Now the kids have finished school for the holidays, it’s time to start thinking on how to keep them occupied this summer. In Antrim and Newtownabbey, there is lots to do whether it be a fun-filled visit to one of our play parks, a picnic at one of our stunning green open spaces in the Borough or a visit to one of our state-of-the-art leisure facilities!

Our five fantastic leisure facilities offer a wide range of activities including, swimming, racquet sports, ten pin bowling and soft play. Swimming is a great way to exercise and keep fit as well as spending some quality family time. Throughout July and August, leisure swims will be running every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 1pm until 4pm at Sixmile Leisure Centre. The Valley Leisure Centre’s leisure swim will also operate Tuesdays & Thursdays 3.30-5.30pm, Fridays 6-8pm, Saturdays & Sundays 1-4pm and don’t forget the well-known Valley slide is back in action! We recommend you contact the centre prior to your visit. For more information on activities across our leisure centres T. 028 9448 1499 or visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/leisure

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth was joined by Jayne Moore from Sport NI, Robert Heyburn from Department for Communities, Andrea Herron from Disability Sport NI, Council Officers and local resident Gareth McNeilly to launch the new pool pods at Antrim Forum and Valley Leisure Centre.

Poolpod is a platform lift developed for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and is transforming access to swimming pools for people with disabilities and restricted mobility.  The Council recently received £30,000 investment from Disability Sport NI through the Department for Communities and Sport NI, which allowed for the installation of a Poolpod in Antrim Forum.  Furthermore, to ensure increased accessibility across the Borough, Council approved funding for a second Poolpod which was recently installed in Valley Leisure Centre.  

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth commented, “I would like to thank Department for Communities, Sport NI and Disability Sport NI for their generous contribution towards this Poolpod and I’m delighted that Council has decided to approve spend for the installation of a second Poolpod at the Valley Leisure Centre.  This fantastic piece of technology will contribute to making our leisure centres more accessible for all users.”

Kevin O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer of Disability Sport NI welcomes the funding, “The facilities that have received the Poolpods have shown a great commitment to improving access and providing their staff with disability inclusion training.  This project is part of the wider District Council Disability Sports Hub Project which recently saw a significant investment into disability sports equipment in every council area.”

Sport NI Chief Executive Antoinette McKeown added, “These new Poolpods are the latest example of how the Active Living: No Limits Action Plan is enhancing the lives of local people with a disability through sport.  The many benefits of an active lifestyle to our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing should be open to everyone here, and Sport Northern Ireland is proud to be working with our partners to create more inclusive opportunities for local communities to enjoy, engage and excel in sport.”

Local resident, Gareth McNeilly commented, “It’s great to see these new Poolpods being introduced to help people with limited mobility gain safe access to the swimming pool.  As a competitive disabled golfer I know the excellent benefits both physically and mentally of sport and exercise and I’m sure these new pods will encourage more people with limited mobility to consider swimming as a safe and enjoyable form of exercise.”

For more information on the Poolpods and accessibility in our leisure centres visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/accessibility or alternatively ask a lifeguard in Antrim Forum or the Valley Leisure Centre.

The annual Triathlon organised by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in conjunction with Triathlon Ireland returns on Sunday 25 August 2019 at 8am.

For the first time the venue has been changed from Valley Leisure Centre to Hazelbank Park to form part of the Council’s popular Shoreline Festival, and allow for an open water swim in Belfast Lough. 

The Shoreline Festival Sprint Triathlon provides a challenge for all levels of fitness. Whether you are new to triathlon or an experienced triathlete, the flat, fast course is suitable for all. To mark the official launch of the triathlon by the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey we are providing 100 places at an amazing half price of €25.

Launching the event, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth commented, “We’re delighted to once again be working in partnership with Triathlon Ireland to host this event in our Borough. The triathlon puts competitors to the test with a 750m open water swim, 20km bike and a 5km run. So, if you are up for a challenge, then make sure you register now and avail of the fantastic half price entry fee.”

The event is open to recreational, elite and club competitors. There are three age categories: Junior (aged 16-19); Senior (aged 20-39) and Vets (aged 40 and over). Closing date for entries is Monday 19 August 2019 at 4pm. For more information on the route and how to register visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/triathlon 

This summer, conservation charity The National Trust invites everyone to discover people’s stories, histories and lives that light up The Argory, County Armagh.

There’s something new for everyone to experience at The Argory. From the vibrant neon art installation ‘Artificial Sunshine’,  in the west Hall of the house, to a brand new child friendly outdoor trail called ‘Follow The Flow Water Trail.’

‘Artificial Sunshine’ by Northern Irish artist Kevin Killen was revealed to the public in April 2018.  It took the place of the West Hall chandelier which was removed as part of a major conservation project to clean all the acetylene light fittings in the house.  To create the bespoke artwork Kevin drew inspiration from The Argory; the spiral shapes found in the house décor, Mr Bond’s (the last owner of The Argory) passion for collecting contemporary  art, the glow of the acetylene gas flame (neon was used as it creates a similar light and cast to acetylene gas light) and the pulsing of the light reflective of the artist’s breathing.  With the chandelier due to return in November, The Argory has made the exciting decision to keep Artifical Sunshine. It will be reimagined in a new location within the house.

There is as much to discover outside as there is inside at The Argory.  This summer children will enjoy a new outdoor trail called ‘Follow The Flow Water Trail.’ The trail not only reveals the technologies used on the estate down through the centuries but the essential use of water. Children will enjoy discovering how a donkey helped to operate the pump that  piped water from the river into the house. They’ll learn how the bowstring design of Bond’s bridge built in 1890 and named after the family who owned The Argory, provided easy access to the estate – plus much more!

Looking forward to welcoming visitors to The Argory over the summer Christina Taylor, House and Collections Manager for Mid Ulster, said:

“ We welcome everyone to join us this summer to discover the stories of the people that help to light up The Argory. Whether it’s taking a tour of the house to hear about it’s history, our conservation project, see ‘Artificial Sunshine’ or to walk around our new ‘ Follow The Flow Water Trail,’ there is guaranteed to be something to inspire and excite all our visitors.”

Local artist Kevin Killen added:
“Working with the National Trust on the development and installation of ‘Artificial Sunshine’  has been a wonderful experience. The Argory is a truly inspiring place which enabled me to deliver an entirely modern take on a celebrated form of lighting.  I would encourage everyone to visit this very special place and hope that my part in The Argory’s story helps to inspire and light up people’s lives.”

The Argory is open daily throughout July and August, 11am-5pm.  Standard admission prices: Adult £6.36, Child £3.18 and Family £15.90. Members Free. For more information please call 028 8778 4753, find us on Facebook – NationalTrustMidUlster or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-argory

The Claret Jug is the shining star of a new short film showcasing the beautiful Causeway Coastal and Glens from land, air and sea.

The iconic trophy, which golfing legends will contend for at The Open in July, can be seen visiting the most magnificent beaches our shoreline has to offer, standing tall on cliff tops, looking majestic by waterfalls and taking a trip to the wild and beautiful Rathlin Island.

The film follows the Claret Jug’s journey through dramatic landscapes, to pretty harbours and around charming villages which nestle in nooks and crannies across the breath-taking Causeway Coast and Glens.

The trophy can also be seen taking centre stage during performances by both The Dominic Graham School of Irish Dance and Britain’s Got Talent Stars Innova in Portrush’s historic Arcadia building.

It finally comes to rest at this year’s host venue, Royal Portrush Golf Club, where John Bamber, Chairman of the Royal Portrush Golf Club’s Open Championship Organising Committee, is seen welcoming and admiring the trophy with pride.

Heidi Clarke, Project Manager for The Open at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, says, “I was thrilled when The R&A agreed to let the Claret Jug go on an epic adventure around the Causeway Coast and Glens area.  It is a one off opportunity to promote our hidden gems with The Open and the iconic Claret Jug having such a worldwide audience.  Onlookers long the way couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw the Claret Jug unveiled at each location and the careful handling of it by appointed persons.”

Heidi continues, “I hope by highlighting these beauty spots, we will inspire both locals and those from all corners of the  world to explore and be invigorated by the natural beauty on offer and be charmed by the warmth of welcome to be received.”

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Sean Bateson said: “The Claret Jug’s journey across the Causeway Coast and Glens once again proves how incredibly lucky we are to live and work in such a breath-taking area. The unrivalled coastlines alongside the stunning scenery captured throughout the film will undoubtedly encourage visitors from all over the world to see it for themselves, not only now but for many years to come. The lasting legacy created from hosting the 148th Open in July will cement the Borough as a premier tourist destination, complement its unique natural beauty and most importantly ensure its future appeal.”

View, like, comment and share the film now on Instagram @visitcausewaycoastandglens, on Facebook @visitcausewaycoastandglens and on Twitter @visitcauseway