MID AND EAST ANTRIM BOROUGH COUNCIL RELAUNCH THE ICONIC GOBBINS CLIFF PATH

The stunning cliff path walk is set to reclaim its title as Northern Ireland’s premier visitor attraction as it opens to the public.

After six decades of closure and a £7.5 million investment, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council today (Wednesday 19th August 2015) reopened The Gobbins to the public, giving eager thrill-seekers the chance to uncover the once hidden wonder of the Antrim coast and indulge in an exhilarating cliff path walk.

The reimagined cliff path will draw in thousands of visitors each year from across the globe as well as re-establishing itself as the iconic Northern Ireland attraction it once was.

Speaking in advance of the public opening, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Billy Ashe said: “This is a very exciting time for the Mid and East Antrim Borough, the local community of Islandmagee and for the people of Northern Ireland. We have brought back an exhilarating experience that reinforces the strength of Northern Ireland’s tourism offering and in no time The Gobbins will become the respected tourism giant it once was all those years back.”

Comprising of suspension tubular bridges, caves, steps, and tunnels carved through the spectacular rock face here, Mid and East Antrim Borough’s reimagined treasure has brought what was once a thriving 1900’s hotspot into the 21st century.

Along the trail, visitors will not only enjoy spectacular views of the natural landscape here but get up close to a diverse range of wildlife and gain privileged access to Northern Ireland’s only mainland colony of Puffins alongside various other bird species.

As well as the geological interests, Gobbins Cliff Path boasts history and heritage. It was first enjoyed in 1902 by the Edwardians following its original development by visionary Berkeley Deane Wise, Chief Engineer of the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway Company.

After relishing five decades as Northern Ireland’s top tourism attraction, even exceeding the popularity of the Giant’s Causeway in its heyday, The Gobbins went into disrepair and closed to the public in 1954.

While Gobbins has preserved its original charm to offer the same spellbinding appeal that it did in its prime, new additions bring it into the modern day, including a state-of-the-art Visitor Centre with a café, an Interpretation/ Exhibition space, pre-tour rooms, a shop for branded memorabilia and local crafts, as well as a Tourist Information point.

The Mayor concluded: “It is with great pride and excitement that we open the doors of The Gobbins and share its majestic story with a new generation. There has always been a huge interest in the attraction even long after it closed and today that interest has been heightened dramatically. The demand to experience what is a truly amazing jewel in the Antrim Coastal crown has stretched beyond Northern Ireland as far afield as Australia.

“Bookings are coming in fast and the demand has been phenomenal. I have no doubt that the enthusiasm for The Gobbins will continue to grow rapidly for the foreseeable future.”

The Gobbins cliff path requires a reasonable level of fitness. There is also a height restriction in place and booking online is essential at www.thegobbinscliffpath.com for the hourly tours that depart on the hour from 10am until 3pm is essential. Tickets cost £8.50 per person and £23 for family tickets.

Hollywood A-Lister Joins Lineup for Portrush Air Show

Air Waves Portrush has added a Hollywood A-lister to its stellar airshow lineup for early September.

The star of Hollywood blockbuster, Memphis Belle, the “Sally B” B17 Flying Fortress, is set to perform an exclusive display at Air Waves Portrush on Saturday 5th September. Portrush’s own Memphis Belle, Chloe Quinn, is looking forward to Sally B’s arrival, along with her airman, Philip Doyle. Visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk for information on the two day show. Photo credit: Kelvin Boyes, Press Eye

Sally B, the star of David Puttnam’s 1989 film Memphis Belle, will make a VIP (Very Important Plane) display on the eastern shoreline at Portrush on Saturday 5th September.

Correctly known as a Flying Fortress, “Sally B” is the last remaining airworthy B-17 in Europe and this year celebrates its 70th birthday.  Memphis Belle told the story of the first B-17 to complete 25 missions over enemy territory in WW2.  Sally B’s movie co-stars included Matthew Modine, Harry Connick Jnr and Tate Donovan.

The Flying Fortress is just one of many major attractions across the weekend, which will include the RAF Red Arrows (on both days), one of the most iconic single seat strike fighters, the SAAB Viggen jet fighter ‘Thunderbolt’, and the impressive, jet-powered vintage Avro Vulcan bomber. The majestic Vulcan is the only flying Vulcan in the world and this exclusive appearance in Ireland will be its first and last before being permanently grounded in September.

Other aerial highlights will include the RAF Typhoon jet, two RAF Hawk jets, Wild Geese Parachute Display Team, the Blades Display Team, Autogyro, and Royal Navy Sea King Helicopter, among the strongest line-up for years.

With Sally B, the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane in the air, the WWII theme is carried over on the ground with live music from the Swing Gals and a GI army camp courtesy of Wartime Living History.

Family fun is the focus for ground-based activities which include a play zone,  the Motor Village, vintage aircraft display, 6 helicopters on static display,  Star Wars characters, artisan marketplace,  and the very best of North Coast hospitality.

Air Waves Portrush, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and sponsored by Tourism Northern Ireland, is set to enthral the 100,000 spectators who are expected to attend.  The event marks the end of the 2015 summer season in Northern Ireland’s much-loved coastal resort.

For more information on Air Waves Portrush visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or search for Air Waves Portrush on social media.

Battle of Britain 75: Commemorative event announced at Ards Airfield

2015 marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain – the greatest aerial conflict of the Second World War, which turned the tide in the war against Germany.

In recognition of this important anniversary, Ards and North Down Borough Council is holding a special commemorative event featuring a spitfire and hurricane fly-past, jazz picnic and vintage fair at Ards Air Field on Saturday 19 September.

The sounds of the 40s will be recreated by headline act the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, known as the ‘Best Big Band in the Land’.

For further information on this event please contact Ards Visitor Information Centre on (028) 9182 6846 or email ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Thirty Amazons go Tribal and get ‘pretty Tough’ for Cancer Fund for Children

A team of 30 determined and dauntless women will take on a unique 30-day charity fitness challenge this autumn. Could you be one of them?

2. Cancer Fund for Children’s Sorcha Chipperfield from north Belfast, Rebecca Spiers from Newtownabbey and Natasha Walsh from Lisburn with Nikki Jarvis, Head Chief from Tribal Fitness. The charity has joined forces with Tribal Fitness to deliver the pretty TOUGH 30 day fitness challenge which will help raise funds. The challenge will run from September 21 to October 20. For more info visit cancerfundforchildren.com.

Cancer Fund for Children, the leading NI charity for children and young people living with cancer is calling on women aged 18 and over to sign up to pretty TOUGH. It will take place in the greater Belfast area and will involve indoor and outdoor activities catering to all fitness levels which will run from September 21st to October 20th, 2015.

Led by Bangor-based Tribal Fitness, the challenge is just the excuse to get outdoors, get fit and have some fun. Locations include Ashfield School in Belfast, the Ozone at Ormeau Park and Seapark in Holywood. Activities include circuits, bootcamp drills, team games and relays as well as relaxation.

At the same time participants will be raising vital funds for Cancer Fund for Children, a charity dedicated to ensuring families don’t have to face cancer alone through its unique offer of practical, emotional and financial support services as well as free therapeutic short breaks to families across the island of Ireland.

Cancer Fund for Children service user and NI 4 Kids magazine’s Mum of the Year -Tracey McGeehan is getting behind the pretty TOUGH recruitment campaign. She organised similar events in her home county of Tyrone recently which raised over £40k. She decided to support the charity’s work after receiving help when her little girl Cassie was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2010 aged just 18 months.

Tracey said: “Events like pretty TOUGH are a perfect way of getting out there and getting fit. This challenge will also raise funds for a charity that really helped my family through such a difficult time by offering us a free short break at its therapeutic facility Daisy Lodge in Newcastle which allowed us to escape the pressures of hospital visits and treatment.”

Cancer Fund for Children’s CEO Gillian Creevy said: “By taking part in pretty TOUGH your support will be helping families affected by cancer get through the “toughest time of their lives”. Every week in Northern Ireland another three children, teenagers and young adults are diagnosed with cancer. We rely on donations and goodwill from the public. Funds raised will enable our team of experienced specialists to help even more families cope with the impact cancer has on their lives supporting them during and after treatment and sadly in some cases, bereavement.”

The registration fee for pretty TOUGH is £70. Minimum sponsorship is £300. A full timetable will be provided upon registration. For more information or to register log on to cancerfundforchildren.com, call 028 9080 5599 or email alex@cancerfundforchildren.com.

Nathan O’Regan this Sunday in Ward Park

Fans of Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello and Jackson Browne should hurry along to Ward Park this Sunday, August 23, as Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Summer Sundays continue at The Bandstand with Nathan O’Regan and his band.

Cork-born Nathan has been working hard on crafting his live performances and draws crowds wherever he goes all over Ireland.

Despite being only 22 years old, Nathan is an old soul. The Cork-born performer is one of the hardest working musicians around and has attracted acclaim from people of all ages, and is sure to have many fans in the audience in Ward Park.

So if you fancy relaxing to some smooth sounds in beautiful surroundings then pack a picnic and get down to Ward Park, this Sunday from 3 – 5pm.

Please note that Ward Park is an alcohol-free zone.

Keep an eye out in local press each week for details on each artist or for more information phone our Tourist Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 or visit: www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

12 reasons to check out The EastSide Arts Festival

With 12 days of events The EastSide Arts Festival, 19-31st August, supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, includes readings, jazz, heritage tours, drama, comedy, music, visual arts, songwriters, children’s workshops, community events.  Here’s 12 fantastic reasons why you should check it out or visit www.eastsidearts.net for more!

Date: Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th August


Event: David C Clements
Location and time: Strand Arts Centre, 8pm
Tickets: £10
Info:
Two nights featuring two sides of David C Clements and his music.  Both nights will feature a selection of songs from his forthcoming debut album and Thursday 20th will see David joined by a full band.

Date: Thursday 20th August


Event: Storytelling with Young At Art
Locationand time: Short Strand Community Centre, 11am to 1pm
Tickets: FREE, but booking required
Info:
Listen to a professional storyteller who will thrill kids with an exciting tale.  Kids can chill out on huge bean bags with their big folks and read a book.

Date: Friday 21st August

Event: A Time to Speak
Location and time:  Strand Arts Centre, 7pm
Tickets: £8
Info:
Joan McCready sensitively performs the story of the remarkable Helen Lewis. A dancer in Prague, Helen was interned in the Terezin Ghetto and deported to Auschwitz. After the war she settled in Belfast and became active with the Lyric Theatre.

Date: Saturday 22nd August


Event: SOAK
Location and time: Strand Arts Centre, 8pm
Tickets: £15
Info:
SOAK is one of Northern Ireland’s fastest rising music stars. Performing in her hometown of Derry since the age of 14 her album has been attracting rave reviews – STOP PRESS: for this performance, SOAK will be joined by special guest Hannah Mc Phillimy and Alice McCullough.

Date: Saturday 22nd August


Event: EastSide out loud – readings by Jan Carson & Andrew Eaton
Location and time: Belmont Tower, 6.30pm
Tickets: £7
Info:
These two East Belfast based writers offer readings from their new works.

Date: Sunday 23rd August


Event: The Holy Holy Bus
Location and time: Stormont Hotel, 8pm
Tickets: £10
Info:
In association with Feile An Phobail EastSide Arts Festival welcomes this fantastic performance which features four women on a bus tour which leaves west Belfast for a tour of holy sites of Ireland.

Date: Monday 24th August


Event: Boundary Brewing Tour
Location and time: Boundary Brewing CO-OP, Portview Trade Centre, 3pm
Tickets: £10
Info:
Boundary is Belfast’s first cooperative brewery.  Come for a tour, learn about the brewing process and hear their story.

Date:  Tuesday 25th August


Event: Glenn Patterson – Here’s Me Here
Location and time : Strand Arts Centre, 8pm
Tickets: £10
Info:
Join the Festival Book Club… Belfast Author Glenn Patterson reads from his new book ‘Here’s Me Here’, a collection of his writing for print and broadcast. Introducing and interviewing Glenn on the night is BBC NI’s Marie Louise Muir. Purchase a ticket for the show and get a copy of the book free.

Date: Tuesday 25th August


Event: Altan with Kathleen Turner
Location and time: Stormont Hotel, 8pm
Tickets: £17
Info:
After 35 years together – the longest running line-up of founding members in Irish music – the members of Altan will bring their unique music to the festival and will be  joining  the band for this rare Belfast date will be rising star Kathleen Turner.

Date: Wednesday 26th August


Event:  A sharing of Traditions – Willie Drennan, Colum Sands, John Trotter, Martin Donohue & Friends
Location and time: Park Avenue Hotel, 8pm
Tickets: £12
Info:
Irish, Ulster-Scots and Scots Gaelic have their subtle differences for sure. What they have in common is a love for stirring music, lore and laugher.  Be prepared to be entertained and enlightened by this eclectic mix of performers.

Date: Thursday 27th August


Event: Sequamur – WW1 Drama in Scots Gaelic
Location and time: Belvoir Players Theatre, 8pm (also  Fri 28th)
Tickets: £10
Info:
Following a 5-star review at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this play reflects the life of Headmaster William Gibson whose inspirational leadership led many young many from the Western isles of Scotland to war in 1914.

Date: Saturday 29th August


Event: Orangefield Park Celebrations
Location and time: Orangefield Park, 1pm to 5pm
Tickets: FREE
Info:
A day filled with family fun – music, street t

Beatlemania At Free Outdoor Concert

Solitude Park in Banbridge is set to twist and shout on Friday 28 August when the Classic Beatles take to the stage at 7.30pm with a musical tribute to the famous Fab Four.

The band will be bringing the unmistakable sound of the Merseybeat to the town with a free concert featuring classics covering the complete Beatles catalogue, from the early mop top era of I Wanna Hold Your Hand and She Loves You through the psychedelic period of Sgt Pepper right up to the final curtain call of Let it Be .

The Classic Beatles, who originate from Co. Wicklow, have been captivating audiences with their note perfect renditions for the past 20 years. The highlight of their career was when they were invited by none other than the man they call the fifth-Beatle, producer Sir George Martin, to perform at the National Concert Hall, Dublin with a 72 piece Orchestra for three sell out shows with Sir George going as far as to say, “the vocal resemblance is uncanny”.

The critically acclaimed act has also received high praises in the media with The Independent declaring “Until someone invents a time-machine, this is probably as close as you’ll get to the real thing.”

So whether you are taking a trip back to your youth or discovering the fab four for the first time why not take a Magical Mystery Tour through Penny Lane, past Strawberry Fields and down the Long and Winding Road to Solitude Park.

For further information contact Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on 028 4066 0609, go to the council website at www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk or see www.facebook.com/armaghbanbridgecraigavon

MARIE JONES SHOWSTOPPER AT THE MARKET PLACE

Following previous sell-out performances here at The Market Place Theatre, Marie Jones’ hilarious comedy ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ returns for two nights only on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th August at 8pm.

Francis and Loretta are community care visitors. Davy, one of their elderly charges, has had a significant win on the horses, but he doesn’t know. When the cash-strapped women learn that Davey will not be around for a considerable time they are faced with a mouth-watering dilemma. How far are they prepared to go for a little windfall that apparently hurts no-one?

Marie Jones is the author of some of the most successful plays ever produced on the island of Ireland, including the fabulous ‘Stones In His Pockets’. She’s one of the few Irish playwrights whose works have consistently been staged back to back on Broadway and New York City’s main stages over the past three decades. ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ investigates whether we are valued more in life or in death.

Tickets priced £16 and £13 (concession) are available through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com

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.

LIGHTS, EELS, ACTION AT LOUGH NEAGH

It’s a case of lights, eels and lots of action this bank holiday weekend at Lough Neagh.  Lumarina will light up Ballyronan Marina on Friday 28 August from 7.00pm while the River to Lough Festival will celebrate the world renowned Eel Fishery in Toome on Saturday 29 August from noon.

Lumarina – 7.00pm on Friday 28 August

Lighting up the marina at Ballyronan, join your family and friends at this illuminated spectacular with a fireworks finale on the lough.  Entry is priced at only £3 per person and you can either enjoy live music from 7.00pm or if you’re feeling energetic you can go zorbing, paintballing, take a trip on Segway and for the really adventurous or ultra fit who are up for some daredevil action there’s an assault course!  There’ll be an array of street food and craft to choose from and amusements will entertain the little ones before fire dances, Irish, jive and hip hop dancing will liven up the lough side before the light show and fireworks bring Lumarina to a close.  All activities and amusements are free upon entry.

Eimear Kearney, Marketing Manager, Lough Neagh Partnership, said: “The unique illuminated event, Lumarina has gained a reputation for being a great night out for all the family, becoming a real attraction for the destination.”

This event has been made possible by Lough Neagh Partnership, Mid Ulster District Council and Tourism NI.

More details can be obtained from Lough Neagh Partnership, tel 028 7941 7941 and found at www.lumarina.co.uk or find us on www.facebook.com/Lumarinafestival

River to Lough Festival – 12 noon on Saturday 29 August

Photograph courtesy of Fergal Kearney Photography

The Eel Fishery at Toome will open its doors to showcase the famous Lough Neagh eel for a day of family fun which includes storytelling, an eel exhibition, activities specifically suited to children, factory tours and the all important opportunity to taste this global phenomenon.  Entry is free.

World award winning cookery writer and China Food TV presenter James McIntosh and BBC’s Paula McIntyre will be joined by local chefs, Eddie Attwell of Ard Tara and David Gillmore of James Street South to demonstrate sumptuous eel and other Lough Neagh fish recipes.  Michael Lennon of the White River hotel will cook up a storm in the ‘Taste and Dine’ pop up restaurant offering a unique eel supper priced at £10 for adults and only £5 for children.  There’s even a special 20% discount if you book online in advance at www.rivertolough.co.uk.  Booking is advised to avoid disappointment.  The pop-up restaurant will serve between 12 noon – 4pm.

Pat Close, Chairman of the Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-operative Society Ltd said: “The River to Lough Festival promises heritage, culture, history, fun and most importantly, a chance to taste the world renowned Lough Neagh eel. We are confident based on last year’s event that this will truly offer something for all the family to enjoy.”

River to Lough Festival on Saturday 29 August has been made possible by Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-operative, Lough Neagh Partnership, Mid Ulster District Council, Tourism NI and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise’s NI Regional Development Programme.

More details can be obtained from the eel fishery, tel 028 7965 0618 and found at www.rivertolough.co.uk

You can follow the festival on facebook – www.facebook.com/rivertoloughfestival and if you’re tweeting don’t forget to use the hashtags #lumarina and #loughneagheels

ENJOY STAYCATION HEAVEN IN NORTHERN IRELAND

SUMMER is a time for creating carefree memories, kicking off sandals on the beach and feeling the sand in between your toes; for eating too much ice cream and staying up late with friends around a campfire.

If you thought that you had to jump on a plane to find your perfect holiday then think again, as Tourism Northern Ireland is encouraging everyone to find out more about the amazing staycation options that are available all over Northern Ireland.

TNI’s Destination PR Officer, Pauline Gormley explains why a break in Northern Ireland can prove even more fun than a trip abroad:

“Northern Ireland is simply bursting at the seams with great things to see and do which make it the perfect place to experience a staycation. We may not always get the weather we would like but we certainly make up for it in terms of wonderful experiences, from luxurious glamping under the stars, to a range of beautiful beaches and first class hotels, enabling you to create your very own bespoke trip of a lifetime.

“Whether you are planning a holiday with family, friends or your other half, be sure to spend some time exploring the possibilities for a fantastic summer break that are right on your door step,” added Pauline.

Tourism NI has created a list of options on how you can create your very own staycation. For more information go to www.discovernorthernireland.com.

Glamping

If you would like to experience a camping holiday but also appreciate the finer things in life, then glamping is for you.

Mountain Sky Luxury Glamping is located on Ash Park farm in the glorious Sperrin Mountains. The comfortable tents offer a wooden floor, wood burning stove, comfy sofa and beds and for those who like to mix luxury with a traditional camping experience there will be campfires to toast marshmallows under the stars.

Located just outside Markethill in Co Armagh, Tepee Valley is the perfect destination for those who would like a ‘back to basics’ experience. The campsite boasts exceptional views over stunning countryside down to the Cusher river and across to the Slieve Gullion. Happy Campers can choose from either a traditional Native American Tepee, a choice of two yurts, a log cabin, dome or a perfectly furnished gypsy caravan called The Rosie Lee.

Castle Ward is tucked away in a stunning 820 demesne and hosts four eco friendly continental camping cabins just waiting to be enjoyed. Families are sure to have fun in the nearby Clearksy Adventure Centre which includes miles of multipurpose trails including bike and canoe hire.

Take your family and head to Limavady for an unrivalled glamping experience at Benone Tourist Complex. The lodges have all the little luxuries needed for a comfortable stay including a kettle, heater, picnic table and showers and are also just a short distance away from the great outdoors with mountain views and wonderful fresh, sea air.

Situated on the picturesque Lower Bann just outside Ballymoney is the award winning Drumaheglis Marina and Caravan Park. The park offers campers the perfect riverside location which is ideal for water enthusiasts with amenities including a fridge, kettle, heater and picnic table. The park accommodates touring caravans and glamping pods are also available for hire.

Drumhoney Holiday Park in Co Fermanagh is nestled in quiet countryside surrounded by panoramic views of impressive hills and mountains. The camping pods are the ideal way to enjoy stress free camping as they come equipped with a heater, freeview tv and picnic table.

Sail Away

For something unusual, why not explore Northern Ireland by boat on a trip around one of the many beautiful loughs and rivers available.

Game of Thrones Boat Tour on Strangford Lough is a must-see way to explore Northern Ireland, especially for fans of the hit TV show. Participants will enjoy stunning views of various locations used in the filming of the show including Dreadfort, Robbs’s Camp and Winterfell Castle.

For an exciting weekend with friends try out Causeway Power and Sail in Coleraine which caters for every kind of water enthusiast from beginners to experienced sailors. Hop onboard the ‘Scallywag’ for an adrenalin filled ride around the beautiful North Coast.

Aquasports in Ballycastle allows holidaymakers to discover the wildlife of the Causeway Coast and Rathlin Island on a fascinating boat trip. Soak up the breathtaking views and keep an eye out for the exciting wildlife which includes puffins, guillemots, seals and dolphins.

For a relaxing evening during your staycation, take The MV Kestrel on a cruise around the beautiful waters of Lough Erne. Hop on the boat in Enniskillen for a tour which lasts almost two hours and includes a visit to Devenish Island as well as dinner at the Killyhevlin Hotel.

The Copeland Islands are situated just off the coast of Donaghadee and comprise around 300 acres. Take a boat trip to take in these picturesque islands which are noted for their varied bird population and grey seals.

Beach Life

You don’t need to hop on a plane to feel the sand between your toes as Northern Ireland boasts a wide range of beautiful beaches just waiting to be explored.

Benone Beach is a must-see and offers visitors seven miles of golden sand set against a magnificent back drop of mountains, scenery and stunning views. With a supervised playground, outdoor paddling pool and golf club, a fun filled day is guaranteed. It is a haven for nature lovers as the entire area is a paradise for the study of botany, entomology and shells.

A year round mecca for holiday makers, Portstewart Strand holds the prestigious Blue Flag award for the management, cleanliness and quality of the water. The beach attracts a range of visitors wishing to partake in activities such as surfing, swimming, horse riding and scenic walks all with wonderful views of the North Coast.

Visitors are sure to enjoy a day out at Crawfordsburn Beach as they can explore the two excellent beaches on offer, enjoy the views across Belfast Lough or a peaceful walk through the wooded glens and country park. The park also offers a large visitor centre, café, running trail and mobility scooters.

Tyrella Beach is an award winning beach nestled in a small, enclosed complex within Dundrum Bay in Co Down. The clean waters make it an ideal destination for families and water sports enthusiasts and the beach is perfect for a delicious picnic.

Something Quirky

Sample a stay at one of the many unusual properties that are available all around NI.

Whitehill Cottage in Brookeborough allows guests to take a step back in time within the stunning grounds of Colebrooke House, a beautiful neo-classical mansion just outside of Brookeborough.  The cottage is sympathetically restored and offers luxurious modern facilities whilst retaining the period features of an original Irish cottage. For those who like to keep active, activities such as fishing, cycling and tennis are all available within the grounds.

The beautiful Drenagh Estate in Limavady is set against 1,000 acres of parkland and has been the home of the McCausland family since the 1600s. The stately home is available to rent and with eight bedrooms, guests can invite lots of friends along to enjoy the elegant delights of the billiard room, home cinema, indoor pool and walled garden.

Belle Isle Castle & Estate offers the perfect country escape in luxurious surroundings and the 17th century castle, once home to generations of nobles, hosts eight luxurious guest bedrooms which are uniquely decorated with antique furniture. The castle has a range of antique furnishings as well as works by Russian, Irish and English painters. Belle Isle is also home to a well known cookery school, the perfect activity for those who would like to try something a little different and learn some new skills.

Spelga House is a large detached, high spec modern house that sits in front of a dam wall on top of the Mournes and is the highest located house in Northern Ireland.  It boasts spectacular views of the surrounding Mourne Mountains and is only seven miles from the lively resort town of Newcastle. This unusual property is ideal for families who would like to get away to a cosy, luxury retreat or a group of friends who would like to spend some quality time together.

The Barbican in Glenarm is a castle positioned beyond an old stone bridge over the Glenarm River. Built in 1825, this medieval miniature castle is a perfect romantic hideaway in one of Ulster’s oldest villages. The property boasts its own roof garden and is the ideal location for a weekend to get away from it all and relax with loved ones.

Why not try the Governor’s Lodge in Co Tyrone which is situated in the centre of the Baronscourt Estate and dates back to 1890. This delightful two storey building has recently been renovated and can accommodate up to four people. This is the perfect place for keen fishers as the estate has some of the best pike fishing in Ireland on offer across three interconnected lakes.