Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for an ideal short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• One Night Roe Park Spa Experience, Roe Park Resort, Limavady, Co. Londonderry. From £124.50pps. Enjoy a one night spa break with Roe Park Resort’s most popular spa package. Begin your spa experience with a traditional Swedish Back Massage followed by an Elemis Taster Facial and complete complimentary use of Fairways Health Club. Enjoy a delicious evening meal in a choice of two restaurants, an overnight stay in a beautiful guest room and a locally sourced Irish buffet breakfast on departure. Available until 15 March.  To book call (028) 7772 2222.

• One Night Food Lovers Offer, Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown, Co. Tyrone. From £99 per room. Situated at the gateway to the Fermanagh Lakelands, this family run hotel is perfectly situated to explore attractions such as Marble Arch Caves, Belleek Pottery and Ulster American Folk Park. Renowned for its award-winning cuisine, the hotel is offering a 4-course evening meal for two in its Good Food Circle restaurant as part of this deal. Available until 13 March. To book call (028) 8952 1505.

• Romantic Break with Bubbles, Shola Coach House Boutique B&B, Portrush, Co. Antrim. From £44pps. Stay for two nights in the Buttercup Room with its distant sea view and luxurious freestanding roll top bath tub and enjoy a complimentary bottle of bubbly as well as afternoon tea upon arrival and a choice of breakfasts each morning. Quote Romantic Break with Bubbles in the online booking form. £176 for 2 people for 2 nights. Available until 29 February. To book go to www.sholabandb.com.

For further information log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

*All offers are subject to availability.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (February 22-28).

• Salty Dog Gourmet Evening: Love Local, Salty Dog Hotel & Bistro, Bangor, Co. Down, February 25. Enjoy a special Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016 gourmet dinner at The Salty Dog. To celebrate ‘Love Local’ month, The Salty Dog will be hosting a special gourmet dinner event with six courses of dishes inspired by great local producers and suppliers, with cocktails and wines to match and Ristretto Coffee Roasters and Miss McKeown’s tea to finish. Begins at 7pm.

• Annie – The Musical, Millennium Forum, Derry, Co. Londonderry, February 23-27. Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. The world’s favourite family musical comes to Derry~Londonderry for 1 week only, starring Birds of a Feather actress, Lesley Joseph as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan. Show begins at 7.30pm (1pm matinee on Wednesday and 2.30pm matinee on Saturday).

• The Bjorn Identity, PORTICO, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, Co. Down, February 27. After a string of sell out shows, one of the leading Abba tribute bands makes its first stop in Portaferry. The Bjorn Identity are Ireland’s top live Abba tribute show, taking venues by storm with their authentic sell out Abba in concert experience. After headlining festivals across the country not to mention a fabulous opening of Belfast’s Pride in 2015, this is an experience guaranteed to have you dancing in the aisles. Show begins at 8pm.

• Wine Tasting at Maryville House, Maryville House, 2 Maryville Park, Belfast, February 25. As part of Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016, Maryville House is hosting a wine tasting with guest speaker Alaister T Bell, who lectures on wines at Queens University and gives master classes. The wine tasting class will cost £25.00 per person with canapés and bites to go with the wine. Book now for a great evening of fun, cosy atmosphere and learning about wine. Begins at 7.30pm.

• Beginning to End by Samuel Beckett, Riverside Theatre, Ulster University, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, February 26. This drama is a version of Jack MacGowran’s Beginning To End, as arranged by MacGowran with Samuel Beckett’s collaboration. It is presented by Dublin-based actor Declan McGauran and features a pre-show talk by Dr Nick Johnson of Trinity College, Dublin. Show begins at 8pm with pre-show talk at 7.15pm.

• Ec-ology at Navan Centre & Fort, Navan Centre & Fort, Killylea Road, Armagh, Co. Armagh, February 28. This is a free drop-in event and will examine the rich ecology around the Navan Centre. Debbie Dolittle returns bringing with her rescued mammals for you to look at, including a hedgehog, rabbit, ferret and fox. Walk around the Navan site looking for the trails these animals leave and enjoy making your own plaster-of-Paris footprint cast.

• New Images from Hubble, Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, February 28. Hubble – the first major optical telescope to be placed in space – takes pictures of stars, planets and galaxies as it whirls around Earth at about 17,000mph. Robert Hill from Northern Ireland Space Office will show us some of Hubble’s most recent fascinating images of deep space and explain what they are all about. Talks begin at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

• Learn the Art of Henna, An Creagán, Creggan, Co. Tyrone, February 27-28. Henna is an ancient art form which uses the crushed leaf of the henna plant to stain skin a brown colour, and this stain lasts between 1 and 4 weeks. During this introductory course students will learn how to create simple and attractive henna designs for friends and family. Begins at 10am.

• Derryclavin Pipe Band Presents A Night of Music and Song, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, February 26. Derryclavin are one of County Fermanagh’s top pipe bands, performing an eclectic mix of songs and instrumentals. They will be joined by special guests Stonewall and Session Beat, with other talented local artists contributing to the evening. Show begins at 8pm.

• Artisan Pizza Making Workshop, Dalriada House, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, February 28. Join artisan bread making expert, Dara of Ursa Minor Bakehouse and learn how to make true artisan pizza from scratch. If you aspire to make great pizza at home, then this workshop is for you. Pre-booking required.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland. 

Billed as the largest-ever St Patrick’s Festival of events to be held in the UK and Ireland, Armagh kicks in to high gear next month with a jam-packed programme showcasing the best of culture, music, song and dance.

For ten full days from March 10, Ireland’s Cathedral City will spring into life as an impressive and unrivalled mix of theatre, live music, comedy, dance, poetry, exhibitions and a series of special walks and talks get under way to celebrate Armagh’s importance in St Patrick’s life, his legacy and mission.

Featuring family fun days, uplifting choral recitals and orchestral events, the Armagh and Downpatrick St. Patrick’s Festival features an enormous programme of activity for every age and interest.

Bound together by the importance and significance of their locations in the life of St Patrick, the Festival programme is a new and exciting collaboration between Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, and many of the events planned take place across both areas.

Catherine Seeley, Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, said:

“The foundation of Armagh’s legendary status and its historical importance rests firmly on the life of St Patrick and we are thrilled and excited to present what will undoubtedly be a truly memorable event that promises to put the city and the surrounding area firmly on the world stage.

“The breadth of activity and talent on show is outstanding and the programme provides everyone with every reason to visit one, all or any of the events on offer and we look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from across the area, across Northern Ireland and further afield who will be thoroughly enthralled by what they see, hear and experience.”

The Market Place Theatre takes centre stage to showcase several of the festival’s signature events – including Celtic Spirit, a traditional and spiritual musical celebration of St Patrick which features BBC’s The Voice winner Andrea Begley among others, while Moya Brennan, Brian Finnegan and Connla add to the high-calibre of acts scheduled to perform.

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Armagh City’s most popular event space will also be hosting a busy programme of exhibitions and inspiring theatrical productions including ’The Year of the Hiker’ by John B Keane and Niall de Burca’s tales of ancient Ireland.

The internationally-acclaimed St Patrick’s Lecture takes place at The Market Place Theatre on March 16^th on the eve of St Patrick’s Day and the festival procession, and will feature the Primates of the two principal churches in Ireland in conversation with BBC journalist Tara Mills.

The programme also features an inspiring range of spiritual events, many of which draw on the significance of St Patrick and the important role he played in bringing Christianity to Ireland and which allow visitors to reflect and retrace his steps. In addition, thought-provoking tours and church services allow the true meaning of his legacy to be remembered.

Music plays a key role throughout the festival, with the Ulster Orchestra lined up for a unique performance at the Church of Ireland Cathedral. The Arco String Quartet will also be performing at the Palace Chapel.

There are also a series of specially-planned events at the Navan Fort & Centre and at the Armagh Observatory.

A free shuttle bus service will be available to transport visitors between Armagh and Downpatrick for a selection of key events taking place over the course of the Festival.

For more information on what is happening in Armagh during the festival, please visit www.armagh.co.uk.

Down

This half term grab your wellies and make a splash jumping in puddles for a chance to win prizes in the WWT Northern Ireland Puddle Jumping Championships at Castle Espie.  Practice makes perfect, so splash about in the practice puddle zone before making your big splash at the puddle jumping arena at Wood Henge Amphitheatre.  Marks will be awarded for height of splash, enthusiasm and creativity!  Puddle jumps are judged every day from 11am – 4pm.

Armagh

‘The Jazzabelles’, at the Market Place Theatre this Saturday evening,  is an original musical by Nick Boyle. Set in 1950s Belfast, it is the story of three girls who long for a better life. After a chance meeting they form a vocal trio, ‘The Jazzabelles’, and dream of performing at the prestigious Floral Hall. When a smooth manager enters the frame it looks like their dream might become reality.

Fermanagh

Join the RSPB’s Fionnbarr Cross this Saturday 20th February to explore Drumgay Lough and learn about the birdlife which makes its home here – from common garden visitors to wonderful wintering wildfowl like tufted ducks and whooper swans. Binoculars will be provided.

Tyrone

Join Goldilocks and the Three Bears for a Sing-along show this Saturday afternoon, 20th February at 2pm.  For the first time ever, the much loved fairy-tale, Goldilocks and the three bears, comes to life on an unforgettable live stage production of song and laugher.  Featuring fantastic costumes, an amazing stage set and colourful lighting it will be an experience for all the family to remember with interactive moments that children and parents alike can enjoy.

Derry/Londonderry

The Millennium Forum is the venue this Sunday 21st February for the  Mind, Body, Spirit Show.  Packed full of stalls and exhibitions focusing on personal development and spiritual awakening, followers of both modern and time-worn medicinal practices can find something to soothe their soul, with sections on health food, hypnotism, reiki, and crystals among others. Those aiming to get in touch with other worlds can head to psychic readings, or aura photography. In addition, three international speakers will spread the word on topics from weight loss to spiritual advice in seminars throughout the day. Family friendly event.

Antrim

The Star of Wild Things – SKY and The Snaptastic Show – TV3 celebrates 20 years of stand up with a brand new hilarious show.  Jason Byrne’s Shows have been getting better every year and his first one was brilliant. So don’t miss the show that is 20 times better than brilliant at the Theatre at the Mill this Sunday 21st February. Strictly Over 16’s Only.

Belfast

Getting married? Don’t miss the Hastings Hotels Wedding Show this Sunday 21st February at the Europa Hotel Belfast. A full team of wedding experts and exhibitors will be on hand to provide you with the advice and tips you need  to create your dream wedding. Wedding Show from 1pm to 4pm with Fashion Show at 3.30pm.

Add your events free at www.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.

Ards and North Down Borough Council and the Ulster-Scots Agency have recently launched a new booklet, “Ulster-Scots Heritage in Ards and North Down”, to recognise the areas rich history and the huge impact left on the Borough by the Ulster-Scots through the centuries.

The booklet takes the reader from Holywood through Bangor and on to the peninsula villages past Portaferry and back up through Greyabbey to Newtownards. The visitor will travel through villages developed throughout the 1600’s under the settlements of Sir James Hamilton and Sir Hugh Montgomery.

Throughout, it looks at the influence the Scottish settlers had and how they shaped the area as they developed it over the years. Influences including architecture, such as Tower House in Bangor, the oldest building in public use in Ireland and built by Sir James Hamilton in 1637. The importance of trade and the Market Cross in Newtownards dating from when Sir Hugh Montgomery established a thriving market in the town. Villages such as Groomsport and their religious history with the departure of the ill-fated “Eagle Wing” ship attempting to carry Presbyterians from persecution to a new life in America in 1636 and Greyabbey which saw a Presbyterian Minister hanged for his part in the 1798 Rebellion.

“Over the last couple of years we are seeing more and more visitors, both domestic and North American with not only an interest in the general history and heritage of the area but specifically for that of the Scottish settlers that started to arrive in the early 1600’s and who would later leave for the United States and a new life. We are pleased now to have this booklet to give these visitors an additional tool as they explore the borough and our history”. Alex Irvine, Tourism Development Officer Ards and North Down Borough Council.

The “Ulster-Scots Heritage in Ards and North Down” booklet is a welcomed addition to the range of Ulster-Scots literature available.  This exciting booklet provides a fresh insight to the rich heritage of North Down and the Ards Peninsula and will be a valued resource to visitors and residents alike.  We hope that it will inspire people to explore the Ulster-Scots heritage of the area and we are delighted to have worked with Ards and North Down Borough Council on the project. Ian Crozier, Chief Executive Ulster-Scots Agency.

The booklet is available for download from; visitardsandnorthdown.com, from local visitor information centres and points within the Borough or by calling Bangor Visitor Information Centre 028 9127 0069 or Ards Visitor Information Centre 028 9182 6846.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (February 15-21).

• NI Science Festival 2016, various locations, Northern Ireland, February 18-28. Let your mind wonder over 11 days at the NI Science Festival with over 100 events and infinite ideas. Events are happening across 25 venues throughout Northern Ireland and will focus on the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics with some of the best scientists from Northern Ireland and beyond discussing their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold.

• Northern Ireland Puddle Jumping Championships, Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber, Co. Down, February 15-21. Children of all ages are being encouraged to get out into the fresh air and have fun jumping in puddles this February half term. At the Northern Ireland Puddle Jumping Championships kids will be able to compete against each other to see who can produce the biggest splash from their puddle jump. Marks will be awarded for creativity, enthusiasm and jumping style, with fantastic prizes on offer!

• Goldilocks and the Three Bears Sing-along Show, Alley Theatre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, February 20. Watch the much-loved fairytale come to life on an unforgettable live stage production of song and laughter. Featuring fantastic costumes, an amazing stage and colourful lighting, it will be an experience for all the family to remember with interactive moments that both children and parents can enjoy. Show begins at 2pm.

• The Field, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, February 18-20. Enniskillen Amateur Dramatic Society returns with ‘The Field’, John B Keane’s fierce and tender study of the love a man can have for land and the lengths he will go to hold on to it. This classic piece of Irish theatre was first presented to the Irish stage in 1965.  Show begins at 8pm.

• Destination Space, W5, SSE Arena, Belfast, every Tuesday until March 29. Backed by the UK Space Agency, W5 have joined forces with the European Space Agency’s first British astronaut, Tim Peake, to provide visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about human space flight and follow life on the International Space Station! Packed with experiments, investigations and problem-solving activities, linked back to human space flight, young crew members will leave inspired. Visitors can expect to learn about roles in space crew, rocket launches, daily life for astronauts on the International Space Station. Check show times upon arrival.

• The Jazzabelles, Market Place Theatre, Armagh, Co. Armagh, February 20. Set in 1950s Belfast, this original musical tells the story of three girls who long for a better life, and form a jazz trio after a chance meeting. However the road to stardom is far from smooth, and the Jazzabelles must overcome bullying, blackmail and bigotry along the way. The Jazzabelles is a high energy tale of triumph over adversity performed by top local talent. Show begins at 8pm.

• Dahl At 100, Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, February 16. Calling all mischief makers! Inspired by the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth, get crafty and create a collection of Dahl inspired characters that reflect your personality. The perfect way to spend a day off during half-term. From 10am – 4pm.

• Alvin and the Chipmunks Clayrazy Workshop, Strand Arts Centre, Belfast, February 16. The Clayrazy and Bricks 4 Kidz instructors guide you through your tailored workshop, teaching you how to create your own model which you then get to take home. Learn new skills while having fun! Suitable for children aged 4 and over. Begins at 2.15pm.

• Half Term, Half Price, Carrowmena Activity Centre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, until February 16. Interested in a day full of activities for all the family? Zip lining, archery, abseiling, orienteering and more are available here to ensure a day full of action, adventure and adrenaline.

• The Funky Wedding Fayre, Bellinis Newry, Newry, Co. Down, February 21. Your wedding day should be as personal and unique as you want it, so the Funky Wedding Fayre, showcasing everything vintage, quirky and alternative for your special day, is not to be missed. Begins at 1pm.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland. 

Down

The world’s most popular toy will bring families closer to nature at Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber.  The Giant LEGO® Brick Animal Trail will be at the Wetland Centre from Saturday 13th February to Sunday 20th March, with the sculptures sitting among some of their real-life cousins. The awesome models, which include a giant otter, a massive mallard and a colossal kingfisher, will form a trail for kids (and big kids) to inspire them to build a better future for nature. Follow the trail around the nature reserve to discover how many LEGO bricks have been used to make each animal. Visitors can also enter a competition to win their own LEGO kit. Trail is included in the admission price.

Armagh

Have a family Valentines lunch this Valentine’s Day at Navan Fort and enjoy the love story that comes to live before your eyes!  Two clans both alike in strength, in fair Emain Macha, where the scene is set…. Join Rohan and Jacinta, as they try to mend the divide between their fathers, Lord McRoche of the South land and Lord Cahill of the North. Will these two young lovers be together again or will their families tear Ulster apart?

Fermanagh

Enjoy this Valentine’s Day with Share Discovery Village and Cruise Fermanagh’s tranquil Lakelands on board Share’s Inishcruiser – a charming way to explore the truly unspoiled countryside of Upper Lough Erne while spending time with a loved one or friend.

Tyrone

Enjoy a Night With the Stars this Thursday 11th February at the Alley Theatre Strabane.  Join six of country music’s most popular stars all on one super show in the company of a live band. Each performing their biggest hits, you will enjoy a night with top stars Ritchie Remo, John Hogan, Frank McCaffrey, Joe Moore, Chris Logue and Keelan.

Derry/Londonderry

This 1/2 Term weekend why not get out and enjoy the great outdoors at Carrowmena Activity Centre, Limavady.  Interested in a day full of activities for all the family? Come and enjoy a day of action, adrenaline and adventure packed activities with all your loved ones.  Activities will include: Climbing Wall, Zip Lining, Archery, Abseiling, Team Games, Orienteering, Leap of Faith, Crate Stack, Centipede and more.  Minimum age 4 years, but 8 years old for High Ropes, all safety equipment will be provided.

Antrim

Ballymena Festival of Music, Speech and Dance will celebrate its first hundred years with a grand Centenary Concert on 13th February at the Braid Arts Centre.  To mark the Centenary there will be an exhibition on the history of the Festival, as well as a commemorative book funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.  The highlight of the celebrations, however, will be the concert featuring past performers from across the decades including The Priests, flautist Stephen Rankin and Alexandra Ford.

Belfast

Step back in time to a period of luxury, elegance and 5-star service with a romantic Valentine’s Titanic Sunday Afternoon Tea. Set in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite featuring the stunning replica staircase, this Afternoon Tea is an experience not to be missed. Children can choose from a special Afternoon Tea menu for those aged 2-11.
Add your events free at www.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.

Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke’s Run to Remember on Benone Strand is back on 26th March 2016.

The 5/10k run/walk will take place on Easter Saturday morning on the stunning Benone Beach and is the perfect excuse to plan your Easter Weekend up at the North Coast with family and friends! The event is professionally organised with 26 Extreme, offers a big start and finish with beats pumping, MC, timing chips and medals at the finish for all!

NICHS are looking for runners or walkers to either run to remember someone they’ve lost to a chest, heart or stroke illness or for a friend or family member who is living with one of these conditions every day.

Kerry Anderson, Direct or of Fundraising explains “Run to Remember at Benone is about remembering the 20 people who die every day in Northern Ireland from chest, heart or stroke illnesses as well those living every day with one of these conditions. Last year the event attracted 185 participants and raised over £10,000 for NICHS which is used by us for the care and prevention of chest, heart and stroke illnesses in your local area.”

Kerry continues “We work with people who have these conditions and their families, offering crucial practical and emotional support at what can be one of the most difficult times of their lives. Our support groups provide an opportunity for people to come together and share experiences while benefitting from a structured programme of activities including rehabilitation, exercise and information about their conditions. We do health promotion work in schools, with the homeless and in the workplace. We fund research relating to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. And we campaign at Assembly level for the people who are affected by these conditions and their families. So please do consider taking part in the Benone Run to Remember for NICHS. It will really makes a difference to so many people in NI.”

To Register:
www.nichs.org.uk/benone
For more information please contact Cheryl Brown on 028 90266740 or cbrown@nichs.org.uk.

For further information on Run to Remember:
Tel: 028 9032 0184
www.facebook.com/runtorememberNICHS

Dave was in the original cast of CATS. On opening night he was sacked. He was not a happy pussy.

After a sold out run at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, this comedy about the greatest musical star that never got to shine finally makes it to the Baby Grand.

Starring Gerard McCarthy, CAT isn’t so much a love letter to musical theatre . . . more a death threat.

Not for the faint hearted:  contains high kicks and swearing!

Written by Jamie Beamish & Richard Hardwick.

• The Grand Opera House, Belfast: Thursday 18^th February 2016 – 8pm
• The Grand Opera House, Belfast: Friday 19^th February 2016 – 8pm

Tickets for Grand Opera House are available:

In person at the GOH Box Office

By Telephone: 028 90 24 1919
Book On Line: www.goh.co.uk

In the modern world of sport, cutting-edge science is being employed to develop new materials, equipment and techniques, all with the aim of making us better, stronger, faster!

From 18-21 February, W5 is teaming up with Queen’s University, Sport Northern Ireland’s Sports Institute, Ulster University, The Greenpower Education Trust and others to bring you four fun days of interactive sports exhibits, displays, inspirational talks, demonstrations and workshops!

In addition to Formula Student single seater racing cars from Queen’s University and Ulster University, our interactive exhibition area will include a stunning full size Formula One car with the latest simulation software! Can you set the fastest lap on one of the world’s most famous racetracks? Also on display will be electric racing cars designed and built by local schools as part of the Greenpower electric car challenge.

Why not tackle a virtual rugby player, check your reaction time or see if you can jump as high as a top basketball player! How good is your iron shot? Find out in the golf simulator; and our range of visual sports simulators will allow you to test your skill and your nerves as you kick conversions in rugby or take penalties against a virtual goalkeeper in an intense stadium environment.

Better, Stronger, Faster is part of the 2016 NI Science Festival and is FREE with admission to W5. For further information, visit w5online.co.uk.