World Superbike Champions headline Joey Dunlop celebration in Ballymoney

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The achievements of motorcycling legend Joey Dunlop will be remembered at a special event in Ballymoney on Saturday, May 24th 2025.

The JOEY 25 celebration will be held in his hometown, a quarter of a century since his passing, and will be hosted by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

Multiple World Superbike champions Carl Fogarty and Jonathan Rea will headline a star-studded line up of 25 riders who will be in attendance to celebrate the life of one of Northern Ireland’s greatest ever sporting ambassadors.

A host of British Superbike riders, Joey’s former teammates, rivals and friends will ride 25 of his original bikes in a closed road event around the town centre.

The event is being held in conjunction with Joey’s family, who are pleased his life will be remembered 25 years since he died, aged 48, in a racing accident in Estonia.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to remember Joey than an event in his hometown,” said Joey’s wife Linda.

This will be the biggest collection of Joey’s bikes that has ever been brought together, and to have so many of his friends and famous riders take part in this event is very special.

This landmark anniversary of Joeys passing is a really tough time for the family, and we would like to thank the local council for staging this event, which we hope thousands of people can enjoy.”

Jonathan Rea will ride a famous Joey Dunlop bike at the event.

“I am honoured to be on board one of Joey Dunlop’s machines at this celebration event in his home town,” said the 6 time World Superbike Champion.

“What a thrill to be able to ride his Isle of Man winning Yamaha TZ750 around the streets of Ballymoney.

Joey was a hero of mine growing up and he inspired so many riders from this country, including me, to achieve our dreams”

The Joey 25 event will take place 2 weeks after the North West 200 in what is a busy time for the Borough.

“We look forward to welcoming what is sure to be thousands of motorbike fans to this special Joey 25 event in May,” said Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, the youngest mayor in the history of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

“I am thrilled that the council has agreed to host an event in celebration of the achievements of the icon that was Joey Dunlop.

“Joey was a local hero and an incredible ambassador not just for Ballymoney, but for fans across our Council area and indeed the world. It is fitting that we celebrate his legacy.”

As part of the celebration there will be a Joey 25 exhibition of his memorabilia running from April in the museum, and another parade of race bikes at the Classic Bike Festival Ireland in August. The full line up of riders for May 24th will be announced soon.

Walled City Music Festival 2025

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The Walled City Music Festival returns this March for its seventeenth edition, and this year’s festival will feature a number of events celebrating the sounds of the saxophone.

The festival is looking for stacks of saxophones to come and join in a sax celebration led by two of the world’s finest saxophone artists, Derry-born Gerard Mc Chrystal and Christopher Creviston (USA) in Foyleside Shopping Centre on Saturday 15 March at 1pm.

Players that are Grade 5 or above are invited to get involved, attend a short rehearsal on the morning of the performance and then join in a fun, showstopping staxophones performance right in the middle of Foyleside Shopping Centre, performing hits by James Brown, Abba, Coldplay and more.

Not only that, but the festival will welcome the Quay Quartet from Cork for a series of pop-up saxophone performances in venues and public spaces across the city centre on Friday 14 March, including The Sandwich Co. (12:00), Richmond Centre (13:00), The Ebrington Hotel (15:00) and Guildhall Square (16:00).

This will be followed by a dazzling display of brilliant saxophone music by Gerard McChrystal himself, alongside the Creviston Duo (saxophone/piano) and Co-Artistic Director of the Festival, Sabrina Hu (flute), in the Great Hall, Ulster University Magee on Friday evening.

Furthermore, continuing its tradition of supporting and encouraging new music, the Walled City Music Festival has invited six composers to create new works for saxophone and piano or electronics, which will be workshopped by one of Ireland’s leading composers, Linda Buckley, and given their first public performance in Ulster University on Saturday 15 March.

To get involved in any of the Walled City Music Festival’s saxophone celebrations, visit walledcitymusic.com

Offers of the Week

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The Cuan, Strangford, County Down

 

Escape to The Cuan in beautiful Strangford Village and enjoy their Sunday and Thursday offer. This includes Bed, Breakfast & a Main Course for just £125, based on two people sharing. Treat yourself to a relaxing getaway by the coast and experience a delicious dinner, hearty breakfast and luxury accommodations. Offer available until Sunday 30th March. Visit www.thecuan.com/accommodation for more information.

 

Bushmills Townhouse, County Antrim

 

Escape to the stunning Causeway Coast and enjoy a taste of Italy with their Vino Vacation package. Starting from £144.50pps, indulge in a three-course dinner, inspired by Italian flavours and made with the finest ingredients, sourced locally where possible. Each course is paired with tasting wines, chosen to complement and enhance every dish. After dinner, retreat to one of their contemporary suites, designed for comfort and relaxation. Wake up to a freshly cooked-to-order breakfast before setting off to explore nearby gems like the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and the dramatic coastal scenery. Offer available March – April, book now. Visit www.bushmillstownhouse.com  for more information.

 

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Offers are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability and change without notice. Terms and Conditions apply to each offer and can be viewed on the individual provider’s websites. Tourism NI acts as a promoter of third-party offers and accepts no responsibility for any changes, withdrawals, or inaccuracies made by providers.

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 24 February – 2 March

 

  1. Wild Ireland: Past, Present, Future at Ulster Museum, Belfast, opening 21 February. Renowned wildlife painter, Julian Friers, has collaborated with Ulster Museum Natural Sciences curator, Dr Mike Simms, to create over 50 remarkable paintings of our flora and fauna, past and present. Join us to explore departed and vanished wildlife – and what can be done to help the survivors hold on.
  2. The Remembering Bunting Festival 2025, Various locations, Belfast, 27 February – 2 March. This free festival offers a remarkable opportunity to explore the legacy of Edward Bunting. The festival features performances and presentations from across the traditional music world and aims to deepen our understanding of the interconnectedness of our traditional music and culture.
  3. Roe Valley Speciality Market, Limavady, County Londonderry, 1 March. If you love local fresh food, quirky handmade crafts, fine art, and speciality products, visit a Speciality Market Day at Drumceatt Square, Limavady’s only communal public square.
  4. Tyrone Farmer’s Market, Food and Craft Markets, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 1 March. Tyrone Farmer’s Market Ltd hold food and craft markets on the first and third Saturdays of every month from 8.30am until 12.30pm. There are 30 stalls selling artisan food and hand-crafted gifts and homewares, from local producers.
  5. Feel Good Festival 2025 at The Portico of Ards, Portaferry, County Down, 1 – 31 March. The festival gathers a diverse mix of artists, performers and visitors, fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates community, creativity and the joy of coming together. From choral, classical, folk, electronic, organ, rock and pop music as well as comedy, the Feel Good Festival, against the backdrop of Portico’s stunning architecture, will immerse attendees in a celebration of the senses.
  6. Planetarium Sound Journey Under the Stars at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, County Armagh, 2 March. Embark on a journey to explore the Youniverse at our unique Sound Spa, “Sound Journey Under the Stars,” within the Armagh Planetarium Dome. Immerse yourself in a unique experience as you listen to soothing sounds while journeying under the stars and through the expansive cosmos.
  7. Boatyard Distillery Tour, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, check website for dates. Visit the banks of Lough Erne to see how they produce the finest spirits using the highest quality botanicals and ingredients. Come and meet the team, their stills and discover the secret behind the famous ‘Érainn’ their Copper still.
  8. Thursday Movie Nights at The Bushmills Inn, Bushmills, County Antrim, 27 February (more dates available). Everyone loves a night at the movies. Enjoy small, intimate screenings of the latest blockbusters in the exclusive surroundings of the boutique cinema at The Bushmills Inn.
  9. Young Aspects, various locations, County Down, 28 February – 2 March. Taking place at various locations around Bangor, the diverse programme of reading, writing and art events will inspire young imaginations. After a successful first year in 2024, they are back with a weekend of writing and book events for young people and families. Join as they inspire the younger generation with events focused on stories, books and writing. They will have special guests talking about their books and workshops to create your own stories and books.
  10. Arthur Armstrong Painting Workshop: Seascapes Tones and Textures at the Carrickfergus Museum, County Antrim, 1 March. From your imagination, or an image of the coast, guided by a tutor, paint your own seascape the Arthur Armstrong way. He applied paint in different ways to almost sculpt his seascapes.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.

Ards International Guitar Festival 2025 Set to Strike a Chord!

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The much-loved Ards International Guitar Festival is thrilled to announce its exciting 2025 programme, rocking into Newtownards from 9 to 13 April.

This year’s lineup promises a dynamic mix of guitar-inspired gigs, free fringe events, insightful conversations, and a stunning photography exhibition by the acclaimed Scarlet Page. Celebrating its 29th anniversary, the festival—organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council—continues to honour the world’s most popular instrument, bringing together some of the finest guitarists from across the UK, Ireland and around the world.

One of this year’s festival highlights is Ricky Warwick Unplugged. Best known for his work with The Almighty, Black Star Riders, and as Thin Lizzy’s frontman since 2011, Ricky Warwick will join award-winning broadcaster Ralph McLean for an exclusive evening of music and conversation. Fans can look forward to hearing selections from Ricky’s extensive repertoire, as he shares stories from his remarkable career.

With his music videos having Internet views exceeding 200 million and bookings in every corner of the globe, Luca Stricagnoli is considered to be one of the most unique guitarists in the world. Luca’s creative style, which led him to reinvent guitar playing with innovations like the Reversed Triple Neck Guitar and the Reversed Slide Neck, vastly contributed to expanding the boundaries of modern acoustic guitar. Luca will be appearing at The Queen’s Hall, Newtownards on Friday 11 April with support from John Tracey.

Renowned guitarist Gary Lucas, hailed by Rolling Stone as “one of the best and most original guitarists in America”, is coming to Ards Arts Centre on Friday 11 April. Having collaborated with icons like Lou Reed, Captain Beefheart, and Jeff Buckley and known for his genre-spanning performances on acoustic and electric guitar, Gary will be joined by Irish singer Ellen Lyons to collaborate on some of his best-known music, including Jeff Buckley songs and more.

Acclaimed rock photographer Scarlet Page will present her iconic exhibition, Resonators, at Ards Arts Centre from 20 March to 13 April. This compelling collection of portraits captures some of the world’s most legendary guitarists, offering a rare glimpse into their artistry. Resonators represents the culmination of Scarlet’s two-year global journey, first launched in 2015. This marks her first-ever exhibition in Northern Ireland, making it a must-see for music and photography enthusiasts alike. Scarlet will also join Ralph McLean on Thursday 10 April for an intimate conversation exploring the stories behind her iconic images and her 30-year career photographing music legends.

With performances from Declan Zapala, Gary Lutton, Cormac Neeson, Megan O’Neill, Amanda Agnew, Craig Ogden and more, guitar fans are in for a treat with this year’s impressive line-up.

Speaking about the festival, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart,  said: “The guitar has always been celebrated in Newtownards, and I am delighted to welcome the return of the Ards International Guitar Festival. This year’s programme offers something truly special for music lovers of all ages, and we’re proud to host such a vibrant showcase of musical talent.”

Ards Guitar Festival Director, Emily Crawford commented: “This year’s Ards International Guitar Festival presents a truly eclectic and very special line-up, there really is something to appeal to every taste from classical and contemporary to traditional Irish, Blues, folk and rock. We are privileged to be joined by some real legends of the instrument for five days of guitar celebration, chats and music.”

Ards International Guitar Festival runs from 9 – 13 April. For ticket details or to view the full programme, please visit the website www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk

 

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Antrim

NI Science Festival 2025: Fun with Fossils, Carrickfergus Museum. Make fossils with plaster of paris and fossil moulds and find out from experts about our local fossils.  You can bring home your own handmade replicas and learn a little bit about where they lived and why they are important.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Armagh Whodunit Hunt – Walking Murder Mystery Trail.  Along the clue route of this self-guided murder mystery trail there is much to discover in this old city, almost unique if only because it has two cathedrals, both splendid pieces of architecture.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

The View from Mars, Lyric, Belfast. ix Dance Collective presents the world premiere of a journey of reflection and resilience. When a lone space traveller finds himself cast away from Earth, he hurtles through a void of memories, regrets and nostalgia.

Find our more HERE

Down

Let ideas for your wedding blossom at the Clandeboye Lodge Spring Wedding Fair on Sunday 23rd February, from 12-4pm.

Find our more HERE

Fermanagh

Discover fascinating & historic places while having fun solving a self-guided murder mystery walking trail from Whodunit Hunts in Enniskillen, Ireland’s only island town.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Seamus Heaney HomePlace is delighted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the publication of North in the company of renowned actor Paul McGann alongside one of the UK’s finest pianists Charles Owen.

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Join one of Ireland’s favourite comics,Neil Delamere, as he takes on life’s absurdities in his own inimitable way. A celebration of the altogether too frequent weaknesses that make us human. Burnavon Theatre Cookstown.

Find out more HERE

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

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Antrim

SOS! Save our Stuff: How to care for your heirlooms. Are your treasures wrapped in newspaper and stored in the loft? Unsure how to clean family heirlooms and keep them safe? Join this special workshop for NI Science Festival, where you will learn about the science of preventive conservation.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Get ready to be electrified as Rock Rising returns to at The Market Place, promising a thrilling classic rock show, designed to catapult you through the evolution of classic rock.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Rock for Alzheimer’s. Incredibly this is the 12th year for ‘Rock for Alzheimer’s’. Previous sell out gigs have already raised over £72,000 in aid of The Alzheimer’s Society NI, featuring top local rock tributes, all of whom have a personal family story to tell in relation to Alzheimer’s.

Find our more HERE

Down

Earth & Eros, a Mourne Adventure : Discover beautiful hiking trails in the Western Mournes, find new paths to love and appreciate nature’s awesome beauty.

Find our more HERE

Fermanagh

The virtuosic Fidelio Trio return to Music in Fermanagh, at St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, for an evening of exceptional chamber music.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

The Steinbeck Festival continues with a variety of events, including Whiskey Wars, Workhouse Tour, Local Steinbeck Sites, and Muireann Bradley.

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Join The O’Neill & Ranfurly House for a one-day Watercolour Workshop with talented local artist Andrea Hayes.

Find out more HERE

Discover NI’s Offers of the Week

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Belmore Court & Motel, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

 

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Enniskillen with Belmore Court & Motel’s exclusive ‘Enniskillen Evening Escape’ package. Designed to offer a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, starting from £59.50pp, this special offer includes one night stay in Superior or Executive Room – (Sun to Thu), dinner in your choice of four local restaurants and hot buffet breakfast the next morning. Also, enjoy a complimentary early check-in at 1 pm or late check-out at 1 pm. Offer valid until 30 June. Visit www.motel.co.uk for more information.

 

City Hotel Derry, Derry~Londonderry

From £152 based on two sharing, plan your spring escape with City Hotel Derry. Enjoy one night away with dinner and breakfast the next morning in this idyllic location, perched on the banks of the River Foyle, within a five-minute walk from the historic 400-year-old city walls. Offer valid until 31 May. Visit www.cityhotelderry.com for more information.

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Offers are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability and change without notice. Terms and Conditions apply to each offer and can be viewed on the individual provider’s websites. Tourism NI acts as a promoter of third-party offers and accepts no responsibility for any changes, withdrawals, or inaccuracies made by providers.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 17 – 23 February

 

  1. NI Science Festival 2025, check website for activities across Northern Ireland, 12 – 23 February. The festival offers a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. These events present some of the best scientists from NI and beyond to discuss their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold.
  2. The Chocolate Box at The Chocolate Manor, Castlerock County Londonderry, 22 February. Want to acquire some basic chocolate tempering skills in a fun and hands-on workshop? This experience is for you. The Chocolate Manor will help you create a selection of moulded chocolate treats! Led by Chief Chocolatier Geri Martin, you will begin by learning the fundamentals of working with chocolate at home and learning which equipment you need.
  3. In Touch with Earth’s Treasures, Ulster Museum, County Antrim, 19 February. A sensory tour of crystals, fossils, elements and more with Curator Mike Simms. This is a free drop-in event, providing an opportunity to handle objects with different shapes, textures, densities and even smells, and to discover some of the reasons behind these varying properties. This event is aimed particularly at people with visual impairments.
  4. Grace’s Transport Timeline, Ulster Transport Museum, County Down, 22 & 23 February. CBeebies star, Grace Webb, will be joining the Ulster Transport Museum’s Rail Gallery this February! You might recognise Grace Webb from her CBeebies show ‘Grace’s Amazing Machines’ where she explores some of the biggest, fastest and most amazing machines in the world! As part of NI Science Festival, Grace will delve into some of the incredible machines on display. Find out how the machines in the Rail Gallery have evolved and adapted into really cool gadgets, suitable for 21st century life
  5. Hive Choir Presents: The Bog! Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 22 February. The HIVE Choir will kick off their special weekend of events with their annual ‘HIVEsplaining’ concert at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, where they explain a scientific topic through song. The concert will premiere a slew of new original songs about Irish boglands. Together, navigate the morass of historical and mythological interpretations of bogs and peatlands, as well as the latest scientific findings that reveal the ecological importance of bogs.
  6. Music In Fermanagh presents The Fidelio Trio at St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 18th The virtuosic Fidelio Trio return for an evening of exceptional chamber music. Renowned for their dynamic performances and international acclaim, The Fidelio Trio offers a rich exploration of the string trio repertoire. Shortlisted for the 2016 Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards, The Fidelio Trio broadcast regularly on BBC Radio 3, RTÉ Lyric FM, and have been featured on Sky Arts.
  7. Gospel Fest Goes West, Omagh, County Tyrone, 22 February. Omagh & Fintona Methodist Circuit are delighted to present Gospel Fest Goes West at the Strule Arts Centre. This year is the 10th Anniversary of GFGW and will be another great night of Gospel music featuring Jenn Bostic, International Christian Music Artist from Nashville, the singer/songwriter of the award-winning ballad “Jealous of the Angels”.
  8. Foraging Afloat, Strangford Lough Activity Centre, County Down, 22 & 23 February. Spring is arriving on Strangford Lough and with it the arrival of an array of seasonal wild food emerges from the land and water. Join Rory Martin, David Thompson & Celia Spouncer from Wild About Tours for a unique guide to the sights and flavour of the area. Rory will guide a kayaking tour with some facts and folklore of the islands, castles rocks and wrecks. Learn some local history, spot the wildlife and improve your paddling skills. You will stop off at an island where David & Celia will share the salty delights and unique taste of Strangford Lough.
  9. Whitework Embroidery at the Marketplace Theatre and Arts Centre, Armagh, County Armagh, 21 February. Discover the timeless elegance of Whitework embroidery introducing participants to the delicate art of stitching white or natural-coloured thread on matching fabric. The workshop also highlights the mindful and stress-relieving benefits of needlework.
  10. Belfast Giants 2024/25 Season, Belfast, 21 February, visit website for additional dates. Whether you’re a hardcore hockey fan or a total newbie, a Belfast Giants home game is not to be missed at the SSE Arena. Over the last two decades the team has captured the hearts of millions of fans at home and abroad, with their high-impact on-ice action and entertaining game night experience.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.

ELEPHANT ROCKS ROMANTIC ESCAPES

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Romantic Hotel of the Year offers couples Asian themed cocktails and overnight luxury

Elephant Rock Hotel, which was named Ulster’s Romantic Hotel of the Year at the Irish Hotel Awards in 2024, has created tantalising ways for couples to enjoy some romance this February.

They are holding a special cocktail bar takeover on February 27th whereby two award-winning mixologists will treat guests to incredible cocktails inspired by the flavours of Japan.

Their Valentine’s Day, Love Rocks overnight package is a great way to make memories with a loved one, explained Charlotte Dixon, owner of Elephant Rock.

“At Elephant Rock, we believe Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love in all its forms, whether with a partner, friends, or family. Our Love Rocks package and cocktail bar takeover event, offer the perfect blend of romance and fun, ensuring guests have some lovely options to enjoy an unforgettable stay. We’ve also got a delicious Valentine’s inspired afternoon tea which is available between February 13th and 16th.

“Our location is perfect for romance, with captivating views of the Atlantic Ocean, stunning walks on blue-flag beaches and unforgettable places such as Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway right on our doorstep.

“The Love Rocks package, available from February 7th to the 16th, is such a lovely way to enjoy quality time with your partner. Upon arrival, enjoy rose petal cupcakes, a chilled bottle of prosecco, and a 3-course romantic dinner in our award-winning restaurant that evening. To make your night even more memorable, brave couples can play the, “How Well Do You Know Your Partner?” game for some added fun.

“Our bar takeover, happening on February 27th, will showcase signature cocktails with a Japanese influence and will be hosted by two of the country’s best mixologists, including Jack Weir. This event is selling fast, so get in early.”

You can also book a romantic dinner at Elephant Rock’s restaurant and on Valentine’s Day they have a 3-course meal, enhanced by stunning ocean views and live harp music from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, creating the perfect opportunity for some romance.

For more information or to book visit https://elephantrockhotel.co.uk/ or call + 44 28 7087 8787.

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