Although the Titanic lies in 13,000 feet of water, the enduring story still captures minds and hearts throughout the world.  To mark the anniversary, when a team led by American oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard and French diving engineer Jean-Louis Michel discovered the world’s most famous ship’s final resting place, here are 30 things you may not know about the Titanic and its home – Titanic Belfast:

The Ship Itself

1.       Titanic’s design was conceived over a glass of wine and fine food! Lord Pirrie and J. Bruce Ismay decided speed would be balanced with quality of accommodation. It is rumoured that when Pirrie enquired as to the length of the ship, Ismay replied, glass of wine in hand, “build me a stable ship that will not disturb the sediment in these fine wines.”

2.       Titanic (271m) was long enough to span three tempestuous Atlantic Ocean wave crests.

3.       Due to the size of the Olympic-class ships, in which Titanic was one of three, the shipyard, Harland and Wolff in Belfast had to prepare for two years to be able to build them!

4.       At the time, Belfast was the fastest growing city in the British Empire, it was the linen and ropework capital, with the largest ship building firm in the world. Evidence of this can still be seen throughout the city today.

5.       The ship had three wheels for steering!

6.       Titanic’s funnels were wide enough to drive a train through!

7.       Facilities on board included a gym, pool, Turkish bath, a kennel for first class dogs, and a squash court. The first class cabins on Titanic, where the same standard as hotel cabins, second class was as good as first class on other ships.

8.       The famous staircase, which was among the most luxurious appointments on the ship, was inspired by the staircase at Belfast City Hall, which can still be visited today.

9.       Titanic was stocked with literally tons of food and drink – including 40,000 eggs and 15,000 bottles of ale!

10.   Titanic was launched in 62 seconds on 31^st May 1911. The Olympic, and the tender ships, Nomadic and Traffic left Belfast, drawing over 100,000 spectators and journalists travelling from London and America.

11.   Titanic now lies 370 miles off the coast of Newfoundland, nearly two and a half miles (4000m) below sea level overlooking a small canyon below.

12.   There is no light at this great depth and little life can be found. At Titanic Belfast, visitors can view Dr Ballard’s high definition footage of what Titanic looks like today and can learn more about individual items in the wreckage using the interactive pods.

Titanic Belfast – the Home of the Titanic

13.   Titanic Belfast is built where the Titanic was designed and launched.

14.   The Titanic and SS Nomadic have been re-united again in Belfast. Visitors can experience both the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience together with the SS Nomadic, an authentic piece of Belfast’s industrial heritage, as well as the award-winning Discovery Tour, which highlights the famous barrel-vaulted Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices, the slipways and the building’s iconic structure for one price.

15.   Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience.

16.    It has welcomed approximately 2.5 million visitors from over 145 countries.

17.   From HM Queen Elizabeth, Film director James Cameron, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Former United States Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton to Michael Buble have all visited Titanic Belfast.

18.   It can hold over 3,547 visitors at any one time, the same number as the capacity of Titanic!

19.   Titanic Belfast’s overall shape represents the bow of the ship.

20.   The hulls are the same height of Titanic from keel to Boat Deck!

21.   40,000 tons of concrete was used in Titanic Belfast’s foundations, nearly the same as for Titanic.

What’s new at Titanic Belfast

22.   The world-class exhibition, which has been described by the Prime Minister as ‘absolutely brilliant’ and ‘magnificent and dramatic’ by TITANIC movie director, James Cameron, has recently redeveloped three galleries,  which capture the excitement of launch day, as well as the ship’s maiden voyage. Utilising Pepper’s Ghost illusion that was featured in the James Bond movie, Diamonds Are Forever, as well as fellow world class attractions such as the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, Titanic Belfast recently introduced Fredrick Dent Ray, a dining room steward and survivor. Visitors will hear what it was like to work on board at the Palm Court Café.

23.   At Titanic Belfast, guests are now transported onto Titanic’s deck promenade as part of the experience. Guests can walk on deck, look out to sea, hear the ocean, hold onto the railings and feel the ships engines rumbling as if they were on the ship itself.

24.   The last letter ever to be written on board the Titanic by Essex-born Esther Hart and her seven-year-old daughter Eva just eight hours before the ship hit an iceberg and sank in April 1912 is on display. It recently sold at auction for a world record sum of £119,000.

25.   A note from the Titanic assistant ship’s surgeon Dr John Simpson, which was believed to long-lost, is also on display at the exhibition.

26.   Titanic Belfast is home to the historic plan, commissioned by the Board of Trade for the British inquiry, was designed and prepared by White Star Line architects. It is the second most expensive Titanic artefact in the world.

Outside Titanic Belfast

27.   It’s not only the galleries that tell the story of the Titanic but the surrounding buildings. On the plaza surrounding the Titanic Belfast is one of the largest maps of the Northern Hemisphere at 10,000 m2 and follows the route of the Titanic from Belfast.

28.   The wooden benches encircling the building and are spaced in Morse code sequence. Moving clockwise around the plaza they read “DE (this is) MGY MGY MGY (Titanic’s call sign) CQD CQD SOS SOS CQD” – the distress message that Titanic sent after hitting an iceberg.

29.   On the slipways, there is life size plan of Titanic’s Promenade Deck which is inlaid in white stone, where the ship would have been constructed, outlining where the liner’s lifeboats and funnels and benches on board would have been.

30.   The Slipways have its own Memorial garden, where four grass lawns alternate with timber decking to illustrate the proportion of those who lost their lives and lived from each of the passenger classes and crew.

To delve deeper, visit the home of the story – Titanic Belfast. For more information, visit www.titanicbeflast.com.

RICHHILL Apple Harvest Fayre is back for a second year with a celebration of County Armagh’s home grown produce combined with a celebration of the centenary of one of the most powerful organizations in the UK – the Women’s Institute.

The fayre, which takes place on Halloween Day this year, will build on the success of the popular village fayre which empowers people to connect with the land through artisan food and drink producers.

To make it extra special, the 2015 fayre is launching in line with the screening of the Great British Menu which will feature Northern Ireland including last year’s fayre where Richhill’s WI showcase the powerful role our local country women play in society.

Over 2,000 people gathered in the village square last year to sample local beef, breads, ciders, juices, potatoes, apples and much more as well as enjoy lots of family entertainment.

Barry Gracey, chairman of the Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre committee, said with three major themes this year – Food and Drink, Halloween and the Centenary of the WI, this year’s display is one not to be missed.

He said: “The interest in the event across Northern Ireland and further afield is phenomenal. The fayre celebrates the end of the harvest and the vital role our food and drink producers play.

“It brings people together including families, foodies, chefs, storytellers, musicians, bloggers, travel writers, our WI representatives and schools who all want to celebrate the natural beauty of our orchard county and Richhill’s built heritage.

“The fayre is an authentic celebration of Armagh’s distinctive local food and drink and celebrates the Armagh Bramley which achieved PGI status in 2012 – something we are very proud of here in Richhill.

“Families will be able to come and spend the day sampling local food and drink, enjoy children’s activities, listen to buskers, watch chef demonstrations, take part in organized children’s activities and meet animals which have featured in the Game of Thrones.”

Nuala Turtle, of the Richhill WI, said: “On September 16, 1915, a group of women got together which started one of the most powerful organizations in the UK. One hundred years later, WI women continue to bring women of all walks of life together to learn, share, contribute, campaign, and, most of all, have fun.

“Here in Richhill we are proud of our contribution to our community and the Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre allows us to showcase that contribution. The current Great British Menu series is a fantastic celebration of the WI and we are honoured that last year’s President, Sybil McNally, features on the popular TV series.”

The Great British Menu featuring last year’s Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre will be screened the week commencing August 31, 2015 on BBC Two and will be repeated on Saturdays at 12pm and Sundays at 11:15am.

Admission to this year’s Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre is free and dedicated parking areas will be clearly signposted.

After a mixed bag of weather over the weekend, Monday night provided a small window of good weather for an upper table clash between the Brawlers and the Angels.

With a possible third place finish in their crosshairs, Jay Slevin and Jonny Craven’s team needed two good results in their last games. On this particular evening however, the potent Brawlers offence showed just why they swept through the league last season.

Almost a month removed from their last competitive game, the Halos started well, Melvin Woods lashing a line drive to right field and, proving he is as quick as he is powerful, easily lapping the diamond. It wouldn’t be Woods’ only roundtripper of the evening.

With Jonny Craven taking on the pitching duties himself, the Brawlers would answer back with a home run of their own to tie the game. At these early stages it appeared that a pitcher’s duel was imminent. Unfortunately for the Halos, the Brawlers exploded for six quick runs to stretch out their lead; a two shot blast from Melvin Woods would keep the visitors within touching distance.

Another burst from the Brawlers countered by another home run from Woods (Colin this time) saw the score at 12-4 but the Angels would not be denied another comeback. Showing great discipline at the plate the visitors would claw the score back to 12-9 but the Brawlers had one final push themselves.

Moving into the last inning 20-10 down, another 2-run home run from Melvin Woods would spur the Halos but the hole was just too big to climb out of. 20-12 the final – the Angels will look back at defensive errors in the field just giving them too much to do at the plate.

This weekend sees the Northstars and the Hornets on the road as the 2015 season winds down. The Stars travel to Cavan to take on the Comets in a double header that will see two teams jostling for the third place in the Baseball Ireland B League North.

Leading 2-1 in the season series, Darwin Sanchez’ team

Audiences at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh can look forward to a thrilling double-bill of drama to kick off the Autumn season of events.

Maggie Muff is back at The Market Place in the hilarious ‘Fifty Shades Of Red, White & Blue’. Her Facebook postings had Northern Ireland in fits of laughter last summer. It all started as a joke when Leesa Harker wrote a Belfast-based spoof of ‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’. Very soon it went viral!

‘Fifty Shades Of Red, White & Blue’ tells the story of loveable Maggie Muff and her search for love, featuring laugh-out-loud characters such as ‘Big Sally Ann’, ‘Sinead The Greener’ and of course, the mysterious ‘Mr Red White And Blue’ himself. ‘Fifty Shades Of Red, White & Blue’ will be staged on Saturday 6^th and Sunday 7^th September at 8pm. Tickets are £18 each. Warning this show contains adult humour and strong language.

‘How To Keep An Alien’ is a story about falling in love and proving it to the government. Sonya Kelly is back with a tearfully funny, tender memoir about securing an Irish visa for her Australian partner. Join her madcap odyssey from the stony townlands of Offaly to the leafy depths of the Queensland bush. It’s a tricky business coming from opposite ends of the earth. It takes an Olympian will and the heart of whale, but above all else, paperwork. It takes a hell of a lot of paperwork. ‘How To Keep An Alien’ will be staged on Wednesday 16^th September at 8pm. Tickets are priced £12.50 and £10.50 (concession).

Details of all events can be found online at www.marketplacearmagh.com, and tickets can be booked by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.

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.

Air Waves Portrush, running from Saturday 5^th – Sunday 6^th September 2015, is set to enthral the 100,000 spectators expected to attend the island of Ireland’s largest airshow.

Organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and sponsored by Tourism Northern Ireland, the major attractions across the weekend will include the world-famous RAF Red Arrows (on both days) who will perform their thrilling flying display of trademark formations, close-passes and dynamic loops.

The last airworthy Sally B, B-17 Bomber, made famous in the 1989 film Memphis Belle will make an appearance on the Saturday of the show. The renowned SAAB Viggen jet fighter ‘Thunderbolt’, one of the most iconic single seat strike fighters will make its first ever display on this side of the Irish Sea on the second day of the show.

The Vulcan XH558 is the only flying Vulcan in the world and this exclusive appearance at Portrush will be its first and last on the island of Ireland 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.

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.

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

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is hitting all the right notes with its newest addition to the Festival programme, The Oyster Festival Musical Evening which makes its debut on Wednesday 2^nd September.

Soloist Zoe Jackson is pictured with Ulster Youth Orchestra members Grainne White (left) and Angus McCall (right) who along with the Portadown Male Voice Choir will be treating guests to a charming bill of classical music. For the first time at the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival, the ensemble will be performing an eclectic blend of symphonies from renowned composers which will include the works of Holst, Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Hillsborough native, Hamilton Harty.

This event is supported by Music Matters, Phoenix Natural Gas, and SD Bells Tea and Coffee Specialists. To book tickets for this special evening please visit www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com

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

• Three Night Stay with an afternoon tea, Maryville House Tearooms & Boutique B&B, Belfast. From £270.00. Maryville House is a fine example of a Victorian gentleman’s residence on the cosmopolitan Lisburn Road in Belfast, renovated and opened in 2010 as a boutique B&B. Offer includes 3 nights stay with an afternoon tea included. Offer is for two persons sharing a double room. Available Sunday – Thursday until September 30. To book call (028) 9068 1510.

• Just the Two of Us, Ramada Da Vinci’s Hotel, Derry, Londonderry/Derry. From £89pps. Enjoy a romantic weekend getaway in the City of Derry at Da Vinci’s Hotel and experience our ‘Just the Two of Us’ couples offer from £89.00 per person sharing. Offer includes 2 nights’ accommodation for 2 people, full Irish breakfast each morning, couples 3 course evening meal on an evening of your choice, bottle of wine in your room OR a free walking tour of the historic City of Derry, complimentary parking, unlimited Wi-Fi and weekend entertainment. Available until December 31. Book by calling 028 7127 9111 or visit www.davincishotel.com.
• Summer Sizzler, Marine Court Hotel, Bangor. From £99.99 per room. Beautifully situated overlooking the marina on Bangor’s seafront, the hotel is ideal for both business and pleasure. Offer includes Lunch and Dinner with wine, overnight accommodation with breakfast. Available Sunday-Thursday only until August 31. To book call (028) 9145 1100.

For further information, contact TNI on 028 9023 1221 or view on www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (August 31 – September 6).

• The Belfast Tattoo 2015, SSE Arena, Belfast, September 4-5. The Belfast Tattoo returns with over 600 performers. There will be a magnificent showcase of the finest marching bands, musicians, and dancers from across Ulster and beyond in a two hour show building up to the Grand Finale of the Massed Pipe and Drums. Show times: Fri at 8pm Sat 5 at 2.30pm and 8pm.

• Gobbins, Visitor Centre, Islandmagee, Larne, Co Antrim, Now Open! Experience one of Northern Ireland’s newest and most exhilarating attractions. On the very edge of the Irish Sea lies The Gobbins cliffs where you will find a unique coastal experience re-imagined for the 21st century. A guide will escort you on a journey along the narrow winding cliff edge path which rises and dips and follows the curves of curious geology. Bridges, tunnels, caves, steps, unique rock formations and stunning views will punctuate your path as you walk, presenting themselves in a different light for your return journey.

• Air Waves Portrush 2015, East Strand Beach, Portrush, Co Antrim, September 5-6. Air Waves Portrush is the biggest air show on the island of Ireland. Each day there will be a four and a half hour air display featuring some of the most exciting aircraft including the ever popular Red Arrows. The North Village (Lansdowne Green) and the South Village (East Strand Car Park) will be filled with static helicopter displays, entertainment, stalls, crafts, living history installations, armed forces displays and the latest in cars. Show from 11am – 18pm.

• Titanic Bank Holiday Weekend, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, August 29 -31. Titanic Belfast is going nautical for the Bank Holiday Weekend, from 29 – 31.  From meeting the mascots to an Ocean Explorer Trail, Clayrazy, Ocean Exploration Face Painting and Under the Sea colouring in, Titanic Belfast has it all.

• 30th Anniversary of the discovery of the Titanic, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, September 1. To mark the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the Titanic, from 5 – 6pm Titanic Belfast will be hosting a live interaction with Dr Ballard, where guests can ask questions to the explorer who discovered the Titanic. Keep an eye out for more information.

• Summer Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages, Cockle Row Cottages, Main Street, Groomsport Harbour, Co Down, September 5-6. Come along and enjoy family fun at Cockle Row Cottages with free entertainment from 2pm – 4pm including magic shows, crafts and workshops and so much more.

• Family Fun Afternoon Climbing and Archery, Mobile Team Adventure, Old Milltown Road, Belfast, August 31. Try something new and exciting with the family. Ascend the mobile rock climbing wall and see who can hit the target as you take aim at archery. Everyone will have the opportunity to try both activities. Instructors will be on hand at both stations to show you the ropes, provide some encouragement and generally help you to have a really great time.

• Autumn Book Fair, The Argory, Moy, Co Armagh, September 5-6. Calling all Bookworms. Browse through the hundreds of second-hand books in the courtyard and stock up on your winter reads. There’s sure to be something for everyone. There will be live music and Punch and Judy shows on Sunday. Donations of unwanted books, CDs and DVDs are welcome prior to the event. From 12-5pm.

• Pleasure Ride/ Go as You Please, Lissan House Estate, Drumgrass road, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, September 5. Who’s ready for another day at Lissan? Lissan Horse Riders host a fantastic open this September! With hacking or jumping options around this beautiful 300 acre estate from 11am to 3pm. This event will be a safe environment for off road hacking and jumping trails with over 40 natural type jumps over a 4 or 6 mile route.

• Last Family Fun Day of the season! The Jungle NI, Moneymore, Co Londonderry, September 6. The Jungle will host the last Family Fun Day of the season offering unique, adventure activities at the discounted rate of £3 each or 6 activities for £15. Suitable for ages 4+. The quirky Coffee Shop and BBQ Bar will be selling a range of hot-food and snacks ensuring your energy levels are well stocked to take advantage of the vast range of activities available. From 11am – 4pm.

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.

This August bank holiday will see Lough Neagh light up in a weekend of festival fun in Ballyronan and Toome.

Friday 28 August kicks off the bank holiday weekend of festival fun with Lumarina at Ballyronan Marina. This annual spectacular illumination has gained a reputation for amazing audiences on the picturesque backdrop of the lough at this family themed event. While dancing displays, food stalls and a live band entertain and tickle the tastebuds on dry land, boats will light up the night sky on Lough Neagh before the evening draws to a close with what promises to be a fabulous fireworks display.

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 found a​t www.lumarina.co.uk a​nd you can follow Lough Neagh on Facebook at www.facebook.com/loughneaghanditswaterways, call Lough Neagh Partnership on tel 028 7941 7941 or email at info@discoverloughneagh.com.