From historical houses to treasure troves of intriguing artefacts and fascinating connections to people and history, Tourism NI is encouraging people to explore local cultural heritage with the European Heritage Open Days taking place on 8^th and 9^th September.

With 2018 designated as a European Year of Cultural Heritage, there is no better time to uncover Northern Ireland’s unique heritage and discover quirky facts about local history, as Tourism NI’s Director of Product Development, Rosemarie McHugh explains.

“Northern Ireland has a wealth of history and culture attached to it and this year we want to encourage people to get out and explore their local community by visiting some of the many sites that are open for free as part of European Heritage Open Days 2018. This is the opportunity to see behind the scenes of some of Northern Ireland’s most historic buildings, not often open to the public.

“In the year of Cultural Heritage, we’re making the most of the opportunity to grow visitor numbers with culturally motivated tourists. Our visitors come to Northern Ireland with an appetite to really explore and connect with our landscape, culture and heritage and we’re helping them with this journey of cultural discovery,” Rosemary added.

To test your knowledge of Northern Ireland’s hidden heritage and quirky culture, Tourism NI has created a quirky cultural quiz, with the chance to win some fabulous prizes. To take the challenge visit discovernorthernireland.com/loveheritage

To inspire those interested in exploring their cultural heritage journey this coming weekend, here is a list of just some of the quirky culture and hidden heritage that exists right here on Northern Ireland’s doorstep:

Did you know…

Antrim: The historic village of Gracehill was a settlement founded by the Moravians in 1765 and Northern Ireland’s First Conservation area. For Moravians, the burial ground was known as “Gods Acre” and had a strict layout. Men were buried to the left and women to the right of a central path. All the headstones were of the same shape and design – the Moravians believe that everyone is equal in death – and were laid almost flat on the ground.

Belfast: Next door to the Belfast Harbour Commissioner’s Office you will find Sinclair Seamen’s Church, a unique maritime-inspired church. Built in 1853 as a tribute to the city’s seafaring traditions, its interior features a pulpit shaped like a ship’s prow, the bell from 19th Century-built battleship HMS Hood and lifeboat-shaped collection boxes.

Down: Grey Abbey is the oldest example of Gothic architecture in Ireland founded in 1193 by John De Courcy.  In the 17th century the abbey ruins were acquired by the Montgomery family, who still live in the grounds to this day.

Fermanagh: Enniskillen is Ireland’s only island town and Castle Coole is regarded as the finest country house in Ireland. The house itself has no back door which is said to be a deliberate omission in order to discourage salesmen from calling.

To find out more about the list of those properties open in your area for European Heritage Open Days 2018 and to get involved visit discovernorthernireland.com/events/European-Heritage-Open-Days/.

Cork fire fighter Alex O’ Shea is currently attempting to run 32 marathons in 32 counties in just 16 days.

Alex is joined by Garda Ollie O Sullivan. Ollie, who is a vital part of the crew for this challenge and will also attempt his own personal challenge of 50km a day.

On Thursday 6th September Alex and Ollie will complete their County Derry Marathon from the Erins Own GAC & Termoneeny Centre starting at 3.00pm. The course is 3 loops with the finish around the club pitch.

We are encouraging as many people as possible to come along and show their support for these two amazing men who are running to support the work of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and the life changing services that they provide.  Maybe you could cover a couple of miles with them to keep them company on their epic challenge!

Find out more about Alex’s challenge at http://www.alexoshea.ie/

Keep up to date with Alex and Ollie’s journey on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/challengeAlex/

Donate online at https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/32-marathons-32-counties-16-days

A new programme of regular music performances called ‘LIVE in the Galleries’ will open at Flowerfield Arts Centre in September.

The first free performance will see MOBO nominated, award winning jazz drummer David Lyttle entertain audiences on Saturday 1^st September at 3pm.

Described by The Independent as being ‘the best in jazz coming out of Ireland’, David is a widely celebrated instrumentalists. He has performed in 25 countries and collaborated with jazz icons such as Joe Lovano and Kurt Rosenwinkel and hip-hop visionaries Talib Kweli and Soweto Kinch.

In this performance, David is joined by up and coming young guitarist Joseph Leighton from Derry/Londonderry. It was David who introduced Joseph to jazz as a teenager and since then he has studied in both London and Canada. The young musician was recently named one of Ireland’s ‘Moving on Music’ emerging artists.

Maker and artist Sharon Adams’ stunning exhibition ‘Intersection’ will provide an atmospheric backdrop for what promises to be an amazing first ‘LIVE in the Galleries’ concert.

Refreshments will be provided and everyone is welcome.

For further information, please visit www.flowerfield.org or call the team on 028 7083 1400.

On Saturday 8 September, Bangor Castle and North Down Museum will throw open their doors for European Heritage Open Day.

Visitors are invited to come and discover the history of these beautiful buildings through story-telling, craft demonstrations, tours and lots of other interactive fun activities. The past will be brought to life through historical re-enactors, have a go at archery, calligraphy or even turn your hand at curragh making! Traditional music, poetry and story-telling will also feature at the event.

Guided tours of Bangor Castle will take place at 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 2pm. Step inside this elegant building and learn about its history and the story of the Ward Family as you go from room to room.

European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) is a key event for the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 as it provides a taste of the value of our historic environment whilst ensuring people can enjoy exploring their heritage. This year’s EHOD theme is around encouraging everyone to share their stories and deepen the connection between people and heritage. Over the weekend, over 360 heritage buildings and events are opening across Northern Ireland.

Speaking about the event, Museum Manager, Heather McGuicken said; “We are delighted to be part of European Heritage Open Days and would encourage everyone to come along and learn all about the history of these elegant buildings. This will be a fun day out for the whole family.”

The event runs from 11am – 3pm and is free to attend. There is parking in the grounds of the Museum and Coffee Cure will be opening serving food and refreshments.

For more information, please visit:  www.northdownmuseum.com .

Crumlin Road Gaol is looking for actors with a passion for scaring people to star in fearsome scare attraction this Halloween.

Are you an enthusiastic lively actor? Do you want to build up your acting portfolio? If you just answered yes, then listen up! Crumlin Road Gaol is looking for budding actors to star in the terrifying scare after scare attraction ‘Jail of Horror’ this Halloween.

You must have stacks of confidence, be able to give it your all and have a passion for screaming and scaring people. The ability to interact and deliver some exceptional spine-chilling lines to the unsuspecting public is an added advantage! (You must also be 16 or over).

If you think this sounds like the perfect role and you are available evenings from 12^th October – 31^st October, then they want to hear from you! There will be short auditions at Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast on Saturday 15^th September at 12noon, come along dressed as your scariest character and show them why you should star in the Jail of Horror.

This Halloween, Belfast’s Infamous Prison, Crumlin Road Gaol is unlocking its doors for 3 weeks of intense nail biting tours which are guaranteed to make even the bravest of visitors jump. The 5 star visitor attraction will be pulling out all the stops for its eagerly anticipated Halloween programme which will feature the ‘Jail of Horror’ and the ‘Paranormal Ghost Hunt’.

The Jail of Horror and Halloween Paranormal Experience tickets are strictly TICKET ONLY events. BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment!  Tickets can be bought online at www.crumlinroadgaol.com or by calling the Box Office on 028 9074 1500.

Northern Ireland’s Brian Kennedy and 1980’s pop sensation Eddi Reader will take to the stage to headline a free outdoor concert organised by Ards and North Down Council.

The Donaghadee Lights Up concert will take place at The Commons in Donaghadee on Saturday 8 September. This is a one-time opportunity for concert goers to see these award winning artists come together in the beautiful coastal setting of Donaghadee to enjoy hit singles such as ‘Message in a box’ and Fairground Attractions ‘Perfect’.

On the night music lovers can also enjoy a range of local food stalls before the enviable line-up takes to the stage at 7.30pm. To top off the evening’s entertainment, a fireworks finale will take place from 9.00pm.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Cllr Richard Smart said; ‘It is fantastic that Brian Kennedy and Eddi Reader are joining us at Donaghadee Lights up as the headline act for 2018. The Commons have a hosted a wealth of talent over the years including The Bay City Rollers and Red Hot Chilli Pipers. The concert marks a fantastic end to what is a great three days of family fun including food, sea and walking tours, regatta’s and other musical performances.”

Brian Kennedy has had string of hit singles including his classic covers of ‘You Raise Me Up’ and ‘Danny Boy’. Renowned throughout the world, Brian has had success representing Ireland at Eurovision and appeared on the Irish Version of the Voice as a coach. Eddi Reader, Scottish singer-songwriter has had equal success throughout her career after hitting the spotlight in the 1989s with band Fairground Attraction, debuting the her first single, First of a Million Kisses.

Speaking about the duo’s upcoming performance, Brian Kennedy said; ‘It is great to be invited to perform at the Donaghadee Lights Up Festival. This charming town offers an iconic setting for live music and an amazing close to the summer festival season in Ards and North Down Borough.”

For more information on Donaghadee Lights Up, visit www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/dlu

To find more about the artists visit www.briankennedy.co.uk and www.eddireader.co.uk

Have you ever thought of visiting Sentry Hill?

If so, join us this Saturday 1st September from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Meet our expert team of staff as they show you around the beautiful allotments and answer any questions you may have.

Join in a mini beast hunt with the Wildlife Trust and visit all the animals at the petting farm. Get your face painted and enjoy all the other fun activities lined up.

You will be given a very warm welcome and we’d love to see you. Suitable for all ages.

Guided tours of Sentry Hill house will also be available (normal charges will apply for these).