Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Lusty Beg, Boa Island, County Fermanagh

Watch the leaves change as you look over the beautiful waters of Lough Erne.  Get away from it all on your island escape and enjoy a two-night stay with complimentary use of a lakeside barrel tub. B&B with a three-course dinner on a night of your choosing, £199pps sharing. Visit https://www.lustybegisland.com/ for more information.

 

 

Crowne Plaza, Belfast, County Antrim

Fancy a family getaway for two adults and two children? Now’s your chance to kick back and relax, use the pool, and explore the nearby Barnett’s Demesnes or the Giant’s Ring. A two-night break with a three-course meal on an evening of your choice, kids eat free from £150 B&B per room per night. Visit https://cpbelfast.com/ for more information.

 

 

Shipquay Hotel, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry

Enjoy a stylish stopover with an overnight stay and a two-course meal at this lovely boutique hotel in the heart of the city.  The steep climb up historic Shipquay Street is more than rewarded with its views over the Old City Walls and Derry’s famous Guildhall and Diamond. Great food and hospitality await, from £194 DB&B. Visit https://www.shipquayhotel.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/

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 16-22 October

  1. The Great North Links Challenge, Portstewart, County Antrim, 18 -20 October. The chance to play golf in three superb links courses over three days. Ballyliffin, Royal Portrush and Portstewart are all Irish Open venues. This includes the chance to get into the swing and play the Dunluce course, at Royal Portrush the home of The 148th Open, and future home of The 153rd Open in 2025. Teams of 4 compete for team and individual prizes.
  1. Glens Storytelling Festival, Cushendall, County Antrim, 19-22 October. This community storytelling festival will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Glens of Antrim. The festival will include storytellers and musicians offering a varied programme of events. There will be craft sessions, walks, performances, and sessions. There’s something for everyone at a range of locations and venues from Ballycastle to Whitehead.
  2. Pumpkin Picking at the Priory, Benburb, County Tyrone, 20-22 October. Get the whole family ready for Halloween at this pumpkin picking event. It’s the first of its kind for the Priory and the family ticket includes face painting and fun activities for children, with coffee and tea for the adults. A great day out for all. Check website for availability.
  3. Years of Chaos & Hope, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, throughout October. This Linen Hall Library Travelling Exhibition reflects on the conflicting identities, protests and warfare leading into the period of the ‘Troubles’. It takes the period from 1922 up to the more recent past. The themes and events are expanded through photographs, objects, and memorabilia.
  4. Atlantic Sessions, Portrush and Portstewart, County Antrim, 16-22 October. Showcasing original music from traditional to contemporary, electric to acoustic. Now firmly a permanent feature on the cultural calendar creating an energetic, vibrant atmosphere in the pubs, hotels, and coffee shops. There’ll be more than 30 live original music gigs to choose from.
  1. City of Derry International Choir Festival, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 18-22 October. This festival burst onto the scene ten years ago as part of the City of Culture celebrations. To celebrate that milestone there’s a special line-up of guest artists and concerts. The choral ensemble, The Sixteen will return to the Guildhall as part of the event.
  1. Storyweavers: Samhain, Holywood, County Down, 21 October. Come along to the Folk Museum and discover more about, Samhain, modern day Halloween. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year. At this time of year, the veil between worlds is at its thinnest and there’s no better time to delight in spooky stories from Irish folklore. Suitable for children from 5-10 years old.
  2. Woodlab Distillery, Moy, County Tyrone, throughout October. Experience this craft distillery which specialises in premium, sustainable, small-batch gin, and rum. Learn about Symphonia Spirits in this 90-minute experience in which you can taste and learn about this award-winning product. Find out about the locally sourced ingredients used including Bramley Apple! The tour ends with a seasonal cocktail and the chance to take home lovely glass as a memento of your trip.
  3. Darkley Forest – Aughnagurgan Trail, County Armagh, throughout October. Darkley Forest offers an enchantingly unique walking experience through a small and peaceful coniferous woodland. The Aughnagurgan Trail is one of two trails within Darkely Forest. This is a moderate walk taking approximately 40 minutes to complete and is particularly lovely at this time of year.
  4. Murder Mystery- Diamond Eye, Davagh Forest, County Tyrone, 20 October. As the moonlight wanes and darkness grows join this murder mystery themed at OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory. Play Dead will enact scenes and you must decipher the clues and turn detective. Evening includes a light buffet and refreshments.

 

Booking is essential for most activities. 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/blog/read/2023/04/bank-holiday-ideas-for-families-b262

Two Thirds Of Menopausal Women Are Not Supported In Work

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Workshop to help employers support women going through menopause

Leading Wellbeing Consultant, Karina Todd, has warned employers need to do more to support women going through the menopause as she prepares to host a virtual workshop on World Menopause Day (October 18) for senior managers and human resources teams.

With 62% of menopausal women reporting they felt they did not receive enough support, the free Menopause Matters at Work one-hour lunch and learn session will cover everything from the basics through to gold standard practice.

Karina, who runs a coaching and consultancy business, warned that there is a very real impact to organisations who do not support women going through the menopause.

“By refusing to tackle this issue, the employer is risking losing very experienced staff as women continue to leave their jobs as they do not feel valued, listened to or engaged,” she explained. “And, for those women who do stay with the employer, absenteeism and presenteeism may present a problem due to increased sick leave levels and a drop in productivity.”

The evidence that many employers are not doing enough is mounting.

“We recently conducted some initial research involving 200 menopausal women in the workplace in Northern Ireland,” Karina said. “A staggering 86% responded that they feel their employer could do more to support employees going through menopause.”

“Furthermore, 62% of the women surveyed said that they do not feel supported by their employer as they go through menopause.”

Karina warns that this can mean organisations are failing their staff with the additional risk of potential harm to the organisation on many levels.

“An employer has a duty of care to its employees and ignoring the effects of menopause in the workplace puts the employer at risk of potential breaches which could result in legal claims made by employees as has been reported recently in the press.”

Her Menopause Matters at Work workshop aims to help equip management with the tools to understand what needs to be done, and how to do it.

“Effective management of menopause in the workplace can be achieved by taking some time to assess the current position, training staff, offering reasonable adjustments and opening clear lines of communication within the organisation.”

“It is time for Northern Ireland employers to lift their heads out of the sand and, by committing to make some changes, all staff, managers and even the bottom line will benefit.”

Karina believes that organisations must now seize the opportunity to step up to the challenge.

“Many businesses across Northern Ireland are doing nothing to address this very important topic which affects 51% of the population,” she said. “Many of those organisations who have started to address this issue simply view it as a ‘tick box’ exercise and believe that by simply having a Menopause Policy, they are doing enough.”

“I am on a mission to change this by making businesses across Northern Ireland ‘menopause-friendly’ and by ensuring that women going through the menopause while working feel heard, valued and respected.”

“In today’s competitive market, businesses must become equipped with tools and techniques to ensure they attract, support, engage and retain female staff – it’s not just the bottom line that will benefit.”

To register for the free workshop go to Eventbrite and to contribute to the Menopause at Work survey, go to https://bit.ly/46Kk1jP. 

To discuss how Karina can support your organisation, get in touch at karina@thechrysaliscoach.co.uk 

Footballing Legend Gerry Armstrong Launches Spirit Of 82 Whiskey

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Iconic new whiskey celebrates Northern Ireland’s most iconic footballing moment

Northern Ireland footballing hero of the 1982 World Cup, Gerry Armstong has launched a limited edition whiskey, Spirit of 82 that celebrates that iconic moment when the team defied all the odds. 

Armstong struck the winning goal against the hosts, Spain, on June 25 and now he has produced a whiskey as a tribute to the dedication and passion displayed by our team during that extraordinary match.  

It was in the 47th minute against the favourites for the tournament in their own heartland of Valencia that Armstrong scored and the Northern Ireland team fought their way to hold on to the lead and etch their name into footballing history. 

Already Armstrong’s new blend is receiving plaudits from many quarters, including those close to home. 

“The whisky process takes years but when people started drinking it their reactions were fantastic and very complimentary,” the Belfast man explained. 

“My father is an expert in whiskey drinking and said it was very smooth and easy to drink and reminded him of one of his favourite well known Irish brands.” 

The number nine of Northern Ireland on that special night said he worked with the right people to develop Spirit of 82, and make sure that he had a whiskey he was proud to bear his name. 

“After speaking with my good friend Peter Lavery I thought I must make a whiskey of my own choice and he helped me to select the type of whiskey I like” he said. 

“We went through the tasting procedures and eliminated the whiskey we didn’t think was good enough until we came up with the Spirit of 82. 

“All in all it was a fantastic process, it’s not easy to bring a whiskey to market but I have loved every step of the journey. 

“Having the right people around you to help and advise is very important and I’m delighted that Spirit of 82 has a fantastic team behind the scenes looking after it all.”

Businessman Peter Lavery, consulted on the entire project to craft the Spirit of 82 expression.  

“I was honoured to work alongside Gerry on this project,” he said. 

“He’s a Northern Ireland legend and a man I’m proud to call a friend.

“Spirit of 82 is the perfect celebration of him, the history and the whole spirit of Northern Ireland.”

Armstrong’s wife Deborah came up with the name of the whiskey, which matches the thoughts and memories of every football fan, whether those that travelled to cheer on Northern Ireland, or where glued to television sets across the country.

Tasting notes for the Spirit of 82 reveal what is in store for whiskey connoisseurs. Its nose is a blend of creamy honey nut and delicate floral hints. On the palate, there is soft vanilla, green apple, and a touch of allspice. The finish is warming, with a medium length and lingering spice.

Lavery said: “Each sip is a taste of dedication and passion, taking you on a journey back to the spirit of 1982.”

Amstrong was already a notable club player at Watford but it was on the international stage, however, where he etched his name into football folklore. He represented Northern Ireland with passion and pride, donning the green jersey and showcasing his talent on the world stage. The pinnacle of his international career came in the summer of 1982 at the FIFA World Cup held in Spain. Northern Ireland entered the 1982 World Cup as underdogs, facing formidable opponents in the group stage.

Armstrong’s heroics began in the opening match against Yugoslavia, where the team secured a 0-0 draw. They then went on to draw 1-1 with Honduras thanks to Armstrong’s first half goal. However, it was in the following match against the host nation, Spain, that Armstrong would write his name in the annals of football history. 

In one of the most thrilling encounters of the tournament and the World Cup’s legacy, Northern Ireland faced Spain in Valencia.

The odds were stacked against them as they faced a Spanish team brimming with talent and backed by a passionate home crowd. But Armstrong and his teammates were undaunted. As the match reached its climax, with the score level at 0-0, Gerry Armstrong seized a golden opportunity. 

In the 47th minute, he pounced on a defensive mistake and buried the ball into the back of the net, putting Northern Ireland ahead at 1-0. The stadium fell silent as Armstrong celebrated his historic goal, and his teammates rallied to defend their lead. 

The final whistle marked a historic triumph for Northern Ireland and a moment of pure jubilation for Armstrong and his compatriots. Their victory over Spain was not just a football match; it was a testament to the indomitable spirit of a small nation that dared to dream.

Armstrong’s goal against Spain became an iconic moment, not only for Northern Ireland but for football fans around the world. It was the second time the team has managed in their history to make the World Cup quarter finals. It has since become a symbol of the underdog’s triumph, a reminder that passion and determination could overcome the greatest of challenges. 

For more information on the Spirit of 82 whiskey go to www.spiritof82.com 

‘Let’s Celebrate’ Lurgan with a Rising Star Family Fun Day

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Lurgan is celebrating its status as a Rising Star on Saturday 28th October with a busy family fun day and free parking in all council owned car parks, culminating in a Lantern Walk through the centre.

Urban ABC and Lurgan Working Group have come together to plan a fun-filled day of events including free walking tours, a treasure hunt, storytelling, pumpkin carving, lego displays and street entertainment.

The celebration is happening after Lurgan came first in the Rising Star category at the ‘Let’s Celebrate Towns’ Awards, sponsored by Visa and the British Retail Consortium, earlier this year.

Only 30 towns were shortlisted for eight different award categories designed to be a nationwide showcase celebrating the hundreds of towns across the UK. Competing towns were challenged to highlight a range of exciting initiatives, including business and council partnerships to drive investment, and local mentoring to support local businesses, as part of the application process.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Margaret Tinsley said:

“We are proud to support and celebrate Lurgan and its Rising Star Award. This family fun day is the ideal way to include the entire community and showcase the local businesses, arts and culture, and spirit of the town.”

“A particular emphasis was placed by the judging panel on recognising towns that clearly demonstrated support for local business and community initiatives. This win demonstrates the hard work and commitment of the people of Lurgan.”

All Rising Star Family Fun Day events are free and there will be free car parking on Saturday 28th October across the town centre. Events start at 10am and the Lantern Walk will begin at 5.40pm leaving Brownlow Courtyard and finishing at the Linen Bleacher Statues. Everyone is welcome.

To keep up to date with all the events planned, visit the Urban ABC facebook page here: www.facebook.com/urbanabcfacebook

Belfast 2024 set to deliver the city’s ‘biggest ever creative and cultural celebration’

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Belfast City Council is investing £5.9 million to deliver the city’s biggest ever creative and cultural celebration, with a programme of world-class spectacle events and community-led activities planned for throughout the city in 2024, beginning next spring.

The Belfast 2024 programme will see the city come alive with ambitious, participative workshops, performances and events and an array of creative projects and initiatives, celebrating our homegrown culture, creativity and the city itself.

The investment was approved by all political parties earlier this autumn and follows extensive engagement with local cultural, community and arts providers over the last 18 months, as well as ongoing public consultation around how best to showcase Belfast’s many diverse and unique cultures.

People, Place and Planet will be the key themes in a programme of 24 large-scale commissions, that will bring over 200 events, workshops and activities to Belfast from March to November 2024.

Seventeen of the major events planned have been specially commissioned following an open call to artists, collectives and organisations earlier this year.

Together, they will provide a welcome financial boost to the cultural sector, supporting jobs and creating new opportunities for residents to enjoy, access and participate in the arts and creativity, encouraging visitors into Belfast to support the local economy, and showcasing the city as a global destination for culture.

Signature events in development so far include:

  • Eden Project Partnership – Belfast City Council has been working in collaboration with Eden Project, based in Cornwall, to develop a partnership with Belfast. It will explore our relationship with nature and the climate crisis and how we re-evaluate and re-invent our urban spaces to be more sustainable and become more engaged with the natural world through creative and cultural interventions. Throughout 2024, Eden, together with local project partners, will deliver a series of city centre and neighbourhood interventions across Belfast focussed on greening and growing with local communities.

 

  • Public art, inspired by nature – Council is also working in collaboration with Oliver Jeffers, the Nerve Centre and the Eden Project on research and development around the potential for public art installations in Belfast city centre in April/May 2024. These will be based on the themes of nature, power and a greener city and highlight the importance of sustainability in the Belfast’s future development and growth.
  • Maritime-inspired events – a renewed focus on the River Lagan, highlighting our maritime heritage and re-engaging our people with the river, during summer and winter 2024.
    Maritime-themed concepts under development include a river pavilion, a mass boat-building project and beer and bread brewing activities, marking the city’s origins and connections with the River Farset.
  • Black Mountain Shared Space guerilla gardening project with creative lead Eileen McClory – an ambitious large-scale, multi-layered, multi-artform and multi-event project throughout 2024. It aims to rewild peace walls in west Belfast into vibrant, inclusive, vertical gardens for the future, through dance, storytelling and gardening, while inspiring civic pride and activism within local communities.
  • Celebrating the International Decade of African Descent – Kwame Daniels and Bounce Culture will present an immersive music event as a finale to a city-wide engagement project, inspired by Frederick Douglass’ famous quote about feeling at home in Belfast during his time here in 1800s.

    This unique project, in autumn 2024, will showcase local, contemporary black culture in the city in the final year of this commemorative decade.

  • Immersive Experience at Thompson Dry Dock – developed in partnership with architect Henry Sykes and Three’s Theatre Company, this spectacle event in late summer/early autumn 2024 will combine light, shadow, colour and sound and take place in the iconic dock where the Titanic was launched. 40 feet below sea level, it will invite the audience to participate and experience the world around them from a different perspective.
  • City of Music event – a major event in autumn 2024, celebrating Belfast’s local music scene and highlighting our UNESCO City of Music designation.

“This is a hugely ambitious and exciting step forward for Belfast,” said Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy. “By investing in the arts in this way, we are creating new opportunities to protect, sustain and develop employment in a sector which is a catalyst for so much of our local economy.

“The city’s arts and cultural community have had real input into this programme, as have our residents through a variety of creative engagement, events, workshops and pilot projects – they’ve told us what they think will attract people to come into the city and make the most of their time here, as well as what works best to encourage communities to get involved in creativity and really make Belfast 2024 their own.

“The spectacle events being developed will draw in the crowds while delivering powerful, thought-provoking messages around diversity, inclusion and sustainability, but I’m also delighted to see so many activities planned which draw upon our own personal experiences of culture, and shine a light on how, together, they make up the fabric of our city.

“I’m so excited to have Belfast 2024 kicking off in my year in office and would encourage everyone to get involved in taking part and attending events as they are announced – let’s show what we, as a city, can offer and get behind this celebration of what Belfast is, and what it can be in the future.”

As part of the Belfast 2024 programme, 16 artists from the council’s creative bursary programme will also work in partnership with creative teams and local communities throughout 2024 to create a lasting legacy of participation and interest in the arts, with projects exploring themes of identity and belonging and showcasing and celebrating new and minority communities, along with elements of traditional culture. British Council NI are also partnering with the council to deliver six international artist residencies, working with communities to deliver co-designed creative interventions across the city’s public realm.

A community-led Creative Citizens scheme is also planned, where local groups can put forward their own ideas for projects linked to the Belfast 2024 themes of People, Place and Planet. Residents will then be asked to vote for their favourite schemes to take place in neighbourhoods right across the city, all to be delivered during 2024.

A music heritage programme is also under development, with grants available for projects celebrating the city’s diverse musical heritage, while innovation and tech will also play a key role, including immersive initiatives focusing on play and digital technology.

Existing city offerings, including St Patrick’s Day, will also be enhanced as part of the Belfast 2024 programme, while local festivals such as the Belfast International Arts Festival, Outburst Arts Festival and Belfast Film Festival will host a series of events and shows as part of the wider offering for visitors and residents.

More details of the Belfast 2024 programme will be announced in due course and be available from belfastcity.gov.uk/belfast2024

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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New Forge house, Craigavon, County Armagh

Ease into autumn in this beautiful Georgian family run hotel. Enjoy delicious locally sourced food, luxurious accommodation, and tranquil surroundings. The bedrooms incorporate family antiques and have mellow views of the mature gardens, courtyard or green fields. A two-night mid-week break with dinner B & B is £490 per couple. Visit https://www.newforgehouse.com/ for more information.

Manse on the Beach, Kirkistown, County Down

A warm welcome awaits on the Ards Peninsula in this lovely property dating from the 1850’s. Overlooking a two-mile stretch of sandy beach in the tranquil village of Cloughey, a perfect place to escape. Enjoy 18 holes at the Kirkistown Gold Club, a lovely links course then enjoys a three-course meal in the Braid restaurant. DB & B is £125 PPS. If you want to add a bottle of prosecco and a jacuzzi spa experience it is an extra £10 per person. Visit https://www.hello@manseonthebeach.com  for more information.

White Horse Hotel, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry

This four-star family run hotel just outside the Walled City, is a great place to relax. Press the pause button and take some time to unwind with great spa facilities: a 20-metre pool, Gym, sauna and steam room. Enjoy a giant break from £129 per room per night. This is a hotel which prides itself on its customer service. Visit https://www.whitehorsehotel.biz 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/

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 9-15 October

  1. Belfast international Arts Festival, Banbridge, County Antrim, 12 October- 5 November. Celebrating 61 years of entertaining the city, this year’s festival offers something for all audiences. The programme features the very best international and homegrown artists in theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature, and film in over 30 venues across the city.
  1. Jail of Horror, Belfast, County Antrim, 13 October. Get into the spirit of Halloween with one of Belfast’s most fearsome attractions. Come along to Crumlin Road Jail, if you dare! Prepare to face your fears and ones you haven’t thought of, on this scare fest, with only one way out.  The adventure will include the famous basement of D-wing. The one-of-a-kind ‘Jail of Horror’ three-hour evening tour through Belfast’s oldest prison is guaranteed to be an experience to remember.
  2. The Derry Girls Experience, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, throughout October. Visit the Quinn’s kitchen and see some great props and costumes from the hit TV show in a special exhibition within the city’s Tower Museum. You can also take in the other exhibitions like The Story of Derry
  3. Seacourt Autumn Evenings, Bangor, County Down, 12 October. Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill? This taster session offers the chance in an informal relaxed setting, you can spend the evening training a range of techniques and come home with a keepsake print. It covers techniques of Letterpress, Screen Print and printing with plants.
  4. If Buildings Could Talk Tour, Belfast, County Antrim, 7 October. In this two-hour tour walk through the city centre you will hear stories of interesting, unusual and entertaining events that have happened over the last 150 years. Your guide Barney Gribben, a Belfast native, with the gift of the gab has a wealth of anecdotes which will be news to many of the people born and bred here!
  1. The Mythology and Ecology of a Celtic Rainforest, County Tyrone, October 15th. Offered by Foyle Trails, this fascinating driving/walking tour explores the mythology and ecology of a mysterious Celtic Woodland. The experience includes a regenerative element where participants can contribute to the conservation of this unique area. Pre-book for parties over three people.
  1. Castlewellan Forest Park – Annesley Garden Walk, Castlewellan, County Down, throughout October. Why not enjoy the autumn leaf change at this beautiful arboretum? This trail, which is just over two miles, is a lovely day out passing lakes and ponds within the forest. There are some steep bits along way, but it is well worth the effort!
  2. Armagh Robinson Library, Armagh, County Armagh, throughout October. This isn’t just about stepping into an 18-century library, it’s the oldest in Northern Ireland, founded in 1771. Among its treasures are Jonathan Swifts’ personal copy of Gulliver travels, complete with his own handwritten corrections. His publisher made changes to avoid legal action! He was a great admirer of the orchard county and stayed at what is now Gosford Forest Park, a place that inspired many of his poems.
  3. Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre, Belleek, County Fermanagh, 29 September. This is one of Northern Ireland’s oldest attractions, with visitors coming to discover the secrets of Irish Craftmanship since 1857. There are a range of pottery tours where you can see the 16 steps of how this world-famous product is created.  You can see how the moulding, flowering, painting, and basket weaving is done. Visitor participation is encouraged throughout the tour, glazing product and breaking pieces that do not meet the required standard. Check website for availability.
  4. Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen, Killinchy, County Down, 6 October. Join Tracey in her kitchen on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down, just 30 minutes from Belfast, to make breads the traditional way, then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labour! Check website for availability.

 

Booking is essential for most activities. 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/blog/read/2023/04/bank-holiday-ideas-for-families-b262

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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10 things to do in Northern Ireland

Here are ten exciting things to do 2-8 October

  1. Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Banbridge, County Down, throughout October. Immerse yourself in the fantastic world of the hit show created in official partnership with Warner Bros at the authentic filming location of Linen Mill Studios. See the costumes props, sets and weapons, and discover the artistry that designed the Seven Kingdoms. This interactive experience reveals the world of Westeros like never before, giving visitors of all ages the chance to walk through iconic sets of King’s Landing and Winterfell.
  1. Autumn Crafts, Banbridge, County Down, 6-7 October. Shop a wide range of handmade and bespoke gifts and crafts at the annual craft fair and treat yourself to something special. Relax and enjoy live music in the surroundings of the F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Sculpture Garden or indulge in something scrumptious from Quails at the Gallery. There’s plenty to keep the little ones amused with drop-in arts workshops.

 

  1. Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, County Armagh, 3-8 October. Travel back in time to Emain Macha, the earliest capital of Ulster and the ancient seat of Kings. Explore the archaeology and history with an expert guide in this almost two-hour tour and find out more about the significant discoveries at the nearby sites of, Haughey’s Fort and the King’s Stables. Check website for availability.

 

  1. Fungal Foray, Belfast, County Antrim, 7 October. Be one of the fun guys and come along to the Shaw’s Bridge carpark and join a local mycologist to have an autumn walk with a difference. Explore the amazing variety, shapes, and colours of fungi on a walk through the autumnal splendour of the Lagan Valley Regional Park.

 

  1. Lakelander Gravel Grinder, Belcoo, County Fermanagh, 7 October. A tough, but fun, day in the saddle for all lovers of gravel cycling.  Two challenges, Big Dog over 100 km and Little Dog over 50 km await riders. For the Big Dogs expect tough climbs, fast sweeping downhills and rolling countryside passing loughs, stunning vistas and even a few Games of Thrones filming locations.

 

  1. Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival, Bushmills, County Antrim, 6-8 October. An annual celebration of all the wonderful delights this charming village has to offer. There’ll be fantastic food demonstrations, entertainment, live music, and outdoor fun for children to enjoy. The weekend kicks off with a tour where you can taste the wonderful local produce, meet some of the artisan makers behind it, as well as learning about the culinary culture of Northern Ireland.
  2. Granda Bens Pumpkin Trail, Ballygawley, County Tyrone, throughout October. Come along to Todd’s Leap Activity Centre and get into the spirit of the season. See Granda Bens Ethical Zoo Trail as it’s transformed into a fun Halloween Hunt! Step across our Carrick-A-Todd Rope Bridge to see our decorated dinosaurs and travel back home to our Pumpkin Paradise and pick up to carve in the General Store! Lots of fun photo opportunities for all the family.

 

  1. The Big Brent Weekend, Comber, County Down, 7-8 October. Come along to Castle Espie Wetland Centre to celebrate the return of these noisy visitors to Strangford Lough. Around 25,000 light-bellied brent geese make the gruelling 3,000-mile journey from Arctic Canada to Strangford Lough. There’ll be family fun all weekend with a wildlife expert on hand, in the hide talks, free photography and craft workshops.

 

  1. Martin McCrossan City Tours, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 29 September. Join your guide as they take you around key locations in and around the only intact walled city in Ireland.  Passionate in their storytelling, the guides mix humour and history while telling the story in a sensitive way.  Learn more about the varied and poignant stories of the city – The Bloody Sunday story, the Apprentice Boys history, the traditions of the marching season, the famous murals and of course the walls themselves. Fully guided tour, which lasts approximately 1 hour. Check website for availability.

 

  1. This Month in Astronomy: Director’s Cut, Armagh, County Armagh, 6 October. A great way to keep up with the cutting edge on all things celestial. Join the Director of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Professor Michael Burton, for a live show where he discusses the latest in astronomy. Each show will also feature a Q&A, so bring along your questions to ask the Director.

 

 

Booking is essential for most activities. 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/blog/read/2023/04/bank-holiday-ideas-for-families-b262

 

 

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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New Forge house, Craigavon, County Armagh

Ease into autumn in this beautiful Georgian family run hotel. Enjoy delicious locally sourced food, luxurious accommodation, and tranquil surroundings. The bedrooms incorporate family antiques and have mellow views of the mature gardens, courtyard or green fields. A two-night mid-week break with dinner B & B is £490 per couple. Visit https://www.newforgehouse.com/ for more information.

Manse on the Beach, Kirkistown, County Down

A warm welcome awaits on the Ards Peninsula in this lovely property dating from the 1850’s. Overlooking a two-mile stretch of sandy beach in the tranquil village of Cloughey, a perfect place to escape. Enjoy 18 holes at the Kirkistown Gold Club, a lovely links course then enjoys a three-course meal in the Braid restaurant. DB & B is £125 PPS. If you want to add a bottle of prosecco and a jacuzzi spa experience it is an extra £10 per person. Visit https://www.hello@manseonthebeach.com  for more information.

White Horse Hotel, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry

This four-star family run hotel just outside the Walled City, is a great place to relax. Press the pause button and take some time to unwind with great spa facilities: a 20-metre pool, Gym, sauna and steam room. Enjoy a giant break from £129 per room per night. This is a hotel which prides itself on its customer service. Visit https://www.whitehorsehotel.biz 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/

 

New Forge house, Craigavon, County Armagh

Ease into autumn in this beautiful Georgian family run hotel. Enjoy delicious locally sourced food, luxurious accommodation, and tranquil surroundings. The bedrooms incorporate family antiques and have mellow views of the mature gardens, courtyard or green fields. A two-night mid-week break with dinner B & B is £490 per couple. Visit https://www.newforgehouse.com/ for more information.

Manse on the Beach, Kirkistown, County Down

A warm welcome awaits on the Ards Peninsula in this lovely property dating from the 1850’s. Overlooking a two-mile stretch of sandy beach in the tranquil village of Cloughey, a perfect place to escape. Enjoy 18 holes at the Kirkistown Gold Club, a lovely links course then enjoys a three-course meal in the Braid restaurant. DB & B is £125 PPS. If you want to add a bottle of prosecco and a jacuzzi spa experience it is an extra £10 per person. Visit https://www.hello@manseonthebeach.com  for more information.

White Horse Hotel, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry

This four-star family run hotel just outside the Walled City, is a great place to relax. Press the pause button and take some time to unwind with great spa facilities: a 20-metre pool, Gym, sauna and steam room. Enjoy a giant break from £129 per room per night. This is a hotel which prides itself on its customer service. Visit https://www.whitehorsehotel.biz 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/

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