Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (March 30–April 5).

• Good Friday Fun, Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, The Stables, Portaferry, Co Down, Belfast, April 3. To celebrate the reopening of Portaferry Visitor Information Centre for the summer season there will be some fun free activities going on so drop in with the children to take part on April 3 from 12-4pm.

• Easter Extravaganza at Share, Share Discovery Village, Smiths Strand, Co Fermanagh, April 3-12. Enjoy the thrills on a variety of land and water activities including one hour, two hour or even taster sessions in archery, banana boating, canoeing, climbing, orienteering, circus skills, combat corps, sailing, windsurfing and mountain biking. Various times available.

• Mount Stewart House Reopens, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Co Down, April 3. Following a three year seven million pound restoration programme, this 19th century house opens its doors to visitors once again! The house rooms have been exquisitely re-presented and interpreted and some will be open to the public for the very first time. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Mansion House at their leisure from 11.30am until 4.30pm.

• Family Adventure Day, Clearsky Adventure Centre, Castle Ward Estate, Co Down, April 4. Families will love trying out the many ranges of activities including canoeing, archery and orienteering.  It’s the perfect way to enjoy some quality time together whilst having loads of fun. Activities at 11am or 2.30pm.

• Acoustic Picnic, Oh Yeah Music Centre, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast, April 4. You are invited to come along to listen to some great live music for free over a picnic style lunch.  All ages welcome, and this year there will be the addition of some giant board games for families and groups of friends to enjoy. So bring a picnic, order a coffee, and enjoy the atmosphere. Begins at 1pm.

• Easter at Navan Centre & Fort, The Ugly Duckling Armagh, Co Armagh, April 4-7. Enjoy family fun with lots of songs, energetic dancing, ‘quack’ crafts and lots more ‘egg-citing’ activities! Shows throughout the day.

• Downhill Easter Egg Trail, Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, Castlerock, Co Londonderry, April 5-6. There will be fun for all the family as you follow the trail around the historic Downhill Demesne. Hunt for clues to crack the code and unlock the Cadbury Chocolate egg surprise. Lots of fun for the whole family! Wear clothing that is suitable for outdoors and meet at Lion’s Gate! 12-4pm.

• Jurassic Adventures, Millennium Forum, Newmarket Street, Derry~Londonderry, Co Londonderry, April 4-5. Enjoy this show aimed at families with kids aged 4-10. Audiences are encouraged to participate during the show which revolves around the official opening of the theme park. Adventures include storms, technical failures, adventures with the creatures in the park and the birth of the park’s first baby dinosaur. Saturday 4^th show times are at 1.30pm and 4pm. Sunday 5th show begins at 2.30pm.

• Spring Fair Day Easter Celebrations, Ulster American Folk Park, Castletown, Omagh, Co Tyrone, April 4-6. Witness the sights, smells and sounds of a busy market day in 1900s Ulster. There will be lots of entertainers to keep you amused. Try your hand at traditional crafts of spinning or basket weaving while younger visitors help feed the baby chicks and ducks. With storytelling sessions for all the family and a chance to take your partner for a spring-time hoe-down this promises to be a great day out for the whole family.  10am – 5pm.

• Circuit of Ireland Rally 2015, various locations, Co Antrim and Co Down, April 2-4. Fans will have several opportunities to see the rally action over Easter weekend.  The qualifying stage of the Rally will be based at Ballycultra Village on Thursday 2 April, followed by a ceremonial start at Belfast City Hall that evening. The rally will finish back in Belfast on the evening of Saturday April 4 and the winner will be crowned at Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. World famous actor and car enthusiast Idris Elba will be taking part in this year’s Rally when he films a documentary about racing on land, water and air.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.

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 Tourism NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Spring Offer, Craig Cottage Bed & Breakfast, Dunseverick, Bushmills, Co Antrim. With stunning views of Scottish Islands, Rathlin Island and Giant’s Causeway along with lots of enjoyable walks nearby, Craig Cottage is an ideal base for touring the North Antrim Coast.  Three nights including choice of Breakfast costs from £30 per person per night. Available until 30 Jun 2015. To book call (028) 2073 1480

• Golden Years/Young at Heart Offer, The Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone. The perfect location to relax, fish, walk, shop and sight-see. Enjoy 2 night’s Bed and Breakfast with full Irish breakfast and 1 evening meal. From £75pps. Until 13 Mar 2016. To book call (028) 8952 1505.

• Spring Saver, Manor House Country Hotel, Irvinestown, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, Mid-week two night Fermanagh Lakeland stay with full Irish breakfast, available on selected dates in March & April 2015. From £65pps. Available until 30 Apr 2015. To book call (028) 6862 2200.

• Spring into Action at Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor, Co Down. Start your stay with an ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ cocktail on arrival and on the night of your preference enjoy dinner with a bottle of Deakin Estate Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Merlot in the Coq & Bull Brasserie and cooked to order Irish breakfast each morning. From £122.50pps. Available until 30 Apr 2015. To book call (028) 9185 2500.

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

Singer-songwriter Kimmie Rhodes is a native Texan, but is bound for The Market Place Theatre in Armagh.

Her multi-platinum selling songs have been recorded by such stellar acts as Willie Nelson, Wynonna Judd, Trisha Yearwood, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, Joe Ely, John Farnham, Waylon Jennings, Peter Frampton, Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris. A creative and prolific artist, she has recorded and released a total of sixteen solo CD’s. Kimmie’s tours have created a solid fan base in the U.K., Ireland and Europe. She has headlined with her band at festivals all over the world and has appeared on many European and American TV and radio broadcasts. Kimmie Rhodes will perform on Wednesday 25^th March at 8pm. Tickets are priced £17 each.

Families will be delighted with the return of The Superstars of Wrestling, who will battle it out live on-stage at the Market Place on Saturday 28^th March at 7.30pm. After last year’s successful sell-out The American Wrestling Roadshow returns with it’s over the top family-friendly theatrical tussle! Grab your tickets today for the must-see children’s entertainment extravaganza of the year, when the good guys take on the baddies in an all-out action packed evening to remember! Tickets are priced £12, or £40 for a family of four.

Audiences at The Market Place will be familiar with such superb dramas as ‘The Unremarkable Death Of Marilyn Monroe’, ‘Female Gothic’, ‘The Diaries Of Adam And Eve’, ‘I, Elizabeth’ and ‘Austen’s Women’; and now from the same creators comes ‘Dalloway’, a new adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s ‘Mrs Dalloway’.

1923: The War is over. While Clarissa Dalloway prepares a party in Westminster, Septimus Smith is diagnosed with shell-shock, their memories and dreams magically intertwining with those of fifteen other disparate souls, this hot blue day in June. Conjuring the hopes and regrets of middle and upper-class London, this adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s celebrated map of hearts, minds and memories offers a compellingly feminine response to the aftermath of the First World War. ‘Dalloway’ will be staged on Saturday 28^th March at 8pm. Tickets are priced £12.50 and £10.50 (concession).

Tickets for all events can be booked 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.

Tourism Northern Ireland has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (March 23 – 29).

• Jailhouse Rock Live at The Crum, Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast, March 27. Watch an extraordinary tribute performance to one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century in a concert brilliantly capturing the musical life of The King of Rock n Roll. Doors open 7pm.

• The Railway Children, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Co Londonderry, March 25 – 28. A Northern Ireland premiere for this emotional, heart-warming play that is suitable for the whole family. The production will evoke many memories for the adult theatregoer and introduce this wonderful and moving show to the young. From 8pm.

• Brilliant Corners – A Festival of Jazz in Belfast, various locations, Belfast, March 25 – 28. The four-day event is better than ever, combining local talent with international contemporaries. There will be amazing talent such as the Dublin City Jazz Orchestra, Get The Blessing, together with performances from local musicians and bands including Steve Davis’ ‘Human’ and Meliana Gillard Quartet. This year’s line-up has everything from big band music to free jazz, hip-hop to contemporary, post rock to experimental, workshops and outreach activities!

• Adventureland, various locations throughout NI, March 28-29. There will be twenty-four activity providers offering fifty outdoor activity events for people to come and try including canoeing, climbing, mountain biking and zorbing, to name just a few.  No previous experience is required and for this one weekend only all events are being offered at either half price or just £10 per person.  To book your place, visit discovernorthernireland.com.

• Humdinger! Childrens Story Festival, The Guildhall, Derry~Londonderry, Co Londonderry, March 23-28. The festival celebrates words, stories and imagination and features some of the biggest and best-loved names in children’s books and stories. Humdinger! aims to inspire a love of reading and an appreciation of stories and books by bringing incredible artists, stellar talent and fabulous stories to all of the little bookworms.

• Giant Easter Bunny Hunt, Castle Espie Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre, Co Down, March 28 – April 14. Hop down to Castle Espie for their Easter egg-stravaganza and annual giant Easter bunny hunt with lots of events and activities across the holidays. From 11am – 4pm.

• Kimmie Rhodes, Market Place Theatre, Market Street, Armagh, Co Armagh, March 25. Multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter Kimmie Rhodes is a native Texan who calls Austin home and will be playing in Market Place Theatre for your delight and entertainment.  From 8pm.

• ARRIVALS2, Old Courthouse, Market Square, Antrim, Co Antrim, March 26. Experience delicious ‘tapas theatre’ as four international actors and five of Northern Ireland’s most exciting writers turn to the lives of our second generation immigrants for inspiration; creating five short plays, presented all in one night.  Funny, touching and heartfelt, Arrivals2 is an engaging response to life in modern Northern Ireland. From 7.30pm.

• Fine and Dandy Market, Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast, March 29. The Fine and Dandy Market showcases the work of independent artists, designers, illustrators and crafters alongside stalls from collectors of records and vintage wares with quality local food and drink produce. From 11.30 – 3.30pm.

• Nathan Carter, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, March 25. Back by popular demand, superb Country music star Nathan Carter makes a welcome return to Ardhowen Theatre’s stage. Nathan has had a tremendous year to date, with his new album ‘Where I Wanna Be’ topping the Irish Charts. From 8pm.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.

Visit The Argory on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March to stock up on all your spring and summer reads at the spring Book Fair.

The courtyard will once again be filled with a vast array of second-hand books to suit all tastes and interests. Enjoy live music on Sunday from The D Donaghadee brothers and there will be Punch and Judy shows for the little ones.

The National Trust property near Moy opened its second-hand bookshop 6 years ago and has since been greatly welcomed by all visitors. Local visitor, Vicky Lennox from Cookstown commented:

‘I always come to The Argory to stock up on books for my family – there are romance novels for me, sports and history books for my husband and a huge range of fun and educational books for the children. I can even pick up some gifts for other family members! And of course, a visit to The Argory makes for a great day out for the family’

Whilst on the property, why not take a tour of the unique Irish gentry house or enjoy home baked cakes, scones and teas in the Courtyard Coffee Shop. Treat yourself to something nice in the shop, packed with an extensive range of products and gifts.

Just 10 minutes away, Ardress House will also be open to visitors. Take a gentle walk along ‘The Ladies Mile’, say hello to the farmyard animals and feed the chickens.

Take a tour of Ardress House to discover the history behind this charming 17^th century farmhouse.

The Argory Spring Book Fair will take place on Saturday 21 March and Sunday 22 March from 12-5pm. Normal admission, National Trust members free. For further information on National Trust events visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/argory

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 Tourism Northern Ireland has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• We ‘Heart’ You Mum! Mother’s Day Stay, Belmore Court and Motel, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. Overnight Stay with complimentary upgrade to superior room. Continental breakfast with hot options. Bottle of bubbly and chocolates in your room on arrival and complimentary late check out. From £35pps. Offer valid March 15 only. To book call (028) 6632 6633.

• 2 Nights B&B and an evening meal for 2 people, Atlantic Hotel, Portrush, Co Antrim. From £150. Enjoy 2 nights bed, breakfast and 1 evening meal in Atlantic Hotel. Offer based on 2 sharing a double room. £30 meal allowance per couple. Includes access to Kelly’s Nightclub on Wednesday nights. Available Sunday-Friday only, May 1- Sep 30, 2015. To book call (028) 7082 3539.

• March Madness, Whistledown Hotel, Warrenpoint, Newry, Co Down. Bed and breakfast plus a 3 course evening meal in the Bistro Restaurant. Double or twin room available. Sunday to Thursday from £50pps. Available until 31 March. To book call (028) (028) 4175 4174.

• Stay longer and save, Ramada Da Vinci’s Hotel, Co Londonderry. The longer you stay, the more you save at Da Vinci’s Hotel. Stay 2 nights and save 10% or stay 3 nights and save 15%. Complimentary weekend entertainment and daily newspaper. From £35pps. Available until December 31. To book call (028) 7127 9111.

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

*All offers are subject to availability.

Enjoy this clip of the supremely talented Rick Swan at a recent Belfast Jam and name that tune!

Northern Ireland’s biggest cultural family event The P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival in partnership with UTV, 18 – 25 July, officially launched today with the announcement that ‘Rollermania’ is set to take over when Bay City Rollers starring Les McKeown headlines the music concert on Saturday 18^th July.

As usual the festival will feature the world famous Highland Games along with a jammed packed programme featuring top quality sport, music and food in the grounds of Glenarm Castle, with community events taking place in Glenarm Village throughout the week – so make sure you get the dates in your diary and don’t miss out!

Following a record crowd last year, the main event of the festival, the Glenarm Castle Highland Games, is back on Saturday 18^th & Sunday 19^th July.  New to the games this year is the County Antrim Pipe Band Championships which will feature numerous bands from across N.Ireland and Scotland, as well as an expanded action packed programme of events to include live wrestling, additional music stages, more local foods, pop-up restaurants, shopping, displays, and back by popular demand, the ‘world’s only’ sheep fashion show. On Saturday 18^th July the evening music concert will rock with nostalgia as Bay City Rollers starring Les McKeown take to the main stage along with Bagatelle, Hothouse Flowers and support from Rob Strong, Runabay and XOD dancers.

After the weekend festivities celebrations will continue for the rest of the week in the stunning village of Glenarm and wider community.  An action packed programme of events will take place which will reach a spectacular finale with the ever stunning fireworks display.

Adrian Morrow, Festival Director, commented;
“We are delighted to get our ‘shang-a-lang’ on and officially launch The P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival in partnership with UTV for 2015. Whilst we saw record crowds last year and received fantastic feedback from visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond we are pushing ourselves to raise the bar and ensure we pull out all the stops to make 2015 our biggest and best festival yet. With an incredible line up across sport, music and food – we have something for all the family.  From amazing highland games and local strongmen to our every popular sheep fashion show to even more food events and a brilliant music showcase featuring Bay City Rollers, Bagatelle – to name but a few. As usual we couldn’t stage the festival without the continued support from our official sponsor P&O and our media partner UTV and this year we are delighted to welcome Decathlon as a new partner.  We also appreciate the support from our many other partners as well as the commitment and enthusiasm of the staff, volunteers and the local community.  Without this support the festival just wouldn’t be possible – to all of them we say a huge thank-you.”

Joanna Walsh from P&O Ferries, title sponsor of the event, said;

.

“P&O Ferries is proud to be title sponsor for the 2015 Dalriada Festival. Each year, the festival improves more and more with the promise of fantastic food, great music and sporting action to keep the whole family entertained. It is sure to be another successful year!

“As operators of the shortest, fastest and most frequent crossings between Larne, Cairnryan and Troon, P&O Ferries is looking forward to welcoming many visitors from Scotland on board our sailings this summer to bring them across to the event. We wish the festival every success!”

Michael Wilson, Managing Director UTV, added;

“UTV has been a part of the P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival in Glenarm for the last four years and we are delighted to be lending our support once again this year. UTV is all about family entertainment and the Dalriada Festival is a perfect partnership. The event is first class family entertainment with the caliber of the musical line up, the food on offer and events surrounding the week. The Festival just gets better. It will be an event for all the family to enjoy.”

Day passes for Glenarm Castle Highland Games, Saturday evening concert tickets and camping packages are on sale from 9am on Thursday 12^th March. Visit www.dalriadafestival.co.uk. Book online and SAVE 20% on day passes. Car parking is FREE. Saturday night concert tickets can also be purchased at www.ticketmaster.ie priced at £28.50.
Further information on the festival visit www.dalriadafestival.co.uk.