NITB launches an interactive ‘Dancing Stones’ booth to highlight the lesser-known legend of the Giant’s Causeway

THINK of Finn McCool and you instantly imagine a tough, mythical Irish warrior. You certainly don’t suddenly conjure up thoughts of an old romantic who stole the heart of a young lady through the art of dance.

But according to legend, Finn McCool was quite the charmer and at Northern Ireland’s most famous tourist attraction, the Giants Causeway, he once danced upon a stone to win the hand of fair Oonagh.

Now, many years on, myth has it that if you were to step on this very same stone, then you would immediately turn into an amazing dancer.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), in an attempt to find out if this is actually true, is giving folks the opportunity to dance on the stone and to experience its magic.

NITB will be visiting shopping centres in Northern Ireland with its new Dancing Stone interactive video booth and is encouraging people to have a go.

The interactive Dancing Stone video booth will be Victoria Square Shopping Centre, Belfast on November 17 – 18 and users can have a dance-off with the giant Finn McCool to get on the leader board.

Anyone who takes on Finn McCool will be in with the chance of winning tickets to the new Causeway Visitor Centre and one lucky person will win an overnight stay for a family of four at the Causeway Hotel.  To enter the competition scan the QR code or text DANCE1 to 87080.

NITB is also encouraging everyone to take a trip to the Giant’s Causeway to find the real dancing stone for themselves.

“Many people are aware of the myth that the Giant’s Causeway was built by Finn McCool as a way to reach his Scottish rival Benandonner,” said NITB’s Social and Digital Marketing Manager, Kathryn Leech.

“The story goes that Finn fell asleep and the Scottish giant came across to find him.  Upon seeing that the Scotsman was much larger than her husband, his wife Oonagh wrapped him up and passed him off as her baby.  Benandonner began to wonder what size the ‘child’s’ father must be and made his return to Scotland, tearing up the Causeway as he went,” Kathryn continued.

“The legend of how Finn won the hand of his quick-thinking wife by dancing on a magical stone is lesser known and NITB’s interactive video booth is a fun, interactive way of bringing this story to life.

“We’re sure people will be excited to take on Finn McCool to see if they can rival his impressive dancing skills.  We hope everyone will also take some time out to visit the Giant’s Causeway to search for the magical dancing stone and to share the legends that surround this unique tourist attraction with their families so they can continue to be passed down from generation to generation,” she added.

For more information on the Dancing Stone game visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/Win-Prizes-with-The-Dancing-Stone-A784 or to watch a video about the game visit http://youtu.be/iQq82UvyT9c

With less than 50 days til Christmas, Santa and his reindeer met with Todd and Carter from Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children to surprise them with the news that the charity will be supported by Hillmount Garden Centre this Christmas.

Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children and Belfast Operatic Company will benefit from funds raised in Santa’s Grotto which opens at the Castlereagh Hills garden centre with Santa’s arrival on Saturday 24 November.

If you would like to volunteer your time for the charities and be one of Santa’s elves at Hillmount this Christmas please contact Dawn at Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children on 028 9080 5599 or email dawn@nicfc.com

Stena Line doubles capacity to meet demand for new visitor attraction

TITANIC Belfast’s popularity is proving strong across the Irish Sea as leading ferry company Stena Line has transported 6,000 Scottish visitors on day trips by coach and car to see Belfast’s newest visitor attraction.

In recent months Stena Line has added extra dates for the coach trips from Cairnryan to Belfast and doubled the capacity to accommodate the demand for people travelling from Scotland to visit the popular Titanic exhibition.

Ian Baillie, Route Marketing Manager of Stena Line, is delighted with the popularity of the packaged day trips to the new centre.

He said: “Our day trips from Scotland to Titanic Belfast are doing exceptionally well, so much so that during the summer months we had to add extra departure dates to our dedicated coach trips from Cairnryan. By the end of October, Stena Line will have transported almost 6,000 Scottish visitors alone to the centre since its opening.

“Titanic is proving an extremely popular tourist attraction and is another excellent reason for passengers to travel with Stena Line to explore the sights of Northern Ireland,” Ian added.

Northern Ireland’s largest ever tourism project, which explores the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way, opened in March 2012 and has attracted 600,000 visitors to date.

Tim Husbands, CEO of Titanic Belfast, believes that the Stena Line day trips are a fantastic package.

“Visitors from Scotland via Stena Line’s packaged day trips make up a significant proportion of our target annual footfall to date,” said Tim. “We are thrilled with our partnership with Stena Line and look forward to welcoming many more of its customers to Titanic during the Autumn and Winter season.”

For further information on a range of day trips with Stena Line to various locations across the UK, visit www.stenaline.co.uk/daytrips, call 08447 70 70 70 or visit your local travel agent.

17 yr old Irish singer – songwriter Janet Devlin announces a 4 date Irish tour in April 2013 to coincide with the physical release of her highly anticipated debut album.

To coincide with the launch of Janet Devlin‘s PledgeMusic campaign, former X Factor contestant Janet, has announced dates for her debut headline UK tour taking place in March / April 2013 with SD Entertainment

Tuesday 9th April 2013 – Cyprus Avenue, Cork

Wednesday 10th April 2013 – Monroe’s, Galway

Friday 12th April 2013 – The Village, Dublin

Saturday 13th April 2013 – Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast

Former X Factor contestant Janet Devlin, had very little singing experience before Kelly Rowland chose her for the X Factor live shows in late 2011.  Janet had previously uploaded singing videos to her Official channel on  YouTube on a regular basis, which have now reached over 10.5 Million total views Worldwide.

Her original X Factor audition has received well over 9 Million views on ITV’s Official X Factor YouTube channel alone. Whilst on the X Factor live shows, It was revealed that Janet had received the highest number of votes for the first Four weeks of the show, which was the highest consecutive public vote out of all the 2011 contestants.

Currently writing and recording with Grammy Award and Ivor Novello Award winning songwriter and Producer Eliot Kennedy, Janet has co-written tracks  for her debut album with the likes of Newton Faulkner and Jack Savoretti.

Tickets for Janet Devlin’s Irish tour will be priced at €14.50 + B/F for Cork, Galway and Dublin shows and £10 + B/F for Belfast.

Tickets will be on general sale Wednesday 7th November at 9am.

Official Janet Devlin website www.janetdevlin.com

Official ticket website www.ticketmaster.ie & www.wavtickets.ie (Dublin Only)

WITH the recent success of the Irish Open, Northern Ireland is maintaining its status as the “golfing capital of the world” and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is encouraging everyone to explore golf courses across the country with the launch of a new golf guide.

The guide, ‘Northern Ireland Made for Golf’ has been distributed to tourist information centres, golf clubs and hotels across the country and is aimed at everyone from the dedicated golfer to the enthusiastic novice.

It provides a list and map of over 90 very diverse courses in every county from the world-renowned such as Royal Portrush or Royal County Down to hidden gems such as Galgorm Castle in Ballymena or Ardglass Golf Club in County Down.

NITB believes that the launch of the new guide should give everyone an opportunity to explore the excellent courses and facilities that are available right across Northern Ireland.

“Northern Ireland has always been a great place to play golf and enthusiasts of all levels have come from all over the world to play on our courses,” said NITB’s Golf & Activity Tourism Officer Karen Hope.

“Our new golf guide should be invaluable to everyone from beginners to the avid golfer as it not only provides a guide to every golf course in Northern Ireland, it also includes details of golfing events, tips and suggested itineraries for a golf break.

“All of the courses are easily accessible within a short drive of each other so whether you’re looking for championship challenges, dramatically scenic settings, a slice of history, links, parkland or simply idyllic tranquillity, there is something for everyone from Royal Portrush to Kirkistown Castle,” she continued.

“The quality of our courses has produced more than our fair share of quality golfers too when you look at our relatively small population so I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy of the guide or download it from our website and start practicing that swing!” Karen added.

Northern Ireland Made for Golf is available from tourist information centres across Northern Ireland, golf trade shows and clubs across Northern Ireland and some local hotels. You can also download a copy and find out further information at www.discovernorthernireland.com/golf

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (November 5 – 11).

• Diwali & Samhain, various venues, Belfast, November 5 – 18. Two fantastic weeks of Indian and Irish celebrations including music, dance, drama, debate and visual arts.  This thought provoking and spiritual festival will explore the deep rooted cultural and artistic connections between India and Ireland.

• Romeo and Juliet, The Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, November 6.  The tragic story of two star-crossed lovers – misadventure, family pride and ancient quarrels bury the most joyous of beginnings and the most hopeful of love stories as Romeo & Juliet, driven apart, find their world becoming a constricting one of fate and death.

• JTI Lunchtime Concert: Homelands, Ulster Hall, Belfast, November 7.  Vaughan Williams’ pastoral Oboe Concerto displays the wistful and contemplative nature of the oboe to the full.

• Jimeoin – What?! Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, November 7.  Hilarious new stand-up show from the internationally acclaimed comedy star of television’s Live at the Apollo.  No gimmicks, just great craic.

• The Nutcracker, Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, November 7.  Get into the festival spirit early this year and book tickets to see this enchanting Christmas classic.  A timeless fairytale ballet for all ages.

• Swan Lake, Millennium Forum, Co. Londonderry, November 9.  Prince Siegfried falls in love at first sight when he sees Odette, Queen of the Swans, who appears to be both swan and woman.  She explains that an evil sorcerer, Von Rothbart, has cast a spell on her and she must remain a swan, except between midnight and dawn, unless she is saved by true love.

• Christmas Design Workshop, Rowallane Garden, Co. Down, November 10.  Come along to pick up tips on how to create natural Christmas designs for your own home.

• Portrush Parkrun, East Strand, Portrush, Co. Antrim, November 10.  A free weekly 5km event for runners of all standards which starts from East Strand Beach to Whiterocks beach and back again.

• Let’s Go Fly A Kite, Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy House, Co. Antrim, November 10.  This family kite making workshop is a great afternoon out for five to nine year olds and their parents.  Design it, make it and most importantly fly it.

• Be Wild about Wildlife – Seabirds and Seals, Murlough National Nature Reserve, Dundrum, Co. Down, November 11.  Discover the seabird wildlife of Dundrum Inner Bay and observe the seals at Ballykinlar.  Suitable footwear essential.

• Wood Carving, Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, Co. Down, until November 22.  An introduction to the traditional craft of woodcarving.  Participants will learn basic techniques that will allow them to produce their own relief carving.  No experience necessary. 

• Knight Reflections, Castle Barracks, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, until November 23.  An exhibition celebrating the work of photographer Gerry Knight who has captured almost every facet of life in Fermanagh through his camera lens.

The final whistle is set to blow this Wednesday, 31^st October for people to register for the Coca-Cola backed 2013 World Police and Fire Games volunteer programme.

Thousands of people throughout Northern Ireland and beyond have already signed up online via www.2013wpfg.com/volunteers and World Police and Fire Games organisers have made a final push in the build-up to Wednesday’s official closing date to encourage many more to pledge their support and join “Team 2013.”

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Gavin Robinson joined 4000^th volunteer, Banbridge Academy student Cameron Slater, Zoë Cunningham, Communications Manager at Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Games mascot Emergency Eddie to call on the public to pick up the volunteer baton and help deliver the ‘Friendliest Games Ever” next August.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Alderman Gavin Robinson said, “This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in one of the largest sporting events ever to be held in Northern Ireland. The Games Makers at London 2012 were truly inspirational and now everyone has a chance to gain a similar once in a lifetime experience right on our own doorstep. I would encourage people of all ages and skills to register by the official deadline on October 31. The World Police and Fire Games really will be a wonderful and memorable sporting spectacle and it’s a chance not only to meet visitors from all corners of the globe but to make their stay in Belfast a memorable and unforgettable experience.”

The 2013 World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) take place from 1^st -10^th August next year and are set to attract 10,000 competitors from over 70 countries. Since September Volunteer Now have been recruiting enthusiastic and motivated people aged 16 (on 1^st January 2013) and over to get involved in a huge range of roles both on and ‘off the pitch.’ Opportunities for volunteers include roles as games ambassadors, administrators, translators, ceremonies team members, as well as within transport, venue branding, warehousing and media. Volunteer Now have  completed a highly successful “VolunTour” roadshow which travelled to destinations throughout Northern Ireland engaging with the community at grass roots level to highlight the comprehensive range of volunteer roles available.

For information on the 2013 World Police and Fire Games volunteer programme and to register online go to www.2013wpfg.com/volunteers. For any queries email 2013wpfg@volunteernow.co.uk or tel 028 9023 2020.

Draperstown event offers two days for the price of one!

GLASGOWBURY have announced their decision to expand the annual new music festival to a two-day event in 2013.

Northern Ireland’s Best Festival will link with the City of Culture in 2013 to include an exciting Derry showcase on Friday 19^th July before staging the best of the rest on Saturday 20^th July.

The ‘small but massive’ event has provided a platform for some of the best in new and emerging homegrown talent from throughout Ireland since it started over 13 years ago; most recently welcoming Therapy?, The Japanese Popstars, Fighting With Wire and over 50 others to the 2012 edition of the festival.

And, in an exciting twist, the Mid-Ulster group have also announced that tickets will be frozen at 2012 prices – which means that you get two days for the price of one.

“We understand that times are financially difficult for some people and we want to make the festival an event that everyone can afford to attend,” said organiser Paddy Glasgow.

A festival and camping ticket at £45 will now include two days of entertainment while a festival only ticket permits entry to the event on Saturday as normal.

“We’re excited to be growing the festival to offer an extra day’s entertainment and to be working with Derry as the City Of Culture to make it a reality,” Paddy added.

The line-up has yet to be announced for next year’s celebration but is expected to include some of the best new and established talent.

“Plans for next year’s festival are beginning to take shape already and we have some exciting ideas that we’re working on so watch this space.”

Glasgowbury 2013 will return to its Eagle’s Rock home across the weekend of July 19^th – 21^st.

Tickets for Glasgowbury 2013 will go on sale next week from www.glasgowbury.com and the annual submissions period will open later in November to offer artists the opportunity to submit for consideration for the festival.

For more information on all things Glasgowbury, see www.glasgowbury.com

SMALL BUT MASSIVE!

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (October 29 – November 4).  For all events in ni2012 click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto http://www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland

• Halloween Art, Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards, Co. Down, October 29.  Why not spend the day making chilling Halloween decorations that will terrify the whole family.  Also enjoy spooky storytelling and ghoulish games, suitable for children aged 6 – 12.

• Countryside Walks, starts at Audley’s Castle, Strangford, Co. Down, October 31.  Grab your walking boots and explore Castle Ward with a five to six mile walk.  Please remember to bring rainwear, a snack and a drink. 

• Halloween Enchanted Garden, Mount Stewart House and Gardens, Newtownards, Co. Down, October 31.  Award-winning lighting designer Walter Holt will once again be illuminating the gardens at Mount Stewart for twilight walks.  Dust down your Halloween costumes and enjoy this truly magical night.  

• Fright Night, Jungle NI, Moneymore, Co. Londonderry, until October 31.  Begin your terrifying tour through the woods in the darkness of the night with only a lantern to light the way.  The further you walk into the forest the more unnerving it will be.

• Jackula, The Playhouse, Co. Londonderry, October 31.  Enjoy a spooktacular Halloween treat with lots of fun, magic and a juggling show.  Jackula is Dracula’s younger brother and he has an aim to become the world’s most magical vampire.

• Cartoons and Postcards of 20^th Century Ireland, Belfast City Hall, October 31.  Using political postcards and cartoons of the time, John Killen, librarian of Linen Hall Library, looks at the events that shaped life on this island in the twentieth century.

• Nightmare at Navan, Navan Centre and Fort, Co. Armagh, October 31.  Enjoy Armagh’s best Halloween party with fire jugglers, fancy dress, amusements, a scary mobile zoo, a fireworks display and much more.

• Tall Tales and Short Songs, Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, November 2.  Gerry Anderson will tell stories and read from his autobiography before folk singer Sean Donnelly sings songs from his much loved CDs.

• An Evening of Mystery and Intrigue, Castle Coole, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, November 3.  Come along and be a detective for the evening and discover who committed the crime in Castle Coole.  Canapés and wine included.

• Shine a Light: Paper Lampshade Design Masterclass, Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy House, Co. Antrim, November 3.  We’ve all seen those round paper lampshades but did you know you can make them yourself.  This course will show you how to create your own unique design to take home.

• Book Fair, Springhill, Moneymore, Co. Londonderry, November 4.  Browse through hundreds of second hand books before taking an invigorating walk to view the stunning autumn colours around the estate.

• Belfast Music Week, various locations in Belfast, November 4 – 11.  This week of music will feature more than 250 events across 70 venues with everything from chamber music to hip hop music on offer as well as talent nights and music exhibitions.