To celebrate the Stendhal Festival of Art in Limavady we are giving away 2 pairs of tickets (click here to enter).

Simply enter your name and email address and you could be in with a chance of winning 2 tickets, or your money back if you’ve already purchased tickets to the Stendhal Festival – The Draw will be made on Wednesday 15th of August.

You’ll see great performances from the likes of:

• Silhouette
• The Inishowen Gospel Choir
• Paddy Nash & The Happy Enchiladas
• Wookalily
• Furlo
• Axis Of
• The Gorgeous Colours

Plus they’ll be plenty of activities to see and take part in, such as – Dance, theatre, an augmented woodland, yoga plus much more. Click here for the full line-up!

So to enter this great competition either download our free Limavady Guide App (links are on the home page) and enter from your smartphone or click here!

The Draw will be made on Wednesday 15th of August.

Good Luck!

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Limavady Guide smartphone app is a fun and informative free guide to the area – Explore, see, do limavady with our northern irish tourist trail!

Like a guide book in your smartphone, Limavady Guide App provides you with useful tourist information and contact details, offers, QR coupons, Events Information and a fun family interactive Treasure trail too!  For more info visit www.limavadyguide.com

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (August 13 – 19).

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

• Belcoo Sports & Festival 2012, Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh, August 7 – 15.  One of the oldest festivals with fun for all ages including a 10k run, bingo bonanza, car treasure and fishing competitions.

• Clandeboye Festival, Hibernia House, Holywood, Co. Down, August 13 – 18.  This classical music festival returns with international pianist Barry Douglas, Camerata Ireland, guest artists and young musicians performing a series of lunchtime and evening concerts.

• Feile 2012, Foyle Street, Co. Londonderry, until August 15.  A community based cultural event that explores the city’s vibrant talent and culture with music, drama, sports and carnival events.

• Sunflowerfest 2012, Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, Co. Down, August 17 – 19.  This annual festival is back and will be bigger and better than ever with a line-up of the very best local talent as well as international guest artists from a broad range of genres.
• Family Art Day, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, August 18.  Watch quilt-making in progress with a variety of both hand and machine techniques on show and get up close to view a range of different fabric samples.

• Funky Foto Collage, Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, August 18.  Create a visual poster of your face using your own photos and magazine cut outs, perfect for adorning your bedroom wall.
• Fair Day, Markethill, Co. Armagh, August 18.  Transport yourself back in time with a full day of activity for the past including stalls, parades, music and dancing.

• Native and Traditional Breeds Weekend, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, Co. Down, August 18 – 19.  See traditional breeds of cattle, horses, pigs, poultry and sheep and enjoy lots of family activities including drama and music.
• Music in the Park, Silent Valley, Annalong, Co. Down, August 19.  Bring a picnic and enjoy a day out at Silent Valley with jazz bands, children’s entertainment and the chance to walk on water in specially designed plastic spheres.

• Titanic – The Springhill Story Children’s Special, Springhill, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry, August 19.  Discover Springhill’s unique and amazing link with the Titanic.  Step back to 1912 as a family get ready to set sail, have afternoon tea, browse the costume museum and enjoy maritime games.
• Augment by Catalyst Arts, Waterfront Hall, Belfast, until August 30.  An exhibition of works by Catalyst Arts which supports young and emerging local talent.

• Belfast Bred Tour, departs from Sawers Delicatessen, College Street, Belfast, every Friday and Saturday at 10.15am until September 22.  A unique, theatrical walking tour exploring the food and drink of Belfast with Barney, a chef from RMS Titanic, who has been restored to life following the melting of the iceberg in which he had been frozen.

For further information please contact Pauline Gormley from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on 028 9044 1650 or Alana Taylor of Duffy Rafferty Communications on 028 9073 0880.

As the greatest athletes from across the globe take centre stage at the London 2012 Olympics, everyone involved in Belfast’s Continental Market have kept a keen eye on athlete Hannah Craig.   Joining Team Ireland, golden girl and former Market trader Hannah, competed in the final of the women’s K1 kayaking event.

Always on top of her game, the multi-talented Olympian and entrepreneur holds a special place in our hearts as the first person to win the coveted business sponsorship offered each year by Market Place Europe (the company that brings the Belfast Christmas Market to Belfast City Hall), supported by Belfast City Council.

Hannah set up her environmentally friendly t-shirt business, I Am An Eskimo, to help fund her Olympic training.  As she prepared for her Olympic challenge Hannah said:

‘Winning the opportunity to trade at the Belfast Christmas Market in 2010 helped me realise my Olympic dream of being part of the 2012 team. The publicity and the exposure I received boosted my training fund remarkably’.

The coveted prize, awarded annually, includes an all expenses paid residency worth thousands of pounds for the duration of the Christmas Market, an extensive marketing and PR campaign and business mentoring from industry professionals.

Last year’s winner, blacksmith Aaron Leech, impressed judges with his craftsmanship, combining traditional design with intricate Japanese influence. Now running his successful business from home and holding demonstration classes for the public, Aaron has revitalised a fading tradition thanks to his popularity at the Christmas Market, which also boosted his business.

Alderman Christopher Stalford, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee, commented:

“Market Place Europe’s annual ‘Pitch Perfect’ competition is a wonderful initiative, which gives a local small business the opportunity to take their ideas and their products directly to the consumer.  It is an initiative fully in line with the council’s whole ethos of supporting local entrepreneurs, especially in these difficult economic times.  The fact that the programme also has helped Hannah Craig to fulfill her Olympic dream is a wonderful bonus.”

Market Place Europe are delighted to announce that for the third consecutive year, young business owners can apply once again for the chance to kick start their budding businesses. ‘Pitch Perfect’ is open for applications from Friday 3^rd August

Allan Hartwell of Market Place Europe said:

‘With over 850, 000 people visiting each year, the Christmas Market has a huge economic impact for Belfast. In challenging times when funding is increasingly difficult for new companies to come by, we want to support those who are passionate about business. We are providing a unique opportunity for enthusiastic businessmen and women to boost their business potential. We believe in giving back to communities we visit and are looking forward to seeing some bright and inspiring examples of local entrepreneurship this year.’

Businesses at least six months but younger than a year, selling goods which are in keeping with the Christmas Market tradition, or that may be of interest to consumers visiting Belfast, are eligible to enter the competition. All applicants must be over the age of eighteen.

A shortlist of applicants will be invited to give a ‘Dragons Den’ style presentation, selling their business to a panel of expert judges before being grilled on the viability and sustainability of their business. The judges this year are Allan Hartwell, Chief Executive, Market Place Europe, Andrew Irvine, Chief Executive, Belfast City Centre Management, Shirley McCay, Head of Economic Initiatives at Belfast City Council, and Mark Mulholland, Director, Whitenoise Design Studios.

Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your company to thousands of festive shoppers and enter this life changing competition. To apply and for details on entry rules, entrepreneurs are invited to visit www.marketplaceeurope.co.uk. Applications must be received no later than Friday 31 August at 5pm. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present on Friday 14 September.

THE SPECTACULAR Sperrins has been named in the National Geographic’s prestigious list of Top 101 Scenic Drives in the World.

The mountain range which straddles the counties of Londonderry and Tyrone, was praised for having “wild beauty, ideal trails and dreamy villages” and claimed number 88 on the list, which also featured the Ring of Kerry as number 57.

Pauline Gormley, Destination PR Officer of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) welcomed the accolade and encouraged people to visit the Sperrins and explore the area.

“The Sperrins truly deserve to be named in this prestigious list of top scenic drives as they take in four separate scenic driving routes, east, central, south and north of the Sperrins which comprise a wealth of countryside, breath-taking scenery and ancient monuments,” said Pauline.

“It’s fantastic that the Sperrins has been officially recognised on a world platform as while it is Northern Ireland’s largest mountain range it is also probably the least explored.

“I would encourage everyone to visit this area as there is so much history as well as beauty in the mountain range. There is also a host of activity taking place over the coming months which makes for a fantastic day trip or weekend break,” she added.

NITB has put together a list of upcoming events taking place and attractions in the Sperrins region to help get you started.

Events:

Sperrins Walking Festival 2012: Saturday 4th August – Monday 6th August
This year sees the 16th annual Walking Festival in the Sperrins where visitors can enjoy stunning scenery in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The walks cater for all ages and abilities with family strolls, moderate treks and challenging hill walks. All walks are led by professional walking guides who will not only lead you through this fascinating landscape but let you in on the hidden secrets and gems of the Sperrins region along the way.

East Tyrone Cycling Club Sperrin Challenge 2012: Sunday 12th August
Beginning from Moneymore Recreational Centre, the cycling challenge is aid of Cystic Fibrosis Trust with three different levels of 35 miles, 55 miles and 75 miles. There is a BBQ for all at the finish.

Killeter Fair: Saturday 18th August
Get a taste of the Derg Valley with a visit to one of Ireland’s largest and oldest fairs. For further information contact Gordon Speer on 028 8167 0636.

11th Benedict Literary Festival Weekend: Friday 7th September
This year’s event, called ‘Drink to the Bird’ takes place at Strule Arts Centre in Omagh. There will be various talks, lectures and workshops over the weekend and an Art Exhibition entitled ‘Memory, Imagination, Myth’ which will run from the 7th September until 27th October.

Killeter Heritage & Walking Weekends 2012: Hillwalks & Landscapes: Saturday 8th September
Experience a reawakening of the soul on your walking journey through the scenic uplands of the Killeter and the Derg Valley while also developing an appreciation of the geology, archaeology, ecology, folk traditions, and legends of the landscapes that being explored.

Attractions:

East Sperrins

Springhill House
A beautiful 17th Century Manor House which was home to ten generations of the influential Lennox-Conyngham Family.

Beaghmore Stone Circles
A reflection of the ritual and spiritual life in the early Bronze Age. Archaeologists believe that the Beaghmore stone circles date back to around 1500BC.

Wellbrook Beetling Mill
An 18th century water powered beetling mill situated in a picturesque wooded glen on the banks of the Ballinderry River.

Central Sperrins

An Creagan Centre
Distinctively designed to mirror the archaeological sites of the area, the centre gives you the opportunity to step back in time. It also houses an interpretative exhibition and offers archaeological, environmental and cultural guided tours of the surrounding area.

The Glenelly Valley
Carved by the glacial flows of the Ice Age this diverse and stunning landscape features picturesque walking and cycling routes, peaceful picnic sites, and mysterious archaeological remains which add to the enchantment of the region. Check out Bodoney Church, Glenroan Portal Tomb, and Clogherny Wedge Tomb.

Gortin Glen Forest Park
A major recreational feature of the forest is the five-mile long drive, which offers some breathtaking views. A number of vista parks have been created where the motorist can pull in and enjoy the magnificent scenery. This forest also offers; an off-road cycle trail and walking trails.

North Sperrins

Upperlands Dam
The Linen Village of Upperlands is characterised by the ancient craft of linen making. Where the Knockoneill River reaches the Clady River are a number of dams which were essential for storing water to wash, bleach, dye and starch the linen during the manufacturing process.

South Sperrins

Gortin Lakes Picnic / Amenity Site
These two lakes are known in geological terms as “kettle hole” lakes left by uneven melting of glaciers. A path encircling the lakes opens up spectacular vistas of the high Sperrins.

Ulster American Folk Park
Telling the story of emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th, 19th and early 20th Centuries, the park provides visitors with a “living history” experience on its outdoor site. Traditional thatched buildings, American log houses, and a full-scale replica emigrant ship help to bring a bygone era back to life. The Centre for Migration Studies is also on site.

Enjoy a car-cation with Stena Line in Britain this summer and save up to £1,000*

KEEPING children happy throughout the summer holidays is never plain sailing and Northern Ireland’s leading ferry company Stena Line is only too aware of this.

Stena Line is coming to the rescue of parents trying to keep the children entertained by offering a cost-effective car-cation holiday in Britain, saving over £1,000!*

The ferry giant is offering customers a number of different options for those who haven’t managed to escape the unpredictable Northern Ireland weather including a car-cation in Britain from £84** single, an exciting day out at M&D’s theme park from £25** or a family holiday at Haven from only £449**.

A price comparison with a family break in Salou, Spain with a well-known travel operator for seven nights in August was £1778* whereas Stena Line customers can enjoy a family week with Haven in the Lake District for £789*, with massive savings of up to £1,000.

For those looking for a short city break, Stena Line also has it covered with great cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Manchester. Alternatively, have all the fun of the fair with a theme park break to Alton Towers or M&Ds. Prices start from £89** per adult and up to two children under 14 stay and travel free when sharing a room with two adults.

Stena Line’s Marketing Manager Ian Baillie is advising customers it isn’t too late to get a holiday booked before the kids go back to school and make the most of this year’s summer savings.

“The summer holidays can be an expensive time for parents having to keep the children entertained for two months, but it isn’t too late to book a car-cation to Britain with Stena Line and make savings of up to £1,000, compared to a week abroad in Spain.

“Whether it’s a week in the Lake District, a day trip to M&D’s theme park or a city break in Edinburgh or Liverpool, Stena Line has a host of options for every family holiday,” said Ian.

“What’s more, the holiday fun starts as soon as you step onboard as the Stena Superfast ferries on the Belfast – Cairnryan route have a Curious George themed play area onboard for kids and X-box Kinect for the older children while the parents can relax and surf the web on the free to use iPads. The Stena Lagan and Mersey on the Belfast – Liverpool route also offer onboard entertainment for kids from soft play areas to Playstation 3’s while parents can make the most of the onboard shop. Cabins are available on both routes to ensure you arrive at your destination relaxed and refreshed,” he added.

For more information click on www.stenaline.co.uk, call 08447 70 70 70 or visit your local travel agent.

* Price comparison for 2 adults and 2 children travelling to Salou for 7 nights on 31^st July staying in self-catering accommodation against 2 adults and 4 children travelling with Stena Line from Belfast to Cairnryan or Liverpool to the Lake District and staying for 7 nights in a 2 bedroom mobile home. **Single economy online fares subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

A group of advisors – made up entirely of children- is being recruited by the National Trust to provide advice on how to get more of our children outdoors.

The idea follows the charity’s recent Natural Childhood Report and 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ campaign, and shows the Trust stepping up its game in encouraging children to explore the outdoors and get closer to nature. Properties in the Northern Ireland, such as Downhill Demesne, Mount Stewart and Florence Court are all looking for help from local children.

The National Trust is looking to sign up ten children aged between seven and twelve to the council [1] where they will play an important role in developing the charity’s outdoor campaigns, and making their properties more fun for younger visitors.

The perfect candidate will be brimming with enthusiasm and fun, plus have a natural love for the outdoors and fresh air. Potential applicants are also required to have an adventurous spirit and a wild imagination. A fondness for rolling down hills or jumping in muddy puddles would be considered a bonus.

To offer children a chance to try out the National Trust and get inspiration on what they would like to change if they were appointed to the Kid’s Council, the Trust will be opening up the doors, of many local places, to children for free until 31 August. To access your free kids entry, simply download your voucher at www.u.tv/nationaltrust.

The successful council applicants will be announced later in the year and will be offered free year long access to National Trust places for themselves and their family. Canoeing, surfing and camping will be part of the winning prize to ensure kids and their families experience the full National Trust experience. The Kids’ Council will meet throughout 2013 and report their findings into the National Trust’s Visitor Experience Director, so their suggestions can be put into practise to help make the outdoors more fun for the nation’s kids.

The application process will close on 7 September 2012. Applications can be downloaded from the website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kidscouncil and sent back via email, post or handed in at National Trust properties [2]

Tony Berry, Visitor Experience Director of the National Trust, comments:
“We are really committed to helping kids enjoy the great outdoors and we want to make our places the most fun and family-friendly day out destinations in the UK. I’m really excited that our new Kids’ Council will help us do just that. Our kids go free promotion for the entire month of August will not only give kids and their families the chance to get out and explore, but hopefully inspire them to apply for our Kids’ Council and let us know what we can do better in the future.”

The poetry sessions this year at Stendhal Festival of Art are back bigger and better on August 17 and 18 as this year our poetic justice comes courtesy of several leading local poets and is headlined by the wonderful Mark Niel.

Mark Niel is a Stand up Poet who brings smart lines and high-energy performance poetry to unsuspecting audiences. A different act or excellent MC, Mark has a regular weekly slot on BBC radio and has performed at major festivals such as Latitude and Green Man.

A frequent headline act on the Poetry Circuit, Mark has also made an impact on comedy and cabaret shows playing at many theatres and festivals. Undercutting his middle-class, middle-aged, middle-management image and his lyrical rants about his frequently misspelt name or frustrations of Fridges in shared houses have entertained audiences of all ages.

We are also delighted to be showcasing the very best in local poetic and spoken word talent and are delighted to welcome members of the Jane Ross Writers Group, The Flowerfield Writers group and the Derry Scriptwriters group to our all new Poetry Corner area at Stendhal this year.

Vin McCullough, Bernie Kerr, Freya Clements, Julianne Campbell, Lynne Edgar, Felicity McCall, Mary Hayward, Richard McKeever, Michelle McCartney, Ken McCormack, Mandy Taggart, Siobhan McKinney and Debbie McCune amongst others will be regaling us with poems, short stories, monologues and excerpts from their own novels throughout the day and everyone at Stendhal is delighted to have so many talented writers coming along to introduce poetry corner in style.

This year Stendhal is also delighted to announce that the craft fair will also return with aplomb this August in a brand new craft marquee.

Featuring the very best local craft creators, Stendhal invites you to be inspired by some fantastic handmade arts, crafts, clothing and accessories by Shianti Vintage, Rainbow Tye-dye, Speckled Hen Crafts, Celtic Gems, Naninui, No. 9 Crafts, Battfizzmelt, Icandy Jewellery, Urban Girl, Golly Molly Bags, Secret Swan Boutique, Shera Crafts and others.

Tickets for Stendhal Festival of Art are going fast so make sure to pick yours up soon at The Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Frank Owens, The Alexander Arms or on Ticketmaster soon to avoid missing out.

The NI International Airshow will be sponsored by insurance giant, RSA, when it returns to the seaside resort of Portrush on 8th and 9th September.

Coleraine Borough Council, the organisers of the show, has also confirmed that The Red Arrows will give their only display in Ireland this year at the popular event. The world’s top aerobatic display team joins an impressive line up of 20 aircraft each day which will feature a mix of jets, World War 2 fighters, stunt planes and helicopters.

Once again Ireland’s biggest air show will have no admission fee and continues to offer a wider range of attractions than in any other year.

As usual up to 100,000 spectators from all over the country are expected to attend the family event which, in addition to a comprehensive line-up in the air, will feature a non-stop programme of arena shows, family entertainment, sea manoeuvres and rescues, exhibitions, competitions, give-aways and the large trade village.

The horse shoe bay at the West Strand is one of the most picturesque settings of any UK airshow with crowds lining the beach, harbour and cliffs from Blackhill to Ramore Head.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has also confirmed financial support to the event as part of their Our Time, Our Place initiative.

The Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor Sam Cole said, “The airshow at Portrush is one of the most important dates on the North Coast in this special year of outstanding events. I am delighted that Council’s Events Team will again manage this popular highlight of the summer which is a key economic driver for the Borough. These type of events rely on support from the private sector and I am delighted to welcome our new title sponsor, RSA, along with the on-going support from Northern Ireland Tourist Board”.

Jack McIlduff , Managing Director, RSA NI said “2012 is proving to be a significant year for Northern Ireland and RSA NI Insurance is thrilled to be involved with the Airshow, which is unquestionably one of the most prestigious events in the calendar. We are really excited about the line-up and are particularly delighted that the RSA NI sponsorship has contributed to bringing the Red Arrows back to the North Coast for another breathtaking display. It is certainly shaping up to be a wonderful family orientated weekend of fun and entertainment and we look forward to being part of it”.
NITB’s Events Manager Eddie Rowan commented, “Northern Ireland Tourist Board is delighted to once again support the NI International Airshow in this fantastic year of the ‘ni 2012: our time, our place’ programme. Portrush has recently hosted the most successful ever Irish Open and combined with the ever popular Airshow, there is significant increased visitor appeal to the North Coast. We are confident that this will be a truly unique and stand out event in this year’s packed programme.”

The event opens at 11am each day with air displays from 12noon-5.30pm. Organisers are promising more surprises in the coming weeks but in the meantime details and pictures of the aircraft can be found on niinternationalairshow.co.uk or on Facebook (PortrushAirshow) and Twitter (PortrushAirshow).

The world’s largest public art exhibition of life-sized cows has been herded into Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has moooved in on the act with its very own ni2012 cows.

The art exhibition will see up to 200 fibre glass cows transformed into magnificent sculptures by local artists and community groups and NITB’s herd of cows have been designed using the ni2012: our time, our place colours of pink, blue and yellow.   The ni2012 cows are visiting towns and cities around Northern Ireland during the summer for one week at a time and after appearances in Portrush, Derry~Londonderry, Bangor, Warrenpoint and Omagh the cows are grazing in Armagh w/c July 30^th on the Mall. The cows will then moove onto Belfast, Enniskillen and Downpatrick and NITB is encouraging people across the country to be the first to greet the cows.

The ni2012 herd could move to any location at any time in search of greener grass so look out for them wherever you are.  To follow the cows as they travel around Northern Ireland visit www.ni2012.com.  Pictured is one of the herd at the Killnasaggart Pillar Stone in County Armagh.  The pillar is thought by some to go back to pagan times and that originally a small stone bearing two semicircular indentations lay in a cavity on top of the pillar stone.

The story goes that there was once a famous cow in the glen that gave milk in abundance to everyone who came. One day a person attempted, when milking the cow, to procure the milk through a sieve. The cow was so angry that she stamped her foot into this small stone and fled the glen never to return!

Join the National Trust on Sunday 5 August from 12 noon to 5pm for some kite flying fun at Downhill Demesne, Castlerock.

The high-flying spectacle will offer fun for all family as a kaleidoscope of kites of all sizes fly over the stunning coastal estate.  There will be kite performers and a wild geese parachute display.  To add to the festive atmosphere there will a kids area to make crafts, bouncy castles, exhibitors, craft and food stalls and much, much more…

Toby Edwards, National Trust Site Manager for Downhill Demesne said:

“This is Downhill’s second year holding the Kite Festival and we’re looking forward to a fantastic day out for everyone.  The festival isn’t just about watching the professionals – you can bring your own kite, make one on the day or buy one from the experts and fly it in the wonderful landscape of Downhill Demesne.   This promises to be a spectacular event full of colour and fun – so bring the family along and let’s go fly a kite.”

Festival highlights will include Wild Geese display, Blo-karting demonstrations, hot air balloon display and variety of exhibition stands.

Marvel at the amazing displays of interesting shapes, sizes and colours of kites as the experts work their magic in the sky.  Bring your own kite and enjoy a fun packed day with attractions and entertainment for all the family.

If you don’t feel like flying a kite, then why not just come and watch one of the most colourful and exciting events on the North Coast this summer.

Bring your own kite and enjoy an action packed day with attractions and entertainment for all the family.

What a great way to spend a summer day!

Admission: Adult £4.50, Child £2.25 and Family £11.25.

National Trust Members Free Admission

For more information contact 028 7084 8728 or find us on Facebook.