Visit Armagh is on the hunt for an adventure-seeking family in a new ‘Family Explorer’ competition set to showcase the very best of family-friendly attractions and experiences across the Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon region.

Just in time for summer, families with children aged 16 and under are invited to apply by sharing in 100 words or less why they should be chosen. Applications can be submitted online at visitarmagh.com/familyexplorer, with the competition closing on May 18.

As the destination’s official Family Explorer, the selected family will kick off their journey with a stay at Tepee Valley – a one-of-a-kind glamping experience set in the heart of the Orchard County’s countryside. The adventure continues with VIP access to standout attractions, including the Armagh Planetarium and Observatory – the only facility of its kind on the island of Ireland – and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Tayto Castle in Tandragee, home of the iconic crisps.

Throughout 2025, they will be invited to attend a vibrant calendar of festivals and events. From the Georgian Festival, where Armagh’s 18th century charm comes to life with family-friendly events and festive markets, to the Food and Cider Festival celebrating the area’s rich harvest and its famed PGI-certified Armagh Bramley apple and the return of the Wickerman event in August, a dramatic Lughnasa celebration featuring music and crafts.

This latest initiative reflects the region’s commitment to families seeking memorable, high-quality experiences.

Sara McGeary, Tourism Manager at Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council, said, “As a region, we’ve made it a priority to invest in experiences that speak directly to families – not just as visitors, but as a core part of our tourism proposition. This competition is just one example of how we’re bringing that to life, offering a chance to experience the very best of what Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon has to offer. We’re continuing to evolve our attractions and activities to reflect what modern families are looking for. In fact, we’ve just launched a range of new experiences designed to cement Armagh’s status as a must-visit destination for families to connect, explore, and make memories together. Our aim is simple: to create meaningful, accessible experiences that don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.”

The region’s newest offerings give families the chance to explore the heritage of the area including the ancient art of road bowling in Armagh City to Dan Winter’s Cottage, where children and adults alike can learn about traditional weaving in one of Ireland’s oldest thatched homes. Young adventurers can enjoy a brand-new activity sheet filled with fun and educational content, while families can embrace the local food scene and the outdoors with orchard tours, outdoor cooking experiences, adventure play trails in Gosford Forest Park and Moo Valley Artisan Gelato’s farm-to-table tastings.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, said, “Summer is one of the most exciting times to visit our borough – the energy, the colour, and the sense of welcome are second to none. We see families returning year after year because they know they’ll find something special here. Whether that’s stepping behind the scenes at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, delving into ancient myths at Navan Centre & Fort, or indulging in some retail therapy at The Boulevard, we truly believe this is the best place on the island for a family escape – and during the summer months, there’s simply no better time to experience it.”

Families are invited to visit visitarmagh.com/familyexplorer and to submit an entry. T&Cs apply.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Museums Services is thrilled to announce the official opening of the Joey 25 Exhibition, a tribute to motorcycling legend Joey Dunlop, at Ballymoney Museum.

This free exhibition opens to the public from Tuesday 6^th May 2025 and commemorates 25 years since the passing of one of Northern Ireland’s greatest sporting icons, and forms part of the Joey 25 celebration taking place in his home town this May.

Joey Dunlop, born in Ballymoney in 1952, was revered as the “King of the Roads” and his extraordinary career boasted 26 Isle of Man TT wins, five Formula One World Championships, 13 North West 200 victories, and 24 Ulster Grand Prix triumphs.

Beyond his racing prowess, Joey was honoured with an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 1996 for his humanitarian work with children in Eastern Europe. The Joey 25 Exhibition celebrates his enduring legacy as a local hero and global ambassador for motorcycling.

The exhibition showcases a unique collection of artifacts and memorabilia, many on loan from the Dunlop family archives and others loaned specifically for this display.

Highlights include rare photographs, racing leathers, trophies, and personal items that chronicle Joey’s remarkable journey.

Of particular note is the racing leathers Joey wore during the 1981 Isle of Man TT, where riders wore all black as a protest. The exhibition also features the very gloves Joey wore when he lost the tip of his left-hand ring finger in a crash during the 1998 Tandragee 100 race meeting.

Visitors will be able to explore restored and original racing bikes, alongside interactive displays and video tributes that capture his courage, humility, and passion for the sport.

The official launch was attended by Joey’s wife, Linda Dunlop, and many of the Dunlop family, who joined Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, to open the exhibition which will run daily Monday – Saturday 9am-5pm from Tuesday 6^th May – Saturday 30^th August 2025 (excluding bank holidays).

“We are deeply honoured to host this exhibition in Joey’s hometown,” said Councillor Ciarán McQuillan.

“Joey Dunlop was not just a sporting legend but a beloved figure who put Ballymoney on the world stage. This exhibition is a heartfelt tribute to his achievements and the profound impact he continues to have on our community and beyond.”

The Joey 25 Exhibition is part of a series of events commemorating the 25th anniversary of Joey’s passing and Jamie Austin, Councils Museum Officer said: “Thank you to Linda and the Dunlop family for sharing their cherished items with us for this iconic exhibition.

“I would also like to thank William McComb and Ian Waddell who have loaned bikes that Joey rode for the exhibition, in addition to Clifford Stewart who has also kindly loaned bikes to the museum which will be showcased as part of a display on the history of motorbike racing.

“The Museums team is very much looking forward to showing members of the public this exhibition and the legacy that Joey has left for us all.”

On May 24, 2025, the Joey 25 Celebration will feature over 25 motorcycling legends, including World Superbike Champions Carl Fogarty and Jonathan Rea, riding Joey’s iconic bikes in a closed-road parade through Ballymoney’s town centre.

“Joey’s memory lives on through the love and support of his fans and our community,” said Linda Dunlop.

“This Joey 25 exhibition is a beautiful way to honour his life, and we’re grateful to Ballymoney Museum staff and the Council for making it happen.”

Longing to travel but tight on time? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. With increasingly busy lives holi-dayers of all ages are finding the best way to satisfy their wanderlust is with a daycation.

Same-day travel offers an affordable and convenient way to experience the best of new places. It eliminates the need to book accommodation, removes luggage worries and minimises the amount of time you need to take away from work and all of life’s other responsibilities.

And, thanks to Stena Line, a day-trip to the Scottish seaside has never been easier.

Whether you’re hoping to enjoy an afternoon filled with picnics and sandcastle building on one of Scotland’s best beaches, put your putting skills to the test with some mini-golf at Pirate Pete’s Family Entertainment Centre or get your cultural fill at Robert Burn’s birthplace museum, there is no shortage of fantastic experiences to be had in Ayr on the country’s west coast.

Crossing the Irish Sea in just over two hours, passengers can leave their car, and cares, at home while they relax, unwind and enjoy the unrivalled style and comfort of Stena Superfast and a return coach trip to Ayr.

Your holiday starts the second you set foot onboard and passengers seeking instant relaxation are invited to take a dip in the jacuzzi or enjoy some time out in the sauna at the Pure Nordic Spa, where day-trippers are also entitled to 20% off all treatments.

Start your day with a great value meal in the Taste Restaurant and bag yourself a bargain in the Onboard Shop, where you’ll also receive a £5 off shopping voucher if you spend at least £30.

Or simply relax and unwind in The Living Room or upgrade your trip and enjoy the luxury of the Stena Plus Lounge or the Hygge Recline Lounge.

Departing Belfast at 7:30am, guests will arrive in Cairnryan and take a one-hour coach trip to the seaside town where they will enjoy six hours of free-time, before they return to Belfast at 9:45pm.

Prices start from just £28 per adult and £22 per child. Stena Line passengers will be able to enjoy a day out in the beautiful seaside town of Ayr on select Thursdays and Saturdays from April 24 to September 25.

For more information visit stenaline.co.uk/special-offers/day-trip-to-ayr.

The City of Derry Jazz Festival swings into town once again over the May Bank holiday with a stellar line up of talent all set to celebrate jazz in all its forms.

From Thursday 1^st May – Monday 5^th May musicians from across the world will descend on the city to mark 24 years of Ireland’s biggest Jazz extravaganza. Final preparations are now well underway to deliver an unsurpassable programme featuring almost 400 live performances – most of them free!

Music legend Billy Ocean tops the festival bill, performing his iconic hits including ‘Get Outta My Dreams’ and ‘When the Going Gets Tough’ in the Millennium Forum on Saturday and Sunday May 3^rd and 4^th.

This year’s programme includes old jazz favourites, local legends and plenty of new talent, ready to deliver five days packed with entertainment, from jazz workshops to live concerts and drama performances.

It all kicks off in the Guildhall on Thursday evening at 6pm with the ‘Live Launch’ led by the crème de la crème of local performers, with all donations going to the Mayor’s chosen charity the Bud Club.

A number of dedicated jazz hubs will host performances by some of the very best names on the jazz circuit over the course of the weekend. Popular jazz hotspot Bennigans Bar welcomes a number of acclaimed artists this year, including the Murray Brothers Quartet, the Kevin Brady Trio, Shuffle Boil Quartet and Sara Oschlag.

The Playhouse will also showcase a whole host of talent including Tom Ollendorff, Robert Mitchell, Victoria Geelan, and Albuca featuring Phil Robson.

Swing on over to St Columb’s Hall on Friday night for a fabulous show by Saturdays sensation Una Healy with Luke Thomas and the Swingcats. Fly Me to the Moon will pay tribute to some of the most iconic artists from Ella Fitzgerald to Louis Armstrong. On Saturday and Sunday the EY Jazz Lounge will be hosted by local favourite Paul McIntyre with top talents Curtis Efoua Ela, Brian Questa and Phil Robson, as well as special guest vocalist Winnie Ama.

There will be beats on the streets with a variety of al fresco acts, bringing the vibrant sound of jazz to the entire city. Check out the fantastic line up all set to get the Craft Village swinging from 11am on Saturday and 12noon on Sunday. Younger performers will also have the chance to show off their talents performing live on the Gay McIntyre Stage, showcasing some of the finest jazz talent in the historic Guildhall Square. And don’t forget to catch the DLD Second Line Parade as it weaves its musical magic through the city centre on Saturday morning from 11am.

The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is organised and funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Diageo and EY.

For more information go to www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com and for regular updates follow the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival on Facebook, Instagram and X @derryjazzfest.

A superhero-themed fun day will take place at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park on Saturday 10 May to support one of the Lord Mayor’s chosen charities this year, Depaul.

The family event, from 1pm-4pm, will feature free activities for all ages, including archery, bouncy castles, face painting, crafts and carnival games.

Depaul is one of four charities chosen by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, for his year in office. They support individuals coping with homelessness and addiction and their families, through counselling, family support and accommodation.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said: “Depaul do amazing work in Belfast – most of which goes unseen.

“Having worked in the sector myself, I know the vital role they play in the lives of those they work with. I’m delighted to take this opportunity to support these real-life ‘superheroes’ and highlight the services they provide.

“Everyone is welcome to come along to Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park next Saturday 10 May and enjoy all that we have planned, while supporting this worthy cause.”

David Carroll, CEO with Depaul, said: “We are proud to have been chosen by the Lord Mayor to be one of his charities – we have hugely enjoyed working with him during this partnership.

“The Lord Mayor’s charity fun day gives us a great platform to shine a light on the crucial issue of homelessness, which continues to grow across Northern Ireland – particularly for families and children.

“By the end of 2024, there were 5,378 children living in emergency accommodation – now more than ever, our mission remains clear and we have an unwavering commitment to ending homelessness and changing lives.”

For more information on Depaul, visit www.depaulcharity.org

The next concert in the series of Music in the Chamber events at Bangor Castle, is taking place on Friday 16 May and will feature the Irish folk group Cua.

Cua are musicians John Davidson, Shane Booth and Ros O’Meara. They bring together dynamic and contrasting instrumentation and voices. The group have an expansive acoustic soundscape blending guitars, fiddle, bouzouki, percussion and three-part harmony arrangements to create a folk styling that incorporates elements of music from the plains of Ireland to the mountains of Scotland and much farther afield both east and west.

Cua truly pride themselves on their diversity, with subtle nods to many genres, whilst keeping a folk, world, roots and traditional line throughout. All members are multi-instrumentalists and are inspired by many aspects of the musical spectrum including roots, blues, gospel, jazz fusion, traditional, bluegrass and more. Their approach to music is inspired by the history, landscape and peoples of the Atlantic areas.

The band have been recognised on a European and national level following their first two successful studio releases and are receiving national and local radio airplay across the UK, Europe and America.

“An unclassifiable band that weave together different musics into something that is their own, crackling with life, energy and spark.” 

– Marc Higgins – Fatea Records 

Tickets cost £15 and are on sale now at: Music in the Chamber: Cua | AND Culture

Carlingford Adventure Centre has officially launched a new Team Development Programme, offering a dynamic learning experience aimed at helping corporate teams, educators and professionals strengthen communication, boost collaboration and unlock leadership potential.

Marking a significant milestone in its 35th year of operation, the Centre has expanded its offering with a bespoke initiative that blends hands-on, outdoor challenges with structured facilitation and expert-led reflection. Set against the backdrop of the scenic Cooley Peninsula, the programme provides a refreshing alternative to traditional training by focusing on the lived experience of learning, encouraging participants to step outside the boardroom and develop skills that transfer directly back into the workplace.

Edward Fuller, General Manager at Carlingford Adventure Centre, said:
“In today’s fast-paced work environment, strong communication, trust, and leadership are more important than ever. This programme empowers teams to develop those skills through dynamic, hands-on experiences. It’s not just about stepping away from the office—it’s about stepping up performance, building resilience, and returning with a mindset built for success.”

Participants take part in carefully designed tasks that simulate real-world scenarios and provide opportunities to explore key competencies such as effective communication, strategic thinking, time management, decision-making and team cohesion. Research by Bupa indicates that individuals involved in teams or community groups are 24% more likely to report feeling happy, with a strong sense of belonging also leading to increased confidence and reduced feelings of isolation. 

With expert facilitation and continuous feedback built into every session, teams are supported to reflect, review and implement their learning in a way that delivers measurable results. In fact, 62% of employees believe that increased team social events contribute to a friendlier work environment, according to PA Life, TALiNT Partners Insights and HR News.

The Centre’s location plays a vital role in the experience, with purpose-built activity zones set in the heart of Carlingford’s natural landscape. The surrounding village, with its rich history and vibrant local hospitality, adds further value for visiting groups by offering tailored accommodation and dining partnerships that complement the learning journey.

The programme is fully customisable to meet the needs of different industries, leadership levels and team sizes. Sessions are designed using a structured ‘Plan, Do, Review, Improve’ model, ensuring outcomes are not only practical but sustainable.

As a long-established leader in outdoor education and adventure training, Carlingford Adventure Centre continues to innovate in the areas of corporate development, education and team growth. The new Team Development Programme builds on that legacy, reinforcing its commitment to meaningful impact through experiential learning.

To find out more or book a session, visit www.carlingfordadventure.com or call +353 (42) 9373100.

International investor and star of the critically acclaimed Show Her The Money documentary Wendy Ryan is set to take to the stage at the forthcoming TechFoundHer Summit 2025 in Dublin next month.

Wendy, CEO of Kadabra based in Silicon Valley, will join fellow US investor Lata Shetty for an exclusive panel discussion that will include leading voices from Ireland and beyond including innovators such as Kelly Vero, Lesley Sackey, Dr Patricia Scanlon, Barbara McCarthy, and Áine Kerr. 

The summit, which returns to the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin on Tuesday May 14, will host the second Dublin screening of the film, followed by an exclusive panel discussion featuring Ryan and a line-up of high-profile investors and innovation leaders.

Wendy Ryan, a powerhouse investor is committed to using her generational wealth to invest and support early-stage companies led by women, while Lata is a globally recognised tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist who is an inaugural investor and on advisory board of Silicon Valley Women’s Founder Funds. They will be joined on the panel by Mary Rodgers of PorterShed, Suzanne Mills, and Eshna Gogia from Republic of Work, who each play a significant role in championing startups in Ireland.

TechFoundHer founder Máirín Murray, who will host the event and panel, said it is expected to be a “powerful global gathering that’s flipping the script on who gets to lead in tech.”

She added: “This isn’t just another tech event, it’s a high-energy, purpose-driven gathering for women building and scaling tech solutions to solve real-world problems. 

“This year, the message is clear – the future of tech must be diverse, daring, and include women.

“This summit is about unleashing vision and imagination.

“It’s for women who want to tackle real-world problems with powerful tech tools – and have some fun doing it.”

Catherine Gray is the producer and driving force behind the Show Her the Money movie which is directed by Ky Dickens. The movie explores the significant underrepresentation of women in venture capital funding, with women receiving less than 2% globally. 

The film follows the journey of four women founders as they overcome systemic barriers in their pursuit of venture capital, highlighting the critical role of women investors who support them. It also shines a light on businesses that challenge conventional norms, from inclusive fashion to Ayurveda-inspired beauty, illustrating how access to funding can drive meaningful change.

Wendy, an executive producer of the Show Me The Money film, which also premiered in Belfast at The MAC this time last year, said: “If I write a woman a $10,000 cheque she is going to go much further with it than a similarly situated male would – returns are actually better when you invest in women.” 

As the author of Learn Lead Lift, Wendy focuses on empowering women and BIPOC entrepreneurs through her investments and advisory roles.

Speaking of the film Máirín explained: “Show Her The Money is more than a documentary – it’s a catalyst for change. 

“We’re bringing it back to Dublin because the conversation is far from over. If we want a future where innovation is truly inclusive, we need to see, hear, and fund women entrepreneurs. This film opens eyes – and doors.”

The screening is part of the TechFoundHer Summit 2025, which will also feature keynote speakers such as Kelly Vero, known for her work on Tomb Raider and Halo 3.

The event will also explore a range of themes including diversity in tech, startup growth, funding pathways, and real-world product innovation strategies. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with graduates of TechFoundHer’s Innovation Labs, a programme aimed at making tech accessible, impactful, and inclusive.

This year’s summit is supported by Dublin City Council as Headline Sponsor with U.S. Bank Europe and Enterprise Ireland acting as Network Sponsors. Additional support comes from WITS (Women in Technology & Science Ireland), BlockW and Nigma MVP Development Specialists as Catalyst Sponsors.

TechFoundHer’s Innovation Labs Programme has been funded through InterTradeIreland, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland, under the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme with KPMG Ireland also supporting.

Tickets for the TechFoundHer Summit 2025 are now available, for more information go to www.techfoundher.com