10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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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 10 exciting things taking place this week (14-20 May)

 

  1. Balmoral Show, Lisburn, 16-19 May. Tens of thousands of people will flock to Ireland’s largest agri-food festival to enjoy everything the countryside has to offer. It is a superb family day out serving up a festival of food and farming alongside a jam packed entertainment schedule including show jumping, livestock exhibitions and much more.
  2. Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, Belfast, 19-20 May. Climb aboard the magnificent visiting tall ships and naval vessels, which will be docked in Belfast for the festival. A bumper-packed weekend full of maritime-themed family fun, food and frolics.
  3. Vauxhall International 2018 North West 200 Race Festival Week, Portstewart, 13-19 May. With three days of racing, 100 riders, 100k spectators and speeds of up to 209mph, the NW200 is one of Northern Ireland’s top sporting events and one of the world’s fastest road races. The event includes exhibitions, charity cycles, mini moto cycling, car boot sales and displays of veteran, vintage and classic vehicles, as well as special guests and music entertainment.
  4. Opry le Daniel, Derry~Londonderry, 13-19 May.  TG4’s hit series Opry le Daniel returns to the Millennium Forum with seven nights of concerts featuring the best of country music.  Hosted live by Ireland’s ‘King of Country’ Daniel O’Donnell, Opry brings you all of your favourites plus the up and coming future generation of country music.
  5. Twilight at the Trust, Newtownards, 18-19 May. Mount Stewart is delighted to host a new production presented by Peter Corry. Enjoy a wonderful evening of music in the magical grounds with a drinks and canapé reception.
  6. Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, Newtownabbey, 17-19 May. Three nights of exhilarating adventure at Theatre at the Mill with two unique film programmes. Through the big screen, join fearless explorers and intrepid filmmakers as they venture deep into the world’s most isolated and spectacular landscapes. For more details and to book tickets visit BANFF-UK.com
  7. Exclusive Carleton Wine Dinner, Clogher, 18 May. An exclusive Carleton wine dinner at Corick House Hotel and Spa with guest speaker Jamie Pike, the son of winemaker Neil Pike and export director for Pike’s Wines based in Clare Valley.
  8. Guided walk of Tully Castle and the Shores of Lough Erne, Enniskillen, 19 May. Nestled on the shores of Lower Lough Erne is Tully Castle, the impressive remains of a fortified house and bawn built during the plantation era in the early 17th century. On this walk a geopark guide brings you through hundreds of years of history at Tully Castle.
  9. Biodiversity Day 2018 at Castle Espie, Newtownards, 20 May. Visitors are offered the chance to explore Spring wildlife around the castle’s reserve. Learn more about birds nesting and see new spring wildflowers, which will be in full bloom, on this special afternoon dedicated to the biodiversity of Castle Espie.
  10. Mindreader David Meade – Wizard of Odds, Newry, 19 May. In his funniest and most impossible show yet, mindreader David Meade – the first mentalist to win a million dollars in Las Vegas – will blow your mind as he beats the odds and predicts the impossible at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre.

 

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

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

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Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible 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.

 

Berries and Bubbles, Stormont Hotel, Belfast from £57 per person sharing.

Treat yourself to a bubbles and berries break at the four-star Stormont Hotel. Located in the suburbs of Belfast it is ideally located to explore many of the top tourist attractions the city has to offer. Offers includes overnight accommodation, full Irish breakfast and strawberries with a bottle of Prosecco served on arrival. To book call 9065 1066. Offer available until 31 August.

 

Family Inclusive Package, Lodge Hotel, Coleraine from £219 per stay.

Renowned for its hospitality and award-winning food, the three-star Lodge Hotel is the ideal base for touring the Causeway Coast. With the nearby seaside towns, Portrush and Portstewart, and medieval Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway less than a 20 minute drive away, there’s lots for the whole family to explore. Offer includes a two-night break with breakfast and main course evening meal for all the family on both days. To book call 7034 4848. Offer available until 23 December.

 

Stay with Dinner, Glenavon House Hotel, from £62.50 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 quality facilities, whilst its Mid-Ulster location makes it an ideal base from which to explore the whole of Northern Ireland. Offer includes overnight bed and breakfast accommodation with a four-course dinner and use of the hotels luxurious leisure facilities. To book call 8676 4949. Offer available Friday and Sunday nights until 31 December.

All offers are subject to availability.  For further information visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

 

ARMAGH CRAFT FAIR RETURNS TO THE MARKET PLACE THEATRE

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Armagh Craft Fair returns for the eighth year to the wonderful surroundings of The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre in Armagh on Saturday 26 May.

Bringing high quality craft to the heart of Armagh City, this highly anticipated annual event offers something for everyone. The fair will feature over 45 fantastic craft stalls from makers across Northern Ireland and Ireland, 7 free craft demonstrations from master crafters throughout the day including hands on creative craft making experiences for adults and children, free children’s drop in creative craft sessions, family workshops, musical entertainment, great food & much more.

Crafts on show at this year’s Craft Fair include printed textiles, jewellery, wood, metal, basketry, glass, soaps, candles, ceramics, hand-made paper and books, artisan foods and fantastic craft gifts for children, amongst many other superb and unique craft forms.

You can get hands-on and have a go yourself, with the free craft demonstrations throughout the day. Ever had a burning desire to try your hand at Pottery, Wet Felting, Flame Worked Glass, Basket Making, Silver Jewellery Techniques, Weaving, Sculpture or Wood Turning? Well now’s your chance to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. Watch the Master Crafters as they demonstrate their skills and then have a go yourself at learning a new skill. Opportunities will be available for both adults and children.

When you’re in the venue, don’t forget to view this year’s fabulous Art Of Craft Exhibition, ‘Fused’, by artist Caroline Getty. ‘Fused’ forms part of Northern Ireland’s first Linen Biennale, celebrating the past, present and future landscape of linen through an extended arts festival. Caroline’s work incorporates delicate linen material immersed within strong ceramic forms, portraying a powerful and echoing remembrance of the linen industry within Northern Ireland.

With live music performances throughout the day, and the on-site bar and café facilities for when you need a break from all your craft shopping, this promises a superb day out in the heart of Armagh City.

This year’s Craft Fair will run from 10.30am to 5pm at The Market Place Theatre. Entrance is free, as are all craft demonstrations, and most of the creative experiences. For further information, bookings and to download the full programme go to www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre You can also follow developments on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) for the latest information and video previews.

Ards and North Down Pipe Band Championships 2018

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The Ards and North Down Pipe Band Championships take place on Saturday 12 May 2018 in the picturesque grounds of Castle Park, Bangor commencing at 11.30am.

There is an entry of 41 bands and 46 Drum Majors, with one band travelling over from Scotland and seven bands travelling from the South of Ireland. The grade 1 competition has attracted the top grade 1 bands with Field Marshal Montgomery, St Laurence O’Toole, the Vale of Atholl and the Police Service of Northern Ireland all having submitted entries. There are 3 Adjudicators attending from Scotland and 5 from Northern Ireland, they will no doubt be served up with some of the best piping and drumming.

A Highland Dancing Competition will take place in First Bangor Presbyterian Church Hall which has attracted an entry of 60 which commences at 10.00 am. The Highland Dancing will add to the Scottish Flavour of the day in Bangor.

The Grand Finale will commence at 4.30pm and the Chieftain of the Day, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair, the will take the salute from the bands and Drum Majors and present the prizes.

This event is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council.

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

 

X FACTOR STARS BRING HIT MUSICAL THEATRE SHOW TO HASTING HOTELS

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TWO of musical theatres leading men and X Factor stars, Rhydian Roberts and G4 frontman Jonathan Ansell, have announced they will be bringing their nationwide tour to Hastings Hotels in October.

Les Musicals presents the biggest hit songs from the West End and Broadway and Jonathan and Rhydian will take to the stage at the Everglades Hotel in Derry-Londonderry on Thursday 11th October, the Stormont Hotel in Belfast on Friday 12th October and the Culloden Estate & Spa (dinner and show) in Holywood on Saturday 13th October.

Jonathan Ansell and Rhydian Roberts have joined forces for the first time to create a dramatic and spine-tingling concert.  This vocally dynamic evening showcases the smash hits from the greatest musicals of all time from the West End and Broadway in this exhilarating live concert tour.

Allyson McKimm, Events Director of Hastings Hotels said: “We are thrilled to welcome the fabulous Les Musicals tour to three of our hotels in October. This unique live show will offer lovers of musical theatre with the opportunity to listen to two of the world’s finest voices bring some of the best-loved classics to life from Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Blood Brothers, Wicked, Jesus Christ Superstar, Carousel, West Side Story, The Lion King, Miss Saigon, Chess, Rocky Horror Picture Show, We Will Rock You and many more. This is something not to be missed!”

Tickets for all three shows are available at www.ticketmaster.co.uk

For any further information, please contact Allyson McKimm of Hastings Hotels on amckimm@hastingshotels.com

A Doll’s House

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Theatre at The Mill presents A DOLL’S HOUSE on Thursday 31 May at 7.45pm, a new adaptation by Theatrical Niche Ltd based on HENRIK IBSEN’S classic tale.

Working with some of the UK’s leading Mental Health charities, they use Verbatim interviews and emotive Choreography to rocket Ibsen’s famous tale into a hugely relevant re-telling for modern audiences.

Exploring stigmas around gender and mental health, this artful adaptation focuses on the impossible idolisation of one ‘perfect’ woman, by a man who walks with weights around his ankles.

Mr & Mrs Helmer are the iconic power couple. They excel at work, staying on top, socialising. They excel at excelling. However, as his autobiography rolls out around Christmas-time, it seems there are a few things that Mr. Helmer may not have mentioned in the foreword.

A Doll’s House showcases the play-writing collaboration of two of Theatrical Niche’s founding members, as well as the direction of critically-acclaimed artist, Alice Sillett. This new production incorporates the words and intonations of mental abuse and mental health problem sufferers, giving Ibsen a resoundingly contemporary voice.

This performance is suitable for ages 12yrs+, group discount available.  Tickets from Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or online theatreatthemill.com. Question and answers sessions are provided upon request.

Special rate available for schools and charities at Box Office.

Explore and Experience Ards and North Down

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Visitors can explore more of Ards and North Down through a series of bespoke walking, bus and boat tours running until November 2018.

A highlight of the programme is the new ‘Gardens and Gin’ tour that visits the historic Mount Stewart Gardens and Echlinville Distillery that brews the world renowned JawBox Gin.  With firm favourite, ‘Woodland and Whiskey’ returning for those that prefer to learn more about Echlinville’s famous Dunville Whiskey.

Another ‘must-do’ is the unique opportunity to have ‘Tea with the Lord’ on a visit to Ballywalter Estate, home of Lord and Lady Dunleath.  Their 270-acre estate is not usually open to the public.

Parents can keep the kids entertained during the summer months with a series of nature themed adventures.  The ever-popular boat tours of Strangford Lough will run in July, August and September and the ‘sell-out’ Halloween Walking Tours in Bangor and Newtownards return in October.

A full programme can be downloaded at visitardsandnorthdown.com or you can pick up a hard copy at Bangor or Newtownards Visitor Information Centres:

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

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Down

The annual Pipe Band Championships take place this Saturday 12th May at Bangor Castle.  With over 40 bands and 50 Drum Majors competing, this event is impressive to spectate. Admission is free.

Armagh

Labelled as the Hottest New Group out of Northern Ireland, Connla  have recently released their EP in April 2015, and album ‘River Waiting’ in July 2016, and have received fantastic reviews at home and internationally.  See them perform live this Friday 11th May at the Market Place Theatre.

Fermanagh

The early bird catches the worm! Head to Marble Arch Caves this Saturday 12th May for 5:00am to join Geopark staff to listen to the spectacular array of birdsong as they welcome the new day with fine voice. Geopark staff will help you to identify which birds you can hear – from wrens to ravens. Afterwards join us in the Café for your early bird breakfast. This promises to be a truly memorable morning.  Warm waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are essential.

Tyrone

The Rock’N’Roll Years and Dance Hall Days’ Show is back  this Saturday at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown with a brand new show featuring George Jones, Clubsound and four wonderful singers.  The show will transport you back to the nostalgic days and incredible music and artistes of 50’s and 60’s.  Combining evocative love ballads with the greatest Rock‘n’Roll hit songs of the era, this show will carry the audience back to a time when dance halls were full and the youngsters danced, jived and rocked to the Four Seasons, the Shadows, Neil Sedaka, Dean Martin, Patsy Cline, Elvis and much, much more!

Derry/Londonderry

Calling all runners and walkers! This year’s Termoneeny 10k & 5k Fun Run/Walk takes place on Friday the 11th of May at 7.30 pm. Registration opens at 6.00 pm.  Water will be available in the Termoneeny Centre and along the route. Tea and sandwiches will be served in the Termoneeny Centre after the race. Showers and changing facilities are also available in the building. The Termoneeny Centre is situated at  56 Quarry Road, Knockloughrim, Magherafelt, BT45 8NS.

Antrim

Friends’ Goodwill Music Festival returns to Larne for a second year on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th May. The free event has been revamped and relocated yet will again have a packed programme of live music, dancing, family entertainment, children’s activities, an exhibition, street theatre, food heritage demonstrations, a ceilidh and a bit of magic.The main venue is the restored Market Yard on Station Road which will host lively sets from The Logues, Runabay, Booka Brass, Pilgrim Street, Paul Casey, Stonewall, Pure Blarney, the Ulster Scots Juvenile Pipe Band, Eilidh Patterson and Lee Lawson.

Belfast

The annual film event organised by the Classical Association in Northern Ireland (CANI) will take place on Saturday 12th May, commencing at 2pm, in the Lecture Theatre, Ulster Museum.  The film is the 1963 Charles H. Schneer production of “Jason and the Argonauts”, which is famous for the special effects created by Ray Harryhausen.  The film is a U certificate and is suitable for all ages.  Dr Katerina Kolotourou of CANI will give a brief introduction.  Admission for non-CANI members is £5, members and under 16s free.

 

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.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

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Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible 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.

 

Mountain High Weekend, Spelga House, Co. Down from £350 per stay.

This four-star, luxurious, self-catering accommodation is set high in the Mourne Mountains, yet conveniently only a 10 minutes’ drive from Newcastle. The house accommodates up to 10 people in five bedrooms and has a Jacuzzi spa, games room and BBQ. Offer includes two nights’ accommodation at this ideal setting for a luxury retreat. To book call 0772043 2781, quoting MHW. Offer available until 24 June.

 

Seize Summer, Belmore Court and Motel, Co. Fermanagh from £60 per room, per night.

The four-star Belmore Court gives the opportunity to experience the Fermanagh Lakelands’ breathtaking scenery, myriad attractions and rich heritage. Located in the centre of Fermanagh town this comfortable hotel provides a warm resting spot after a day of ‘seizing the summer’. Offer is based on a minimum three-night stay, offering a saving of 20%. To book call 028 6632 6633. Offer available until 31 August.

 

Spectacular Spring, Ballygally Castle Hotel, Co. Antrim from £60 per person sharing.

Overlooking golden sandy beaches, the four star Ballygally Castle hotel is the perfect base for exploring the beautiful Causeway Coast this Spring. The Castle dates back to 1625 and is the only 17th Century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland today. The hotel is reputedly haunted by a friendly ghost and brave guests can visit the ‘ghost room’ to see for themselves. Offer includes luxury overnight accommodation, a seasonal cocktail on arrival and a full Irish breakfast. To book call 028 2858 1066. Offer available until 31 May.

 

All offers are subject to availability.  For further information visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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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 10 exciting things taking place this week (7-13 May)

 

  1. Shanes Castle Steam Rally, Antrim, 6-7 May. Over forty steam engines and working steam models are expected at Shanes Castle along with living vans and machinery, demonstrating how they worked in bygone times. Entertainment for the day includes a mobile farm, Punch & Judy shows, car displays, demonstration rescues and much more.
  2. Beltaine Festival of Fire, Armagh, 5-7 May.  Immerse yourself in life as an ancient Celt at the Navan Centre & Fort during the Beltaine Festival of Fire; a time of purification and transition. Help build a fire arch, try your hand at making a traditional Celtic crown and join in the preparation of handfasting cakes.
  3. Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival 2018, Belfast, 3-13 May. The 19th Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival boasts a staggering programme of live music, comedy, spoken word, theatre, literature, film and art with over 150 events for all ages taking place across 20 venues in the city. For full event programme, visit CQAF.com.
  4. The O’Neills Story, Tullaghoge Fort and Hill of the O’Neill, Cookstown, 12 May.  The story of the O’Neill clan has caught the imagination of visitors and locals alike. Join this historic walking tour, which follows in the clan’s footsteps.
  5. Vauxhall International 2018 North West 200 Race Festival Week, Portstewart, 13-17 May. With three days of racing, 100 riders, 100k spectators and speeds of up to 209mph, the NW200 is one of Northern Ireland’s top sporting events and one of the world’s fastest road races. The event includes exhibitions, charity cycles, mini moto cycling, car boot sales and displays of veteran, vintage and classic vehicles, as well as special guests and music entertainment.
  6. Portadown Viking Experience 2018, Craigavon, 11 May. A celebration of heritage on the banks of the River Bann, the Portadown Viking Experience aims to bring 200 Viking re-enactors, artisans and craftspeople together at the original Viking site. With rowing and sailing sessions for families, authentic Viking village history talks, warrior weapon training, and mock Viking battles for children, this day is sure to get everyone into the Viking spirit.
  7. Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon 2018, Belfast, 7 May. Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is the largest participatory sporting event in Northern Ireland. Launched in 1982 with 3025 entrants, the event takes place on May Day each year, now bringing over 17,000 people to Belfast.
  8. Pipe Band Championships, Bangor, 12 May.  Castle Park will be hosting the Pipe Band Championships. With over 40 bands and 50 Drum Majors competing at this event, it makes an impressive spectacle and a fantastic day out for all the family.
  9. Launch of Downhill Tree Trail, Coleraine, 12 May. Springtime is a great time to visit the Downhill Demesne. This guided tour offers not only a chance to discover exotic trees and a secret arboretum but also the chance to see well-tended gardens in full bloom and woodland areas around the lake ablaze with wild flowers such as bluebells celandine and wild garlic.
  10. Snow Patrol, Derry~Londonderry, 11 May. The Millennium Forum welcomes the globally acclaimed Northern Irish band Snow Patrol, for an intimate gig in the Walled City.

 

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

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