The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (January 13 – 19).

• Jack and the Beanstalk, Ardhowen Theatre, Co. Fermanagh, January 13 – 18.  The classic tale of Jack who exchanges his cow for magic beans which grow into a gigantic beanstalk.  Jack climbs the beanstalk and arrives in a strange land high up in the sky and so the adventure begins – will Jack survive his journey to the Giant’s land?

• Watercolour Painting Workshop, Londonderry Arms Hotel, Carnlough, Co. Antrim, January 14 – 16.  Enjoy a fun filled workshop with well known artist Paul Holmes, offering a mix of good humour and good teaching. The class is suited to both experienced artists and those new to watercolour painting.

• Jesus Christ Superstar, Riverside Theatre, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, January 16 – February 1.  Ballywillan Drama Group performs a unique new staging of this iconic musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, telling the emotional story of the last seven days of Jesus of Nazareth.

• Arenacross 2014, Odyssey Arena, Belfast, January 17 – 18.  Enjoy the crazy indoor variation of motocross racing with shockingly spectacular jumps as the arena is transformed into a purpose-built dirt track.
• A Bit on the Side, The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh City, Co. Armagh, January 17 – 18.  Funny man Conal Gallen stars in his very own comedy play, taking his hilarious humour to a new level in this side-splitting two-act comedy farce taking place in the household of 30 years married Bridie and Willie Murphy.
• Northern Irish Photographic Annual Exhibition, The Braid, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, January 18 – 22.  On display at The Braid, the exhibition comprises of 76 prints selected from the work of members of Northern Ireland camera clubs with a variety of subjects represented from landscapes and sport to architecture.

• Titanic: Window on Emigration, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, until January 26. Find out about the Irish emigrants who boarded Titanic and explore their stories as well as their surroundings on their ill-fated journey to the New World.

• Homegrown, Millennium Forum, Derry, Co. Londonderry, January 17.  Join three of Derry’s best loved musicians in a special concert celebrating the city’s musical talent, with Paul Casey, Bronagh Gallagher and Paddy Nash and the Happy Enchiladas.  

• Burns: The Belfast Connection, Linen Hall Library, Belfast, until January 31.  The largest collection of Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns’ materials held outside of Scotland. With a selection of rare and valuable items including the 1787 Belfast edition of Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect.

• Meet the Quackers, Castle Espie Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre, Co. Down, until April 27.  Let the kids explore the exciting world of the largest collection of rare and exotic geese, ducks and swans in Ireland and make the most of the Meet the Quackers tours every Saturday and Sunday.

Down

Join BBC Northern Ireland and Radio Ulster on Thursday 9th January for a free Stargazing LIVE event at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra.  Are you baffled by the universe? Do you know your moons from your planets? How about an evening with the stars! See the night sky through the lens of impressive telescopes, take off and land with the rocket science shows and learn all about galaxies and comets. Meet the astronomers and ask them anything. All this and much more. Outdoor activities will be weather dependent.  Entry to the event is free but will be on a first come first served basis and places on some  activities are limited.

Tyrone

Can the beautiful Snow White escape the evil clutches of the Wicked Queen and marry her Prince? She can with the help of seven helpful (and not so helpful!) dwarfs.  For 2014, Stewartstown Panto are producing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs from 10th to 25th January at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown.  You can be assured of wonderful costumes, amazing sets, great music and lots of laughs making Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs unmissable entertainment.

Fermanagh

The Lakeland Players return to the Ardhowen with their 27th annual pantomime, the classic tale of Jack, a young lad living with his poor widowed mother. Their only means of income is a cow called Daisy but when Daisy stops giving milk one morning, Jack is sent to sell her at the market. On the way he meets an old man who offers to give him “magic” beans in exchange for Daisy. And so the adventure begins…..from 9^th to 18^th January.

Derry

The classic Saturday screening this weekend at the Roe Valley Arts Centre is All About Eve.   A ruthlessly ambitious ingenue, Eve (Anne Baxter), insinuates herself in to the company of an established but aging stage actress Margo (Bette Davis) and her circle of theatre friends. Starring Davis and Baxter in what might be their best roles, this is a wonderful, glamorous classic film with a scintillating script including the famous line “Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night”.  Dress-up period glad rags in honour of the film welcome!

Armagh

An Antiques and Collectables Vintage Fair will be held  on Saturday 11th January in Brownstown Community Hall, Brownstown Road, Portadown.   Doors open from 9am to 3pm and admission is only £2.

Antrim
The Galgorm Resort and Spa Ballymena is the venue for a glittering Gala Ball in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society this Friday 10^th January.  Dancing to the Big Kahuna Band and a 4 course dinner.  The fun kicks off at 7pm.

Belfast

Family skating Saturdays at Dundonald Ice Bowl  from 5 – 6 pm.  Suitable for all ages – introduce young / novice skaters to ice skating without the hussle & bussle of public sessions.  Games, Hockey, Speed skating, Music.  £4 per session, £1 skate hire.

From Fig Leaves to Final Judgment!

Following the sell-out success of their 2013 UK Tour it is apocalypse now The Reduced Shakespeare Company set their reductive sites on the good book with The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) and visit Theatre at The Mill in Newtownabbey for two performances only on 29 and 30 January.

Yes, it’s an affectionate, irreverent roller coaster ride from fig leaves to Final Judgment as the Reduced Shakespeare Company tackle the great theological questions: Did Adam and Eve have navels? Did Moses really look like Charlton Heston?

Whether you are Catholic or Protestant, Muslim or Jew, Atheist or Jedi, you will be tickled by the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s romp through old time religion.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company is a three-man comedy troupe that takes long, serious subjects and reduces them to short, sharp comedies. Since 1981, ‘The Bad Boys of Abridgement’ have created eight stage shows, two television specials and numerous radio pieces – all of which have been performed, seen, heard and translated into Klingon the world over.

The company’s first three shows, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), The Complete History of America (abridged) and The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) enjoyed a nine-year run at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus. Not only were they London’s longest-running comedies, but at one point the Reduced Shakespeare Company had more shows running in the West End than Andrew Lloyd Webber. Some of them were funnier too…

And comedy fans will think they’re in heaven as ticket prices for The Reduced Shakespeare Company are £16 and £14. The Reduced Shakespeare Company visit Theatre at The Mill for two nights on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 January. Book tickets online at www.theatreatthemill.com or phone Box Office on 9034 0202.

Grab your walking shoes and woolly hats and work off the excesses of Christmas by heading outdoors to discover some of Northern Ireland’s most scenic locations this winter, says the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).

Whether it’s a relaxing stroll along the banks of the river, a hike up a mountain, a ramble through the forest or even a mad dash after your dog, Northern Ireland has a walking route to suit the whole family.
NITB’s Destination PR Officer, Pauline Gormley says there are hundreds of walking paths and trails to explore.

“After a busy festive season there is no better way to blow away the cobwebs than to wrap up warm and take a winter walk,” said Pauline.

“Whether you are a hardcore hiker or you enjoy a relaxing Sunday stroll, there are hundreds of options and areas for you to explore in Northern Ireland.

“Walking is a fantastic way to take in the natural beauty of an area at your own pace so wrap up well and enjoy the winter backdrop and beautiful scenery,” she added.

To help walkers on their way, NITB has put together a list of top walking routes this winter.

Belfast

A winter morning is arguably the best time to walk the Lagan Towpath as the mist hovers just above Belfast’s main river.  The towpath starts in Stranmillis, just minutes away from Belfast City Centre, and sets off along the river and canal systems through a variety of wetland, riverside meadows and mixed woodland.  After passing through Lagan Meadows and over Shaw’s Bridge this section of the towpath finishes at Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park, one of Belfast’s most popular parks.

Divis and Black Mountain rest in the heart of the Belfast Hills and provide a backdrop to the city’s skyline, offering spectacular views across Northern Ireland, Belfast Lough and as far as Donegal and the coast of England, Scotland and the Isle of Man.  Suitable footwear is necessary.   

Co. Antrim

Winter creates the perfect backdrop to explore the mature woodland of Glenariff Forest Park with freezing waterfalls and open, frosted moorland.  The trail first takes you down the Inver River gorge, to the edge of the Ess-na-Crub Waterfall and your path back offers spectacular views straight down the misty Glen to the coast and the sea beyond.
Follow a stretch of breathtaking coastline between Ballintoy and Bushmills for a great 12.4 mile walk.  The route includes walking on beaches, across rocks and along cliff top paths following the Causeway Coast Way, one of the most spectacular cliff top paths in the UK.

Co. Antrim also boasts Croaghan, a 6.5 mile circular stroll, with a variety of hills, forest tracks and stunning panoramic views of Rathlin Island, just off the Antrim Coast.

Co. Armagh

The Slieve Gullion walk is 9.5 miles and located within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Beauty. Rising to 573 meters, Slieve Gullion is the centrepiece of the volcanic landscape and is a Special Area of Conservation.  The Ring of Gullion and Slieve Gullion have rich associations with Irish legends and myths.

Gosford Forest Park comprises of 240 hectares of diverse woodland and open parkland set in gentle rolling drumlin countryside.  It was designated as the first conservation forest in Northern Ireland and has a number of way-marked nature trails and treks to explore.

Co. Down

Located in the dramatic setting of mountains and sea, Castlewellan Forest Park is one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe.  Many walkers enjoy its mile-long lake which gives a great insight into eighteenth-century landscaping.

Covering an area of almost 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, Tollymore Forest Park offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at nearby Newcastle.  Tollymore has some very interesting features to look out for while on your walk including a barn dressed to look like a church and gothic-style gate arches that all show the influence of the highly individualistic designer, Thomas Wright of Durham. 

North Down Coastal Path extends from Holywood in the west to Orlock in the east and passes through coastline and parkland.  Historic relics and flora and fauna can be found in abundance and grey seals can be spotted offshore.

Murlough Nature Reserve is a fragile 6000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust, it is an excellent area for walking due to its spectacular location at the edge of Dundrum and the Mourne Mountains and was Ireland’s first Nature Reserve.

Co. Fermanagh

Castle Archdale Country Park offers a variety of walks on a 5 mile trail with lots to see as it goes along the shore passing the deer park enclosure, wildfowl ponds and butterfly garden.  Winter is a great time of the year to explore this unique setting.

Crom Estate offers walks amidst a tranquil landscape of islands, woodland and historic ruins.  Take the walk which follows the main estate path through stunning parkland towards the old castle, steeped in history.  As you continue along the shoreline to Crom’s beautiful boathouse you can enjoy stunning views up to the 19^th Century castle which sits to the right of the trail dominating the landscape.

Co. Tyrone

Peatlands Park, close to the southern shores of Lough Neagh, can be explored by over 10 miles of paths and wooden walkways which leads the visitor through many varied habitats.  The park is rich in butterflies, moths and dragonflies as well as many woodland and wetland birds and several species of waterfowl.

Dungannon Park is a 70 acre oasis centred round an idyllic still-water lake and its magnificent scenery invites you to enjoy leisurely walks along the park trail.  High grounds offer the walker splendid views of the surrounding townlands and countryside with views of Lough Neagh on a clear day.

Visitors looking for a great off-road, winter hill walk across rolling hills and frosty moorland should go to Robber’s Table.  The highest point of this route provides superb views of the Bluestack and Derryveagh Mountains of Donegal to the west and the high Sperrins to the north east.  As the 9 mile route climbs south over Ballynatubbrit Mountain it passes Robber’s Table, the site where supposed local seventeenth century Highwaymen met up to divide their spoils after raiding the postal carriages that traversed this upland landscape.

Co. Londonderry

Port Path follows a stretch of scenic coastline between Portstewart and Portrush and the winter seascape is an experience not to be missed.  As well as the magnificent offshore views, this route also passes by a number of interesting features such as traditional ice houses, stone built, turf roofed houses where ice was stored in the winter in order to preserve salmon in the summer.

Prehen Wood is one of Northern Ireland’s rare and irreplaceable ancient woods and it has a series of numbered way-markers that offer an environmental trail encouraging people to develop an awareness and appreciation of the natural and built environment.

For more information on walking in Northern Ireland click on www.discovernorthernireland.com, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland

Tourism Ireland today reflected on highlights of its promotional activity to promote Northern Ireland around the world this year. 2013 was a good year for overseas tourism, with official figures to the end of June showing growth of +13% in overseas visitors and sentiment is positive for the latter half of the year. Highlights have included Derry~Londonderry UK City of Culture, the G8 Summit and the World Police and Fire Games.

Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster said: “Looking back over year I am encouraged by our overseas tourism figures, as our performance indicates that we are making solid progress.

“In 2013 Londonderry became the first UK City of Culture and, among many other successful events, hosted the Turner Prize on its first ever showing outside England. The world’s leaders came to Fermanagh for the G8 summit and the World Police and Fire Games brought thousands of international participants and spectators to our shores.

“In 2014 we have events such as the Giro d’Italia to look forward to and our signature tourism products such as Titanic Belfast and Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre continue to attract visitors from near and far. We must maintain our efforts and focus and continue to build on the significant progress local tourism has made over the last couple of years.”

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “I am pleased to see an increase in visitor numbers from overseas this year. Tourism Ireland has had a packed programme of promotions around the world this year – showcasing Northern Ireland and the fantastic calendar of events taking place throughout 2013 to potential holidaymakers everywhere. Our promotions have been highlighting Derry~Londonderry UK City of Culture; other major events, like the World Police & Fire Games, were also promoted widely. Tourism Ireland also took every opportunity to capitalise on the hugely successful G8 summit, which placed Fermanagh, and Northern Ireland, in the international spotlight.”

At the beginning of this month, Tourism Ireland launched its marketing plans to promote Northern Ireland in 2014 and beyond, with ambitious targets to welcome over 2 million visitors per year by 2016. Commenting on the plans for the next three years, Niall Gibbons said: “Following a positive 2013, ambitious targets have been set for 2014-2016. We will be pulling out all the stops to capitalise on the hosting of the first stages of the famous Giro d’Italia in May 2014. We will capitalise on the huge worldwide publicity of HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’ and will also continue to highlight iconic experiences all over Northern Ireland – including Titanic Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway and our unique National Trust properties. The Causeway Coastal Route, and driving holidays to Northern Ireland, will also be promoted widely.”

SOME HIGHLIGHTS FOR OVERSEAS TOURISM IN 2013

Derry~Londonderry UK City of Culture

Derry~Londonderry UK City of Culture was a major focus of Tourism Ireland’s promotions throughout 2013. The City of Culture programme provided a tremendous ‘hook’ to shine a spotlight on Londonderry and Northern Ireland around the world – particularly high profile events like the Fleadh Cheoil, the Return of Colmcille festival, Lumiere and the Turner Prize exhibition.

Overseas publicity

Working with overseas travel, lifestyle and special interest media is an important element of the overseas promotional programme. In 2013, approximately 2,000 print, online or broadcast articles and stories delivered positive messages about Northern Ireland to potential visitors around the world. Tourism Ireland estimates that this exposure is worth almost £60 million in equivalent advertising value.

OTHER MONTH-BY-MONTH HIGHLIGHTS OF 2013 FOR OVERSEAS TOURISM

January

Launch of Ireland.com

In January, Tourism Ireland launched its new international website for tourism to the island of Ireland – Ireland.com. The site was completely redeveloped, to deliver a transformed web experience for potential holidaymakers around the world. Ireland.com is now live in 22 markets, in seven languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and Chinese; and a further three – Brazilian Portuguese, Russian and Arabic – are currently in development and will be rolled out in early 2014. By the end of this year, Ireland.com will have attracted a record 13 million unique visits, 22% of which have come from mobile devices. There has also been a +21% increase in page views on the new site.

March

Derry~Londonderry garden helps tourism ‘bloom’ in Philadelphia

In March, a specially-commissioned Derry~Londonderry UK City of Culture garden was the centrepiece of the Tourism Ireland stand at the world’s largest flower and horticultural show – the Philadelphia Flower Show in the United States. Designed to celebrate the special year of Derry~Londonderry UK City of Culture, the garden was called ‘The Garden of Culture’. It incorporated a replica of the historic city walls, the two cathedrals, the famous ‘Hands across the Divide’ statue, as well as the Guildhall.

‘Global Greening’ season

Tourism Ireland’s annual ‘global greening’ initiative for St Patrick’s Day was bigger and better than ever before in 2013 – generating over £8 million worth of positive publicity for the island of Ireland across the world. This year, an ancient wonder of the world – the Pyramids of Giza – and a modern wonder of the world – the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil – went green for the first time ever on 17 March, joining a host of other major landmarks and iconic sites around the world. English business magnate Sir Richard Branson even joined in the fun – dyeing his beard (and eyelashes!) green and tweeting the resulting pictures to his three million followers!

April

International golf media swing into action

In April, top golf journalists from around the world arrived in Northern Ireland, to take part in the 2013 Tourism Ireland media golf ‘masters’. The event, organised in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, attracted golf writers from far-flung countries like China, Australia and South Africa, as well as from Great Britain, the USA, Germany and Italy. In addition to experiencing the challenges of Portstewart’s championship course, the journalists also had the opportunity to play the Dunluce Course at Royal Portrush, home to last year’s Irish Open. Throughout 2013, Tourism Ireland continued to leverage positive publicity for Northern Ireland as a top golfing destination – with over 14 million potential US visitors seeing Tourism Ireland’s ‘Home of Champions’ campaign on the Golf Channel this year.

May

Gearing up for Giro d’Italia 2014

The famous Giro d’Italia cycling race took place in May. Tourism Ireland in Italy kicked off a busy programme of promotions to maximise the tourism potential of the hosting of the first stages of next year’s Giro d’Italia – which will take route competitors around Belfast, along the spectacular Causeway Coast and down to historic Armagh. Tourism Ireland had a very visible presence in the start and finish villages of each of the 21 stages of this year’s race, where brochures and information about holidays in Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland were distributed. More than one million Giro and sports enthusiasts saw Tourism Ireland’s ads during the race on the website of La Gazzetta dello Sport, the principal sports newspaper in Italy; and a busy programme of social media activity in Italy, Great Britain, Germany and Spain was undertaken, to leverage the huge interest in cycling and the massive media coverage around the Giro – with regular posts on Twitter and Facebook. At the end of this year’s Giro, Tourism Ireland hosted a press briefing in Vicenza in Northern Italy, the venue for the 17^th stage of the race, to highlight to about 70 influential Italian and international sports and lifestyle journalists that the Grande Partenza will take place in Northern Ireland for the first time ever in May 2014.

June

Fermanagh welcomes world leaders for the G8 Summit

The arrival of Barack Obama, David Cameron and other world leaders for the G8 Summit offered an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Fermanagh and Northern Ireland – through the international media – to potential visitors across the world. Tourism Ireland’s promotional programme and publicity drive was stepped up considerably before, during and after the G8 Summit to capitalise on the opportunity. The organisation undertook a targeted PR campaign to maximise the potential of the G8 Summit, generating positive publicity in Great Britain and other key markets overseas and ensuring the destination was showcased to international media covering the Summit. Activity involved familiarisation visits for leading travel and lifestyle media in advance of the summit; extensive social media activity and engagement with international media during the G8; and ‘follow in the footsteps’ familiarisation visits for media and travel trade contacts specialising in business tourism and golf following the G8.

July

Bollywood producers and scouts check out Northern Ireland

Building on the success of Ek Tha Tiger in 2012, some of Bollywood’s top names travelled to Northern Ireland on a scouting mission in July, to explore numerous locations and scenic spots for their next big Bollywood blockbuster. During their time here, they checked out locations in Belfast including Belfast Castle and Titanic Belfast, before travelling along the Causeway Coastal Route to visit the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, Ballintoy Harbour, the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Mussenden Temple and the Dark Hedges near Ballymoney. Tourism Ireland in India worked closely with Northern Ireland Screen to secure the visit. In 2012, the Bollywood film shot on location in Dublin – Ek Tha Tiger – became one of the biggest-grossing movies ever in India and was seen by an estimated 100 million cinema-goers.

Northern Ireland focus for 2.2 million Daily Telegraph readers in GB

A series of articles in the prestigious Daily Telegraph newspaper showcased Northern Ireland to an estimated 2.2 million people across Great Britain during July. The four-part series of articles was developed by Tourism Ireland in conjunction with Invest Northern Ireland and other partners to shine a spotlight on Northern Ireland as a wonderful place to visit and do business. Each article in the four-part series was read by an estimated 542,000 readers. These focused on the regeneration of Northern Ireland, covering our world-class tourism product – including new attractions like Titanic Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway visitor centre, as well as our superb golf and major festivals and events. Other topics included the growing success of film and TV production in Northern Ireland – and in particular HBO’s Game of Thrones in which our scenery is so spectacularly showcased, whetting appetites among viewers to come and experience the locations and the destination for themselves.

August

Rock legend Feargal Sharkey lends a hand to promote his hometown

In August, over 4 million potential GB visitors were urged to visit Derry~Londonderry during its UK City of Culture year – by Northern Ireland rock legend, Feargal Sharkey. A series of radio interviews with Sharkey, encouraging radio listeners to check out Derry-Londonderry’s plethora of cultural offerings, aired on ten GB stations, including BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Newcastle, BBC Radio Devon, BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester, BBC Radio Kent, BBC Radio Three Counties, BFBS, City Talk, BBC Radio Merseyside and BBC Radio Humberside – reaching a combined audience of over 4 million people.

‘Friendliest ever’ World Police & Fire Games

Another ‘stand-out’ event in 2013 was the World Police and Fire Games – when 7,000 athletes, together with their friends and families, descended on Belfast and Northern Ireland for ten days at the beginning of August. Deemed the ‘friendliest games ever’, events like this help to keep Northern Ireland in the global publicity spotlight for the very best reasons, helping to change perceptions and position Northern Ireland as a top holiday and business destination.

September

Autumn campaign with a festival focus

Tourism Ireland launched a £15.7 million promotional blitz in September, to boost late-season travel to Northern Ireland. The campaign highlighted the many festivals and events taking place around Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland – from the Belfast Festival at Queens and the Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival in Derry~Londonderry to Belfast Music Week.

On your bike for Giro d’Italia 2014!

Northern Ireland was also in the spotlight in September, at the Tour of Britain. The Tour of Britain is GB’s biggest professional cycling race and the largest free-to-spectate live sporting event – making it an ideal platform for Tourism Ireland to highlight next year’s ‘Big Start’ to cycling enthusiasts across Great Britain. In addition to highly visible advertising at key locations around London and footage of cycling here on the official race website, Tourism Ireland arranged for RampRage, a Belfast stunt bike team, to take part in the festivities as The Tour of Britain finished in London – to highlight Northern Ireland’s involvement with Giro d’Italia 2014. The RampRage team was in action at the popular Spitalfields market – targeting the estimated 40,000 people who visit the market each Sunday.

October

Tourism Ireland – over 1.9 million Facebook fans and number one on YouTube

A new report in October placed Tourism Ireland at the top of a European league table for national tourism organisations and their use of digital marketing. The Digital Tourism Brand Index is a benchmark report which measures 45 national tourism organisations in Europe and evaluates their use of digital marketing to promote their destinations. The Index ranked Tourism Ireland in the number one spot for its use of Facebook (the organisation now has more than 1.9 million fans), the most popular and influential consumer-facing social media platform used by national tourism organisations. Tourism Ireland was also ranked in the number one spot for its use of YouTube, with more than 10 million video views; and number three on Twitter.

November

Food glorious food

In November, Tourism Ireland launched the second in its series of new online films specially created to entice ‘foodies’ from around the globe. Starring celebrity chef Noel McMeel, the film showcases some of the wonderful food gems produced mainly in the Fermanagh area – demonstrating the passion of local farmers and artisan producers for growing, rearing and producing food of the highest standard. The film shows the stunning, unspoiled landscape of the Fermanagh Lakelands and how it directly impacts the high quality of local food produce. Beginning with Pat O’Doherty, whose award-winning bacon comes from his own herd of saddleback pigs reared on Inish Corkish island, the film also features Kettyle beef, Tickety-moo ice-cream and Broighter Gold rapeseed oil (made in Limavady) – with Noel preparing dishes which include all of these products. The films is being promoted around the globe on Tourism Ireland’s website, Ireland.com.

Tourism Ireland leads largest-ever sales mission to China

The largest-ever Tourism Ireland sales mission to China took place in November, with tourism partners including Visit Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway and Stena Line travelling to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou – to meet and do business with more than 450 top travel agents and tour operators, as well as key travel and lifestyle journalists, in the three cities.

Sean Keane invites you to join him for an evening of song dance and music by the hearth during this Christmas season at the Alley Theatre on Wednesday 18^th December.

Sean shares traditional songs and stories of Christmas with his audience as he brings his unique voice and interpretation of some traditional carols hymns and classic Christmas songs to this concert tour. This will be Sean’s first National tour in over six years. His ” Christmas by the hearth ” tour will coincide with the launch of his new three cd box set titled “Never alone” The Box set includes many of his classic songs that has made him a household name in Ireland and internationally, with 45 songs in total you get to enjoy the vintage Sean Keane as well as hear his new material. New songs include the title track ‘never alone’ his recent single “paint me a picture of Ireland” Dylan’s “make you feel my love” as well as a beyonce’s Ava Maria. Also included is his unique version of “bury me beneath the willow” and an American hymn “Beautiful star of Bethlehem. With 15 tracks per cd this is a great opportunity for new fans to have all his greatest hits in one package

So relax in the comfort of the setting of the hearth and immerse yourself in your own memories of Christmas and create a new memory by joining Sean Keane at The Alley Theatre. Get into the festive season with music, traditional mummers, recitations, and Sean’s unique interpretations of songs we all grew up singing.

As well as some Christmas favourites you will also get the opportunity to hear some new songs and some less well known that have been treated to the Sean Keane philosophy i.e.words and music mean little unless they are united with feeling This is a show for all the family and an opportunity to introduce some younger members of the family to this master of song.

Tickets are £20 and available from the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444 or online www.alley-theatre.com

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (December 9 – 15).

• Colmcille’s Spiral, The London Street Gallery, Co. Londonderry, December 1 – 15.  A present day re-imagination of ideas from the distance past, stemming from the rich legacy of the sixth-century monk, through an ambitious collaboration of artists, writers and academics.

• Santa in the Barn, Orchard Acre Farm, Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh, December 1 – 15.  A Victorian Santa will welcome children into the cosy Eco Barn where they will have an opportunity to meet Santa as he relaxes in his homely surroundings.  There will also be a chance to help Mrs Claus in the kitchen and enjoy Christmas crafts.  

• NI Photographic Association Annual Print Exhibition, Ballymoney Town Hall, Co. Antrim, December 2 – 21.  This exhibition comprises of 75 prints featuring a wonderful variety of subjects including portraits, natural history, landscapes and seascapes, architecture, sport and many others in both monochrome and colour.

• A Christmas Trilogy, Space CRAFT, Belfast, December 5 – 24.  An annual exhibition incorporating framed pieces, handmade decorations, ornaments and much more.  Take this chance to treat someone you love to a locally made gift or to invest in a distinctive piece for your home. 

• Santa’s Magical Grotto, The Burnavon, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, December 6 – 21.  Enjoy a special visit to Santa’s magical workshop where there will be an opportunity to write and post a letter to Santa, meet Santa and receive a gift.

• Santa Experience, Mount Stewart House & Gardens Co Down, various dates December 6 – 21. Visitors will travel through the grotto, meet the Elves in their workshop, and will be served complementary refreshments before the group visit Santa and Mrs Claus. 

• Lapland Express, Downpatrick and County Down Railway, Co. Down, December 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22.  Board the Christmas train at Downpatrick Station and take a trip to Inch Abbey before meeting Santa at his special North Pole workshop where the children will receive a present from Santa.

• Hidden History in the Belfast Hills, Falls Road Library, Belfast, December 11.  An interactive presentation on the heritage of the Belfast Hills including the history, wildlife and all who have walked upon them.  It also includes information on the recent archaeological finds that stretch back to the Neolithic age. 
• Magical Christmas at Castle Coole, Castle Coole Estate, Co. Fermanagh, December 14 – 22. Castle Coole will be home to Santa and Mrs Claus as they busily prepare for Christmas.  Grown-ups can enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie from the kitchen range as the children meet Santa and Mrs Claus.   

• Gingerbread Alley, Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, until December 24.  Tis’ the season for all things gingerbread so why not come along and see festive gingerbread creations in all their glory.  Local businesses have put their hearts and souls into making incredible, edible creations from churches to castles. 

Down

Have a magical time at Castle Espie this Christmas. This Saturday and Sunday you can meet Santa in his magical grotto, enjoy story-telling, have a go at making Christmas crafts between 10am and 4.30pm, follow the Christmas trail, enjoy toasted marshmallows in the Crannog and send your Christmas wish list to Santa through our post room.

Tyrone

The Festive Food Fair at the Burnavon on Saturday 7th December will be open from  10am to 5pm this Saturday 7^th December,  bringing together a host of quality food producers and distributors in the one location and you are invited to drop by. The Festive Food Fair is your ideal opportunity to stock up with all those special goodies – puddings, cakes, bakes, chutneys and preserves – as well as to sample and order fresh produce from local suppliers in time for Christmas.

Fermanagh

Anything Goes, presented by Enniskillen Light Operatic Society at the Ardowen Theatre, 5th to 14th December is a giddy explosion of escapist romance, combining old fashioned farce, extended dance breaks and light, breezy songs. Set in 1934 with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, the action takes place on the S. S. American, sailing from New York to England. With such  memorable songs such as; ‘I Get a Kick Out of You’, ‘It’s De-Lovely’, ‘Anything Goes’ and ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow’, this show will definitely turn up the heat on dark December days!

Derry

Santa is coming to Springhill Moneymore on 7th-8^th and 14th-15th December.  Visit Santa and Twinkle-Boots in the grotto and see the house festively decorated for Christmas.   With children’s crafts, mulled wine and mince pies, this will be a magical Christmas you will never forget. Booking essential

Armagh

Begin your Christmas celebrations in style with Armagh City Choir’s performance of Handel’s Messiah on Friday 6th December in St Malachy’s Church, Irish Street, Armagh.  Handel’s masterpiece has become a Favourite particularly at Christmas time with pieces such as “Unto us a Child is Born” and of course the rousing “Hallelujah Chorus”.   Joining the choir are brilliant local soloists and a guest orchestra to make this a moving performance in the majestic setting of St Malachy’s church. Please join us for a memorable night of music.

Antrim
Step inside a magical, twinkling wonderland of light as the Large Parterre in Antrim Castle Gardens is transformed into an Enchanted Winter Garden.  Follow the captivating reindeer trail for your chance to win a prize.  Indulge in some Christmas shopping in the Garden Gift Shop and warm your tingling hands around a comforting coffee in the Garden Coffee Shop.  Open daily from Thursday 5th to Tuesday 24th December from 3-8pm.  Closes 6pm on Tuesday 24 December.

Belfast

Follow the magical Elf Trail to Santa’s secret hideaway in the depths of Belfast’s Belvoir Park Forest this Sunday.  Get the grandparents out and get the woollies on. You’re all in for an afternoon treat on Sunday 8th December.  Bring your letter to Santa and meet Mrs Claus with her famous mince pies.  Get crafty in our Elf workshop and have an afternoon to remember this Christmas!

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni and remember to add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.

Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s newest recognised destination, which surrounds the UK and Ireland’s largest lake, is getting ready to celebrate Christmas with a record number of twinkle filled activities scheduled for the enjoyment of visitors to Lough Neagh & Its Waterways in 2013.

Visitors to the Lough Neagh destination can take a stroll around the Enchanted Winter Gardens in Antrim from 5^th to 24^th December, dash with Santa in Lisburn on 7^th December, see Cinderella in Pantomime in Ballymena or take a road trip with the kids, right to Oxford Island, on the shores of the lough, where Craigavon will play host to a newly constructed magical Santa’s Wonderland.

The variety of events and activities available in Lough Neagh destination throughout December provide a sure way to get everyone excited about this special time of year, and offer young and old the opportunity to enjoy quality time with friends and family.

To investigate the age old claim of ‘something for everyone’ Lough Neagh Partnership asked a well-known local character to choose their top 5 things to do in Lough Neagh this Christmas and the findings were inspiring:

Con Law, former Isle of Man TT winner and owner of Lough Neagh’s largest passenger vessel, The Maid of Antrim, chose snow tubing with Santa at Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre, watching the Snow Queen at Ranfurly Arts & Visitor Centre in Dungannon, visiting the Festive Food Fair at the Burnavon in Cookstown, taking at trip to the Christmas Wonderland at the Jungle in Moneymore and taking in A Christmas Carol at the Old Courthouse in Antrim.

Eimear Kearney, Marketing Officer at Lough Neagh Partnership, said: “Lough Neagh & Its Waterways destination is delighted to be host to so many wonderful Christmas events which span right across our 90 mile circumference. As a mother of two young children myself it is a privilege to have so much for my family, our residents and our visitors to enjoy right on our doorsteps… and that is not all – for the first time ever Lough Neagh Partnership has tipped its cap in a nod to the environmental concerns of the Ramsar designation which positions our Lough as a wetland of international importance and has launched a community e-greeting card which can be shared from the Lough Neagh youtube channel at: www.youtube.com/loveloughneagh.

“Our classic e-greeting involved no culling of trees or emptying of pockets. We hope that the residents of Lough Neagh, our ex-pats and our cousins abroad spread the joy of a Lough Neagh Christmas and tip their own caps to all in a nod to their pride of their heritage.”

A full list of Christmas events across the Lough Neagh & Its Waterways destination can be found at: www.discoverloughneagh.com. You can also join Lough Neagh Partnership on facebook at:www.facebook.com/loughneaghanditswaterways and on twitter: @loveloughneagh

Little Red Riding Hood – the Christmas pantomime – has now opened at Belfast Waterfront, with crowds flocking to the venue to be among the first to see this magical, fun-filled adventure… and find out who’s afraid of the big bad wolf!

The atmosphere has been electric in the Waterfront Studio with excited children (and many ‘grown up children’ who should know better) raising the roof with their support of Little Red Riding Hood, her friends the Three Little Pigs, the loveable Nanny No Hood, the handsome Prince and a larger than life Goldisocks.

The decibel levels of the cheering have only been matched by the chorus of booing every time the big and very bad Wolf shows up… often when least expected!

Presented by LANA Productions, Little Red Riding Hood is bursting with catchy, sing-along songs, while the larger than life characters are brought to life by a fabulous cast.

Jolene O’Hara plays Little Red Riding Hood. A fabulous line up is brought to the stage by Ross Anderson as Nanny No Hood; Nicky Harley as Mammy Hood / Granny Hood; Julie Maxwell as Goldisocks; Matthew Forsythe as Prince Chopper and Adam Dougal as the Wolf. Produced by Martin Lynch and Joe Rea, written by PJ O’Reilly and directed by Lisa May, Little Red Riding Hood runs at Belfast Waterfront’s Studio until Saturday 4 January.

Tickets are available online, from the Waterfront and Ulster Hall Box Offices and by calling 028 9033 4455.