TechFoundHer Innovation Labs Programme Launches With First Workshop In Dublin

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Women entrepreneurs from across the island of Ireland from Cork to Antrim gathered recently at KPMG’s Platform X in Dublin’s IFSC for TechFoundHer’s Innovation Labs.

A cohort of 35 female founders are on a journey to create, develop and deliver innovative tech products to the market and in the process connect with other women entrepreneurs North and South!

The closed session involved the founders getting hands-on and mapping their tech solution facilitated by experts Miriam Elst and Máirín Murray with support from the KPMG team.

The TechFoundHer programme, now in its fourth week, is designed to support women founders who may not come from a tech background but are ambitious to develop and lead tech-driven products. 

The eight-week programme, funded through the Shared Island initiative and supported by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, with lead sponsor KPMG Ireland, includes in-person labs alternating between Dublin and Belfast, alongside online webinars and mentoring sessions.

Each in-person and online lab is facilitated by one of the TechFoundHer global faculty of trainers including leading global innovation experts AI ethicist Dr Lollie Mancey and radical innovation leader Dr Tamara Carleton.

Speaking of the importance of the Innovation Labs programme Dr Mancey said: “Empowering women founders through technology is an imperative for fostering innovation, inclusivity, and impactful entrepreneurship.

“By dismantling traditional barriers and providing access to resources, technology becomes a powerful tool for women to build disruptive solutions and scalable ventures that address global challenges.”

The first session, facilitated by Miriam Elst, an Innovation Consultant, focused on mapping out the key features of tech solutions. Participants were guided through the hands-on workshop to get their idea out of their head and to make it real.

Miriam, a strong advocate for women’s leadership in tech, said: “Women lift change and transformation to another level that usually has a broader approach, is more inclusive, allows for diversity and embraces agility.

“It’s in our DNA. Being more than 50% of the humans on this planet, I’d love to see what this shift to 50% more women leading tech companies will bring.”

TechFoundHer CEO, Máirín Murray, said the programme was “empowering women to build tech and product competence and of course confidence, no matter their previous experience”. 

She added: “We’re breaking down the myths surrounding making tech products supporting all women regardless of their tech knowledge, and providing them with the tools they need to lead their projects from concept to implementation. 

“You don’t need to be able to code to start a company that creates a tech-driven product or service.”

With support from InterTradeIreland and KPMG Ireland, TechFoundHer’s Innovation Labs is fostering a collaborative environment where women founders can share ideas, tackle challenges, and develop tech solutions that drive positive change. 

This first in-person lab marked a significant moment in the journey for these founders, who are building the confidence and practical skills necessary to lead in tech innovation.

The next Innovation Labs session will take place in Belfast on 22nd November hosted by the Ulster Bank Accelerator. 

TechFoundHer Innovation Labs is a programme supported by InterTradeIreland (in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland) under the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme and sponsored by KPMG Ireland.

Lord Mayor Celebrates Belfast Entrepreneurs At Launch Of Conference

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Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, has called on entrepreneurs from across the city to get together for a unique conference aimed at supporting their business journey.

Entrepreneurs Unleashed will take place this month at the Cathy Short Theatre in Jennymount Business Park, lower North Belfast.

Councillor Murray, who is originally from the area, said he was delighted to see an event supporting local entrepreneurs and business people from across the city taking place in the York Road area.

He said “Our council is delighted to support the Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference, having committed to enabling local businesses achieve their full potential as part of the Belfast Agenda, our city’s community plan.

“This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with business aspirations to connect, learn and be inspired to progress on their business journey – and even better that it’s taking place right in the heart of the community.” 

The day-long event is intended to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of local professionals, offering a cohesive space for networking and development.

Entrepreneurs Unleashed will feature a diverse panel of industry experts sharing insights on a variety of crucial topics for entrepreneurial success, including AI usage, marketing strategies, tendering and more.

Attendees will also have the chance to network with like-minded professionals, gain actionable insights, and be inspired by success stories from fellow entrepreneurs.

Organised by Tina Calder, Chief Vision Officer of multi-disciplinary media and marketing agency Excalibur Press, Entrepreneurs Unleashed promises to bring together both aspiring and established business leaders on Thursday, November 28.

A North Belfast native herself, Tina Calder said Entrepreneurs Unleashed was a particularly poignant project for her to be organising.

She said: “Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your business, Entrepreneurs Unleashed is your gateway to unlocking new opportunities. 

“We are excited to offer a platform for learning and collaboration that will supercharge your entrepreneurial journey.

“Thanks to sponsors and supporters such as Belfast City Council, Belfast Met, Movie House Cinemas, Oranga Creative, MCS Branding and others we are delighted to be able to support entrepreneurs across the city.”

Registration is now open, and interested participants are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot.

Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference will take place on Thursday November 28, at the Cathy Short Theatre, Jennymount Business Park, Belfast, tickets are available from entrepreneursunleashed.co.uk

TechFoundHer Book Club Welcomes Marcia Dawood to Share Insights on Impactful Angel Investing

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TechFoundHer’s Book Club is back on Monday, 11 November, with an exclusive opportunity to hear from Marcia Dawood—an early-stage investor, TEDx speaker, and author of Do Good While Doing Well. This online event will take place from 7pm to 8:15pm and will be hosted by Suzanne Mills, a leading global innovator and startup ecosystem builder.

Marcia Dawood, who has invested in more than fifty early-stage companies and funds, will discuss how angel investing can be a vehicle for meaningful change, allowing individuals to align their financial goals with positive social impact. Her book, Do Good While Doing Well, explores the power of angel investing to drive change while generating financial and emotional rewards.

Attendees will hear from Marcia about her journey from being an investor in early-stage companies to serving on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, her role as a venture partner at Mindshift Capital, and her leadership in initiatives like the award-winning documentary Show Her The Money.

The event will be introduced by Máirín Murray, founder of TechFoundHer, who will welcome attendees. Suzanne Mills will then lead the book club discussion, diving into key themes from Marcia’s book, exploring the world of angel investing, and helping attendees understand how to leverage investments for social good.

“This online event is an amazing opportunity for entrepreneurs and founders to get into the ‘head’ of a US-based angel investor and discover their rationale for investing. Marcia Dawood has such a positive message and her book is a rallying cry for those who want to do good, to consider investing in impact focused for profit companies.” explained Máirín.

In her TEDx talk Do Good While Doing Well, Marcia Dawood said: “If we really want to effect change, we can start to invest in the things we care about on a much larger scale. It also includes where we spend our time and finding ideas being worked on that haven’t reached the public yet to support. 

“We need to start to look at for-profit companies as well as non-profits. After spending an award-winning career in sales, marketing and operations for one of the largest education providers, Marcia Dawood now works on making people’s dream come true.”

 

The event promises to be an inspiring evening of discussion, where attendees will learn practical insights into how they too can use their investments to contribute towards creating a positive social impact, while also earning financial returns.

TechFoundHer invites anyone interested in impactful investing and empowering women-led initiatives to join this complimentary online event. 

Book your spot today to secure your place and be part of this insightful discussion. Spaces are limited, so register now at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/techfoundher-bookclub-doing-good-while-doing-well-by-marcia-dawood-tickets-1043084412557 

Belfast City Council Backs New Conference For Entrepreneurs In The City

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The Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee is calling for business people from across the city to attend the first Entrepreneurs Unleashed conference.

The networking conference, organised by Excalibur Press and sponsored by Belfast City Council, has been tailored to enhancing the business journeys of entrepreneurs from across the city.

Taking place at the Cathy Short Theatre on November 28 in Jennymount Business Park in lower North Belfast the conference is the first of its kind in the city dedicated solely to supporting entrepreneurs at all levels.

Councillor Nelson said he was delighted to officially launch the conference, highlighting the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs at all stages of running a business.

He said: “Belfast City Council is committed to providing business support to individuals and businesses at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

“Entrepreneurs Unleashed provides an opportunity for businesses to hear from local industry experts, meet with key stakeholders and network with other like-minded entrepreneurs.

“This conference aims to create an environment that nurtures business growth, which is a key priority for Belfast City Council and a vital component of the Belfast Agenda, the city’s community plan.”

This day-long event aims to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit of local professionals, providing a collaborative space for networking and growth. 

Entrepreneurs Unleashed will feature a diverse panel of industry experts who will share valuable insights on a range of essential topics, including leveraging AI, effective marketing strategies, navigating the tendering process, and much more.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded aspiring and established business owners, with the event acting as a brilliant networking space.

Alongside drawing inspiration from success stories of fellow entrepreneurs, ticket holders can avail of gaining actionable insights during conversations with fellow attendees as well as headline speakers.

Organised by Tina Calder, Chief Vision Officer at multi-disciplinary media and marketing agency Excalibur Press, Entrepreneurs Unleashed is set to make its event debut inside Jennymount Business Park’s Cathy Short Theatre on Thursday, November 28. 

As a North Belfast native, Tina Calder recognises the significance of this project for the local community.

She said: “As an entrepreneur who grew up in lower North Belfast and a businesswoman who brought her business home to the area just a few months ago I’m proud to be able to deliver this exciting event just off the York Road area, a main arterial route in and out of the city.

“I am passionate about nurturing and supporting entrepreneurial spirit through my business and also as a business mentor across a number of programmes in Northern Ireland.

“I am absolutely delighted that Belfast City Council has recognised the importance of this event which is the first in a series of events and other activities we will be running throughout the rest of 2024 and into 2025.

“Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your business, Entrepreneurs Unleashed is your gateway to unlocking new opportunities.

“We are excited to offer a platform for learning and collaboration that will supercharge your entrepreneurial journey.”

Registration is now open, and interested attendees are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spots.

Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference will take place on Thursday November 28, at the Cathy Short Theatre, Jennymount Business Park, Belfast, tickets are available from entrepreneursunleashed.co.uk 

Derry Girls star Kathy Kiera Clarke returns home for a cosy autumn getaway

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From viewing original costumes from the planet’s biggest TV show to sampling whiskey in the birthplace of the world’s most famous ship, one of our most loved actors has been on a voyage of discovery to enjoy some of Northern Ireland’s unique visitor attractions.

Kathy Kiera Clarke, or Aunt Sarah to millions of global fans of the smash hit comedy series, Derry Girls, recently embarked on her own giant adventure to explore some of the places and experiences you can embrace in Northern Ireland that you just can’t find anywhere else. 

And, as the nights draw in, you can holiday like a Derry Girl as Tourism Northern Ireland has recreated Kathy’s itinerary on its website, with a few extra stops along the way for inspiration.

Kathy said: “I’m born and bred in Belfast and it’s always lovely to come home. Every time I come back it seems like there is something new to see, there is a real vibrancy about the place.

“While I’ve always known this place is special, I am thrilled to see that so many people from all over the world think the same. We are truly blessed to have so many amazing places to visit and they’re right on our doorstep.

“For my trip, I wanted to experience Northern Ireland as one of the millions of visitors who come for our world class visitor attractions, award-winning food and drink, giant experiences and amazing scenery.

“If you haven’t had a short break in Northern Ireland for a while, I would highly recommend it.

“There’s never a bad time to visit but now as the seasons change, a short break is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy the natural landscapes or while away the hours in a snug beside a roaring fire.

“You can find great value, too – there would be no need for Derry Girl, Jenny Joyce to dip too far into her famous trust fund, as a short trip won’t break the bank.

“The people I met along the way underlined how we are a warm and friendly bunch and always ready for a bit of craic. Is it the people or the scenery that makes Northern Ireland so special – that’s a question that could spark endless debate.”

Kathy’s trip included a stay in Belfast’s Grand Central Hotel, an introduction to the Seedhead Arts Street Art Walking Tour, a tour of Titanic Distillers, a stop-off at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace and a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour.

She also called at Bushmills Inn, the Magheracross Viewpoint outside Portrush, took a NI Black Taxi Tour and marvelled at the beauty of Enniskeen Estate & Forest Spa which is set within the Mourne Mountains.

Kathy said: “Did you know it was the landscape around the Mournes and across to Rostrevor that inspired C.S Lewis to create Narnia for his chronicles, which would go on to become one of the all-time classics of children’s literature?

“At Enniskeen you really get a sense of this fairytale world, there really is nowhere else like it. Sitting by the fire with that extraordinary view in the distance is just good for the soul.

“When I visited the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, I took my personal copy of one of his books and it gave me shivers to stand there and look at his personal effects, including the pens he used to create his masterpieces. Fans come from all over the world and it’s almost like a pilgrimage for them, we’re so lucky to have it on our doorstep.

“I’ve already started thinking about what to pack for my next trip to Northern Ireland. From climbing the famous Cuilcagh Boardwalk, sampling County Armagh’s ciders to walking in the footsteps of giants under the night sky at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, sure, where else would you get it?”

To plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland this autumn and winter or to find Kathy’s itinerary, visit discovernorthernireland.com.

HAIR-LARIOUS PANTO RAPUNZEL AT ARMAGH’S MARKET PLACE THEATRE

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Get ready for a hair-raising adventure this Christmas at The Market Place Theatre with the spectacular pantomime extravaganza, Rapunzel.

Let your imagination run wild as we unravel the story of Rapunzel, the lonely princess with golden hair who is trapped in a tower and longing for a life of adventure in the outside world. With the help of some ‘a-moo-zing’ animal friends and Dame Pam Loaf, will Rapunzel be able to escape the tower she has been locked in since birth by the evil witch and be reunited with her family?

Rapunzel Promo Shoot
20 September 2024
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Brought to you by a superb cast of colourful characters, Rapunzel promises a whirlwind of dazzling costumes, laugh-out-loud comedy, captivating musical numbers and plenty of audience participation in a pantomime that is sure to be a cut above the rest.

So let your hair down and join us for an unforgettably festive experience coupled with The Market Place Theatre’s renowned reputation for high quality, professional pantomimes that are up there with the best!

‘Rapunzel’ will run from Saturday 30 November to Sunday 22 December, with a range of times to suit all busy schedules! Prices range from £14 to £18.50. Tickets are flying out the door, so hurry to book yours now!

To book your tickets for the most exciting pantomime of the season, phone the Box Office now on 03300 561 025, or book online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre.. The house is sure to be packed to the rafters for this festive hit! There will be BSL signed, captioned and relaxed performances during the run. Please contact the Box Office for full details.

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.

Need a holiday? ‘Book It’ at Holiday World Show Belfast

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NI’s biggest holiday fair to return with new title sponsor and a new city centre venue

Taking place at the ICC Belfast in January 2025, Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News is a three-day event that showcases a huge choice of dazzling travel options at home and abroad to more than 11,000 visitors every year.

A WORLD OF HOLIDAYS: Northern Ireland’s biggest holiday fair has announced its return to Belfast in January with a new title sponsor on board and, for the first time, a new venue in the heart of the city centre. Now in its 32nd year, Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News will take place at the ICC Belfast on January 10-12, 2025. The three-day event will showcase a huge choice of holiday options at home and abroad, featuring international tourist boards, destinations, airlines, ferry companies, hotels and B&Bs, visitor attractions, travel agencies and a vast range of service providers. Pictured at the launch are (l-r) Shane Hourican from event organisers Business Exhibitions Ltd, Kirsty Johnston of Bookit by NI Travel News, Maria Hourican, Business Exhibitions Ltd, and Jonathan Adair, Bookit by NI Travel News. For more information, visit www.holidayworldshowni.com.

With the days getting colder and the nights getting longer, people’s thoughts are turning to holidays and what better way to kick off 2025 than to start planning your dream holiday with a visit to the province’s biggest annual celebration of travel and tourism, now celebrating its 32nd year in Belfast.

Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News will open its doors to the public from 12.30pm to 5pm on Friday January 10, and from 10am until 5pm on Saturday January 11 and Sunday January 12.  A dedicated Trade and Media morning will take also place on the Friday from 10am to 12.30pm with registration available at https://holidayworld.registrationdesk.ie/belfast/.

Visitors to the show will have a chance to snap up dozens of exclusive ‘show only’ deals, get the inside track on where to go from operators and destinations, discover new ideas and holiday trends, and receive advice from travel professionals on how to pay less for their holiday.  Some lucky guests could even go home with a free holiday – if they win one of the many ‘free to enter’ prize draws that will run throughout the show.

With a new sponsor and new venue on board, Maria Hourican, Chief Executive of Business Exhibitions Ltd, the company which organises the Holiday World Shows in Belfast and Dublin, said she was doubly excited about January’s show.

“Today is a very special day for us as we proudly launch our 32nd annual Holiday World Belfast Show in association with Bookit by NI Travel News,” said Maria.  “Since our very first show in Belfast, Jonathan Adair and the team at NI Travel News have always been very supportive, as they have been of the entire NI travel industry.

“As a valuable partner for this year’s show, Jonathan brings with him a vault of knowledge, eagerness and experience of the industry from both a travel trade and consumer point of view – so we are absolutely delighted to welcome him on board with Bookit, an exciting new travel hub that offers members a range of great holiday deals every week – which makes it a very good fit for our own Holiday World brand,” she added.

“Also, after many years at the Kings Hall and then the Titanic Exhibition Centre, we are thrilled and excited to bring the 32nd annual Holiday World Show into the heart of Belfast’s City Centre for the very first time. Having our event at the ICC Belfast will make it so much more accessible to thousands of people in the city wanting to explore their holiday options for 2025 and grab themselves a good bargain in the process.

“With operators and destinations from around the world and closer to home, all under one roof, next year’s show in January promises to be bigger and better than ever, offering visitors a one-stop-shop for all their travel dreams. Visitors will get the chance to do their travel research face-to-face, chatting with sector professionals in a lively, fun-filled environment that’s all about getting into holiday mood.

“There really is something for everyone,” concluded Maria. “Whether you like the thought of relaxing on a sunny beach, a cruise on the high seas, an exciting city break, or uncovering a hidden gem closer to home, you can be sure that Holiday World Show has it covered.”

New show sponsor Bookit by NI Travel News is a membership-based travel hub, created by long-running travel publication Northern Ireland Travel News, that offers members a range of weekly holiday deals and offers, from cruise to ski, family breaks abroad, local breaks, city breaks, long haul family specials and everything in between.

For a subscription fee of just £10 per year, members will receive a minimum of 10 fantastic travel offers straight to their inboxes each week – all hand-selected and supplied by local NI travel agents, providing members with peace of mind that their holiday is protected and their money secure.

Jonathan Adair, Managing Director of NI Travel News, is looking forward to bringing Bookit by NI Travel News to Holiday World Show Belfast for the first time.

“At NI Travel News, we’ve supported the annual Holiday World Show Belfast since it first came to Belfast 32 years ago, so I am delighted to strengthen our relationship further and continue our support as title sponsor of January’s event,” said Jonathan.

“For more than 35 years, NI Travel News has been the go-to publication and online hub for holidaymakers across the province. We have now taken our experience in the travel and tourism industry to the next level by providing our readers with the best holiday deals via our new membership hub – Bookit by NITN.

“With the launch of our new travel agent offers platform to the public, and a brand new venue for the Show, this is perfect time to profile Bookit by NI Travel News. We have exhibited at Holiday World since the beginning, but this is the first time we will be showcasing the best offers from our local travel agents every week. I am looking forward to the new Exhibition in the ICC with all the exciting holiday options on offer,” he added.

Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News will play host to international tourist boards, destinations, airlines, cruise & ferry companies, hotels and B&Bs, visitor attractions, travel agencies and a vast range of service providers.

Operators and destinations already confirmed include Malta, Spain, Cyprus, Travel Solutions, Air Canada, Cleveland, Oklahoma & Grapevine Texas, Costa Del Sol Living, Tunisia, Hays Travel, Stena Line, Irish Ferries, Barrhead Travel, Camino groups and French camping sites, with the promise of more to be announced over the next two months.

One of the fastest growing areas of the holiday industry is undoubtedly the cruise sector – which is reflected at the show, with a dedicated cruise showcase hosted by local specialist Oasis Travel.

For those who like to holiday closer to home, Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News also features a wide range of hotels and accommodation providers, visitor attractions and tourism organisations from across Ireland and the UK.

Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News will take place at the ICC Belfast at 2 Lanyon Place, Belfast BT1 3WH, from Friday January 10 until Sunday January 12, 2025.

Tickets cost £5 for adults; £4 for Senior Citizens and £3 for Students. A special family ticket gives admission for two adults and up to four children for just £10 and a 2-for-1 ticket deal is available online at https://holidayworld.registrationdesk.ie/2-for-1-voucher-belfast/.

All travel trade and media are invited to register and attend the Trade and Media morning on Friday January 10 (10am–12.30pm). To register, visit https://holidayworld.registrationdesk.ie/belfast/.

For more information and all the latest event updates, visit https://holidayworldshowni.com/.

November Exhibitions at Ards Arts Centre

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Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards welcomes two new art exhibitions for the month of November: Aspire: Ventures in Craft, a group exhibition between by Homo Faber Fellows 2023: Claire Mooney, Jackson Byrne, Richard Butler and Noel Donnellan and Lemon Juice, a solo exhibition by Kathryn Graham.

In Aspire: Ventures in Craft, the artists, who all recently completed an internship ran by the Michelangelo Foundation, explore themes of sustainability, links to the land and the transmission of traditional skills in the contemporary field. The Homo Faber Fellowship enabled this group to develop their practice and work alongside master artisans.

This show celebrates the learning, development and collaborations which took place throughout this time. From photographs, drawings, and tests to final outcomes, this show is a window on their learning process while showcasing craft to a new audience. Aspire: Ventures in Craft will show in the Georgian Gallery.

Lemon Juice reflects on the proverbial phrase, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” The exhibition investigates the role of images as emblematic mediators of memory, exploring symbols and motifs from popular media, both past and present. It playfully examines perception and perspective, questioning our differing views of the world and the stories we tell ourselves.

Kathryn Graham is a Belfast based visual artist and lecturer at Belfast School of Art. Graham’s work is informed by playful exploration of material through mixed media printmaking, drawing, installation and sculpture. Lemon Juice will be on display in the Sunburst Gallery.

Both exhibitions open on Friday 1 November and continue until Thursday 28 November. Admission to Ards Arts Centre is free.

 

All are welcome to attend a preview event in Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 7 November at 7pm.

For more information visit; www.andculture.org.uk

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 4 – 10 November

 

  1. Thursday Movie Nights at The Bushmills Inn, Bushmills, County Antrim, Every Thursday in November. Everyone loves a night at the movies. Enjoy small, intimate screenings of the latest blockbusters in the exclusive surroundings of the boutique cinema at The Bushmills Inn. Enjoy two courses from the Cinema Supper Menu served at 6.00pm with the movie beginning at 8.00pm.
  2. Tearoom Talk – The Ghosts of Rathlin Island, Ballintoy, County Antrim, 7 November. Join the Carrick-a-Rede team for a cosy, winter get together in their Tearoom on Thursday 7 November at 7:30pm, for an evening of captivating storytelling, sure to make your imagination go wild, beginning with The Ghosts of Rathlin Island. Your Storyteller for the evening, Teresa, lived and worked in the 268-year-old Georgian Manor House and experienced unexplained disturbances first-hand, as well as hearing of other supernatural encounters from around the island.
  3. OM Odyssey Outdoor Film Projection, Davagh Forest, County Tyrone, Starting 4 November. The OM Odyssey will take you on a journey through time and space with a unique viewing experience, projected on to the outside of the Observatory building. Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you’ll be sitting outside to watch the OM Odyssey, so dress appropriately and wrap up warm. The film projection lasts approximately 12 minutes.
  4. Jurassic Roar, Strabane, County Tyrone, 9 November. With the latest animatronic technology and award-winning puppetry, you will be awestruck. This entertaining and educational event allows you to experience up close some of the most realistic dinosaurs in the world. The show centres around a magical professor who takes you back in time, 65 million years to be precise. Meet Archie the cheeky anklysaurus, Bluey the fun velociraptor, and many more including a full-size Triceratops and T – Rex.
  5. Sound of Belfast at Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast, 7 – 17 November. With an impressive line-up of 82 events spread across 43 venues across Belfast, this festival is a testament to the city’s thriving and diverse musical landscape. This annual celebration is dedicated to showcasing Belfast’s musical talents and its status as a UNESCO City of Music. Spanning gospel to garage rock, electronic to rap, the festival celebrates our world class music community through collaboration, partnerships and specially curated events across the city.
  6. Nocturnal Nature at Crom Estate, Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh, 7 and 14 November. Join their expert rangers for an exclusive after-hours adventure across the estate. Using a night vision camera, you’ll explore the grounds and catch glimpses of deer and other nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat. Along the way, you’ll also discover parts of the estate rarely seen at night and have the opportunity to ask their knowledgeable team questions about Crom’s wildlife.
  7. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, County Armagh, visit website for dates and times. For the science and space enthusiast, spend the day exploring Northern Ireland’s leading astronomical research and education facility. In the Planetarium’s Digital Full Dome Theatre, you can sit back, relax and experience the wonders of our Universe. Take a tour of the night sky and discover how their scientific research has impacted the field of astronomy. Check out their website for upcoming events and festive themed experiences, like Mission Santa.
  8. Live Music at The Copeland Distillery, Donaghadee, County Down, 1 and 8 November. Join The Copeland Distillery on the following dates for great cocktails and live music.
    Friday 1st November – Local musician, Pete Devlin and Friday 8th November – Living Groove. The bar will be open from 4pm-10pm with live music from 7.30pm-9.30pm.
  9. Cranfield Alpaca Beach Treks – Autumn Dates, Kilkeel, County Down, 2,6,9,12 November and more dates. Meet your friendly alpaca and take them for a leisurely stroll down country lanes, enjoying the stunning views as you head down to our beautiful, golden beach. The Alpacas absolutely adore being walked on the beach. Join them for some fun in the sand and have an experience unlike any other. The beach trek lasts approx. 90 minutes and includes refreshments. This experience is not suitable for young children aged 7 years and under.
  10. The Derry Girls Experience at Tower Museum, Derry~Londonderry, visit website for open dates and time. Visit the home of Derry Girls and discover where it all began! See original memorabilia from the hit show, like Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s famous pajamas and Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater, not to mention the infamous Spice Girls costumes! Step into the set of the Quinn’s household and feel like one of the family. Don’t miss your chance to sit on her chair and roll your eyes at anyone who crosses your path.

 

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com.

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown, County Tyrone

From £140 per person sharing, enjoy a fantastic two-night family break in one of their spacious family rooms including a full breakfast on both mornings to set you up for a busy day ahead. This break also includes use of the hotel’s luxurious leisure facilities, 20 metre swimming pool, kids pool, jacuzzi, sauna, fitness suite and steam room (kids hours apply for leisure facilities). Offer valid until 31 January 2025. Visit https://glenavonhotel.com/ for more information.

Elephant Rock Hotel, Portrush, County Antrim

From £470 per room for two people sharing, treat yourself to a luxurious and relaxing three-night stay at Elephant Rock. Included in the rate is: three-night bed and breakfast, two-course evening meal in the restaurant on the night of your choosing and mulled wine afternoon tea per person. Offer valid until 31 March 2025. Visit https://elephantrockhotel.co.uk/ for more information.

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

For more information on what’s on or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com

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