Four new locations added to the Northern Ireland Spirits Trail

Calling all spirit adventurers! The Northern Ireland Spirits Trail & Distillery Passport has been updated with four more distilleries and spirit-led experiences. 

Created by Tourism Northern Ireland, the NI Spirits Trail & Distillery Passport is a collection of 14 unique experiences, where tradition meets innovation, and every sip tells a story of people and place.

With the new additions, there has never been a better (or more exciting time) to visit.  Whether you are a spirit enthusiast or a curious explorer, Tourism Northern Ireland invites you to ignite your sense of adventure and discover what makes each of them so unique.

New highlights include a ‘double’ for Belfast, with the addition of Titanic Distillers, Belfast’s first working whiskey distillery in almost 90 years, which stands at the birthplace of the Titanic, and the captivating return of the iconic brand of McConnell’s, the city’s newest distillery located in the former Crumlin Road Gaol.

For those who want to create their own, one-of-a-kind spirit, make sure to check out the Earheart Gin School at the Walled City Brewery in Derry~Londonderry or discover why Two Stacks are emerging as one of the most innovative blenders of Irish Whiskey in County Down.

Whether it’s uncovering the secrets of small- batch distillation, indulging in a guided tour and tasting of award-winning spirits, or exploring the art of craft cocktail making, each stop promises an unforgettable experience.

NI Spirits Trail & Distillery Passport New Distilleries:

• Step back in time at Titanic Distillers in Belfast, the city’s first working distillery in almost 90 years. Located at Thompson Dock where the Titanic once stood, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Belfast’s whiskey tradition and its recent revival. Now you can walk in the footsteps of the shipyard workers, the air thick with stories of former glory, and experience the new spirit of Belfast’s famous docklands.

• McConnell’s Distillery, one of Ireland’s oldest whisky brands, it was born in Belfast in 1776. It has opened the doors of its new home in the landmark setting of the A-Wing of Crumlin Road Gaol. This state-of-the-art distillery and visitor experience hosts guided tours and cocktail masterclasses. Visit the tasting bar and retail offering or relax in its cosy café.

• Discover the unique story of Two Stacks Irish Whiskey Bonders & Blenders in Newry. Home to ‘Dram in a Can’, a world first; learn about the true art of blending whiskey and enjoy exclusive access to Two Stacks’ ultra-rare casks, extracting and tasting the whiskey yourself.

• Located at the end of the Peace Bridge, in Ebrington Square, the award-winning Walled City Brewery is housed in a historic military barracks. Their Earhart Gin School offers you the opportunity to craft your own gin. With your own miniature copper still, a wide array of botanicals to choose from, and expert guidance from the distillery team, you’ll embark on an unforgettable gin making adventure.

A key element of the Northern Ireland Spirits Trail is the Distillery Trail Passport. Visit each of the unique experiences, collect a stamp on your passport and receive a special souvenir when you have completed all fourteen locations.

Pick up you Distillery Trail Passport at any of the 14 distilleries or visit NI Spirits Trail | Distillery Passport to plan your next giant adventure.

Please drink responsibly. 

The Ards International Guitar Festival arrives in Newtownards next week with a fantastic line-up celebrating local and international guitar talent. Featuring everything from classical to rock, the programme promises something for every musical taste. Hosted by Ards and North Down Borough Council, the festival runs from Wednesday 17 – Sunday 21 April.

Highlights on this year’s programme include the brilliant Martin Harley who has been making music and touring the world for almost 30 years. His down to earth sound explores roots, blues and slide guitar in a style The Guardian referred to as ‘spellbinding.’ Harley has released nine albums to date, four recorded on home soil and four across the Atlantic, in Texas and Nashville. Martin will take to the stage in The Queen’s Hall, Newtownards on Friday 19 April with support from Matt McGinn and Matt Curran.

One of the UK’s leading classical guitarists Manus Noble, will perform his show ‘A Bard’s Tale’ at Ards Arts Centre on Friday 19 April. Known for his unique sounds, original compositions and varied programmes, Noble has performed at some of the UK’s leading venues such as Wigmore Hall, King’s Hall and Royal Festival Hall. ‘A Bard’s Tale’ takes the audience on a journey across time and continent with music performed on guitar, Irish bouzouki, handspan, shruti box and voice.

The festival is delighted to welcome back previous Lifetime Achievement Award Winner (2017) Sarah McQuaid, whose chocolatey voice combines with her engaging personality, “subtle mastery onstage” (Huffington Post) and “brilliant musicianship” (fRoots). Performing on acoustic and electric guitars, piano and (occasionally) drum, McQuaid’s performances create a truly immersive experience. McQuaid will be appearing at Ards Arts Centre on Sunday 21 April, supported by Martha Greer.

Other highlights of this year’s programme include; the Comedy Classic Soundtracks with Paul McMordie and Bill Campbell, Tony Villiers and The Villains at The Ivy Bar and Pictures in Rock, an exhibition of curated photographs by music photographer Keery Irvine at Ards Arts Centre.

Speaking about the festival, Ards Guitar Festival Director, Emily Crawford commented:

“We are tuning up for a fantastic few days of live guitar music in Ards next week. There’s real Blues vibe running through this year’s festival and an opportunity to hear international acts like Martin Harley and Sarah McQuaid right on your doorstep. We have something to appeal to every taste.”

For ticket details or to view the full programme please visit: www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk  or alternatively call Ards Arts Centre on 028 9181 0803

– Thousands of people expected to descend on Ulster American Folk Park this May  –

Set against the backdrop of Ulster American Folk Park, Bluegrass Omagh is back, and this year’s festival promises an unforgettable weekend of music, culture and history.

Scheduled for the May Bank Holiday weekend 4^th to 6^th, Bluegrass Omagh honours the enduring legacy of Appalachian settlers who carried their songs and stories across the Atlantic. The vibrant music and culture they left behind is reflected in the event’s programme, with performances from some of the finest bluegrass acts in the world.

From bluegrass and old-time to Americana and country genres, taking to the stage on both dates this year is an impressive array of local and international talent. The line-up includes European bands such as Rookie Riot, American bands such as Nothin’ Fancy and local musicians and songwriters such as I Draw Slow and Pilgrim St.

Now in its 32^nd year, Bluegrass Omagh has always aimed to unite thousands of fans from across the world, fostering cultural exchange and community spirit whilst also highlighting the historical significance of Ulster’s connection to America, which the  Ulster American Folk Park is known for.

With accolades from professional Bluegrass associations and a prestigious nomination by the International Bluegrass Music Association for “Bluegrass Event of the Year,” John-Paul Coyle, General Manager at Ulster American Folk Park, discusses why Bluegrass Omagh resonates with audiences far and wide.

He said: “Over the last three decades, this event has become one of the largest bluegrass events outside of North America, welcoming thousands of fans every year. This is because Bluegrass Omagh offers a one-of-a-kind music event for visitors from both home and afar to delve into history and discover the rich heritage connecting Ulster and America through world-class bluegrass music. It’s become a flagship event at the Ulster American Folk Park because we’re a unique location to put on such an event, creating an inclusive and lively atmosphere for everyone while celebrating the shared history and music traditions of the people who emigrated to the heartland of Appalachian America. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a big music fan, or simply seeking a unique cultural experience and something different for your bank holiday, there is something for everyone at Bluegrass Omagh and we hope to see an even bigger numbers join us for a weekend of fun this year.”

Chris Sexton, speaking on behalf of Nothin’ Fancy, expressed the band’s excitement about being part of the esteemed festival. He said: “It is a delight and an honour to be part of the Omagh festival lineup. We are stoked and ready to bring our music and entertainment to beautiful Northern Ireland, and this is a chance of a lifetime that we will certainly enjoy and remember for years to come.”

Since it began, the Bluegrass Omagh festival has become part of the fabric of Omagh that delivers for the local economy with domestic and international tourists enjoying the town’s hospitality offerings and other tourism hotspots in the region.

Speaking about the Bluegrass Festival, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, said: “I am delighted to see the return of the Bluegrass Festival this year.  Over the three decades which the Festival has been taking place, it has evolved to be the biggest Bluegrass Festival outside of America.

“I believe the success of the Festival is due to the unique location of the Ulster American Folk Park and the eclectic mix of local talent and performers from across the Atlantic.

“We are fortunate to have the Ulster American Folk Park in our District as this award-winning attraction and the range of events it hosts are a welcome boost to the local economy, in particular the tourism and hospitality sector.

“I would like to commend National Museums NI and the staff at the Ulster American Folk Park for another excellent programme.  I would encourage everybody to attend to the Festival to enjoy the atmosphere and celebration of music, culture and community.”

Over the bank holiday weekend, festival-goers can also enjoy an array of entertainment alongside warm hospitality, delicious food and traditional craftwork.

As anticipation builds for the event, Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive at National Museums NI, emphasises the festival’s significance in bridging cultural connections. She said: “Ulster American Folk Park plays a pivotal role in exploring the narratives of Ulster emigration to America in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, serving as a gateway to understanding the successes endured by those who embarked on the journey across the Atlantic. Bluegrass Omagh stands as a testament to the importance of preserving and promoting cultural traditions through music and community engagement. We look forward to seeing our home-grown talent join their fellow international bluegrass bands come together to share their music.”

Festivities will kick off on May 3^rd with a Friday Night Opening Concert at the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh, and finish with a bluegrass-themed Family Day at the Ulster American Folk Park on May 6^th.

Festival attendees can access the event via Translink services, with return buses available from Belfast and Derry~Londonderry.

For more information about Bluegrass Omagh and to purchase tickets, visit ulsteramericanfolkpark.org/whats-on/bluegrass-omagh-2024

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan has re-opened Green Lane Museum in the heart of the Roe Valley Country Park, offering visitors the opportunity to explore 19th and 20th century history relating to rural life in the Roe Valley.

There will be temporary exhibitions and craft demonstrations taking place at selected times throughout the spring and summer seasons.

The facility, which is free to visit, is now open every weekend and Bank Holiday between early April and the end of September.

After a period of closure, the museum reopened in April 2023 with the help of the Roe Vally Ancestral Research volunteers.

Since its reopening last year, the museum has welcomed over 4,000 visitors from across the UK, Republic of Ireland and further afield.

It is open to the public on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 11am until 3.30pm.

However, ‘Walk and Talk’ tours can be arranged for schools and other groups outside of these hours via a member of Roe Valley Ancestral Researchers.

Opening the museum, Cllr Callaghan said: “I just want to thank our generous volunteers for sacrificing their time and effort to help the public appreciate all that we have here.

“The Museum closed during COVID, but the collection, which is owned by Council, was looked after by Museum Services throughout this time and the building was maintained by DAERA.”

Cllr Callaghan also praised the team of “dedicated council staff” who look after the collection and maintain its accreditation.

“They have supported the Roe Valley Ancestral Researchers in enabling them to open to the public so thanks them also,” he said.

“The museum has been an important part of our Borough, keeping the memories of the past alive and allowing the younger generations to learn about the old ways of life.”

There are number of events coming up at the museum, including visitor portraits on the early May bank holiday and traditional home skills and dressing up on the late May bank Holiday.

For more information on upcoming events, email museums@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk  or follow us on Facebook @CausewayCoastandGlensMuseumServices

Part by Part, a solo exhibition by Louise French has opened in the Sunburst Gallery, Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards. Louise French is a recent graduate of Fine Art Painting from the National Art School, Australia and is interested in the life-cycle of objects.

This exhibition presents a series of paintings and assemblages that engage the viewer in the material qualities of the pieces, while they consider present and future artefacts. By using waste materials for assemblages and as a source for painterly interpretations, the exhibition explores the tension between the aesthetic appeal of consumer objects which at the same time are a toxic token of the current environmental crisis.

By dissecting contemporary waste and considering its continued existence hundreds of years from now, Part by Part will act as a marker of time. The exhibition runs until Thursday 23 May.

Pictures in Rock, an exhibition of photography by Keery Irvine opens in Ards Arts Centre’s Georgian Gallery on Wednesday 17 April. The exhibition is part of Ards International Guitar Festival and will feature a curated selection of Keery Irvine’s career highlights. Expect images of local acts, including Guitar Festival headliner Dom Martin and Life-Time Achievement Award winners Ronnie Greer and Pat McManus.

Keery specialises in photographing Blues and rock gigs and festivals and is the official photographer for the Rory Gallery tribute festivals in Ballyshannon, Dublin, Netherlands and Nantwich. Pictures in Rock runs until Saturday 27 April.

Ards Arts Centre is currently temporarily closed for maintenance work but will reopen on Tuesday 16 April. Everyone is welcome to attend a preview event for both exhibitions in the Arts Centre on Thursday 18 April, 7pm – 9pm.

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