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.

·         The Ultimate Showstopper, Everglades Hotel, Co. Londonderry  from £100 per person sharing

Located only a five-minute drive from the bustling, historic and dynamic city centre of Derry~Londonderry, the four-star Everglades Hotel is ideally located for exploring and experiencing everything the city has to offer. Offer includes luxury overnight accommodation, a cocktail masterclass, a hot finger buffet, entrance to the Abba Experience Tribute Show and a full Irish breakfast the next morning. To book call 028 7132 1066. Offer available until 1 June 2019.

·         Indulgence Package, The Old Inn, Co. Down from £75 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 area and indulge yourself. Offer includes an overnight stay, a cocktail each, a three-course meal with a bottle of wine and a full Irish breakfast the following morning. To book call 028 9185 3255. Offer available until 30 November 2019. 

·         Couples Offer, Greers Cottage, Co. Antrim from £89 per night

This four-star self-catering property is located in the rural setting of Ballyclare. The detached cottage is spacious yet cosy and provides the perfect base for couples to relax and unwind, while the nearby town is a 10 minute walk away. Offer includes overnight accommodation, a bottle of Prosecco, chocolates and logs for stove. To book call 078 1013 4608. Offer available until 14 June 2019.

10 Exciting things to do in NI Next Week!

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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 (13-19 May)

1.       Candlelit Tour Castle Coole, Enniskillen, 17 May. Castle Coole is one of the greatest neo-classical country houses in Ireland. Built to impress by the first Earl of Belmore 1789-97, it still has the ability to leave people in awe. As part of Museums’ Night, experience a candlelit walk through the upstairs and basement rooms and enjoy a glass of wine in the basement kitchen.

2.       Balmoral Show, Lisburn, 15-18 May. Come along and sample fantastic local food, browse over 650 trade stands, visit the funfair and be entertained by top names on the Downtown Show Stage. The show attracts more than 115,000 people over four days and takes place at Balmoral Park, Lisburn.  Local agriculture is very much at the heart of the event, and with livestock competitions, show jumping and the latest advances in agriculture on display, there is much to be enjoyed and the show offers something for everyone.

3.       Genealogy Conference, Armagh, 17-19 May. This three-day Genealogy Conference is the perfect opportunity to guide you in your family history research. Talks  include topics such as Tracing Armagh/Irish Ancestors, Emigration Records, Church & Civil Records, Researching Eighteenth Century Ancestors in Ulster, Research Convict Ancestors and History from Headstones.

4.       International North West 200 Race Week Festival, Coleraine, 11-18 May. The International North West 200 races have graced the roads since 1929 and celebrate their 90th anniversary this year. Taking place in Causeway Coast and Glens towns including Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine, you are guaranteed the warmest welcome as you experience world-class road racing whilst being part of the theatre and drama of the International North West 200.

5.       Hungarian Spice, Belfast, 16 May. This concert, at the Ulster Hall, may start in Baghdad (the setting for Weber’s Oberon), but is definitely flavoured with Hungarian spice. Bartók’s Divertimento is shot through with melody and rhythms derived from the Hungarian folk music he loved, while Brahms’s lively dances are settings of Hungarian themes.

6.       Wire Sculpture and Ceramics in the Mournes, Newcastle, 18-19 May. Join this Mourne Creative experience in the stunning setting of Gorse Hill Farm Bryansford, County Down. Learn how to create wire sculptures and your own porcelain range of trinket ware. The weekend also includes walks, dinner around the campfire and glamping.

7.       Apple Blossom Sundays at Ardress House, Armagh, 12 & 19 May. The Orchard County of Armagh is widely known for its apple growing tradition and the National Trust Ardress House is celebrating this heritage. Visitors can enjoy country teas in the historic threshing barn and relax in the rustic surroundings overlooking the orchards and the farmyard, along with tasting fresh baking and listening to traditional tunes.

8.       Enniskillen Continental Market, Enniskillen, 17-19 May. Food lovers and families can experience the very best international flavours and crafts as the award-winning Continental Market makes its first visit to Enniskillen. Traders will be located in the Courtyard within the grounds of Enniskillen Castle and will be offering a great selection of products from across the globe during the three-day market.

9.       Trouble Songs, Downpatrick, 18 May. Based on Stuart Bailie’s book, this sell-out show at the Down Arts Centre comes to life with songs, visuals and readings. Trouble Songs is about music and stories from contemporary Belfast.

10.   Stewart Francis: Into the Punset, Belfast, 16 May. Stewart Francis performs live at the Ulster Hall in the only Belfast date in his new tour, make sure that you catch him before he heads off… into the Punset.

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

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

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Down

The Ards and North Down Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships will take place on Saturday 11 May 2019 at Newtownards Airport, 11.00am – 5.00pm. It promises to be a day of music, colour and pageantry that will culminate in a spectacular Grand Finale March Past and Salute to the Chieftain, before the presentation of prizes.

Armagh

This Apple Blossom weekend, 10th to 12th May, call in to Dan Winter’s Cottage in Loughgall and enjoy a tour and some amazing tastes!  See Mrs Jean Patterson making soda bread and potato apple bread on the old griddle over the open turf fire in the farmhouse kitchen.  Enjoy a taste or take a treat home.

Fermanagh

Enniskillen plays host to the 4th annual Comic Fest on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th May, with guests signing and sketching through the day alongside a programme of panel discussions, photo opportunities, gaming, interviews, exhibitors and merchandise. Special guest include Mick McMahon, John Wagner, Ian Kennedy, Nigel Parkinson, Simon Furman, Mike Dorey, Clint Langley, Simon Bisley & more. 

Tyrone

DMC Promotions present the Kilkennys this Friday 10th May at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown. The Kilkennys will provide an unforgettable, energy filled, toe tapping and hand clapping night of entertainment sprinkled with some of Ireland’s most prolific songs and ballads. 

Derry

Termoneeny Running Club invite you to the 11th Termoneeny 10k / 5K Race on the evening of Friday 10th May. Registration on the night available. Join TRC for a few hills and  their legendary hospitality!  Bespoke medal for ALL runners.  This year’s race will be supporting Charis Cancer.

Antrim

Get ready for a collection of inspirational adventure films coming at you from the wildest corners of the globe as the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour comes to the Theatre at The Mill Newtownabbey on 10th and 11th May.  These brand-new films are taken from the world’s most prestigious mountain festival, held every year in Canada. 

Belfast

Keep Telling Me Lies at the Mac, 9th to 12th May,  tells of the journey of two Belfast women.  Set against the backdrop of the crumbling Floral Hall, they recall the fateful night they met their future musician husbands. This is a story driven by the music of the Showbands, the people who made the magic happen, and those left on the sidelines.

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

Renowned theatre company launches first all-Ireland tour at the MAC

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National Theatre Wales kicks off its first ever island of Ireland tour at the MAC on 22-23 May with politically charged play, Cotton Fingers.

Written by award-winning Welsh writer, Rachel Trezise and starring Northern Irish actor, Amy Molloy, Cotton Fingers tells the story of a young woman’s journey from Belfast to Wales to access free NHS abortion care. 

Molloy, who stared in Prime Cut’s Tejas Verdes at the MAC in 2013 and in Cyprus Avenue with renowned actor Stephen Rea in 2017, now performs in this bold, one-woman show about the cycles of secrecy and the power young women hold over their futures, directed by National Theatre Wales’ Associate Director, Julia Thomas.

Written during the Irish referendum to repeal the 8th amendment in 2018, Cotton Fingers originally formed part of National Theatre Wales’ NHS70 Festival, celebrating the National Health Service’s 70th birthday.

The female led production will tour to venues in Belfast, Derry~Londonderry, Dublin and Bray from 22 May until 1 June 2019, marking one year since the historic referendum took place.

Announcing the tour, National Theatre Wales’ Artistic Director, Kully Thiarai said: “We are very excited to be making our debut across the Irish Sea, bringing this funny, poignant but important production to audiences in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Marking a year since the historic referendum, Cotton Fingers highlights the stark differences between women’s rights on either side of the border. It’s a fantastic work of snappy Welsh writing, made by an extraordinary trio of talented women.”

National Theatre Wales is a multi-award-winning theatre company that has been making English-language productions in locations all over Wales, the UK, internationally and online since March 2010.

Tickets for Cotton Fingers at the MAC are on sale now at the maclive.com or call box office on 028 90235053.

Edinburgh Festival favourite takes centre stage at the MAC

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Following a hugely successful run at the Edinburgh Festival in 2018, multi-award-winning theatre company, Two Destination Language will visit the MAC on 11 May with a powerful one-woman performance, Fallen Fruit.

Based on the real-life memories of Bulgarian performer Katherina Radeva, Fallen Fruit is a beautiful and captivating story of love, breaking free and Europe, set in 1989 against the backdrop of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Told by a seven-year-old girl, a couple in turmoil and a sharp-tongued 80s game show host, all played by Katherina, Fallen Fruit tells the story of Bulgaria’s acceleration away from its past in the communist bloc, into the uncertain future of today.

As Britain prepares to leave the EU and across Europe people celebrate the 30th anniversary of the end of the Cold War, the story takes us back to another society on the brink of change.

Described as “evocative and full of insight”, Fallen Fruit is a show about complex choices, barriers and walls in our minds and in our cities.

Katherina, together with dramaturgy expert, Alister Lownie make up Two Destination Language, with Alister’s Scottish heritage and Katherina’s Bulgarian background informing their visually rich and stimulating work.

Tickets for Fallen Fruit at the MAC are on sale now at themaclive.com or call box office on 028 90235053.

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.

·         Family Titanic Experience, Mill Valley Apartment, Belfast  from £200 based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing

Enjoy an overnight stay in the four-star Mill Valley Apartment located three miles from Belfast City Centre, this self-catering accommodation provides spectacular views in quiet surroundings. Offer includes an overnight stay and family tickets to Titanic Belfast, based on two adults and two children sharing. To book call 078 7124 1275. Offer available until 30 June 2019.

·         Dine and Stay Longer, Lough Erne Resort, Co. Fermanagh from £150 per person sharing

The picturesque location of the five-star Lough Erne Resort gives the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views and natural beauty of Lough Erne. The multi-award winning resort, is known for its luxury offering and the opportunity it provides to escape from your day-to-day routine, reviving yourself this Spring. Offer includes two nights’ B&B accommodation with a three-course dinner in Loughside Bar and Grill on the evening of choice. To book call 028 6632 3230. Offer available until 30 June 2019. 

·         Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Special,  Glenavon House Hotel, Co. Tyrone from £80 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 with a four-course dinner from the hotel’s Table d’hote menu in the Cellar Restaurant followed by breakfast the next morning. To book call 028 8676 4949. Offer available until 31 December 2019, valid on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland (6 – 12 May)

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  1. The Epic Journey to The 148th Open, Armagh, 9 May.  Golf’s most prestigious championship returns to Royal Portrush for the first time in nearly 70 years this July, and you can share in the excitement and civic pride with this community roadshow rolling into Armagh for its fourth stop. Come along and see golf’s most iconic trophy, the Claret Jug, together with a giant #TheOpen letter sculpture made out of 4,000 golf balls.
  2. International North West 200 Race Week Festival, Coleraine, 11 – 18 May. The International North West 200 road races celebrate their 90th anniversary this year and will take place at Causeway Coast and Glens towns including Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine. Many great races and racers have graced the roads since the first event back in 1929. You can be guaranteed the warmest welcome as you experience world-class road racing whilst being part of the theatre and drama of the International North West 200.
  3. Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, 6–12 May. The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival continues its 20th birthday celebrations this week. Rufus Wainwright, Anna Calvi, and Roy Walker are among the star names descending on Belfast’s historic cultural quarter for a bumper programme of live music, comedy, literature, theatre, film, visual art and more.
  4. Slieve Gullion E-Bike Exploration Crossmaglen, Newry, 7 May. In celebration of GeoWeek, the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership is offering a geology tour with a difference – an electric bike exploration of Slieve Gullion Mountain. The E-Bike Exploration is a unique opportunity to explore the landscape of Slieve Gullion Mountain from a bike saddle without the extreme exertion it usually takes to cycle up a mountainside, though peddling is still required.
  5. Festival of Fools, Belfast, 6 May. Established in 2004, the Festival of Fools has put Belfast firmly on the world map as a capital of street theatre and circus excellence. The festival is the largest comedy and street theatre festival on the island of Ireland, with more than 100 performances due to take place on the streets of Belfast City Centre and Cathedral Quarter. All shows are free to attend, and no booking is required.
  1. Seamus Heaney HomePlace and Landscape Tour, Magherafelt, 11 May. Take a trip to Seamus Heaney HomePlace and experience the landscape that inspired the world renowned Nobel Laureate. Explore Seamus Heaney HomePlace and visit the Forge, with a few little extras along the way, ending with a meal, traditional music and poetry recitals in The Old Thatch Inn.
  2. Art in the Orchard at Long Meadow Cider Company, Craigavon, 10 May. Join a professional visual artist for a unique day of creativity at Long Meadow Farm. A unique opportunity to get out into the orchards and enjoy the challenge of producing your own creative response to the surrounding apple trees. Beginners and seasoned artists are all welcome to the workshop with all materials and equipment provided. Experience the magic and beauty of the orchard during Apple Blossom season. Includes an orchard tour with an opportunity to sample cider and apple juice.
  3. Antrim County Fleadh, Ballymena, 10 – 12 May. Musicians across Ulster are preparing for a busy summer as the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann 2019 County Fleadhanna get into full swing. The County Fleadhanna presents excellent opportunities for musicians of all ages to participate and showcase their unique musical talent whilst each county has a colourful itinerary that will be enjoyable for visitors far and wide.
  4. Ulster Orchestra Rachmaninov’s Second, Derry~Londonderry, 9 May. Northern Ireland’s own virtuoso pianist, Barry Douglas, joins the Orchestra to perform Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto, often described as one of the best piano concertos ever written. A masterpiece of melodic writing, it’s no surprise that it is a regular choice on Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, also featuring in the film Brief Encounter and Eric Carmen’s smash hit, All By Myself.
  5. Scenic Forest Walk at Florence Court, Enniskillen, 6 May. Join the Ranger for a scenic 9km trail in Florence Court forest. At the highest viewpoint enjoy panoramic views of Fermanagh and Lough Erne, the fourth largest lake in Ireland. Surrounded by lush parkland and thick woodland with Benaughlin Mountain rising in the background, Florence Court enjoys a majestic countryside setting in West Fermanagh. There is something for everyone to enjoy at this extensive and welcoming place.

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


David Hull Promotions presents the World Premiere of Keep Telling me Lies at The Mac, Belfast

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A story of love and betrayal set against the backdrop of The Floral Hall, written by Brenda Winter-Palmer developed by Antoinette Morelli and The Karma Theatre Company.

KEEP TELLING ME LIES

Of all the iconic buildings in Belfast, the now derelict Floral Hall still stands; a monument to the history of life, love, loss and the music of the Showband era.

‘Keep Telling Me Lies’ tells of the journey of two Belfast women. Set against the backdrop of the crumbling Floral Hall, they recall the fateful night they met their future musician husbands.

Old grudges resurface and sparks fly as they reminisce about the lifestyles of their globetrotting husbands who experienced fame and fortune while the wives they left behind struggled to bring up their young families, working all day and lonely all night.

This is a story, driven by the music of the Showbands, the people who made the magic happen and those left on the sidelines.

Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th May 7.45pm. Matinee Saturday 11th May – 2pm.

Tickets Are Now on Sale and Available from The Mac Box Office

Tel: 028 9023 5053

https://themaclive.com/event/keep-telling-me-lies

Holywood Getting Ready for a Magical Merry May Day!

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Ards and North Down is getting ready to celebrate some magical ‘Merry May Day’ moments with a packed programme full of fun for all the family in Holywood on Monday 6 May!

Getting ready for the Merry May Day fancy dress competition! Princess Jessica MacDonald, 2019 May Queen Kaitlyn Herifeld and ‘Where’s Wally’ Alexander MacDonald.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council in partnership with Holywood and District Community Council, there will be a feast full of activities centred around Holywood’s Maypole to keep the little ones entertained when they’re off school for the long Bank Holiday weekend.

The magical fun and frolics will run from 10am to 4pm with an enchanting variety of entertainment that includes dancing, puppet shows, magic shows, fancy dress competitions, plus plenty of craft, charity and food stalls to keep those rumbling tummies at bay!

The McElhinney School of Dance will provide some jaw-dropping performances with their Irish dance routines. The Holywood based group has performed as far away as Disneyland Paris but now the young dancers are super-excited to bring their stunning acts to the May Day festivities.

Local children will be able to perform their own routines too when they dance around the Maypole and there is an opportunity to join in the fun with the Jump, Jiggle and Jive interactive dance activities.

The crowning of the May Queen will take place in the morning while kids (and maybe some adults too!) will gather around for a fancy dress competition with ‘kings, queens, superheroes and my favourite book character’ providing the themes for 2019.

A painting competition will satisfy all budding artists out there but if you just want to be entertained, there will be three 30-minute puppet shows as well as magic shows where you will be amazed and witness the seemingly impossible!

Another highlight of the day will be the programme of fantastically enchanting and vibrant street theatre complete with the stunning Forest Walkers, the majestic Gliding Butterflies, the beautiful Maiden of Flowers and the gentle Blossom Lion.

Don’t miss out…join us between 10am and 4pm for a great day out in Holywood on Monday 6 May!

For more details, including a full itinerary, visitardsandnorthdown.com or call 028 9127 0069.

Ards and North Down Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships 2019

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The Ards and North Down Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships will take place on Saturday 11 May 2019 at Newtownards Airport, from 11am – 5pm.

Ian Burrows (Project Manager at the Northern Ireland branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association) pictured at Newtownards Airport with Scrabo Tower in the background. Picture: Paul Moane

Ards and North Down Borough Council, in association with the Northern Ireland branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, will host what will be a superb day out for the whole family.

Come along and see the world’s best Pipe Band and Drum Majors in action together with more than 1,000 musicians in 35 pipe bands contesting this year’s Ards and North Down Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships.

There will be plenty to do for the whole family with face painting, children’s highland games, food stalls and a mini funfair* (*minimal charge applies). Plus, there will be a colourful display of talent in the Highland Dancing competition!

It promises to be a day of music, colour and pageantry that will culminate in a spectacular Grand Finale March Past and Salute to the Chieftain, before the presentation of prizes.

You could even make a weekend of it and explore the area in and around Newtownards. Go shopping in the town centre which is filled with lovely gift shops, boutique shops and cosy cafes – perfect for those who love to shop or simply browse.

Maybe even make use of the fantastic facilities at the newly opened Ards Blair Mayne Leisure and Wellbeing Complex where those tired feet would definitely enjoy a trip to the relaxing surroundings of the spa.

Just outside the town centre, Mount Stewart is a beautiful spot to take a walk or enjoy a picnic while the view from Scrabo Tower is simply breathtaking!

For more information, visitardsandnorthdown.com/pipebands or rspbani.org, or call 028 9127 0069.

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