Ahead of this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch, RSPB invites you along to a fundraising coffee morning at Regent Street Methodist Church, Newtownards from 10am – 2pm on Thursday 24th January. Admission is by donation and you are invited to enjoy a cuppa and some sweet treats and get involved in this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch. Ever wondered what wildlife visits your garden each day? Well this January we are encouraging you to get outdoors for an hour and take part in the world’s biggest wildlife survey. Once your hour is up simply get in touch and tell us what you have seen! To entice more visitors to your garden on the weekend of 26 – 27 January we will be whipping up a delicious dinner for the birds which you can take home as our gift to you. Tyrone
The Spring Farm Machinery Show Fintona will be taking place on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th January at the Ecclesville Centre in Fintona. This event attracts over 12,000 farmers and contractors from across the UK and Ireland to view the latest machinery, gather technical information and network with the industry. It has always been the largest of its kind in Ireland and this year it promises to be bigger and better than ever with the Ecclesville centre expanding yet again allowing room for an extra 60 exhibitors. As well as having once again grown in size, this show will have even more attractions for visitors making it the place to be in 2013. This is an extremely popular annual event showcasing all the latest and best agricultural equipment and machinery the industry has to offer.
Fermanagh
The Westville Wedding Fair at the Westville Hotel takes place this Sunday afternoon, 27th January from 1.00pm to 5.00pm. Come along for a chance to view the hotel and the facilities on offer for your special day, we well as an opportunity to meet lots of local wedding suppliers.
Derry
The Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre Limavady will celebrate Burns night in style on Thursday 24th January. Willie Drennan and his band, with special guest John Trotter, will sing the songs, recite the poems and play the music of Rabbie Burns while explaining the Scottish Bard’s connection with Ulster. Willie and John will also play some popular high energy songs and tunes from their days with the Ulster Scots Folk Orchestra and Nae Goat’s Toe. A special traditional Burns supper will be provided for all those attending. Don’t miss this exceptional evening celebrating the life and work of the Bard, Rabbie Burns!
Armagh
Spend some time with your family at Gosford Forest Park, where you will discover some of the rarest breeds of farm animals. (Parking charge applies). Gosford Castle boosts a walled garden, red deer park, poultry collection and ornamental pigeons in docecote. Off A28, near Markethill, Armagh 7 miles, Newry 12 miles. Nature trail, barbeque site, café. Open all year. Toilet and shower facilities available on site.
Antrim
On Saturday 26th January The best of Northern Ireland One Act Amateur Dramatics compete for the honour of representing Northern Ireland in the British Festival in 2013. Three productions from the regional One Act Play festivals will perform at Theatre at The Mill for this winning title. Further information on the plays and presenting groups will be detailed closer to the festival on www.theatreatthemill.com.
“It sounds like a bizarre fairytale and to be honest, it isn’t far off.” AU Magazine
Stendhal Festival of Art is delighted to announce that the third instalment of the most all encompassing music and arts festival in Northern Ireland will take place at Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady, on August 16 and 17, 2013.
Having steadily gained momentum over the past three years, the 2013 event will see the return of everything that has proven so popular with festival goers who have attended in the first two years along with a few new additions which aim to delight and inspire.
Stendhal Festival is accepting submissions from bands and artists via their own website and this year will also be working in conjunction with New York based ReverbNation who will also be accepting applications to play at the event from January 21 until April 30.
Organiser Ross Parkhill said: “We are delighted to be partnering with ReverbNation in order to accept band submissions this year. They have a huge audience and it will no doubt open doors for us in terms of getting the festival noticed not only in Northern Ireland but the entire UK and further afield.
“It also gives us a much broader range of bands to look at when it comes to piecing the programme together, so hopefully it will unearth a few gems for us.”
Erik Bernotas, Vice President of ReverbNation’s Live Group added: “We’re thrilled to be working with Stendhal Festival, as we look to expand our presence in the UK.”
Anyone wishing to submit an application to play please fill in the application form on Stendhalfestival.com before midnight on April 30.
To apply through ReverbNation simply click on the link found on Stendhalfestival.com or go to www.reverbnation.comand search Stendhal Festival of Art in the search box, the closing date on ReverbNation is also April 30.
If your band does not already have a ReverbNation Press Kit, you will be able to follow links on that page to create one.
Early bird tickets for the August event are expected to be on sale in February.
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 14 – 20).
Walls 400! Ebrington, Co. Londonderry, January 1 – 31. Walls 400! will mark the quarter-centenary of the city walls with a series of activities to explore the contested history that the city walls represent and celebrate Derry’s walls as a present-day national heritage asset.
Kieran Goss in Concert, Ranfurly Arts and Visitor Centre, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, January 12. Long hailed as one of Ireland’s leading songwriters and performers, Kieran Goss has many fans across the globe but if his songs have made him a star, his live shows have made him a legend.
Fiona Cassidy – Author in Residence, An Creagán, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, January 14, 16 & 18. Bestselling author Fiona Cassidy will be taking up residence at An Creagán to offer a series of creative writing workshops for adults.
Newtownards Market, Conway Square, Co. Down, January 19. This traditional weekly market caters for all your needs with a diverse range of stalls selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, tools and household goods.
An Evening with Dominic Kirwan, Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, January 19. One of Ireland’s best and most popular concert performers embarks on a nationwide tour with country, pop and album hits.
Arenacross, Odyssey Arena, Belfast, January 19. The crazy indoor off-spring of motocross racing. The racing is short, sharp and shockingly spectacular with huge triple jumps, killer mogul sections and fast, banked corners, all designed to provide high-octane sensory fun.
Woodland Workout, meeting at Craigavon Museum car park, Waterside House, Oxford Island, Craigavon, Co. Armagh, January 19. Start the New Year in the great outdoors and help stack rotten timber to create habitat piles for insects, coppicing hazel trees and give your brain a workout as you learn about the native flora and fauna and local folklore. Sturdy footwear and warm waterproof clothes are essential.
Man of Aran, Ulster Museum Lecture Theatre, Belfast, January 20. Robert Flaherty’s new digital restoration of the classic 1934 documentary ‘Man of Aran’ – an Irish documentary following the hardships of daily life experienced by a family living and working on the Aran Islands, just off the west coast of Ireland.
Nature Tales, the MAC, Belfast, January 20. Conjure up fantastic fairy-tales and stories in this workshop for 4-6 year olds. With help from the sculptures in Claire Morgan’s amazing exhibition, storyteller Mary-Frances will conjure up fantastic fairy-tales and stories about animals and nature, before asking you to make up your very own animal stories.
A Very Grand Canal, Waterways Ireland Headquarters, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, until January 31. An exhibition of prints, sound, film, music, photography and literature all of which have been inspired by the Grand Canal in Offaly. Artists include Geraldine O’Reilly, La Cosa Preziosa, Mixed Bag Media, Eugene O’Brien, Veronica Nicholson and Wayne Brennan.
Saturday 12th January sees the Kirkistown Racing Circuit host a short circuit karting meeting by the 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland, featuring direct drive junior and senior classes. This event is round 3 of a 4 round Kirkistown Karting Winter Series. Admission is free.
Tyrone
A long time ago in the far off city of Old Peking, lived a boy called Aladdin – join him on a magical carpet ride for this classic Christmas pantomime. Get ready for another treasure-filled adventure produced by Stewartstown Dramatic Society. Its pure panto genie-us at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown from 11th to 26th January. Tickets are £10 (£8 concession).
Fermanagh
Roll out of bed on Saturday mornings and join the mountain biking enthusiasts at Corralea. Mountain bikers are welcome to use the trails and a qualified Trail Cycle Leader will be on site to assist and advise anyone present on skills, techniques, bike setup and where to go. The session is open to Mountain Biking enthusiasts who have their own gear (bike in working order, gloves, helmet etc..) or novices who want to experience the tracks. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bike hire is available and includes helmet and gloves (minimum 12 years).
Derry
Roe Valley Arts Centre Limavady are delighted to present James Ivory’s adaptation of Peter Cameron’s novel, starring the superb Anthony Hopkins, Laura Linney and Charlotte Gainsbourg on Saturday 12th January. 28-year-old Kansas University doctoral student Omar Razaghi wins a grant to write a biography of Latin American writer Jules Gund, but Omar must first get through three people who were close to Gund – his brother, widow, and younger mistress—in order to write it. Travelling to South America to persuade this dysfunctional ensemble of oddball characters awakens a greater journey in the young writer. Never before screened in the UK, this beautifully filmed Merchant Ivory production was made following Ismail Merchant’s death. The screening will be introduced by a member of the Merchant Ivory Board and complimentary refreshments will be provided. This special screening also launches the Roe Valley January-April Film Programme.
Armagh
Step back in time in style and enjoy Victorian Afternoon Tea in style in the Dining Room of Milford House Museum. Visitors can book Afternoon tea in the Dining Room where you will partake of Tea using silver and china while the Mc Crum family portraits look down on you. Enjoy delicious sandwiches cut in strips (no crusts!), smoked salmon, scones with fresh cream and jam, cakes and buns. You will be served by our guides wearing genuine nineteenth century clothing who will instruct you in the art of etiquette of Victorian Afternoon Tea. This is followed by a guided tour. Visitors can also book a living history tour set in the year 1899.
Antrim
Join the Belfast Barge for our new monthly event, Kids Second Saturdays. Every second Saturday of the month, kids (ages 3-10) are invited to come and take over the barge. The day is filled with hands-on activities, storytelling and kid-friendly tours of the maritime museum. Each month we will feature a new theme and January’s Theme is SAILORS SALUTE! Entry: £4 per child, £2 per adult. 11am-4pm (Last entry at 3pm). Storytelling at 12pm & 2pm
The award winning Lough Erne Canoe Trail has continued its ongoing development with the production of a new waterproof guide which makes it even easier to explore Fermanagh’s lakes by canoe.
Crichton Tower, Gad Island, Upper Lough Erne
The Lough Erne Canoe Trail was launched by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (formerly CAAN) in May 2005 and has gone from strength to strength ever since. In 2008 it was the first Northern Irish project to be recognised by the British Urban Regeneration Waterways Renaissance Awards and early in 2012 a cottage was refurbished on Trannish Island to provide Bothy accommodation for canoeists.
“There has been so much development on Lough Erne since we originally launched the trail back in 2005. The Trannish Island Bothy and the ongoing infrastructure improvements by Waterways Ireland and Fermanagh District Council have significantly increased Lough Erne’s potential as a canoeing destination. The new guide reflects all these changes ensuring canoeists can make the most out of their experience in Fermanagh.” explained Sarah Noble, Senior Product Development Officer, Outdoor Recreation NI.
The 50km trail from Crom to Muckross is by far the most popular of the 9 canoe trails promoted by Outdoor Recreation NI because it is suitable for such a wide range of abilities. The shelter of Upper Lough Erne provides a superb venue for those embarking on their first canoe trip whereas Lower Lough Erne can become rough in strong winds and in such conditions is best left to experts.
The trail is certainly a great addition to Fermanagh’s tourism offering. Of those who have experienced the trail 85% stated it enhanced their experience of the area and 91% stated they wished to return to the area again in the future.
Éanna Rowe Head of Marketing & Communications, Waterways Ireland stated “Waterways Ireland welcomes the development of the redesigned Canoe Trail Guide for Lough Erne. Our Partnership with Outdoor Recreation NI in developing the trail has been fruitful and we look forward to more canoeists enjoying the trail using this new guide”
The new waterproof guide, which can be ordered free of charge on CanoeNI.com, indicates all the slipways and jetties at which canoeists can access Lough Erne whilst also providing key information such as campsites, toilets, fresh water, points of interests etc. The guide is also available in an interactive format on CanoeNI.com which also provides additional information such as canoe hire, guided trips, suggested itineraries and accommodation.
Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, stated ”
As a council, we were delighted to be able to continue to invest in this worthwhile tourism project which will greatly benefit both the local community and visitors to Fermanagh”
This project has been developed by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland, Waterways Ireland and Fermanagh District Council. Other project partners include The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland and Share Discovery Village.
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 7 – 13).
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival – Out to Lunch, various venues, Belfast, January 2 – 27. Out To Lunch is back with its welcoming, warming stew of music, comedy and literature to delight and entertain everyone.
Burns and Burnsiana Exhibition, Linen Hall Library, Belfast, January 7 – February 1. The poetry of Robert Burns continues to entertain and interest lovers of literature as he is one of only a few who wrote in the Scots dialect. The Linen Hall Library has the largest Burns collection outside of Scotland and this exhibition features material not generally available to the public.
Aladdin, Ardhowen Theatre, Co. Fermanagh, January 10 – 13 & January 15 – 19. The wicked Abanazer is seeking the magic lamp that contains the all-powerful Genie, so that he can rule the world, and is just steps away from succeeding. Is all hope lost? No! Help is at hand as a family posse of wannabe heroes foil Abanazer’s evil scheme.
Megaliths of Northern Ireland Exhibition, The Braid, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, January 10 – February 23. This exhibition gives an insight into what life was like in the mid-Antrim area 6,000 years ago during the Neolithic age, focusing on the significance of ancient standing stone structures that are scattered across this region.
Home Grown 2012, Millennium Forum, Co. Londonderry, January 11. Join three of Derry’s best loved musical talents – Paul Casey, Bronagh Gallagher and Paddy Nash and the Happy Enchiladas – in a special concert to kick-start the UK City of Culture celebrations.
Conal Gallen – Laughing Out Loud, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, January 11. Conal Gallen is Ireland’s number one comedian and following his sell-out tour in 2012, he is back with his show – Laughing Out Loud – which is littered with jokes, stories and songs.
Neil Delamere: DelaMere Mortal, Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, January 11 – 12. A newspaper article said that by now Neil would be mature but the chance discovery of a long forgotten videotape featuring his younger self leads to a hilarious examination of the theory. Join Neil as he figures out which is the better version of himself – the idealistic teen or the world-weary adult.
One Day in Salvador, Down Arts Centre, Co. Down, January 11 – February 9. This exhibition will focus on a world where the grand sights of nature, the architecture of the past and the celebrities of the present grab our attention and will make visible the workers of Salvador.
Short Circuit Karting, Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down, January 12. The 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland has organised a short circuit meeting featuring direct drive junior and senior classes.
Painting Meets Poetry, Ulster Museum, Belfast, January 12 – February 9. An afternoon of poetry readings inspired by John Luke and John Hewitt who both created an image of Northern Ireland as a region with a uniquely modern identity during the 1930s to 1970s.
The Kinder Transport Project and Magills’ Farm is a professional exhibition supported by the office of First and Deputy First minister on the history of Kinder transport project during the 2nd World War. It tells the story of how many thousands of refugees were displaced out of Europe. It also explains how Magill’s’ farm in Millisle was a ’Faraway Home’ for over 300 refugees. Stunning and emotional audio visual stories presented from the 1st January to 28th February at the Boy’s Brigade Heritage Museum Millisle.
Tyrone
A native of the southern state of Louisiana in the United States of America, country singer Robert Mizzell has made Ireland his home for the past seventeen years. With his five piece band, The Country Kings, he has risen to become the premier country music act in Ireland. Robert Mizzell will be at the intimate Alley Theatre for one night only on Thursday 3rd January and will be joined by special guest Lisa McHugh. Expect a wonderful night of superb country music. Early booking recommended.
Fermanagh
Learn how to cook for that perfect dinner party on Saturday 5th January with the Belle Isle Cookery School Lisbellaw. Whether you are cooking for 2,8 or 12, this course will share all the plan-ahead secrets for a truly memorable dinner party. You will use seasonal ingredients to create delicious starters, main courses and desserts to impress your guests, without any of the stress.
Derry
A magic mirror, a jealous queen, a poisoned apple and the tiniest friends ever imagined – it’s panto time again at the Forum! Telling the story of the young princess who finds herself on the run from her wicked stepmother and takes refuge in the forest with seven pint-sized men, SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS remains one of the best-love pantomimes of all time. Packed with great song and dance routines, hilarious comedy, dazzling scenes and magical special effects, this festive favourite is fun for all the family from 4-94! Featuring William Caulfield and a star studded local and Northern Irish cast with a special ‘magical’ appearance by Daniel O’Donnell, this energetic Christmas treat is sure to be a hit with audiences far and wide. Performances run until 5th January.
Armagh
To coincide with the exploration of sub-glacial Lake Ellsworth in Antarctica this winter Millennium Court Arts Centre presents Crystalline, an exhibition of work by both internationally known artists and local practising artists, graduates & postgraduates living or working throughout Northern Ireland. The exhibition incorporates pieces submitted through Open Submission and by invitation. The work explores the twin themes of scientific endeavour and the landscape of Antarctica. Working in various disciplines the artists represented in Crystalline cover many facets of Antarctic exploration, teasing out aspects of the barren terrain of the surface (seemingly devoid of colour, sound and life) and the inverted landscape of the sub-glacial underworld. Continues until 26th January.
Antrim
After last year’s triumphant return, the Lambeg Players go traditional once more at the Island Hall Lisburn with the evergreen Aladdin, this time by author Bruce Gardiner. The production is directed by well-known local man Simon Cunningham and will feature the usual Lambeg ingredients, so a great fun night for all the family. Runs from Wednesday 2nd January to Saturday 5th January.
Belfast School of Performing Arts, in association with The Grand Opera House, presents the BSPA Centre of Excellence.
Join Northern Ireland’s most respected professional tutors for musical theatre workshops in the three disciplines of dancing, acting and singing – and lots of fun while you learn!
This prestigious new school will meet every Sunday in the Grand Opera House from 10.00am-1.00pm and will be open to all current BSPA pupils and new pupils.
For children aged 6 – 18, join in the fun every Sunday from 10.00am – 1.00pm. For further information or to reserve your place, please visit www.thebspa.co.uk, emailinfo@thebspa.co.uk, or contact Belfast School of Performing Arts on 028 9560 8640.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (December 31 – January 6).
New Year’s Eve Celebrations on the River, in the Walled City, Co. Londonderry, December 31. At 20.13 the city of Derry will be welcoming the New Year as the UK City of Culture with an incredible fireworks and pyrotechnics display.
Casino Royale, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, December 31. Say farewell to 2012 in style with a Casino Royale bash in the spectacular Titanic Suite. Play your cards right and make sure you enjoy this night of entertainment.
New Year Day Dip, Portrush, Co. Antrim, January 1. There is no better way to blow away the cobwebs for the New Year than with a quick dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
New Year’s Resolution – Get Fit, Murlough National Nature Reserve, Dundrum, Co. Down, January 1. A guided gentle exercise trail and walk to gently break you into your New Year fitness regime. Suitable footwear essential.
When We Are Married, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, January 4 – 5. Three well-to-do couples celebrate their silver wedding anniversaries, having been married on the same day twenty five years before. Relationships are explored, life lived before marriage is revealed and on top of all this a casual acquaintance from the past appears.
A Christmas Night with George, Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, until January 5. Once upon a time in a land far far away a woman sits alone in her home with nothing more than a glass of vodka and diet coke and a life-sized George Clooney. Enjoy this exclusive Christmas version of the popular comedy drama set in Belfast.
Carrickfergus on Ice, Rodgers Quay, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, until January 5. The ice rink returns to the Harbour Complex – grab your skates and enjoy some seasonal fun with your family and friends.
Fat Busting New Year, Colin Glen Forest Park, Belfast, January 5. Start the New Year with a healthy walk from Colin Glen to Glenside woodland and shed the excesses of the festive season on this uphill walk through the Rumbling Hole and waterfall.
One Complete Dinner Party, Belle Isle Cookery School, Lisbellaw Co. Fermanagh, January 5. Whether you are cooking for two, eight or 12, this course will share all the plan-ahead secrets for a truly memorable dinner party with delicious starters, mains and desserts that will impress your guests.
Keith Wilson in Concert, The Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, January 5. From a musical theatre background, Keith can now be seen with his band going back to his Celtic roots and in this concert he will be playing songs from a new album as well as hits from the debut album One More Time.
Ulster Orchestra – Viennese Concert, Millennium Forum, Co. Londonderry, January 6. The Ulster Orchestra’s Associate Conductor Christopher Bell whisks you off to Vienna to celebrate 2013 in style with waltzes, polkas and gallops that will have your toes tapping and hands clapping.
Guide in the Hide, Castle Espie, Comber, Co. Down, January 6. Guides will be in the Brent Hall to share their expert knowledge on wildfowl and waders that come to our shores in the winter months.
IT’S A DOG’S LIFE: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is encouraging people to dust off the festive cobwebs and get a new leash of life this winter by putting together a list of top walking routes for you and your dog to explore. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll around the edge of a lake, a refreshing walk along the coastline or a more adventurous hike through a stunning forest park, there are plenty of options to suit everyone and you’d be barking mad to miss out. For information on winter walks in Northern Ireland click on www.discovernorthernireland.com or visit your local tourist information centre.
GET a new leash of life and make the next walk with your dog a little different this winter by discovering some of Northern Ireland’s most scenic locations together, says the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).
Whether it’s a leisurely stroll around the edge of a lake, a refreshing walk along the coastline or a more adventurous hike through a stunning forest park, there are plenty of options to suit everyone and you’d be barking mad to miss out.
NITB’s Destination PR Officer, Pauline Gormley says winter is a great time of year to discover new landscapes.
“After a busy festive season there is no better way to blow away the cobwebs and welcome in the New Year than going on a winter walk,” said Pauline.
“No matter what time of year it is your dog will still need to be walked so winter is the perfect chance to wrap up warm and venture somewhere new and we’re sure your dog will also appreciate the new view,” she said.
NITB has put together a list of top walking routes for you and your dog to explore 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. Dogs allowed on leads.
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 and dogs must be kept under close control at all times.
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. Dogs are allowed on leads and there are some steep paths.
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 milecircular 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 573m, 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.
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 up to look like a church, stone cones on top of gate piers 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 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. Dogs are allowed on leads.
Co. Fermanagh
Castle Coole is a majestic 18th century home and has a stunning landscape park as well as a surrounding wooded landscape park sloping down to Lough Coole, ideal for long walks with your pet.
Castle Archdale Country Parkoffers 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, wildflower meadow and butterfly garden. Winter is a great time of the year to explore this unique setting.
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 a leisurely walk 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.
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. Dogs are allowed on leads.
The Roe Valley Country Park offers a variety of routes along the River Roe or Red River. The park has great appeal for dog lovers and winter makes it a truly special place with only the call of mallard ducks breaking the silence. Dogs are allowed on leads.
Prehen Wood is one of Northern Ireland’s rare and irreplaceable ancient woods and it has a series of numbered waymarkers that offer an environmental trail encouraging people to develop an awareness and appreciation of the natural and built environment.
Please note, some locations may have signs to indicate restricted dog access or that you must keep your dog on a lead, so be sure to look out for these or call ahead to check access. Remember to be a responsible dog owner and clean up after your pooch.
Why not combine your winter walk with an overnight stay in the local area with prices starting from £49 per room per night.
Down
