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 (9-15 April)

 

  1. Ards International Guitar Festival 2018, Newtownards, 11-15 April. A fresh new programme of guitar-inspired gigs, free fringe events and guitar clinics with industry professionals. Taking place at various venues throughout Ards, expect a jam-packed line-up of blues, folk, rock, bluegrass and classical for guitar aficionados across the borough. For more information visit ArdsGuitarFestival.co.uk
  2. Belfast Film Festival 2018, Belfast, 12-21 April. Belfast Film Festival presents a huge range of films from across the globe, the tantalising line-up includes new international cinema and documentaries, critically acclaimed television, features and shorts from local filmmakers, and plenty of post-screening discussions throughout the city. For more information visit BelfastFilmFestival.org
  3. The Exam by Andy Hamilton, Coleraine, 10-11 April. Coleraine Amateur Stage Society perform The Exam at The Riverside Theatre. This play is a comic look at the pressures put on young people by parents and teachers.
  4. Music@One Presents Gary Lutton, Derry~Londondery, 10 April. Gary Lutton, an acoustic guitarist from Belfast, brings his eclectic style of music with a unique approach to fingerstyle guitar; often meditative and chorographical to the Great Hall at Ulster University.
  5. We’ll Walk Hand In Hand, Newry, 10 April. A new play by leading Northern Ireland playwright Martin Lynch performed at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre. We’ll Walk Hand in Hand plots the lives of two working class kids from Belfast, Vincent and Lesley. They meet at University in 1967 and soon find themselves at the centre of the explosive student reaction to the Civil Rights movement.
  6. A Night To Remember, Belfast, 14 April. On the anniversary of the sinking of one of history’s most famous ships guests can submerge themselves in this 90 minute experience. Guests will be led by guides to key points throughout Titanic Belfast, Titanic Hotel Belfast and SS Nomadic where a heart-felt story will be told on a journey which tracks the history of Titanic from her design right through to her subsequent place in history. To book tickets visit TitanicBelfast.com.
  7. Chamber Philharmonic Europe, Portaferry, 14 April. Portico is delighted to welcome the Chamber Philharmonic Europe for what promises to be an evening of exceptional chamber music. With an outstanding reputation and exciting programme, this is a concert not to miss.
  8. Ballynafeigh School of Irish Dancing Performance, Belfast, 14-15 April. Enjoy a night of traditional Irish dance, music and song from Ballynafeigh School of Irish Dancing, with music from the spectacular Beyond the Pale and compered by BBC Health Correspondent, Marie-Louise Connolly. To book tickets visit WaterFront.co.uk.
  9. Spring Fair, Ballymoney, 14 April. This new one-day festival has a packed programme of events and activities that will take place at Ballymoney’s Castlecroft Square, Megaw Park, The Diamond area in the town centre and the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre. Enjoy vintage cars, family fun, mouth-watering delights, intricate crafts, traditional music and much more.
  10. Lough Erne Canoe Rally, Enniskillen, 14-15 April. A competitive canoeing and kayaking event open to all abilities and age groups. The idea of the event is that all individuals must choose a boat and compete in the same boat across all disciplines. Disciplines will include long distance race, forward sprint, obstacle race and competitors can even score double points by dressing in this year’s fancy theme, superheroes.

 

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 International Guitar Festival is back with a bang from 11th to 15th April with a fresh new programme of guitar inspired gigs, free fringe events, guitar clinics with industry professionals and an exhibition featuring many of your guitar heroes by Steve McDowell. Expect a jam-packed line-up of blues, folk, rock, bluegrass and classical for guitar aficionados across the borough.  Highlights of this year’s festival include Hungarian born/LA based guitarist Daniel Marx, Classical virtuoso Craig Ogden and a Saturday line-up featuring John Tracey, Clive Carroll and the fantastic Martin Simpson. The Ivy bar welcomes plenty of action with late gigs featuring BOWANA and the Woodburning Savages.

Armagh

Come along to taste and buy a range of locally sourced produce this Saturday 14th April at the Argory.  The once bustling  Courtyard at The Argory will come alive with cookery demonstrations, shopping and music from 11.00 am to 4.00pm.

Fermanagh

The Lough Erne Canoe Rally this weekend, 14th and 15th April, is a not for profit, competitive canoeing/kayaking event open to all abilities and age groups. A fantastic weekend of craic and competition on Upper Lough Erne!   No experience is necessary and all entries are welcomed! The idea of the event is that all individuals must choose a boat and compete in the same boat across all disciplines; gathering points in each discipline.  Entry fee includes access to all events, BBQ dinner on Saturday evening, entry to fancy dress disco, bar and prizes.  Accommodation can be organised through SHARE starting from £10 per person.

Tyrone

Textile Arts Workshop, An Creagan, Saturday 14th April. Textile Artist Andrea Hayes will show participants a variety of contemporary textile techniques that she uses to create her on artwork. Individuals can create a similar variation to one of Andrea’s pieces or if they have a scene/image they would like to recreate they can bring do this also.  This will include using specialist paints to paint backgrounds, access to a wide variety of fabrics for applique and fusing fabrics together and using fine metal such as copper and how to incorporate this into their very own artwork.  14th April, 10am – 4pm Cost: £35 – includes lunch.

Derry/Londonderry

On Saturday 14th April the Parish of St. Lurach’s Maghera & Killelagh are delighted to be hosting Linen in the Bible Exhibition in the beautiful and tranquil setting of their Georgian Rectory. The Exhibition has been very graciously co-ordinated by Mr Bruce Clark who is a member of the Clark Family who established William Clark & Sons Linen Factory over 300 years ago in Upperlands. The Exhibition illustrates the use and symbolism of linen in the Bible as well as a display of images and objects that recall linen-making in modern Ireland.  Visit the Exhibition, partake of afternoon tea and take a guided tour of the Rectory with historian Dan Calley.

Antrim

The new one-day Ballymoney Spring Festival on Saturday 14th April, has a packed programme of events and activities that will take place at Ballymoney’s Castlecroft Square, Megaw Park, The Diamond area in the town centre and the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre.  Ballymoney Old Vehicle Clubs, Vintage and Classic Car Show will bring their annual show to the Joey Dunlop Centre. The event will then conclude with a cavalcade through the streets of Ballymoney.  The Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market will be on hand at Castlecroft Square to offer exceptional locally grown and produced food and drink and high quality hand-crafted goods created by the very best the Causeway Coast and Glens has to offer. Many of Ballymoney town centre’s retailers will be participating in a promotional event offering discounts throughout the event.

Belfast

Abigail’s Party, 14th April to 5th May at The Mac, is one of the most iconic stage plays of the 20th century, thanks partly to its legendary 1977 ‘Play for Today’ production on BBC1. From a time when the height of urban sophistication was cheese and pineapple on a stick, served nonchalantly on a Lazy Susan comes a tragi-comedy about social climbing, prejudice and fear of not doing ‘the done thing’.

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.

 

Jacqueline McGonigle

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on across NI this Easter Weekend!

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The seaside town of Bangor will become a land of make-believe from Saturday 31st March until Monday 2nd April, with three days of free, family fun scheduled to take place.  Its very own mystical maze will take centre ‘page’ when ‘dotMaze’, a 20-foot installation that is travelling to Bangor all the way from America, comes to Bangor seafront.  The McKee Clock Arena will also play host to ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ and ‘Mr McGregor’s Garden’ themed tents, with storytelling, sing-alongs, dress-up, crafts, a pop-up library and more entertainment planned.

Armagh

Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf? Visit the three little pigs in their houses made from straw, wood and stone at Navan Fort this weekend from 31st March until 3rd April.  What will happen when the big bad wolf comes calling…which house will survive the huff and puff of the big bad wolf? Join in the fun by making your very own piggy craft, and why not come dressed up as one of your favourite story time characters. Finish your visit with an Easter trail!

Fermanagh

Join Castle Coole’s Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt from 30th March to 2nd April, taking you towards the boathouse, past the house, through the beech trees and into the grand yard following Bunny’s clues.   Complete the nature themed egg hunt to claim your Cadbury chocolate prize!   Normal admission rates apply. Egg Hunts are £1.50 per child.

Tyrone

Visitors of all ages at the Ulster American Folk Park Omagh will be amused for hours on end over Easter weekend witnessing the sights, smells and sounds of a busy market day. Take in the hustle and bustle of the stallholders, shopkeepers, travelling journeymen and entertainers down at the heritage restored shop fronts of Ulster Street. Try your hand at traditional crafts, meet the spring lambs and enjoy storytelling sessions. Taste seasonal treats, giggle at a Punch & Judy show and have a go at egg & spoon races. Event day admission fees apply.

Derry/Londonderry

If you’re looking for something a bit different to liven up your Easter Holiday weekend, then join Big Telly Theatre Company in an innovative new game, developed in partnership with Seamus Heaney HomePlace, called Operation Sweet-Talk. Taking place on Saturday 31st March from 11.30am in Magherafelt Town Centre, Operation Sweet-Talk is an interactive game (part treasure hunt, part immersive theatre) to help find the lost words of Seamus Heaney hidden in multiple locations across Magherafelt.

Antrim

Enjoy a fun family day out with new and exciting thrills and entertainment of Planet Fun with the 60m Star Flyer, the Big Wheel, Ultra Buzz and much more as Planet Fun arrives in Carrickfergus on 30th March until 14th April.

Belfast

Join Titanic Belfast for a special Easter Afternoon Tea in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite for a wonderful celebration by the Grand Staircase on Sunday 1st April!  Step back in time to a period of luxury, elegance and 5-star service and enjoy an egg-citing Easter menu featuring a selection of finger sandwiches, classic scones with fresh cream, mouth-watering cakes and exquisite éclairs as well as tasty savoury bites!  Children can choose from a special Afternoon Tea menu for those aged 2-11, and have lots of fun decorating their own chocolate Easter Egg to take home!

 

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.

 

Antrim Live 2018

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Finish your Easter Holidays in style with a visit to Antrim Live from Friday 6 until Sunday 8 April. Antrim Town will be awash with activity during this two-day cultural extravaganza.

Antrim Live is a family event with something to offer from tiny tots to seniors. 1950’s Rock N Roll Band The Soda Popz will perform at The Old Courthouse on Friday 6 April and lurgan-born singer Malojian featuring the Antrim Community Choir will play on Saturday 7 April. Star of BBC’s The Blame Game, Neil Delamere will bring the festival to a spectacular close on Sunday 8 April.

We are super egg-cited about our fabulous new interactive Treasure Trail. Join an array of quirky characters which will include Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter and The Wizard of Oz to name just a few and take a trip through the wonderful Wonderland Wood. Street performers, market stalls, arts & crafts, baby rave, fun fair and storytelling with Mr Hullabaloo will provide the children with hours of endless fun.

Our brand new busking competition ‘Busking Live’ will showcase the best of our home-grown talent whilst Castle Mall will host the best of local choirs and singers around.

We hope you can join us for a feast of festivities in the heart of Antrim Town. For a full programme of events please visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/antrimlive.

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OFFERS OF THE WEEK

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Northern Ireland boasts a wide choice 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.

 

Phew It’s The Weekend, Kilmorey Arms Hotel, Co. Down from £120 per person sharing.

Nestled in the Mournes, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the three-star Kilmorey Arms Hotel boasts a prime location to explore the area. Offer includes two nights’ accommodation with full Irish breakfast, cocktail on arrival and a three-course meal for two. To book call 4176 2220. Offer available until 7 July 2019.

 

Easter Family Break, Belle Isle, Co. Fermanagh from £71.75 per person sharing.

Enjoy an Easter break with your family at these charming four star cottages located in the magnificent Belle Isle Estate in the heart of Enniskillen. This family of four package includes four nights break at a choice of the Belle Isle cottages, a welcome hamper, children’s activity packs, a family visit to the Marble Arch Caves, participation in the Easter egg hunt and entry to Enniskillen Castle. To book call 6638 7231. Offer available 2-6 April.

 

Rendezvous Break, Burndavis Lodge, Co. Antrim from £230 per stay.

The four-star Burndavis Lodge is a short walk from Broughshane, awarded garden village of Ulster for its lovely floral displays, in Ballymena. Offer includes a two-night break for up to six people, with afternoon tea and Prosecco on arrival. Meet up with old friends share good times in our homely environment. To book call 07467429654 and quote “Tea”. Offer available until 10 December (Not applicable July and August)

 

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 (26 March – 1 April)

 

  1. Dockside Festival 2018, Belfast, 30 March – 2 April. To celebrate the opening of a brand new visitor centre at HMS Caroline March sees the launch of the Dockside Festival which brings together live entertainers, film screenings and arts and crafts events for a fun-filled family programme.
  2. Easter Egg-travaganza at SHARE, Enniskillen, 31 March – 1 April. Each day has two activity sessions including face painting, Easter crafts, egg hunt, balloon modelling and much more. Sessions start at 10.30 and 14.30 and pre-booking is essential, tickets available at ShareVillage.org/Whats-On/
  3. Jungle NI Family Fun Day, Magherafelt, 31 March. This family fun day offers a colourful carnival of exciting activities, arty happenings and tasty treats promising an unforgettable adventurous escape suitable for all ages and all abilities. Similar to a fun fair, the family fun day is an open-park day and offers a range of outdoor activities.
  4. Easter Celebrations at Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Holywood, 1 – 3 April. Come and enjoy a range of Easter activities and see traditional crafts such as basket making, pole lathe turning and weaving and  traditional street games.
  5. The King Is Back, Derry~Londonderry, 29 March. Ben Portsmouth, Elvis tribute artist, a multi-talented musician, singer and songwriter comes to the Millennium Forum. Fans from all over the world declare Ben as the closest they have ever seen to Elvis Presley. To book tickets call 028 7127 2775.
  6. Brendan Cole – All Night Long, Belfast, 28-28 March. Strictly Come Dancing’s charismatic Brendan Cole takes to the stage to wow audiences with his latest spectacular production, All Night Long. Joined by his sensational cast of guest dancers, captivating leading lady and superbly talented 14-piece band and singers, to whip up an extravagant mix of Latin fever and ballroom magic at the Waterfront Hall. To book visit WaterFront.co.uk
  7. Ulster Orchestra – Brahms’ Requiem at Easter, Belfast, 30 March. Join Ulster Orchestra at the Ulster Hall for another wonderful evening of music. Let this intimate concert bring peace and time for reflection amidst the joy of Easter. To book visit UlsterOrchestra.org.uk
  8. Easter at Downhill Demesne, Castlerock, 26 March – 8 April. Meeting at the Lion’s Gate for some Easter fun and Easter crafts at Downhill Demesne. Explore the natural play area and see new signs of spring in the meadows. For more information, call 028 7084 8728.
  9. The Three Little Pigs, Armagh, 31 March – 3 April. Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf? Visit the three little pigs in their houses made from straw, wood and stone. The Navan Centre & Fort celebrate Easter with a range of activities including piggy arts and crafts, dress-up and an Easter trail.
  10. Adrian Margey Solo Exhibition, Ballymena, 31 March – 3 April. Major exhibition by renowned artist Adrian Margey. More than forty original pieces depicting iconic Glens of Antrim & North Coast landmarks, landscapes and musical traditions will be on show at the Galgorm Resort and Spa.

 

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

LIVELY LINE-UP AT THE MARKET PLACE

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‘We’ll Walk Hand In Hand’ is a new play by Martin Lynch marking the 50th anniversary of the Northern Ireland civil rights struggle, and it’s coming to The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Thursday 12 April.

 

A co-production by Green Shoot Productions and Queen’s University, ‘We’ll Walk Hand In Hand’ will have an exciting combination of professional actors and community participants.

The play charts the story of Vincent and Louise, two young working class kids from Woodvale and the Lower Falls who start Queen’s University on the very day the shocking television images come through of the assassination of Martin Luther King. Becoming embroiled in the heady world of student politics, whilst back home their families see civil rights very differently, Vincent and Louise are confronted with decisions that will mark their lives forever.

Then on Saturday 14 April, after creating a storm around the country, Ireland’s favourite trio, Dominic, Shane, and Derek – collectively The Three Tenors Ireland – return to The Market Place. The Three Tenors promise a magical night to remember, as they perform an exciting Celtic flavoured programme, with uplifting songs made famous by world superstars including Sinatra [My Way], The Dubliners [Wild Rover] and Pavarotti [O Sole Mio | Nessun Dorma]. You’ll also love their new arrangements of hits such as ‘Over the Rainbow’.

Sell-out show, The Jazzabelles, is a musical set in 1950’s Belfast. It tells the story of three girls who long for a better life. After a chance meeting they form a vocal trio, who dream of performing at the prestigious Floral Hall. When a smooth manager enters the frame, it looks like their dream might become reality. However, the road to stardom is far from smooth. The Jazzabelles must overcome bullying husbands, blackmail and bigotry along the way. Is friendship and music enough to see them through? With songs sung by top local talent, a live band, swinging dance routines and a sharp script, The Jazzabelles is a high energy tale of triumph over adversity. It stages on Saturday 14 April.

Tickets can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre And 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.

Magherafelt’s Operation Sweet-Talk needs you!

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If you’re looking for something a bit different to liven up your Easter Holiday weekend, then join Big Telly Theatre Company in an innovative new game, developed in partnership with Seamus Heaney HomePlace, called Operation Sweet-Talk.

Taking place on Saturday 31st March from 11.30am in Magherafelt Town Centre, Operation Sweet-Talk is an interactive game (part treasure hunt, part immersive theatre) to help find the lost words of Seamus Heaney hidden in multiple locations across Magherafelt.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is the protection of a town called Magherafelt situated on rising land to the west of the Lough Neagh lowlands. (54.7554° N, 6.6080° W). For your own safety, the specifics of your mission will not be revealed until the point of action. You must expect difficult challenges ahead.

There is a town below the water in Lough Neagh called Oceania, ruled by Slime Kings, who seek to control the human race through the annihilation of freedom of thought, speech and ideas. The Slime Kings coat truth in sugary sweetness and deal in platitudes, trivia and blandness. They believe that poetry is a magical art— a making of language spells capable of changing the world in ways we have never dared dream of. They must be stopped.

Participants may book as a team (maximum 10), or in smaller groups/individuals who form part of a team of 10 people. Each team is given a starting time at ten minute intervals, and they then uncover a series of clues which takes them on a journey through the town, in and out of shops, cafes and public areas. The experience lasts roughly an hour, will start at The Bridewell and end in an undisclosed location also in Magherafelt. The game is suitable for ages 8+ and each team must include at least one adult.

For more information or to book your team on the adventure, visit www.SeamusHeaneyHome.com (telephone 028 7938 7444), or find out more and book at The Bridewell, Magherafelt (telephone 028 7963 1510).

Enjoy a spectacular Easter in Bangor!    

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The seaside town of Bangor will become a land of make-believe from Saturday 31 March until Monday 2 April, with three days of free, family fun scheduled to take place.

Its very own mystical maze will take centre ‘page’ when ‘dotMaze’, a 20-metre installation that is travelling to Bangor all the way from America, comes to Bangor seafront.  The McKee Clock Arena will also play host to ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ and ‘Mr McGregor’s Garden’ themed tents, with storytelling, sing-alongs, dress-up, crafts, a pop-up library and more entertainment planned.

Project 24 will become Bangor’s very own Chocolate Factory; ‘Main Street, My Street’ and Bangor Chamber of Commerce will host Bangor’s Big Bunny Hunt and other free family fun; fans will be delighted to meet ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ and the ‘Fat Controller’ at intervals throughout the day at Bangor Bus and Train Station; the town’s popular annual Easter scavenger hunt will take place at North Down Museum; little adventurers can follow a treasure trail through Ward Park…and lots more!

The event is being organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council with support from Bangor Chamber of Commerce and ‘Main Street, My Street’. Translink, SERC and local churches are also partnering in the event.

For all ‘Sails and Tales – Stories by the sea’ event times, prices and information, keep up-to-date at: visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

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

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Down

Saturday Styling this Saturday 24th March, is the ultimate ladies day out, with lots of the latest tips & tricks in styling and fashion for this Spring/Summer. The fabulous Denise Curran will be the compere for the afternoon, while you enjoy a treat of Afternoon G & Tea by Duke Street at Number Seven, Warrenpoint.

Armagh

Love all the ‘Bake Off’ programmes on TV? The Easter Cupcakes for Kids this Saturday at the Market Place Theatre will introduce you to the skills and techniques for creating amazing cupcakes every time. Get hands on experience decorating a box of 12 cupcakes to take home. Learn to pipe buttercream like a pro and handle and colour using florist paste. Colour and cut sugar paste to top your cupcakes for a domed finish then complete your creations by making Easter eggs, bunnies or chicks from icing.  Suitable for age 8+.

Fermanagh

International Recording artists Foster & Allen are bringing their Golden Years Tour back to Northern Ireland.  See them perform live this Friday 23rd March at the Ardhowen Theatre. Celebrating over 40 years together in the music business they will be performing a string of their biggest hits including ‘Bunch of Thyme’, ‘Maggie’, ‘After All These Years’, ‘I Will Love You All My Life’ and ‘Old Flames’.

Tyrone

Join the Burnavon Theatre in Cookstown this Saturday 24th March for a FREE, fun-filled Family Fun Day. There will be lots of music, arts and crafts, face painting, and an Easter Egg Hunt. This promises  to be a great day out for all the family.

Derry/Londonderry

Dance like you’ve never danced before! FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL, at the Millennium Forum until Saturday 24th March, tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of 18 year old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of going to the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy and becoming a professional dancer. When a romance complicates her ambitions, she harnesses it to drive her dream.

Antrim

Yoga and Food Tour Ballycastle. This Saturday enjoy a wonderful morning of gentle stretching and breathing followed by the Lonely Planet recommended Ballycastle Food Tour.  Just what you need to wipe away those winter blues and welcome spring into your life. Book your place at www.irishfeast.com.

Belfast

BelFeast : An Evening at Belfast Cathedral.  Belfast Cathedral will open its doors on the evening of Saturday 24th March for an evening of fine dining and music entertainment provided by the talented choir and musicians of Belfast Cathedral. The evening will consist of a sparkling drinks reception followed by a fabulous 5 course menu with paired wines.

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.  

 

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