Brook Hall Estate & Gardens To Open In Support Of National Garden Scheme and Foyle Hospice

The private Brook Hall Estate & Gardens, which sits on the banks of the River Foyle is to open to the public in support of the National Garden Scheme and Foyle Hospice. 

Now in its third year, the National Garden Scheme raises vital funds for nursing and healthcare charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie by giving visitors unique access to 3,500 exceptional private gardens in the UK. 

The Brook Hall Estate is home to one of the most unique arboretums in the north west, with plants and trees from all over the world. 

Recognised as a “woodland garden”, Brook Hall differs from traditional gardens with its focus on a diverse range of specimen tree and plant life. 

Usually only accessible by private booking, this unique opportunity allows visitors to wander through the private arboretum and gardens and enjoy stunning views across the river.

The arboretum contains a wide collection of rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias in a range of colours beneath the broad boughs of the 18th century parkland oaks. The arboretum is also home to a rare collection of conifers of some of the oldest and largest of their kind on the island of Ireland.

David Gilliland, managing partner of Brook Hall Estate & Gardens said of the event: “We are delighted to be opening for our first event of the year, and to provide the community with the opportunity to explore the private gardens of Brook Hall in support of the good work of the National Garden Scheme and the Foyle Hospice.”

The estate and gardens will open to the public between 2pm to 5pm Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 April at £5 per adult, with kids going free. With the help of the Foyle Hospice, proceeds from the refreshments served over the weekend will help to support their nursing charity on a local level.

For more information, and to book tickets (tickets can be purchased on the day) go to https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/44661/brook-hall-estate-gardens 

A Decade of Dedication: Niamh Quinn’s Unwavering Journey to Become a Social Worker

“The thought of helping someone everyday, there’s no better feeling than that”

Working as a social worker is something Niamh Quinn always wanted to do. Now, just over a decade later, she is finally on the road to reaching her goals.

The 32-year-old from Clonoe, County Tyrone, always had a deep interest in social work. Growing up as the youngest of her siblings, Niamh always felt drawn to playing with her young neighbours or babysitting her sister’s children.

Through doing this she often heard people tell her how she was a natural with children, so it was an easy choice when she had to pick courses for her UCAS application.

The first-year social work student said: “I always knew I wanted to work with children. I don’t know why but everybody always said to me that I was really good with them. So, when I was doing my UCAS I applied for primary school teaching, I also applied for Social Work at that time. I got as far as the interview stage for social work, but I didn’t get in.”

After receiving a rejection from the social work course, Niamh went on to do a primary school teaching course, but dropped out after a year and a half as it wasn’t what she wanted to do.

“It was a conscious decision to apply for teaching too” she explained, adding: “Working with children was the only avenue I really wanted to go down, I didn’t really want to teach, but I like working with children. So, I went down that path.

“I only completed a year and a half, I just knew it wasn’t for me.”

Niamh didn’t stop here, she continued on her path to working with children, knowing it was something she was meant to do.

“After I left teaching I went to tech and got my level three childcare, then I went straight into a job in a creche and stayed there for six years” she said.

However, still not where she wanted to be and looking to the future, Niamh decided it was time to try something completely different.

She said: “I decided I needed a bit of office background so I went into a solicitors. I’m still working there two days a week, on the side of my social work studies, as a secretary.

“The solicitor’s two main things that they deal with are family and criminal so they deal with social workers all of the time. It’s interesting because I’m seeing it from the other side now too.”

Working closely with social workers, families and solicitors made Niamh realise it was time to finally get back on her original path and complete her social work studies.

Speaking about why she is so passionate about social care work, she said: “Just the thought of helping people. It would be such a great feeling to just come home every day and think you’ve helped somebody. I’m quite a positive person so to bring that to somebody else’s family, there is no better feeling.”

With her experience working in the solicitor’s, Niamh knows she could go down many different routes of social work, something that she feels isn’t widely known.

“I actually didn’t even realise the breadth of opportunities within social work. There’s so many avenues that someone could go down. Obviously, there are so many children that need help, so that’s a big one, but there really are so many choices.

“There’s definitely a big misunderstanding when it comes to the role of the job.  A lot of people just hear the job title and assume you’re there to take their children and that’s just not the way it is at all. The social worker is there to help you, they are not against you.”

Now she’s finally pursuing her dream, Niamh said understanding exactly what the social work course entailed is important for anyone thinking about applying.

She explained: “I was prepared for the work, but I wasn’t as prepared as I thought I would be. The written side of things is quite intense, but I just love the learning.

“The classes are brilliant. In South West College, all of the tutors are social workers so we’re being taught by people with first-hand experience.”

Although the coursework can be full on, Niamh is confident it will all be worth it when she reaches her end goal. Looking back, Niamh is thankful that she didn’t get on the course the first time around.

“I think at that stage, I probably wasn’t actually ready for it. I feel like I was too immature and young at that time. I’m kind of glad now that I didn’t get in at that point of my life. Of course, I was really disappointed, but I’m glad that I went and got some experience behind me” she said.

One warning Niamh has for anyone who is applying for the course, is to be prepared for the emotional side of things.

“You have to be prepared to take time out for yourself” she said.

“Don’t be afraid to take 20 minutes, if you need to. There’s been a few times on the course where I have had to step out of the room, but that is okay.”

Speaking about the application process, Niamh advises: “Take your time. Don’t rush filling it out. For my personal statement, I also spoke to a mum of one of the children I worked with to get her thoughts. So, if you can, also get perspectives from other people. Make sure you also include examples of how you have helped someone. Just make it as personal as possible.”

The main message that Niamh wants to get across, is that it is never too late to go for it. Having taken just over a decade to get to where she is now, Niamh knows that every choice she made work wise were all conscious decisions, connected to where she wanted to be.

“I just want everyone to know that it is never too late” she said.

Feeling inspired? For more information on how you can train to be a social worker in Northern Ireland check out our Interested in becoming a social worker? page.

 

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT 2024 RETURNS WITH LIFESAVING CAMPAIGN TO RAISE FUNDS FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

12 partner charities, Pieta and Electric Ireland are joined by Sunrise Social founder Caroline McKenna to launch Darkness into Light 2024

Organised walks to take place at 15 locations across Northern Ireland as the sun rises on Saturday, 11th May.

Darkness Into Light is back: (l-r): Stephanie Manahan, CEO, Pieta is joined by Darkness into Light (DIL) ambassador Caroline McKenna, Leanne Doherty, Social Enterprise Manager at HURT NI and Bill Coyle, NI Residential Manager at Electric Ireland to launch Darkness into Light 2024.

Darkness Into Light, Pieta’s annual fundraising event which raises vital funds for local mental health partner charities, is back. Proudly supported by Electric Ireland, this year’s event will take place as the sun rises on Saturday, 11th May and will see thousands of participants take part in the 15 official walks across Northern Ireland.

At last night’s launch in Belfast City Centre [Tuesday, 26 March], Pieta and Electric Ireland were joined by representatives from 12 local mental health charities and Darkness Into Light 2024 ambassador Caroline McKenna, to invite people across Northern Ireland to sign up and take part in this year’s fundraising event.

Speaking at the launch, DIL 2024 ambassador and founder of Sunrise Social Caroline McKenna, said, I am honoured to be an ambassador for Darkness Into Light. It is an event I have supported for many years, and I am honoured to have come on board this year in a more official capacity. Darkness Into Light is a truly special event. Beginning in darkness and continuing through to dawn, the 5km walk symbolises the journey from despair to hope. It is an opportunity for communities to come together, foster the sense of hope and raise crucial funds to support people in the community who need it most. So please, sign up and join us for the most important sunrise of the year and see the difference your support makes to local communities across Northern Ireland.”

In the past decade, Darkness Into Light has raised over £1 million for Northern Ireland partner charities and Pieta to help with issues of suicide, self-harm, and mental health.

This year, people in every county in Northern Ireland are encouraged to sign up to participate in one of 15 organised walks, or to take part in their own way, and in doing so support the charities in their local area that are providing vital services to those in need.

Stephanie Manahan, CEO, Pieta, said, “Darkness Into Light is not just an event; it is a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future where every individual feels supported and valued. Together, with Electric Ireland’s support and the collective efforts of our participants, volunteer committees and communities across the Island of Ireland, we can continue to shine a light on the importance of mental wellbeing and provide support to those in crisis.

Bill Coyle, NI Residential Manager, Electric Ireland, commented, “Electric Ireland is very proud of our ongoing support for Pieta and Darkness Into Light over the last twelve years of our partnership. Each year, we work with Pieta to create marketing and fundraising campaigns to promote awareness of this incredible event and encourage as many people as possible to participate and support. The power of Darkness Into Light is in its ability to bring hope and consolation to communities across the country and to raise much needed funds for the vital services provided by Pieta and partner charities in Northern Ireland. This movement reflects our values as an organisation and our determination to make the world brighter for our customers, staff and the communities we serve.”

The 12 partner charities across Northern Ireland provide easily accessible, free of charge services, which are available online, by phone or in person. Darkness Into Light plays a crucial role in enabling Pieta’s partner charities in Northern Ireland to uphold their commitment to providing suicide prevention, intervention, and bereavement support services to individuals of all ages throughout Northern Ireland, ensuring that help is always within reach when it’s needed most.

Sign up today at www.darknessintolight.com

 

#DIL2024

Multi-Award-Winning Comedian, Conal Gallen, takes the stage at The Market Place

Renowned Irish comedian, Conal Gallen, is back on tour this year with his hilarious one-man stand-up show. Conal is well known for his hilarious humour and has been entertaining audiences worldwide for over 30 years.

He’s even had the pleasure of performing in front of the Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, and several other well-known English pubs!

Don’t miss your chance to see the master of comedy at work as Conal Gallen brings his Funny Business to the stage this year. Book your seats now to secure your place at a night filled with unforgettable laughter.

Conal Gallen will be on stage at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th April at 8p. Tickets are priced at £25

Tickets for all shows can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

 

 

Awesome adventures perfect for thrill seeking families

Discover NI’s giant guide to heart racing activities in Northern Ireland

Adventure seeking families looking for unique experiences to get hearts racing are discovering the world class, adrenaline inducing activities on offer in Northern Ireland.

Action-pack adventures no longer require us to travel abroad, there are plenty of thrills and spills to be had, right here, on our doorstep.

In Northern Ireland, you’re always just a small step from a giant adventure and Discover NI has put together the following list of amazing activities that will ensure you scream if you want to go faster.

Aerosports Paragliding, County Antrim

  • If you dream of flying high and defying gravity then take to the skies of Ballynure in a tandem paraglide at Aerosports Paragliding. Suitable for those aged 14+, strap into a harness attached to a parachute like wing and run off the side of a hill. Travelling at speeds of approximately 20mph, all flights take place under the supervision of Chief Flying Instructor Ken McConnell who has thousands of hours of paragliding experience.

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, County Down

  • As Northern Ireland’s National Centre for Mountaineering and Canoeing Activities, Tullymore National Outdoor Centre offers thrill seekers a range of courses in mountaineering, rock climbing, paddlesports and mountain biking. The centre is also home to the Hotrock climbing wall and a bouldering area with routes suitable for beginners, and others that are sure to challenge ever the most experienced climbers.

Share Discovery Village, County Fermanagh

  • An inclusive facility, Share Discovery Village allows all to participate in a wide range of exciting outdoor activities including canoeing, banana boating, mountain biking and windsurfing. You can also test your aim with outdoor laser-tag, see how high you can climb with a 30ft indoor climbing wall and make a splash as you traverse the rock slide and wiggle bridge at Wibit Water Park.

Todds Leap, County Tyrone

  • Days at Todds Leap are all about adrenaline filled activities. Experience momentary weightlessness as you swing from a trembling height over a cliff edge, scream as you reach speeds of 40mph as your hurtle down the 150m long Tayto ‘BigYella’ slide and strengthen your family bond as you take turns driving a Land Rover Defender blindfolded while the rest of your family help you navigate the off-road obstacle course.

Limitless Adventure Centre, County Londonderry

  • Adrenaline junkines will love the thrilling experiences on offer at Limitless Adventure Centre. At Northern Ireland’s only hovercrafting adventure centre, you’ll pilot a hovercraft travelling at speeds in excess of 30mph across purpose built grass tracks. Then, take control of a Powerturn Buggy and effortlessly break out the wheelies, 360 degree turns and more as you – and your co-pilot – battle to control this ATV.

Craigavon Golf & Ski, County Armagh

  • Challenge your limits as you ski and snowboard on a 300ft slope at Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre. Home to the only artifical ski slope in Northern Ireland, the centre also features a Poma tow lift, nursery slope and snow-tubing facilities. Suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers/snowboarders, there is also an 18 hole par 72 golf course, a 15 hole par three golf course and a 18 hole par three footgolf course on site.

For more thrilling experiences in Northern Ireland visit https://discovernorthernireland.com

Immerse yourself in music and art at Flowerfield and Roe Valley this Easter

Flowerfield Arts Centre and Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre have a fantastic programme of workshops and events for the whole family this Easter. From creative workshops for adults and kids, to intimate live music and incredible art exhibitions, there is plenty on offer.

Currently on show at Flowerfield Arts Centre, First They Ignore You is an exhibition by Shiela Chakravarti, a socially engaged photographer, educator and activist.

Curated by Belfast Exposed, it centres around her own experiences of racism in Northern Ireland. Admission is free and it runs until 20 April.

Also at Flowerfield, designer Natasha Duddy will be hosting a glass painting workshop on 27 March for parents with children under the age of one. This series of creative workshops is specifically designed for new parents with immobile infants, allowing them to tap into their creativity, relax, and practice mindfulness.

Young artists will love getting creative at Flowerfield Arts Centre with Crafty Kids Nature Monoprinting on 23 March and Weekend Wonders Easter-themed sessions led by Linda Mullholland on 23 and 30 March. Over at Roe Valley Arts Centre Easter Art Club on 30 March, Sarah Barfoot will work with children aged between five and seven years, making mini easter gardens, while Christina Smyth will be making wooden Easter Bunnies for children aged between eight and 11.

On Saturday 23 March, Nodlaig Ní Bhrollaigh and guest musicians will perform at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre to mark the launch of Nodlaig’s second solo album, Cuimhní rúnda. This compilation of original works aims to enhance our understanding of place and heritage. Nodlaig will be joined by talented musicians from across the North West – Martin O’Kane on fiddle, Paul Gillespie on cello and Uilleann pipes, Lasairfhíona Nic Ruairí on the Fiddle and whistles, Carra Nic an Bhaird on Harp and Gerard McChrystal on Saxophone. Tickets are £15 (£12 concession).

Further Info:

For further information on opening hours, or to book workshops or events, visit flowerfield.org or roevalleyarts.co.uk.  Save Your Seat | SAT 23 MARCH

Free tickets to be released for Lord Mayor’s Croí na Cathrach musical celebration

A special evening of music, song and words, inspired in part by the Belfast Harpers’ Assembly of 1792, will take place at the Ulster Hall on Saturday 13 April to mark the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy’s year in office.

Croí na Cathrach – Heart of the City – will see many of the city’s emerging and traditional musicians coming together to perform a selection of pieces, reflecting Belfast’s rich and diverse shared heritage. 

A limited number of tickets for the free event are available from ulsterhall.co.uk  on a first-come, first-served basis (maximum of two per person).

Curated by renowned composer Neil Martin and presented by acclaimed broadcaster Lynette Fay, the show will open with a piece, led by Neil Martin, which evokes the spirit of the Belfast Harpers’ Assembly, while Oscar-nominated actor Stephen Rea will perform a selection of readings throughout the evening.

There will be a collaboration between Glengormley School of Traditional Music and Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, members of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band will perform solo pipe pieces and there will also be two special renditions from the 1st Old Boys’ Brass Band.

There will also be a unique performance of Slumdog Millionaire favourite Jai Ho from Mukesh Sharma and ArtsEkta, along with contributions from singers Gráinne Holland and Maurice Leyden.

TG4 Gradam Ceoil Bursary recipients Catriona Gribben, Ciara McGuire and Brendan Kerr will showcase their skills, before a special finale featuring soprano Petra Wells and her take on the classic Ae Fond Kiss, followed by an ensemble rendition of The Minstrel Boy.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: “In what is a very special year for Belfast, I wanted to do my part to show how music, and culture in general, can be used positively to bring communities together and celebrate the ties that bind us.

“The Belfast Harpers’ Assembly was a fantastic opportunity back in 1792 not just for musicians to show off their skills, but also for Belfast to invite people here – to our city – to experience the amazing talent we have here.

“My hope is that my Croí na Cathrach – Heart of the City – event will do the same, celebrating our wealth of musical talent and showing how music can unite us in what promises to be a really fun and enjoyable evening for everyone who attends.”

To book tickets for Croí na Cathrach – Heart of the City – visit ulsterhall.co.uk from 9am on Friday 22 March.

Enjoy the best of spring at Spring Fest

Spring Fest is returning to Malone House and Barnett Demesne on Saturday 27 April and Sunday 28 April.

Organised by Belfast City Council, there’s a lot to see and do at this top free seasonal event.

Take a walk around the Spring Flower Show and view hundreds of prize blooms on display.

Enjoy live music and entertainment and a range of crafts and food stalls. There’ll be spring wreath-making, sunflower seed planting and foraging workshops to take part in.

Families can also bring their little ones to see the farmyard animals, enjoy a fairground or safari train ride as well as face-painting, a climbing wall and more.

The event will run from 1.30pm to 5.30pm on both days.

Launching the event at Barnett Demesne, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: “Spring Fest is always a wonderful outdoor family event in our parks to mark the season of spring – bringing thousands of people, of all ages, through the gates.

“I’m delighted it will be returning here in just a month’s time and hope everyone can get along to enjoy what’s on offer over the two days – and the best thing is that it’s a free event!”

There will be no parking on site during the event, but a free park and ride service will operate from nearby Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. The first bus to leave Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is at 1pm and the last bus to leave Barnett Demesne is at 5.45pm.

You can also take the Translink service bus from Donegall Square East in the city centre every 10 minutes on Saturday (Metro Bus 8A or 8B) and on Sunday every 30 minutes (Metro 8A). Check Translink website for more information at www.translink.co.uk

Dogs will not be permitted into the event area, with the exception of assistance dogs.  

Further information about the event is available on our website at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

Here are ten exciting things to do 25-31 March

 

  1. The Great Dragon Easter Egg Hunt, Armagh, County Armagh, 30 March – 2 April. Embark on an epic Easter adventure and join The Great Dragon Egg Hunt! Drippy the Dragon is on a daring quest to retrieve the five stolen dragon eggs from the cunning Queen Evilana. With storytelling, song, craft and a magical dragon egg hunt, there is plenty to keep your little dragons out of mischief! Immerse yourself in this enchanting tale, before making your own dragon themed craft – the perfect memento of your legendary adventure! Then unleash your inner explorer as you follow clues to find the hidden dragon eggs, adding an extra layer of mystery and magic to your Easter festivities!
  2. Get ‘FIT’ for Pollinators, Belfast, County Antrim, 27 March. Become a ‘citizen scientist’ for pollinators! Join Buglife and Lagan Valley Regional Park on the Barge for a presentation to learn how to identify pollinator groups and wildflowers. Find out how you can carry out your own FIT (Flower-Insect Timed) Counts for the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme. A practical session will follow at the wildflower meadows nearby in Clement Wilson Park.
  3. Birdwatch Morning, Comber, County Down, 27 March. Take a closer look at the wonderful variety of birds across the WWT Castle Espie wetland reserve. Everyone is welcome – no prior birdwatching knowledge required. Come along and speak to wildlife experts, you might even spot something new! Normal admission charges apply, WWT members are free of charge. All tickets must be pre-booked and paid for in advance of the event.
  4. Easter at Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, County Antrim, 31 March – 5 April. Discover the origins of the Easter egg, have a go at an Easter themed craft and meet the talented makers as they demonstrate heritage skills – including Easter card making in the Print Shop. Listen to the talented musicians playing on site, take part in traditional games from years gone by and try some tasty food samples. Don’t miss the egg rolling at the bleach green on Easter Monday, (1st April)!
  5. Full Moon Paddle, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, 25 March. Enjoy a tranquil evening paddle on Upper Lough Erne and experience the natural spectacle of the sunset and the serenity of paddling under the full moon. Please note that this event is weather dependent. Dress warm, with waterproofs and wellies. You will need to arrive 15 minutes prior to your start time to be fitted with a buoyancy aid.
  6. Coast and Country Food Tour, Coleraine, County Londonderry, 30 March. Experience the exceptional foodie culture of the Causeway Coast on this five-stop tour. Sample delicious local produce as you learm about the area’s heritage and culinary culture. Meet the makers behind the tasty treats at one of the local artisan markets, visit an exceptional farm and savour the world-famous Bushmills Whiskey, distilled in the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world.
  7. The Jungle’s Easter Trail, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, 29 March – 2 April. Find your way through this Easter trail by following clues and solving puzzles along the enchanted forest trail. On your journey, you will be greeted and entertained by a selection of brand new characters before you come face-to-face with the Easter Bunny, who will hand out Easter Eggs to everyone! And, after the trail why not join the all singing, all dancing stage cast for a musical medley of well loved classics at the Sing Along Stage Show.
  8. The Ritual Landscapes of West Tyrone, Omagh, County Tyrone, check website for availability. Explore ancient ritual sites and wetland habitats with a landscape guide, paleoecologist and enthralling storyteller. Join Martin from Foyle Trails on a fascinating and humorous exploration of places that were sacred in the Bronze and Iron Ages. Explore a range of sites from giant`s graves and stone rows, to quaking bogs and other places of powerful magic, in a mysterious part of Northern Ireland.
  9. Thursday Movie Nights at The Bushmills Inn, Bushmills, County Antrim, 28 March. Enjoy a small, intimate screening of the latest blockbuster, “Anyone But You” in the exclusive surroundings of the boutique cinema at The Bushmills Inn.  You can indulge in a delicious two-course meal from the Cinema Supper Menu before watching the movie at 8pm. The ultimate date night treat!
  10. Causeway Speciality Market, Coleraine, County Londonderry, 30 March. Visit the largest regular outdoor market in Northern Ireland! Whether you are seeking out a unique gift or a treat for yourself, the traders at the Causeway Market provide a superb selection of quality crafts including handmade jewellery, textiles, ceramics, framed photography, scented candles and soaps, painted glassware and polished wood-turned products. Take time to visit the array of food stalls with many award-winning artisan products.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

 

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor, County Down

  • Refresh yourself through the power of the natural world and enjoy a date with nature. Let the luxurious Clandeboye Lodge be your starting point as you venture out to explore the nearby woodland trails and coastal paths before return to a warming afternoon Irish coffee and luxury shortbread. Relax and recharge, dress for dinner and indulge in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the wonderful Coq & Bull brasserie. This offer includes one night B&B, late afternoon Irish Coffee with luxury shortbread and a three-course dinner and bottle of wine. From £125 per person. Visit https://www.clandeboyelodge.com/ for more information.

Dunadry Hotel and Gardens, Dunadry, County Antrim

  • During your luxurious one night stay you will be treated to a superb dining experience in the AA Rosette Mill Race restaurant as you indulge in a three-course evening meal from the Chef’s seasonal menu, made with the finest local produce. Rise the following morning to a full cooked breakfast and enjoy complimentary access to Dunadry Health & Fitness Club. From £199 per person. Visit https://www.dunadry.com/ for more information.

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/