~ Tourism Ireland’s 2016 Game of Thrones® campaign continues to showcase Northern Ireland to millions of fans worldwide ~

17 May 2016 – Episode four of the sixth season of Game of Thrones® aired last night (Monday, 16 May) and Tourism Ireland unveiled its fourth ‘Door of Thrones’ – this week in Blakes of the Hollow pub in Enniskillen.

The door is part of Tourism Ireland’s 2016 Game of Thrones® campaign, created in partnership with HBO, which is showcasing Northern Ireland to millions of the show’s fans worldwide. Tourism Ireland is reminding fans everywhere that nowhere will get them closer to Game of Thrones® than Northern Ireland – the home of countless GoT locations, including Dragonstone, the Haunted Forest and Winterfell, where fans can meet direwolves, learn archery on the exact same spot as Jon Snow and set sail across the Narrow Sea! Earlier this year, Tourism Ireland saved the wood from two trees at the Dark Hedges – known in Game of Thrones® as the Kingsroad – which fell during Storm Gertrude.

The wood was then used to make a series of 10 beautifully engraved doors, each one telling the story of the latest episode in season six. The doors are being unveiled by Tourism Ireland each week as season six unfolds, in restaurants, pubs and other venues near Game of Thrones® filming locations across Northern Ireland. This week’s door in Blakes of the Hollow features several striking designs, immortalising the Targaryens and Arryns. It is near the Brotherhood without Banners’ hideout – the filming location otherwise known as Pollagollum Cave.

The first door (from episode one) is hanging in The Cuan guest inn in Strangford – near the filming locations of Castle Ward and Audley’s Castle. The second door is hanging in Fiddlers Green in Portaferry, near Quintin Bay. The third door, in the Percy French restaurant, is near Tollymore Forest Park. As part of the campaign, Tourism Ireland is also producing a series of limited edition Game of Thrones® stamps, in conjunction with the Royal Mail.

Food lovers will be delighted with the new look Comber Earlies Food Festival which is taking place on Saturday 25 June.

The one day festival organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council in partnership with Food NI, Comber Early Growers and the Ulster Scots Agency, takes place in the town’s centre and will showcase the world famous Comber potato which achieved EU Protected Geographical Indication status in 2012.

Comber Earlies Growers Co-op is looking forward to the festival which is set to be bigger and better than ever. Despite later than usual planting in mid-March, the crop is progressing well and should be ready just in time. Co-op chairman Richard Orr said; ‘it’s fantastic to have the Comber Earlies Food Festival to showcase our crop, and we look forward to the season ahead!’

The event which is part of The Council’s NI Year of Food and Drink programme will have lots of delicious food on offer. Come along and sample the world famous Comber Earlies or some delicious locally produced food from the artisan Food Fair. Local chefs will be providing live cookery demonstrations at the festival kitchen throughout the day. For more information on a series of Year of Food and Drink events in Ards and North Down see www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/food.

The festival promises to be a fantastic day out for the whole family with a programme packed full of activities for all ages. Relax at the hay bale picnic, take part in some Ulster Scots Highland Games or enjoy the live music on offer. Kids can enjoy lots of country-inspired crafts in the Craft Big Top; make a flower, a butterfly or your own scarecrow! In the food activity tent, festival goers can take part in fun food activities, look out for the tractor display and the street theatre programme which features some roller skating tomatoes!

The festival runs from 10am to 4pm and is a free event.

The Comber Earlies Fringe Festival will be running from 17 to 26 June. Delivered by Comber Regeneration Community Partnership, the Fringe Festival programme includes lots of activities like a supper dance, live music, a Spub Quiz, car boot sale and lots more.

For further information check www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

Armagh Craft Fair is returning to Armagh on Saturday 28th May from 10.30am to 6pm, at The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre.

Bringing high quality Craft to the heart of Armagh City this annual event offers something for everyone. The fair will feature over 45 high quality craft stalls from makers across Northern Ireland and Ireland. The crafts on show at this year’s Craft Fair will include textiles, knitwear, jewellery, wood, metal, basketry, glass, soaps, leather, ceramics, and candles to name but a few…..

There will also be 14 free craft demonstrations from master crafters throughout the day including hands on creative craft making opportunities for both adults and children. Why not have a go and learn a new skill? Ever had a burning desire to try your hand at Ceramics, Mosaic, Flame Worked Glass, Leather Working, Jewellery Making, Lace Making, Basket Making, Weaving or Traditional Wood Turning? Well now’s your chance to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as they’re all available at this year’s Craft Fair.

In addition to all this, there will be free children’s workshops, musical entertainment, great food & much more including the latest addition to the Craft Fair – Craft Beverages and Tastings with local craft breweries and producers showcasing their quality products for audiences to sample and purchase.

Also, don’t forget to take a look at the fantastic Art Of Craft Exhibition in The Market Place Gallery. Featuring the works of 26 artist | designer | makers from across Northern Ireland and Ireland, this exhibition showcases their unique talents in ceramics, jewellery, mixed media, bespoke furniture, textiles, mosaic and paper working, and much more.

For further information, bookings and to download the full programme go to www.marketplacearmagh.com. You can also follow developments on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) for the latest information and video previews.

~ New film highlights Belfast’s Titanic connection to prospective visitors around the world ~

Tourism Ireland has launched a new online film, ’10 Titanic Things to Do in Belfast’, specially created to highlight the iconic ship’s connection with Belfast and Northern Ireland to encourage people around the world to come and find out more about the Titanic story.Tourism Ireland’s short, fast-paced film reminds prospective visitors around the world that the famous ship was “designed, built and launched in Belfast” and urges them to “get closer to the Titanic with these 10 Titanic things to do in Belfast”. It features Titanic Belfast and the SS Nomadic, as well as special experiences like a ‘Segway Titanic Tour’ and a ‘Titanic Dinner’ in Rayanne House.

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “Our film celebrates the legacy of Titanic and its unique link to Belfast. We are capitalising on the huge interest that exists among people everywhere in the iconic ship, continuing to build the recognition of Belfast as its home and encouraging them to come and experience the city, its Titanic legacy and maritime heritage at first-hand.”

The ’10 Titanic things to do in Belfast’ film will also be promoted via Tourism Ireland’s other social media platforms – with its Facebook fans (3.4 million fans worldwide) and Twitter followers (324,000+), and on its YouTube channel.

-ENDS-

Sailing to the International North West 200 with P&O Ferries ­ motorbike fans from across the UK and Europe arrived into Larne ahead of the International North West 200 ­ the largest annual sporting event in Northern Ireland and one of the biggest motorbike races of the year. P&O Ferries, which operate the shortest, most frequent crossings between Scotland and Northern Ireland is expecting hundreds of motorbike enthusiasts to make the journey over the next couple of days

Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council is thrilled to play host to stage and screen legend Robert Powell as he commemorates the 150th anniversary of the publication of Alice in Wonderland in a fantastic night of spoken word and music. Wonderland presented by Clive Conway Productions is at The Old Courthouse, Antrim on Saturday 21 May at 7.30pm.

In 2015, to mark the 150th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, thirteen of the world’s leading composers were commissioned to create a special piece of music based on each of the 12 chapters and the preface of this most loved children’s book. Performed in order, the narrative will be performed through music with violinist Matthew Trussler and pianist Ashley Wass and also through words, spoken by renowned television and film actor Robert Powell. Appealing to all age groups, Wonderland is a reflection of the enduring popularity of this wonderful book.

Robert Powell is one of Britain’s most well-known actors. He has been seen in a host of classic film and television dramas, including The 39 Steps, Jesus of Nazareth, The Detectives and most recently Holby City.

This will be a unique and memorable evening and early booking is advised.  Tickets for this event are priced at £20 & £18 (Concession) and are available from the Box Office on 028 9446 3113 or online at www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/boxoffice

Larne will be awash with colour and carnival fun next month as the Summer Festival rolls into town.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Mayor, Councillor Billy Ashe, who is pictured here attending the recent launch event with some colourful carnival characters, has urged everyone to come along.

“The festival opens on Saturday 4 June when Larne Main Street will be the location for the spectacular carnival parade featuring schools, groups and clubs from throughout the Larne area.

“They will be dressing up and taking part in the parade along with a group of local young people who have been learning to stilt walk for the event.

“Come down to Larne Town Centre from 2pm to 4pm to enjoy live music at Broadway Bandstand along with face painting and walkabouts or just to take in the carnival atmosphere and watch the parade pass by at around 3.15 pm,” Cllr Ashe added that the parade will be leaving Larne YMCA at 3pm.

On Saturday 11 June, (11am-3pm) the party atmosphere continues with a colourful craft and food market at Larne Market Yard.
Activities will include Salsa dance workshops, arts and crafts, walkabouts and street theatre, a photo booth, carnival games not to mention live music from the Mardi Gras Jazz Band and the Bourbon Swing Band. All ages are being accommodated too with Fairy Twinkle on hand to tell some stories.

A special bus will run regularly every half hour throughout the event to take visitors into the Town Centre – perhaps for some ‘retail therapy’.

Then, on Wednesday 15 June, local schools and members of the public will be able to experience the thrill of cycling in a velodrome as the UK Street Velodrome Series rides into Larne Leisure Centre. School sessions will run from 10am-4pm and public sessions from 5pm-8pm.

For those who fancy themselves a ‘super hero’ there’s the chance to get into character for a special town centre bike ride on Sunday 19 June.

“Suit up in your superhero gear, decorate your bicycle too and zoom into Larne – Batman or Superman-style,” said Cllr Ashe adding there will be plenty of additional entertainment at Broadway.

“There will be music, entertainers and refreshments to keep all our superheroes and maybe the odd villain going as they cycle the route,” he added.

Participants may even want to create their own superhero character and dress up to take part in the best dressed superhero competition.

Super-cyclists are to assemble at Broadway from 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult and all participants must wear a cycle helmet. Anyone not wearing a helmet will not be permitted to take part.

Parking on Main Street will be limited during the event for a period of one hour and members of the public are encouraged to use the Town Centre car parks available, located close to the Main Street.

The Larne Summer Festival is just one of a large number of events taking place in Mid and East Antrim Borough. To keep up to date with what is happening in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and of course Larne visit www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/events

Is your child the ‘Icing on the Cake’ or the ‘Crème de la Crème’ when it comes to baking? Then, SS Nomadic’s Petit Pâtisserie Chef competition is one for them!

The 31st May marks the day SS Nomadic left Belfast 105 years ago, to celebrate the anniversary, it is looking for a Petit Pâtisserie Chef (aged between 8 -12 years old) to design a cake that showcases Nomadic’s exciting and turbulent past to be in with a chance to win a trip on-board with their class!

Over the years, 31^st May marks a day of great historical significance for SS Nomadic. Originally over 100,000 people gathered in Belfast, from as far as America, to mark the occasion when it alongside, its sister ship Traffic and RMS Olympic left Belfast and RMS Titanic was launched.  Last year, it was reunited with Titanic Belfast and this year, it is fully open for school groups.

SS Nomadic now offers guided tours and two workshops for Key Stage 2 pupils, ‘New Beginnings’ which focuses on European emigration in the early 20^th century and ‘Get the Message’, which allows pupils to explore and experiment with different methods of communication, including those used on the SS Nomadic and Titanic. These workshops are part of Titanic Belfast’s learning programme, which is recognised as a leading learning resource and has welcomed over 100,000 participants since its opening in 2012.

To win a guided tour of SS Nomadic and one of the workshops on-board for their primary school class, the cake top design must celebrate the vessel as an authentic piece of Belfast’s industrial maritime history, from its launch 105 years ago, with a career spanning from serving Titanic, WW1 and WW11, to tendering celebrities such as Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor to its role today as a visitor attraction and a learning facility.  The prize also includes £250 towards transport for the class.

To enter, please download the form from www.titanicbelfast.com and return it by email to competitions@titanicbelfast.com or by post to Petit Pâtisserie Chef Competition, Titanic Belfast, 1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Road, Belfast, BT39EP before 23^rd May 2016.

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.

• Mix It Up This May, Europa Hotel, Belfast. From £95 per room. This special offer includes a luxurious overnight stay in the 4-star Europa Hotel in the heart of Belfast City Centre. Be treated to a complimentary cocktail or mocktail upon arrival and enjoy a full Irish breakfast in the morning. Available until 31 May. To book call (028) 9026 6009.

• Complimentary Bushmills Whiskey, Shola Coach House Boutique B&B, Portrush, Co. Antrim. From £45pps. The 5-star Shola Coach House is a beautifully restored historic coach house dating back to the 1860s, set in a secluded location just over a mile from Portrush town centre. When you book a 2 night stay in the B&B, discover the taste of Bushmills Irish Honey spirit drink, the newest addition to the Bushmills family from the distillery on the doorstep of Shola Coach House. Each guest over the age of 18 will receive a free 50ml bottle. Available until 31 May. To book go to www.sholabandb.com and quote BUSHMILLS.

• Family Activity Weekend, Share Discovery Village, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. From £330 for a family of four.  Enjoy a 2 night weekend for a family of 4 on the shore of Lough Erne in one of Share Discovery Village’s self-catering cottages and take part in a wide range of activities on offer. The package includes a family leisure pass and a day of activities including archery, climbing and canoeing or kayaking. Available until 31 May. To book call (028) 6772 2122.

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

*All offers are subject to availability.