Skypark, Carlingford, is set to transform the winter season with the launch of Adventure Lights, a unique 14-week event designed to enchant visitors and boost the local economy. 

Running from October 26 to February 2, this immersive light experience brings Irish mythology to life, offering an unforgettable journey through the ‘Land of Legends’.

The €500,000 investment in Adventure Lights reflects a commitment to creating a standout winter attraction for the region. As visitors traverse the illuminated path, they will be drawn into an interactive adventure that merges ancient Irish myths with engaging, family-friendly activities.

Edward Fuller, General Manager of Skypark, highlighted the significance of the event: “This event is not only a celebration of the unique heritage of Ireland, especially County Louth but also a crucial driver of local employment. By attracting thousands of visitors, we are creating new opportunities for local businesses and seasonal jobs, ensuring that the benefits are felt across the entire community.”

The event’s path takes visitors through themed zones including the Dolmen Adventure, Maze Adventure, Skynet Adventure, Mythology Adventure, and Extinction Adventure. These zones are brought to life through striking 2D and 3D illuminated statues, creating a magical atmosphere against the winter backdrop. As part of the adventure, participants can solve clues while learning about legendary figures from Irish folklore.

For a fresh take on exploration, visitors can experience Ireland’s Ancient East maze or enjoy the Skynet Adventure—a whole new experience after dark.

Alongside the activities, Adventure Lights will feature a range of food options. From pizzas, burgers, and loaded fries to sweet treats like crepes, donuts, and toasted marshmallows, visitors will have plenty of delicious choices to enjoy during their evening.

Thomas McArdle, Managing Director of Skypark, praised the hard work of the team, saying: “The Skypark team has truly gone above and beyond in bringing our Adventure Lights event to life. In partnership with Decoled, a specialist European lighting company, whose expertise will transform Skypark into a captivating winter destination, the team on the ground has been working tirelessly around the clock. Their dedication is turning Skypark into a one-of-a-kind event that promises to captivate visitors from near and far.”

As Carlingford is only one hour from Dublin and one hour from Belfast, and the Adventure Lights is expected to attract visitors from across the country, providing a much-needed boost to local tourism during the off-peak winter months. The opening hours of 4pm to 8pm and style of the event is designed for families, schools, and groups, making it a perfect outing for anyone looking to combine outdoor adventure with the allure of Irish mythology.

This event is kindly supported by Failte Ireland and Louth County Council and Louth Leader.

For tickets and more information go to skypark.ie

The popular Ards Puppet Festival returns this October, bringing two days of puppetry magic to the heart of Newtownards.

Taking place on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 October, the Autumn-themed festival will welcome a packed programme celebrating animals of all shapes and sizes, through puppetry performances, workshops, and interactive experiences.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, this year’s festival promises something for everyone, from world-renowned puppet shows to puppet-making workshops and even a Puppet Petting Farm.

Listen to the Story Man, in Sea Legs Puppet Theatre’s gentle, musical adaptation of The Ugly Duckling and join Henry Clutterback and The Musicians of Bremen on an exciting new adventure in the classic fairytale of friendship and courage. Look out for the wolf in Banyan Puppet Theatre’s classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood, and whatever you do, have lots of fun when Granny has a sleepover in the brand-new show, Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite!

With cows, goats, pigs, ducks, bugs, and even a temperamental crocodile making appearances, the festival is set to capture the imaginations of children and families alike.

Throughout both days, festival-goers can also enjoy Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre’s rendition of Billy Goats Gruff and Professor Queen-Bee’s It’s Bee-Hind You, a Punch and Judy-style show with an environmental twist. Handmade Theatre Company will delight audiences with their Puppet Petting Farm, where families can interact with handcrafted animal puppets, and children can take part in puppet-making workshops to create their own puppet characters.

Speaking about the festival, Arts Community Development Officer, Amy McKelvey said: “We are thrilled to be running another Ards Puppet Festival and to be welcoming these amazing puppeteers to Newtownards, to entertain and inspire our young audiences and their families. It’s always a gorgeous event and we are super excited to meet all the animal puppets this year and welcome our lovely audiences back again.”

With a mix of ticketed performances and free activities, Ards Puppet Festival promises two-days of fun for the whole family. The festival is a perfect opportunity to embrace the joy of puppetry and explore the wonderful world of animals in a creative, engaging environment.

Ards Puppet Festival takes place on 27 and 28 October in Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards. To view the full programme and to book tickets, go to: https://puppetfestival.andculture.org.uk/whats-on

Belfast Film Festival returns for its 24th edition from 31st October to 9th November, opening with a Halloween night screening of Irish language horror Fréwaka, written and directed by Aislinn Clarke.

After receiving rave reviews at its world premiere in Switzerland this summer, the latest feature from the Belfast-based filmmaker is set to make its Irish premiere at the Cineworld in Belfast on the evening of Thursday 31st October.

Haunted by a personal tragedy, home care worker, Shoo (Clare Monnelly) is sent to a remote village to care for an agoraphobic woman (Bríd Ní Neachtain) who fears the neighbours as much as she fears the Na Sídhe – sinister entities who she believes abducted her decades before. As the two develop a strangely deep connection, Shoo is consumed by the old woman’s paranoia, rituals and superstitions, eventually leading her to confront the horrors from her own past.

Fréwaka is Aislinn Clarke’s second horror feature, after the bold and uncompromising The Devil’s Doorway (2018). Bursting with Irish talent, it features an all-female cast including Clare Monnelly (Moone Boy, Nowhere Fast) who astounds in the lead role Shoo alongside powerhouse Bríd Ní Neachtain (The Banshees of Inisherin, Róise and Frank) as Peig.

Fréwaka is proudly produced by Dermot Lavery of DoubleBand Films and Patrick O’Neill of Wildcard and was made under the CINE4 feature film initiative with the financial support of TG4, Screen Ireland and Coimisiún na Meán.

Director Aislinn Clarke said:

“Twenty-four years ago I moved to Belfast to study film and fell in love with the city. Belfast is where I cut my teeth as a filmmaker. It’s an incredible honour to now have my film opening the 24th Belfast Film Festival. In a way we have grown up together.”

Dermot Lavery from DoubleBand said:

“It doesn’t get much better for an Irish folk horror film than to be the opening film on Halloween night of the Belfast Film Festival. We can’t wait to present Fréwaka to our ‘home-town’ audience – we think they’ll enjoy a truly cinematic experience!”

Patrick O’Neill of Wildcard added:

“Aislinn has made such a unique and terrifying horror film – drawing inspiration from recent and ancient fears in our society, and it is such a great honour for the film to have its Irish Premiere at Belfast Film Festival.”

Belfast Film Festival Programmer Rose Baker said:

“We are thrilled to open the festival with Aislinn Clarke’s latest work. Fréwaka exemplifies the depth and breadth of talent audiences can expect from this year’s festival. We are centring Irish film in this year’s festival, with both North and South represented within a vibrant international cinematic offering.”

Tickets for Fréwaka go on sale on Friday 28th September with the full programme announced on 3rd October. For tickets go to https://belfastfilmfestival.org/

Belfast Film Festival is funded by Northern Ireland Screen, Belfast City Council, the Department for Communities and Film Hub NI. And proudly sponsored by Yellowmoon, Birra Moretti and Hastings Hotels.

Women in tech organisation TechFoundHer has opened applications for its highly anticipated Innovation Labs, an eight week programme designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools and skills needed to innovate with technology.

The forward-thinking initiative will empower women who have identified big problems they want to solve, applicants aren’t required to have a tech background or experience as the programme will teach them how to leverage emerging technologies such as AI, low-code/no-code tools,  to overcome business challenges, optimise workflows, and accelerate product development. 

“The Innovation Labs programme isn’t just for people who have tech industry experience, it will support all women regardless of their tech knowledge. We’re  busting the myths surrounding the idea that you need to be able to code to start a company that creates a tech driven product or service” explained Mairin.

Funded through the Shared Island initiative, a collaboration supported by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland, the programme is set to begin in mid-October and aims to create a supportive environment for 35 women entrepreneurs from both Ireland and Northern Ireland.

A Unique Opportunity for Women Entrepreneurs

The TechFoundHer Innovation Labs are part of a larger mission to address the gender gap in the tech industry by empowering women who may not come from a coding background. 

The programme is open to women founders who have already created a prototype or concept for a tech-driven product but may lack the technical expertise or roadmap to bring their ideas to market. 

Over the course of eight weeks, participants will be introduced to AI-driven tools, innovative frameworks, and hands-on learning, providing them with the confidence to lead tech product development.  

The women participating will benefit from a series of  hands-on workshops in Dublin and Belfast, complemented by a  schedule of online tool demonstrations, webinars, and mentoring sessions with industry experts. 

In addition to hands-on practical learning which requires only four-five hours per week commitment, the programme fosters a network of like-minded women founders who can share experiences and support each other throughout the process.

Building on Previous Success

The Innovation Labs builds upon the success of previous TechFoundHer Boot Camps held in 2023 and 2024. These one-day events provided an introduction to tech-driven business strategies and offered insight into how women founders can leverage technology for success. 

However, the Innovation Labs go one step further, offering a more comprehensive, deep-dive experience into specific tech topics, with an emphasis on learning by doing. The programme will have a focus on practical takeaways showing entrepreneurs how they can use tools to make progress fast

Mairin Murray, founder of TechFoundHer, explained the importance of such initiatives in today’s entrepreneurial landscape.

“Many women want to have an impact and solve big global problems and they want to use tech to achieve this.  But if you’re not a techie or coder – where do you start? The Innovation Labs programme maps out the steps” she said.

“The Innovation Labs aim to bridge the know-how  gap by building the skills and confidence needed to lead tech product development no matter what your background.

“The programme’s approach ensures that participants are not only introduced to tools and templates but also given the opportunity to put what they learn into practice immediately. 

“From prototyping tools to AI-driven insights, the Innovation Labs are designed to turn ideas into actionable solutions that can be implemented into participants’ businesses straight away.”

Supporting Cross-Border Innovation and Collaboration

In line with the Shared Island initiative the TechFoundHer Innovation Labs programme will promote cross-border innovation and collaboration, with a particular focus on helping female entrepreneurs in Ireland and Northern Ireland build the necessary tech skills to drive business success. 

Mairin added: “With only 20% of computer science graduates being female, programmes like this are critical to addressing the gender imbalance in tech-driven industries.

“The Shared Island initiative has recognised that many women founders face barriers due to a lack of technical skills. As a result the TechFoundHer Innovation Labs were developed with this in mind, providing tools and resources that allow non-technical founders to lead product development without relying on a technical co-founder.”

Applications and Eligibility Criteria

Applications for the Innovation Labs, also supported by KPMG, are now open and will close on Friday 4th October. The programme is open to women founders who have identified a tech-driven solution to grow their business and have at least a prototype or wireframe of their product. 

Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to participate in the programme and a willingness to attend in-person labs in Dublin and Belfast.

The programme is limited to 35 participants, with places split between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Applicants will be selected based on their business concept, potential for growth, and readiness to integrate technology into their operations.

How to Apply

Women entrepreneurs interested in joining the programme are encouraged to submit an expression of interest as soon as possible. 

The programme will kick off in October followed by a series of events and labs running until December 2024.

For more information and to submit an expression of interest go to techfoundher.com/innovation-labs 

A Northern Ireland disability rights campaigner has launched a new initiative that will allow wheelchair users to enjoy ‘all inclusive’ accessibility at local hospitality venues and hotels.

Shelley Cowan, from Enniskillen, was confined to bed, tube fed and unable to use her limbs for 12 years as a result of severe ME and spent a further decade as a wheelchair user.

She is now using her lived experience and research findings into the ‘purple pound’, the spending power of disabled people and their families, to help make all venues accessible with her campaign #accommodationforall.

She said: “When people think of ‘all-inclusive’, they think of ‘all you can eat’ food and drink. I want it to mean that hotels and venues are fully accessible for all.

“In 2024, it is shameful that there are not adequate facilities available for everyone. I know of people who have had to sleep on pool loungers at hotels because the hotel rooms aren’t accessible.

“Negative hospitality attitudes are commonplace, causing guests with severe disabilities to feel humiliated, ignored, unwanted and a nuisance. It isn’t good enough.”

Placing her passion into a project, Shelley founded Access Avenue, a business venture which she hopes will help people with disabilities to be included in society.

Speaking on her first-hand experience of the difficulties that disabled tourists are forced to accept, Shelley said: “I was a wheelchair user and it was following personal experience of ineffective hospitality venues that I researched the area to improve accessibility within hospitality and tourism.

“I want everyone to have the opportunity to fully participate and explore equal, effective, enjoyable experiences – the campaign follows these 5E’s.

“For me, as a wheelchair user, travelling was inaccessible, unaffordable and too cumbersome to gain any real benefit from the experience.”

Speaking on the shocking conditions that guests with disabilities are faced with due to hotels frequently exaggerating their accessibility status, Shelley said her research concluded that: “75% of tourists with severe physical disabilities perceive current hotel venue barriers as excessive, increasingly difficult or unreasonable to navigate.

“50% of tourists with severe disabilities bring, purchase or rent their own heavy, expensive hoisting devices to be able to stay in hotels.”

Shelley herself shared that she fit into this category: “I had to purchase and transport a portable hoist, blow-up pressure relieving mattresses for myself and a mattress for a carer.”

To combat this, Shelley created the ‘Hotel Accessibility Grading Classification’, a system which aims to help guests understand the level of accessibility within certain venues.

From today, her outlined plan to work with hospitality providers in an attempt to equip them with the knowledge and skills on how they can change their premises in a positive move towards being more accessible is underway.
Shelley has previously conducted research into the problems faced by those with disabilities as part of her MSc in International Business.

The findings highlight major failings for people with disabilities and vast access barriers within the hospitality sector in the country, including how, despite there being hundreds of pet-friendly accommodation options in the UK, there are only 17 fully accessible hotels for disabled guests to choose from, with zero of these being found in Northern Ireland.

Shelley believes that her personal experience as a wheelchair user for ten years, and throughout her illness has fitted into all three categories of the grading system, has offered a unique insight into the daily barriers faced by those who have disabilities, developing a fail-proof of adequate provision for the hotel industry.

Shelley said: “Overall, Northern Ireland hotel accessible offerings are limited, basic, impractical and inadequately designed, however this was found to also be a global issue.

“Hospitality, particularly hotels, lose millions of pounds due to inaccessibility-related non-participation.

“To be able to stay away from home for even one night took weeks of rigorous planning and several phone calls to the hotel to ensure the venue and facilities were suitable for my needs.

“The majority of rooms were not spacious enough to manoeuvre and use the equipment safely.”

Having conducted numerous interviews with domestic and international wheelchair-using tourists, Shelley discovered they find accommodation providers in Northern Ireland inadequate, inaccessible and unavailable for the severely disabled.

Shelley said her findings show that this is a regional, national and global issue, impacting the tourism industry, and she believes that accommodation providers lose millions of pounds annually due to inaccessibility-related non-participation.

She said: “Hotel guests with disabilities want fair, equal service and prices comparable to other guests.
“Guests with disabilities want barrier-free travel with accommodation as stated. We want to enjoy hotels as much as anyone else.”

The purple pound is the spending power of disabled households, currently valued at £274 billion per year in the UK alone and $8 trillion globally; £12 billion of the former figure is in accessible tourism, signalling the potential that hospitality companies are excluding by ignoring this demographic.

Rounding off her remarks with advice for the sector, Shelley Cowan said: “I believe accommodation providers with full accessibility will benefit from an increase in trade from the ‘purple pound’.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone if we work together.”

Step into Autumn and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of our shoreline at the brand-new Shorelife Celebration! Join us on Saturday, 5 October at the stunning WWT Castle Espie and National Trust Mount Stewart. With free admission to both venues and complimentary pre-bookable bus travel, it’s the perfect day out for families and nature enthusiasts!

This exciting event, brought to you by Ards and North Down Borough Council in partnership with WWT Castle Espie and National Trust Mount Stewart, offers a rare chance to experience the wonders of our shoreline. Enjoy a day filled with fun activities, engaging talks and tours, live music, and delicious local food and drink. Plus, take advantage of the free ticketed bus service for easy access!

With 115 miles of stunning coastline, Ards and North Down is the perfect place to celebrate our shore. Kids and families will love the interactive games and activities, while guided tours and talks will provide fascinating insights into local wildlife and conservation efforts.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said:

 

“We are delighted to partner with Mount Stewart and Castle Espie for this fantastic event. The Shorelife Celebration is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to enjoy free access to both venues. It aims to foster community spirit and environmental stewardship, encouraging everyone to appreciate and protect our beautiful shoreline. The picturesque settings of Mount Stewart and Castle Espie are ideal for this event, offering a variety of activities for all ages to enjoy.”

 

Pre-bookable park and ride services will be available from Newtownards Bus Centre and Dundonald Park and Ride (Dunlady), with stops at both Mount Stewart and Castle Espie.

 

Mark your calendars for Saturday, 5 October, from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free for everyone, including National Trust and WWT Castle Espie members and non-members. Some activities require tickets, so be sure to pre-book in advance. Terms and conditions apply.

 

For more information, visit visitardsandnorthdown.com/Shorelife

 

Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of our shore.

The 2024 Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival makes its welcome return to the Borough this October, providing a not-to-be missed showcase that brings together local heritage and the best artisan produce the area has to offer.

The popular annual festival, which runs from Friday 4^th to Sunday 6^th October, embraces the Borough’s reputation as an outstanding food and drink destination, providing a platform for local producers to showcase their sumptuous goods to a wider audience. 

Foodies will be able to indulge in all things salmon & whiskey across the weekend, enjoying live cookery demonstrations and the warm hospitality of Bushmills – and maybe a wee dram or two!

With Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market stalls lining Bushmills Main Street, alongside fantastic live music, ‘meet the maker’ sessions and activities throughout the village, it promises to be a long weekend of fun for all.

New for 2024 for all the whiskey lovers out there will be the ‘Whiskey Hub’, set up at Main Street Car Park. Distillers from across the island of Ireland will host sampling sessions on Sunday, October 6, inviting visitors to come and taste a wide variety of locally produced whiskeys.

With the fantastic regeneration of the old Bushmills Courthouse now complete, the beautifully restored building will offer a programme of events across the weekend, welcoming visitors to see its historic transformation into a shared space and creative hub for the community.

Friday, October 4

To launch the festival, the newly established Community Garden will host various activities throughout the day, in conjunction with Council’s biodiversity officer.

A bespoke Coast & Countryside tour will be available to those looking to explore the food and drink offering of Bushmills and other Causeway Coast businesses. Guided by the wonderful Wendy Gallagher. (Pre-booking required)

https://causewaycoastfoodietours.com/product/salmon-and-whiskey-festival/

A highlight of Friday evening, for those lucky enough to get a ticket, is the Bushmills ‘Supper Club’, brought to you by The Tartine and Slemish Market, a brand-new experience created to captivate the taste buds.

And for those who wish to be indulged, The Bushmills Inn, one of the most idyllic places to eat in Bushmills, is creating a unique dining experience. Working with the finest artisan producers, local farmers, and fishermen to source the very best ingredients, this menu will be a culinary delight. This is a limited capacity event. https://www.bushmillsinn.com/

Saturday, October 5

Ian Orr will cook up a storm in the Main Street cookery area, other local talented chefs will also be demonstrating how to use salmon or whiskey in delicious dishes at Sharvagh House Come along and get a tip or two!

The Courthouse will provide workshops and other great activities, while the Visitor Information Centre will host a taste sampling of products from local artisan producers.

The Bushmills Taste Trail highlights many great restaurants and cafes in the town, welcoming you to try a variety of fresh local dishes comprising of locally sourced ingredients, especially salmon and whiskey, tantalising any foodie. Get your tickets for the trail from the Visitor Information Centre or local Bushmills establishments (The Tartine & Maegden Cheese shop) and guide yourself through the Taste Trail businesses.

Bushmills Distillery will be open all weekend and hosting tours. Naturally North Coast & Glens will host a small market behind the Designerie and meet the maker sessions in the Visitor Information Centre.

Sunday, October 6

Main Street car park and Sharvagh House will host an afternoon of live cookery demonstrations, music and market stalls and activities for kids.

In a first for the festival, Main Street car park will also host a new experience for the whiskey enthusiast – the Bushmills ‘Whiskey Hub’. A select range of local distilleries will host a taste and information session across Sunday afternoon, allowing visitors to taste and experience some of the fine whiskeys on offer across the island of Ireland.

The Outdoor (STREAT) programme will consist of a few fantastic demos with our much-loved foodie ambassador, Paula McIntyre. Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market stalls will line Main Street, alongside Bushmills Distillery Whiskey tastings and tours, cookery demonstrations with various talented local chefs and throughout the weekend there will be musical acts and entertainers to add to the atmosphere.

There will also be a quiet time session for children with additional needs from 11am-12noon.  With many ways to enjoy unique food experiences, this festival is not one to miss!

Please note, DAERA has advised Council that, due to budget constraints, it is sadly unable to open the River Bush Salmon Station to the public as part of this year’s festival, as it had done in the past. In a statement, the DAERA explained: “We recognise this event’s importance to the local area, but the Department must prioritise its resources to meet statutory work business needs above non-statutory work.”

However, on Sunday, October 6, Millennium Park will have a host of fishy activities for young and old, experienced or novice, such as fly casting and fly tying. Come and have a go, see if you can hook something!

September is a key month in any parents’ calendars, with the start of the academic year meaning a whole new experience for three and four year olds: nursery. 

Starting nursery school or creche is a huge milestone for any child and whilst exciting, it can be a very daunting time for both children and parents alike.

North Belfast childcare expert and owner of Wee Chicks CIC, Kelly Molloy, is armed with almost two decades’ worth of experience caring for kids and has shared some of her top tips on aiding the process.

Well-versed in overcoming the struggles associated with sending your little ones off on their own for the first time, Kelly has outlined the best way to ease the transition and set the stage for a positive start.

Calling on her years of experience owning Wee Chicks, Kelly states that maintaining a positive attitude will help your child settle and enjoy the start of their journey with education.

Kelly explained: “A child can read your energy – so if you feel calm and prepared, they will too.”

Here’s Kelly’s top tips to help your little one love their new school:

1. Pay a visit

“Working out your little ones’ schedule means your mind will be put at ease and you will be prepared to guide them through their day” explained Kelly.

“Take a look at the facilities, check out the environment and put yourself in their shoes, noting anything that your child might be interested in to mention to them on days when they feel overwhelmed. 

“Don’t be scared to ask lots of questions and always trust your instincts.”

2. It’s good to talk

Kelly said: “Communicate with your child about what will happen. This is a big change that needs to be normalised, even after the switch over has occurred. 

“Bring nursery life into everyday conversation and try to remove any fears your child raises with you, including updating them on how you’ll be spending the day too. 

“Make sure they know what they will be doing each day and what you will be doing while they are there – even if it is just cleaning the house.”

3. Stay positive

“Your attitude towards nursery school will influence your child’s feelings” said Kelly, adding: “The majority of the time, it’s the parents who are feeling nervous about the shift, so it’s important to reassure your child that this is going to be a fun, new experience. 

“Tell them it’s going to be very exciting. Explain that they are going to meet new friends, and they’re going to be able to play with great new toys.”

4. Establish a routine

Start adjusting your child’s daily routine to match the schedule they will follow at nursery school. 

Kelly explained: “This means they will know what is happening and it should reduce anxiety. So, have a good bedtime routine, make sure your child knows what to do in the morning and stick to this trend. 

“If they know what is about to happen, it will reassure them. It will also help them understand that you will come back at the end of the day.”

5. Special affirmations

“If your child is feeling anxious, you can give them small affirmations that they can repeat to themselves” said Kelly.

“I recommend telling them to say things like: ‘I’m going to have fun,’ and ‘I am going to be safe.’ This can be really helpful.”

6. Comfort items

Kelly said: “Your child is still very young and may need a little reminder of home with them during the transition period. That could be a special toy (ask at the nursery about their policy on this) or a picture. 

““You can draw a little heart on their hand with a pen and tell them to touch it if they are feeling sad. Or send a ‘pocket hug’ with them. This can be a piece of paper with a heart drawn on it that they can look at for reassurance.”

For more information go to weechicks.com