Craft Fair 2019, Armagh, 25 May. Armagh Craft Fair 2019 returns for the ninth year to the wonderful surroundings of The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre. Bringing high quality craft to the heart of Armagh City this annual event offers something for everyone.

3.       Altikeeragh Blanket Bog Walk, Limavady, 25 May. Join the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust to explore Altikeeragh Blanket Bog nestled high up in the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and learn about the special wildlife and habitats.

4.       Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, Ballycastle, 24 May-2 June.  The festival celebrates the culture, cuisine and coastal treasures with an exciting sea-focused programme of nautical themed events in Ballycastle and Rathlin Island.

5.       Armagh County Fleadh, Armagh, 24-26 May. The Armagh Fleadh is set to take place in Forkhill and presents excellent opportunities for musicians of all ages to participate and showcase their unique musical talent.

6.       The Spring Beer Festival, Belfast, 24-25 May. Clink Steins and sing songs at The Doyen with old friends (and probably some new ones)  on traditional long style tables with the room dressed in true German Beer Fest style, whilst the Heidi girls keep the Bavarian Beer flowing at your tables.

7.       Ards Puppet Festival 2019, Newtownards, 26-27 May. Classic tales will be brought to life with fascinating and magical performances to entertain the whole family. Festival line-up includes Lyngo Theatre  performing ‘Tom Thumb’ and ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’,  Clydebuilt Theatre performing  ‘Lost Bear’ and Banyan Theatre performing  ‘The Hedgehog Prince.’

8.       Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival 2019, Belfast, 25-27 May. The magnificent masts of the Tall Ships return to Belfast’s quaysides, signalling the start of one of the city’s most popular family events, the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival.

9.       Hands Craft Festival, Omagh, 24-27 May. Rediscover Ireland’s rich heritage and lost traditional skills as An Creagán hosts this festival, aimed at teaching skills including foraging in the wild, lace making, firing pottery, straw craft, cordage, fermentation, frame loom weaving and herbalism.

10.   County Derry Fleadh 2019, Derry~Londonderry, 23-27 May. All of the competitions will be in St Brigid’s College and showcases unique musical talent within the area.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

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