Miss Northern Ireland and the Belfast Giants joined forces this weekend to kick start a week-long campaign of good deeds in aid of Special Olympics Ireland.

Electric Ireland’s Powering Kindness Week – which will see good deeds transformed into donations for three Irish charities – kicked off on Saturday (2^nd November) and Northern Ireland’s great and good are limbering up to help Special Olympics Ireland in their bid to win a share of €100,000.

Every good deed or act of kindness logged during Powering Kindness Week (2^nd-8^th November) will benefit the three charities that are part of the campaign – Special Olympics Ireland, Childline and Breakthrough Cancer Research.

In support of Special Olympics Ireland, Miss NI, Meagan Green joined athletes and volunteers from Belfast based Special Olympics clubs, Salto and Neptune’s at the Belfast Giants’ home again against the Cardiff Devils on Sunday, 3^rd November to hand out sweet treats to Giants fans as they descended en masse to the Odyssey Arena.

As a reciprocal good deed, the Belfast Giants invited the Special Olympics Ulster athletes and volunteers to stay and enjoy the nail-biting action of a live ice-hockey game, along with almost 4,000 other avid Giants fans.

These good deeds are amongst the first of many that will be conducted in the name of Special Olympics Ireland this week, as the charity vies to create a culture of kindness.

Other famous local faces supporting the Special Olympics Ireland Powering Kindness campaign include Ulster Rugby’s Paul Marshall, BBC Newsline anchor, Stephen Watson, DJ and broadcaster, Rigsy, UTV’s Pamela Ballantine and Radio 1’s Phil Taggart, who will all pledge their good deeds for the sports charity this week.

Commenting on the initiative, Shaun Cassidy, regional director, Special Olympics Ulster said:

“We are thrilled that Special Olympics Ireland has been chosen as one of the three charities for Electric Ireland’s Powering Kindness week. The ethos of doing good deeds is very much in keeping with the spirit of Special Olympics, which changes lives for the better each and every day.

“Funds raised through Powering Kindness week will make a massive difference to the lives of local people. In the Ulster region alone, Special Olympics supports over 2,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities in 98 clubs, providing opportunities to compete in sporting events on a regional, national and international level.

“We’d like to thank all of our local supporters and celebrities across Ulster for coming on board to help us during Powering Kindness week; we hope their good deeds will inspire others to do something Special and support Special Olympics Ireland during Powering Kindness Week.”

Members of the public can log their good deeds for Special Olympics Ireland through the Electric Ireland Powering Kindness website – poweringkindness.ie, through a dedicated Powering Kindness Facebook app (http://apps.facebook.com/poweringkindness) or through Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #poweringkindness and tagging @SOIreland

Good deeds will be accepted through to Friday 8^th November.  At the end of the week, the charity with the greatest number of good deeds done in their name will receive a donation from Electric Ireland for €50,000 with €30,000 and €20,000 for the other two charities.

For further information, visit www.poweringkindness.ie

A Spiritual Quest for the Soul of the World
A Musical / Dramatic Interpretation
of
Paulo Coelho’s
Manual of the Warrior of Light

A Spiritual Quest for the Soul of the World

A Musical / Dramatic Interpretation of Paulo Coelho’s Manual of the Warrior of Light

WRITE2PERFORM ARTS INITIATIVE

Company Number: NI 610704

WHO WE ARE

WRITE2PERFORM Arts Initiative is an Irish-Based, New York-Influenced [International / Multi-Cultural] Theatre Production & Educational Company; an Inter-Disciplinary, Limited by Guarantee (Non-Profit) Ensemble-Collective of Amateur, Student and Professional Artists Administrators, with Charitable Status and Social-Enterprise Ideals

OUR MISSION

To Encourage, Develop and Inspire the Personal, Professional & Artistic Growth of Emerging and Established Theatre-Practitioners by Challenging Pre-Conceived Ideas of Performance-Arts, upon the Global Stage, through Theatre-Events and Arts-Projects such as…

(1) Re-Imagined Versions of Classic & Contemporary Texts,

(2) Post-Textual & Performative Renderings of Original Concepts,

(3) Musical / Dramatic Interpretations of Filmic-Literary Material,

Conceived and Showcased [Simultaneously or Alternatively] in Ireland and United States

Warriors of Light: A Spiritual Quest for the Soul of the World

A Musical / Dramatic Interpretation of Paulo Coelho’s Manual of the Warrior of Light

This will be the fully-realised version of what had been developed and executed; showcased at the Irondale Center, Brooklyn 2012 as part of World Wide Lab; a collective of (14) international Directors, forged through involvements with Lincoln Center Directors’ Lab, Manhattan, 2010 and residency at the Watermill Center, Long Island, 2011. We want to develop the content; the structure, narrative and imagery of Warriors of Light: a Musical / Dramatic Interpretation of Paulo Coelho’s Manual of the Warrior of Light and, it is our intention to fully-execute this as a theatre-event encompassing choreographed-physical movement married to an original score and by excavating Coelho’s motivational book so that themes of a new feminine religion, born from the conflict between cult and organised religions unfold.

The concept of this work was born from working with Liz Piccoli, our New York-based Choreographer on Capulets & Montagues: a Post-Textual Re-Telling of Shakespeare’s Tragedy – which we staged at the Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast and Waterside Theatre, L’Derry during 2012. The sub-textual movements of a masked ‘female’ character, representing the characters of Tybalt and Mercutio, reacting to and against the Montague and Capulet families on either side of a live Chess game were conceived and rehearsed via Skype (between Belfast and Manhattan). Thus, the dramatic confrontations between two similar parties, the gender manipulation, the performative rendering of existing texts, the power of verbal and physical performances plus the overall Trans-Atlantic ethos of the company emerged and that is why we want to maintain this aesthetic in workshops, rehearsals and within our end-products.

We want to adapt Paulo Coelho’s book, made up of motivational statements and parables, so that in a parallel world, it becomes a ‘new’ bible; a bible that is now worshipped and adhered to by a majority of women. The text becomes speeches, monologues, lyrics to songs, dialogue between characters and also rhetoric from the pulpits, occupied by female ministers. As we operate an ensemble-collective of artists – Ireland and New York – the narrative concerns two factions of this new religion called Warriors of Light. One is based in Coney Island, New York and the other is based in Coney Island, Ireland. The premise is that an Irish girl begins to question the doctrine and the Warrior’s rules which lead to confrontation and debate with a New York girl who holds on firmly to her beliefs.

We want, in the same vein as we are doing with much of our process-driven and rehearsed work to have a live audience in Ireland who will witness open and re-staged developmental / rehearsal processes whilst, simultaneously, a New York audience, live on-line, will also witness the same showcase. Therefore, as an educational initiative, during a period of (24) weeks the end-product will be marketed, having received vital input from peers, performing arts enthusiasts, critics, reviewers, venue staff and off-course, the general public who can then, based on their discussions, debates, questioning and critiques, witness them fully.

DEVELOPMENT

25th November 2013 – 7th March 2014

Based upon the piece that was showcased at Irondale Center, Brooklyn 2012 and a new template script for the fully-realised 2014 version, W2P workshops will be publicised throughout Belfast, Dublin and Mid-Ulster to gain the interest (passion / enthusiasm) of actor-performers.

The show, at-present, will require the following cast…

ACTOR-PERFORMERS

The Beautiful Woman / God / Ascetic

The Boy

The Boy’s Mother / Guardian Angel / Puritan

The Boy’s Father / Poet / Moralist

Old Fisherman / Wise Chinese Man / Guardian of Social Values

(3) School Bullies / Friends / True Companions

(3) Fishermen / Disciples

The Boy as Man / Warrior of Light

Priestess of Coney Island, New York

Minister of Coney Island, Ireland

(6) Angels / Students / Teachers

Francesca in Coney Island, Ireland

Sinead in Coney Island, New York

The Opponent-Enemy / Devil / Penitent

Jesus Christ the Spiritual Master

…And, these Actor-Performers will emerge from workshops, facilitated by W2P members, in Dublin, Belfast and Cookstown wherein they will learn new techniques and methods of theatre-practice whilst forming bonds and friendships with each other; aiding the growth of the Company and the progress of the theatre-event.

Workshops will be 3-4 hours in duration, each day and will be held one day per week in each location –

Tuesdays (1.00pm – 5.00pm); Burnavon Arts & Cultural Centre, Cookstown

Thursdays (1.00pm – 5.00pm): Morton Community Centre, Belfast

Fridays (11.00am – 2.00pm): The Exchange, Dublin

Over a 12 week period, every 2nd week a musical score and song-writing composition session (in each location) will be facilitated and every 3rd week a choreography session (in each location) will be hosted.

The purpose of this development period – which will entail the writing of the text and songs, based on what occurs within sessions – is to become succinct in the styles, formats and ideals of W2P (Characterisation / Movement / Images / Vocals / Colours); how – as a unit – a unique theatre-event can be conceived, shaped and delivered.

INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE:

13th – 15th March 2014

The Ulster Hall – Group Space, Belfast

From Concept to Reality: How a W2P Theatre-Event is Created!

The (Cookstown, Belfast and Dublin) groups come together and through an amalgamation of press conference, interactive workshop and performance displays, an audience in the Ulster Hall Group Space conjoined with a live New York audience in the Culture Hub, La Mamas – consisting of members of the general public, peers, collaborators, critics and performing arts students – will witness process-based theatre work which they will also help shape and promote, leading towards rehearsals.

REHEARSALS

17th March 2014 – 8th June 2014

DRESS & TECHNICAL REHEARSALS

9th and 10th June 2014

PREVIEWS

10th and 11th June 2014

PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

Ireland

12th – 20th June 2014

The Waterfront Hall, Studio Space, Belfast

New York

July 2014

Edited Live On-Line Version –

Harlem Theatre Festival, New York

August – September 2014

La Mamas, New York.

Aims and Objectives

1. To encourage and promote new talent and originality within theatre amalgamating art-forms such as (film-media / music / art-photography / costume design / dance-choreography / scenic-set design and much more).

2. To offer opportunities to adult learners / artists who may want to re-enter the arts industry or revitalise and improve existing talents and abilities – through further learning and experiences.

3. To conceive and develop Post-Textual & Performative Renderings of original theatrical texts by emerging and established writers – assisting the writing process and seeking public platforms to showcase the work.

4. To conceive and develop re-imagined versions of classic and contemporary texts – seeking a public platform to showcase the work.

5. To conceive and develop musical / dramatic interpretations of filmic and literary material – seeking a public platform to showcase the work.

6. To utilise non-stereotypical performance spaces such as industrial premises, Warehouses, bars and night-clubs – bringing new audiences and commercialism into these venues.

7. To offer artists (across many mediums and forms) the opportunities to meet, connect with, engage in conversations and correspondence with and begin collaborations with like-minded individuals.

8. To create the possibilities of an amalgamation; a coming together of the multi-cultural, multi-denominational and inter-disciplinary artists within our society.

9. To permit an integration; a bonding of amateur, student and professional arts-practitioners working with and for each other through employment and collaborations.

10. To offer taught-facilitated courses and workshops to in-house members and to exterior artists, business professionals and members of the community (youth groups / creative writing groups / theatre groups-companies / religious groups etc).

11. To supply consultation and tutorial services and resources to emerging and established writers, directors, producers, performers etc.

12. To adhere to an ethos of volunteerism wherein work carried out by W2P teachers, facilitators, artists and administrators etc above (20) hours per week will be free-of-charge.

13. To maintain a policy of ‘giving back’ to the communities and environments that played a part in our growth and the growth of all those who participate or become members of W2P by allocating 10% of all wages and 10% of annual profit to charities, to community-related projects, to suppliers and venues for their in-kind assistance and back into the Arts Initiative to sustain continual projects and development.

14. To ensure relationships are upheld between theatre companies and theatre venues by offering a service to bring people from many rural and diverse areas to shows and inform-educate those people about the history of; the nature and content of the show and also of the building they are visiting and the company who are staging the work.

15. To offer individuals the skills and knowledge on how to network themselves within theatre, literary and arts environments.

16. To offer theatre companies, artistic directors, directors and producers plus writers dramaturgical packages which aid their endeavours within creative and administrative processes

17. To initiate the set-up of reading, writing and performance groups – generated from those who are members of W2P or who have participated in courses, workshops etc.

18. To integrate individuals into a modern approach to Northern Irish-Americanised (theoretical and practical) theatre practice via (simultaneous or alternative) development and showcasing of work in Ireland and New York; an on-line / multi0media, Trans-Atlantic exchange of ideas and methods, enhancing each theatre-event & arts-project.

19. To engage with communities and offer them platforms in order to talk about and perform their stories.

20. To re-define the boundaries between art and the artist, between the artist and commercialism; artistic integrity and mainstream populism.

Tickets are selling fast for Conal Gallens new play ‘A Bit on the Side’.  Friday 16^th and Saturday 17^th are nearly sold out with limited tickets left for the extra date which added on Sunday 17^th November.

This is Conal Gallen starring in his very own Comedy play you don’t want to miss it. Conal and his son Rory began writing the comedy play three years ago and finally finished it earlier this year. The play was launched in August  to a sold out audience at the Balor Arts Centre and received a standing ovation. Since then it has toured Ireland to the same success and now it is coming to Strabane Yes, Conal takes his hilarious humour to a whole new level in this side-splitting 2 Act comedy farce! Written by Conal and his son Rory, the action takes place in the household of Bridie and Willie Murphy, a couple who have fought the war of marriage, for over 30 years!

It is a love story unlike any other! Wandering eyes, wandering feet, wandering hands…..It’s all here! Scenes of nudity have been carefully left out in this saga of sex, drugs and deception! (There weren’t any in the first place, says Conal!) Join Bridie, Willie,Dick and Cynthia… Yes, Cynthia!!!!! As this tale of passion and intrigue unfolds!

A play that was 16 years and 6 weeks in production. 16 years thinking about it and 6 weeks writing!

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

Derry playwright Brian Foster’s hugely successful stage play, Maire–a Woman of Derry, will perform for one night only at The Alley Theatre, Strabane, on Tuesday, November 19^th at 8pm.

Featuring Derry’s foremost actress, Carmel McCafferty, this hilarious, harrowing, and ultimately heart breaking story has played to packed houses and standing ovations throughout Ireland, England, Canada and America. Bringing in a combined audience of close on 40,000 has made it the most successful play in the history of local Derry theatre. At Derry’s thousand seater Millennium Forum Theatre, it broke box office records!

Maire Mc Laughlin is foul-mouthed and feisty, but also intensely human. Armed only with her half-bottle of street wine, she gives an incredible account of her fall from grace from fresh faced teenage bride living in Derry’s Creggan Estate, to the pitiful condition we find her in today. Along the way we see working class life and death at its funniest, rawest and cruellest. And we get to meet an assortment of unforgettable characters who have coloured Maire’s life. From incorrigible scrounger Tina the Tap, to habitual smoker Big Bridie and her husband Jimmy the Tadpole. From Posh Maisie, to seriously cross-eyed Matilda and The Hairy Man from Strabane, to innocent little Norris the Gnome.

Hailed as ‘magnificent’ and ‘unmissable’ by the critics, Maire – a Woman of Derry is a theatrical triumph not to be missed!

NB: This play contains strong language and adult content throughout. Please do not come to be offended.

Tickets are £15, £13 (con) and available from the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444 or online www.alley-theatre.com

Down

On Thursday 31^st October, North Down Museum and Coffee Cure at the Museum will be staying open until 9pm for some Hallowe’en fun – torch-lit tours of the Museum will tell of some of the myths and legends in the area, you can meet reptiles and owls up close, and members of the Northern Ireland Paranormal Research Agency will be on hand to talk about how they investigate strange happenings. There’ll be storytelling sessions and a fancy dress competition too, and best of all, it’s completely free!

Tyrone

In preparation for Halloween, Cookstown District Council is inviting everyone to get into a spooky party mood on Wednesday 30th October and get their Halloween celebrations off with a bang with Fun, Food and Fireworks at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena Cookstown, from 7pm to 8pm.   For the kids there is free spooky storytelling and face painting taking place from 7pm – 8pm inside a covered marquee. Also for the kids, a fancy dress competition – so encourage your little ones to get on their spookiest costume to be in with a chance to win a prize!

Fermanagh

Halloween Howler – Family Fun Days Share Halloween Howler is back with a bang this year with more spooktacular treats and ghostly goings on! Thursday 31st – Saturday 2nd October at 4pm with Fireworks at 8pm.

Derry

Brace yourselves for the Return of The Disenchanted Forest Halloween Trail – an all ages adventure with tricks and treats along the way. Dress warm and bring appropriate footwear. Booking essential. From Wednesday 30^th October to Saturday 2^nd November. Situated in the Glebe Woods on the outskirts of Draperstown, a scary mix of ghosts and ghouls for a four day delight over Halloween.

Armagh

On Saturday 2nd November the Market Place Theatre presents “Faerie Stories”.  A man and a Goblin [both bookworms] meet in a library. In their hunger for stories together they weave three enchanted tales from a string of dusty books. Whatever may come of it?  Fusing  Scottish Gaelic culture with puppetry, music and physical theatre, this wonderful show transports audiences into the magic and mystery of ancient faerie worlds. ‘Faerie Stories’ is a spine-tingling new production created by Round String Theatre suitable for ages 5+.

Antrim
Portballintrae Resident’s Association present their 8^th Annual Hallowe’en Festival. On Wednesday 30^th and Thursday 31^st October enjoy the Arts and Crafts Fair from 11am to 5pm. Children’s Fancy Dress Party with Babcock and Bobbins, face painting and much more on Friday 1^st November.   Fancy Dress, Samba Band, Fireworks and live entertainment in the evening. Booking essential and spaces are limited

Belfast

Spend a spooky night out at the Crescent Arts Centre as Gothic meets Slapstick in a fun-packed show, presented by ISOSCELES.  ‘Dracula – the Panto!’ has become a true family favourite all over the country – it’s full of irresistibly scary fun in true panto style.  Only the Dame and a songsheet stand between the naughty Count and world domination.  Songs include the fiendish favourites: ‘Bat out of Hell’ ‘Bad Moon Rising’ and ‘In the Midnight Hour’.  ‘Fun, fangs and other fab treats – a delight’  London Metro.  Every day until 2nd Nov at 7pm,  plus Saturday Matinee, 3pm Suitable for ages 8 – 80.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (November 4 – 10).

• World Kickboxing Tournament, Ebrington Pavilion, Co. Londonderry, November 1 – 30.  The biggest kickboxing event to be held in Ireland featuring ISKA world professional champions along with current European Amateur Champion Damien “Dee” McGuinness and undefeated professional K1 fighter Vaidas Natkus, featuring on the main event of the night.

• Caught in the Net, The Alley Theatre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, November 6 – 7.  The story about the life of a two-timing taxi driver who keeps two separate families.  When his teenage children from the two different families meeting in an internet chat room, John has to try and keep his double life a secret.

• Newtownabbey One Act Drama Festival, The Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, November 7 – 9.  Presenting three nights of the best one-act plays from amateur dramatic groups around Northern Ireland.

• Cakes and Bakes, Belle Isle Cookery School, Co. Fermanagh, November 8.  Enjoy a hands-on course and learn how to make delicious cakes and bakes that you can recreate with confidence in your own home.

• Ulster Orchestra: Homage to Music, Ulster Hall, Belfast, November 8.  A pairing of two Viennese composers, Strauss and Mahler, and two Englishmen, Parry and Elgar, is a reminder of the legacy of the Austro-German tradition all over the United Kingdom in the period that came to be known as the ‘English musical renaissance’.

• Women of the World, The Playhouse Theatre, Co. Londonderry, November 8 – 10.  A weekend of talks, debates, music, film and performances that celebrate the formidable strength and inventiveness of amazing, inspirational girls and women.  It will also address themes and issues affecting women of all ages.

• Echo Echo Dance and Movement Festival, Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company, Co. Londonderry, November 8 – 17.  This is the first dedicated dance and movement festival in Northern Ireland.  Strong local performance and participation will be developed through three new individual artist commissions, artistic development intensives and an education and outreach programme.

• Festival of Light, Mount Stewart, Newtownards, Co. Down, November 8 – 10, 15-17 and 22-24.  Experience the magic of Mount Stewart as the grounds and lakeside are brought to life like never before with magnificent colours and mesmerising music which will showcase the natural beauty surrounding this historic mansion.

• Straw Crafts and Mummers Masks, Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, November 9.  ‘Mumming’ is an ancient Irish tradition of singing, dancing and playing music while wearing a mask or disguise.  In this workshop children will have the opportunity to make and decorate a traditional mask. 

• Diwali with The Dhol Foundation, The Ulster Hall, Belfast, November 10.  Diwali returns in 2013 with an exciting musical concert from the world renowned Johnny Kalsi and The Dhol Foundation.  There will be a wonderful blend of classic Indian music with global rhythms and thumping contemporary beat.

This year Theatre at the Mill is producing two magical shows for Christmas: Hunchback The Musical from 2 to 14 December and Eternally Scrooged from 17 December to 5 January.

This year’s musical spectacular at Theatre at The Mill will be an adaptation of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece The Hunchback of Notre Dame, who also wrote classic novel Les Misérables, famously adapted into a sweeping musical. Set in medieval bustling Paris, with gypsy dancers and juggling circus performers, Hunchback The Musical will be a vibrant show, with an energetic cast, live music and a live band, all making a wonderful evening’s entertainment.

Hunchback The Musical, written and directed by Ballyclare-born writer and director Paul Boyd, (Hansel + Grettel, Pinocchio, Molly Wobbly) will be filled with all the familiar themes in Hugo’s novel, unrequited love, friendship and forbidden desire.

This year’s Christmas comedy at Theatre at The Mill will be Eternally Scrooged, an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel, A Christmas Carol. Writers Andrea Montgomery and Anthony Toner have transformed Ebeneezer Scrooge into Evangeline Scroogé, with an 80s twist, a romance writer with a heart of stone.

Starring Nuala McKeever (BBC NI Give My Head Peace) as Ms Scroogee, Caroline Curran (Fifty Shades of Red, White and Blue) as Bobbi Cratchit and comedy actress Abigail McGibbon (Can’t Forget About You, Lyric Theatre), Eternally Scrooged will be filled with big laughs, big hair and big shoulder pads!

Hunchback The Musical runs at Theatre at The Mill from Monday 2 to Saturday 14 December and tickets cost £25, £23, £20, £15. Eternally Scrooged runs from 17 December 2013 to 5 January 2014 and tickets costs £20, £18, £16, £14. Book online for both shows at www.theatreatthemill.com or phone Box Office on 028 9034

AUTUMN has arrived and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is encouraging everyone to pull on their walking boots, take a stroll in the crisp air and enjoy some of the most spectacular landscapes of the year.

There are many different types of walking routes available right across Northern Ireland from forest trails to mountain hikes which will enable you to discover the stunning surroundings with your family, partner or friends.  NITB’s Destination PR Officer Pauline Gormley says it is a wonderful time of year to take a walk in the great outdoors.

“Autumn is the most colourful season of the year and it is a great time to explore the spectacular natural settings we have here in Northern Ireland including hills, woodlands, mountains and riversides,” said Pauline.

“Whether you want to go for a stroll in your local forest park or a more energetic workout along a mountain trail there are options for everyone.  Many of the routes are clearly marked while others enable you to go off the beaten track and to get up close to nature.

“Walkers should remember to wear suitable clothing and footwear while they are out,” said added.
To help you take a step in the right direction, NITB has highlighted a range of walking routes and autumn events taking place this year;
BELFAST

Belfast Castle Estate

Belfast Castle estate is situated on the lower slopes of Cave Hill Country Park in north Belfast and offers superb views of the city from a variety of vantage points.  Follow the blue waymarked ‘Estate Trail’ for a 2.4 mile for a walk through its woodland and parkland which will take in the Millennium Maze, the Volunteer’s Well and Belfast Castle.

Barnett Demesne

Explore this historic estate with a 1.5mile walk which takes in Malone House, meadows, woodland and the River Lagan.  Start at Malone House car park and follow the path round the front of the house and downhill while admiring views over the Lagan Valley, across Minnowburn Beeches and the wildflower meadow.  Along the way you will discover the old Shaw’s Bridge and a disused kissing gate.

CO. ANTRIM

Carnfunnock Country Park, Larne

This country park offers walkers a whole host of great routes to explore the picturesque surroundings of Carnfunnock Country Park.  The walking paths overlap each other in places and it is possible to follow any one.  There are five waymarked trails with take in the Walled Garden with unusual sundials and wooden sculptures, a maze the shape of Northern Ireland, an ice house, woodland and wetland as well as great views of the coast.

Portmuck

A hidden gem at the north eastern tip of Islandmagee, Portmuck is a stunning little harbour with fabulous views of the Antrim Coast.  The National Trust owns and manages the coastline on either side of the harbour and has provided excellent trails for visitors to enjoy the scenery and dramatic views.  There are two linear routes on either side of the harbour – the Northern route to the left and the Southern route to the right.  

CO. ARMAGH

Gosford Forest Park, Markethill

The Castle Path circular walking route in Gosford takes in the Arboretum and southern end of the Walled Garden before reaching the boundary of the privately owned Gosford Castle.  From here the path leads through oak and Norway spruce plantations returning to the car park by the Rare Breed and Heritage Poultry enclosures.  The trail is well signposted from the car park.

Peatlands Woodland Walk, Loughgall

The Woodland Walk is one of five lovely walks around this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Follow the path marked with the yellow arrows and watch for Cuckoos and birds of prey using the dead pines as lookout posts.  Annagarriff Wood is a National Nature Reserve with unique flora and fauna species, many of which are found nowhere else in Northern Ireland.

CO. DOWN

Meelmore and Meelbeg, Hilltown

A moderate 5.5 mile walk in the High Mournes, summiting two of the seven highest peaks in the region.  Walk up the stony track at the opposite side of the road from Ott car park until it splits in two.  Here take the upper path until the Mourne Wall.  At the wall turn left and follow the Mourne Wall up the summits of Slieve Loughshannagh (619m), Slieve Meelbeg (708m) and Slieve Meelmore (687m).  Retrace your steps 300m back down Slieve Meelmore and descend into the valley.  At the bottom of the valley pick up the Ulster Way which emerges onto the Slievenaman Road, 800m away from the Ott car park.

Nugent’s Wood

Once part of the Nugent’s Estate, this gentle walk is through a mature wood of mixed broad leaved trees. Visitors will enjoy spectacular views across the Strangford Narrows, towards Audleys Castle and Castleward and the Wood is home to Red Squirrels and badgers.

CO. FERMANAGH

Lough Navar Forest Park, Derrygonnelly

From the main forest drive there are lots of short walks signed to various points of interest including lakes, viewpoints and places of historical interest.  This is a stunning forest with a variety of landscapes offering views over Lower Lough Erne and on a clear day the Sperrin Mountains and the west coast of Donegal.

CO. TYRONE

Dungannon Park

The Park Trail is set amongst the beautiful backdrop of Dungannon Park – a 70 acre oasis.  The walk’s paths surround the grounds mature woodland, brightly coloured flowerbeds and the magnificent 13 acre freshwater lake.  High ground offers the walker splendid viewpoints of surrounding townland and countryside with views of Lough Neagh on a clear day.

Davagh Forest, Cookstown

Davagh Forest is a true hidden gem and lies approximately six miles north west of Cookstown in an untouched rural landscape of rolling hills and sweeping forests.  Here there is a range of walking and mountain biking trails available.  The two mile short circuit walk follows the black waymarker arrows along a pleasant riverside path which meanders through beautiful woodland.
CO. LONDONDERRY

Errigal Glen Trail, Garvagh

The Errigal Glen Trail is one of two waymarked trails in the picturesque Glenullin region, three miles south west of Garvagh.  The route follows woodland trail, country roads, forest road and open hillside.  Points of interest include the ancient remains of the Errigal Old Church and the Gortnamoyagh Inauguration Stone.
Downhill Forest, Castlerock

Downhill Forest is a small mixed woodland of 83 hectares just inland from the North Coast of Northern Ireland.  The Forest was originally part of the estate of Frederick Harvey, the 4th Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry, which included Downhill Castle.  A walk through Downhill Forest will allow you to view one of Northern Ireland’s fattest Sitka spruces, an Early Christian Promontory Fort and an old water powered sawmill with its blade running round the small lake in the middle of this woodland.  There are two waymarked paths in the forest, one is just over a kilometre long while the other is two kilometres in length and the Ulster Way also runs through part of the forest.

EVENTS

There are a number of events taking place as part of the National Trust’s Great NI Walk festival which is running until November 3;

Red Squirrel Day, Mount Stewart, Co. Down October 12.  Join the rangers to learn all about red squirrels and hopefully see some of these wonderful mammals on a guided walk of the Mount Stewart estate. You will hear about the Trust’s work to protect squirrels at Mount Stewart and across the Ards Peninsula.  Time: 10am-12 noon

Walk on the Wild Side, The Argory, Co. Tyrone, October 13.  The head ranger will be hosting guided walks around the estate with unique ‘behind the scenes’ insight.  Get into the real outdoors spirit and help the estate team plant snowdrop and daffodil bulbs for next spring.  Tours: 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm.

Remarkable Trees, Minnowburn, Belfast, October 19.  Meet some of the most remarkable trees and explore the mysterious worlds of woodland history, myth and folklore.  Find out about traditional woodland crafts and management and learn about the art of green woodworking.  Time: 11am-12.30pm.

Coastal Walk, Orlock, Groomsport, Co. Down, October 26.  One of the National Trust’s least known beauty spots, Orlock is rich with historical interest and teeming with wildlife.  Join the ranger for an enjoyable stroll and discover some of the area’s fascinating secrets.  Meet at the lay-by south east of property.  Time: 10am-12 noon.

Autumn Walk, Murlough NNR, Dundrum, Co. Down, November 3.  Enjoy a five mile coastal walk around this National Nature Reserve, as part of the Newcastle Challenge Trail and Lecale Way.  Bring a picnic.  Booking is essential.  Time: 11am-1pm.

For more information on walking routes click on discovernorthernireland.com or visit your local tourist information centre.  A short break in Northern Ireland starts from £49 per room.

Prestigious Grub Club serves top accolade to The Merchant’s Great Room Restaurant

Belfast’s multi award-winning Merchant Hotel is celebrating once again, as its Great Room Restaurant is named The Grub Club’s Restaurant of the Year.

Established over 30 years ago, the Grub Club is an exclusive private dining club, which scours the whole of Northern Ireland to find the very best restaurants that the region has to offer. With strict criteria to select its winner based on the excellent calibre, integrity and innovation of its entire food, beverage and service offering, the Grub Club celebrates culinary excellence at its best.

This recent accolade comes hot on the tails of The Merchant being named the first AA hotel for Northern Ireland in late September and following newly released Tourist Board ratings, which make The Merchant officially Belfast’s only five-star hotel.

Commenting on the Award, Marco Morro, food & beverage manager for The Merchant said:

“The Grub Club is renowned for recognising only the very best dining experiences, so it really is an honour for The Great Room to be chosen as their Restaurant of the Year.”

Jonny Leake, head chef at The Great Room Restaurant believes his team’s attention to the smallest detail is the reason they scooped the top prize:

“The Great Room’s menus unite influences from around the world, whilst honouring the best of traditional Irish, British and French classics. We showcase food as it should be; using the best of local produce that reflects the changing seasons, complimented by a carefully constructed seasonal wine list – each and every element of our food and beverage offering is put under close scrutiny to ensure the final results are first-class.

“We are thrilled that The Grub Club has chosen The Great Room Restaurant as its Restaurant of the Year, from what I’m sure was an extensive list of exceptional restaurants across Northern Ireland.”

Diners wishing to get a taste of The Great Room’s award-winning cuisine can do so in style at a forthcoming wine dinner next Thursday, 24th October 2013.

The event, hosted by celebrated New Zealand winemaker, John Forrest of The Forrest winery – one of the first 10 wineries in the Marlborough region – offers a sumptuous seven course meal with five carefully matched wines. The special menu is priced at £59.50 per person. Places can be booked by calling The Merchant Hotel on 028 9023 4888.

The Merchant Hotel is owned by the Beannchor Group, which boasts a portfolio of over 50 pubs, hotels and restaurants across Northern Ireland. Earlier this month, the group opened the doors to its latest venture – The National Grande Café in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast. A further venue, Patisserie Mimi, is set to open at the beginning of November in the neighbouring building on High Street, Belfast, with a third venue – The Dirty Onion also scheduled to open in the Cathedral Quarter later this year.

Belfast`s Metro Monster Mash Hallowe`en celebrations take place at The Slipways, Titanic Belfast this Sunday (27 October) from 2.30pm – 6.30pm.

Translink Metro, event sponsor, is providing a complimentary free shuttlebus service (every 15 mins) from 2.15pm – 5.45pm from the city centre to the venue. Pick-up point will be near SS Moore’s on Chichester Street and the drop off point will be on the Queen’s Road, the same side as Titanic Belfast. Returning services will operate until 7pm approximately.

If using the free bus service from the city centre, carparking will be available at any of the DRD carparks in Charlotte Street, Corporation Street, Corporation Square, Cromac Street, Dunbar Street, Exchange Street, Frederick Street, Hope Street North, Kent Street, Little Donegall Street, Little Victoria Street, Station Street, Lancaster Street and Great George`s Street, as well as the Eastside and Northside Park And Ride facilities, will be open and free to use. There are also approximately 1,200 free on-street parking spaces available in the city centre.

Motorists should expect large volumes of pedestrian traffic in the area near The Slipways but parking is available at carparks in the Titanic Quarter and Queen’s Quay as well as in Titanic Belfast and the Odyssey car park. On street parking however is not available on the Queen’s Road or Sydenham Road at any time on Sunday.

For anyone who lives in the Lisburn area, two buses will be running to the event from 3pm to 8pm. They will be leaving Dundrod Drive/Ballycreen Drive to The Slipways approximately every half hour on Sunday. More details on the bus service are on the PSNI Lisburn Facebook page.

Events kick off for the Metro Monster Mash at The Slipways from 2.30pm on Sunday. All sorts of creepy goings-on are guaranteed to chill the sturdiest of souls in the afternoon. Citybeat will be hosting a special roadshow with Breakfast presenters Stephen Clements and Sara Neill. There will be street theatre, wacky workshops, face-painting and breath-taking fire shows. Brilliant prizes are also up for grabs for the most ghoulish of costumes in Citybeat’s ‘Best Dressed’ competition.

There will be live music from Conor Scott who appeared in BBC One’s ‘The Voice’ programme and local band Freefall.

The skies will also be lighting up with a spooktacular fireworks display – one of the biggest in Northern Ireland – to keep the crowds mesmerised.

The Metro Monster Mash is organised by Belfast City Council and sponsored by Translink with the support of Citybeat Radio.

For more information on Translink Metro services, call 028 9066 3300 (7am – 8pm) or visit www.translink.co.uk

Further details on the Metro Monster Mash can be found on the council website at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events