Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Ebrington Hotel, County Londonderry

Fancy a mini break with a three-course meal and use of amazing spa facilities? Take the stress out of the return to the daily grind with a relaxing overnight stay and a glass of prosecco or cocktail on arrival. A luxury bathrobe and slippers are provided so you can lounge and enjoy the hydrotherapy pool, sauna, and steam room. Then there’s a fabulous gourmet experience in the Oak Room Restaurant, and a hearty Irish breakfast to look forward to the next morning. From £199 per room based on two people sharing. (Excludes a Saturday and public holidays). Visit https://theebringtonhotel.com/  for more information.

The Old Inn, County Down

Enjoy a winter warmer special! Settle into a luxurious room before slipping into your cosy robe and head to the Treetop Spa to de-stress, relax and enjoy hot outdoor bathing. Treat your taste buds to an indulgent three-course dining experience in The Restaurant before soaking up the atmosphere in the 1614 Bar.  The next morning tuck into a delicious full Irish breakfast. Includes overnight stay, access to the Treetop Spa, three course dinner, full Irish breakfast. Valid Mon – Thurs. From £285 per room person based on two people sharing. Visit https://www.theoldinn.com/ for more information.

Europa Hotel, Belfast, County Antrim

Experience a giant welcome in the heart of Belfast! Superbly located to take advantage of all the city has to offer, this world famous four star is renowned for its cosmopolitan buzz, prime location, and excellent facilities. This special Sip and Sparkle offer includes a bottle of prosecco in your room and a hearty breakfast. B&B from £140 per room based on two people sharing. Visit https://www.europahotelbelfast.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 8-14 January

  1. Mourne Trails and Ales Tour, Newcastle, County Down, throughout January. Have you got a thirst for adventure? Then why not experience the trails, their tales and ultimately the ales of Mourne by Electric Bike. Over three hours you will explore the hidden highs and lows of the Annesley Estate, now Castlewellan Forest Park. You will be guided throughout and have the chance to try artisan ales from the Whitewater Brewery alongside some locally inspired trail cake. Check website for availability.
  2. Castle Archdale Marina Boat Hire & Water Sports, Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, throughout January. There are a range of water activities to enjoy within the grounds of Castle Archdale Country Park from kayak hire, water trampolining, cycle hire and many other activities. There are two styles of boat available for hire – that can take up to 8 people! If you don’t fancy the water, you can stick to dry land and hire bikes and take in the beautiful woodland landscape or discover the shores of Lough Erne. Suitable for individuals, families, and groups of all ages.
  3. Ulster Museum, Belfast, County Antrim. Come explore these rich collections of art, artefacts, and natural science all within the grounds of the city’s Botanic Gardens. Prepare to be dazzled by the sunken treasure from the Spanish Armada and intrigued by the ancient Egyptian mummies. There’s also an incredible video archive on the history of the troubles. It’s free entry, and there’s also a great onsite café with a hands-on interactive playroom space for little visitors. A great day out for any age.
  4. Peace Maze, Castlewellan, County Down. This is one of the world’s largest permanent hedge mazes comprising of 6,000 yew trees, planted by people from all over Northern Ireland. With a hedge length of over two miles, it’s a great fun and free family adventure. Visitors can attempt to solve their way to the peace bell in the centre of the maze. Give yourself an estimated forty minutes!
  5. Ghosts of Winterly Manor, Belfast, County Antrim, 8-31 January. W5 brings a brand-new experience for the winter months in this low-light walk-through experience that will see W5’s AMAZE space transformed into the haunted Winterly Manor. Encounters with a range of ghosts, ghouls, phantoms, and restless spirits await. Enter if you dare!
  6. Dolly Parton and Shania Twain Tribute Show, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 13 January. A great night of entertainment for lovers of country music everywhere or just those who love fun spectacles. This tribute show will have you foot tapping your way into the dark days of January and beyond!
  7. Drum Manor Forest Park, Cookstown, County Tyrone. There’s something to delight in any season, with scenic walks around the forest and wildfowl lake. Enjoy the Japanese garden, arboretum, ponds, and mixed woodlands. There’s a variety of trails which follow a circular route, pick the one that suits you best! There’s a lovely play park, good car parking and public toilets. This area is also wheelchair accessible.
  8. George Best House Tour, Belfast, County Antrim, 12 January. Step inside the family home of footballing legend George Best, as it would’ve been in the summer of 1961 when a fifteen-year-old George left to follow his dreams in Manchester. An experienced local guide will tell you all about Best’s early life in east Belfast’s Cregagh Estate and you will have a rare opportunity to flick through his old school reports and read letters he sent home to his parents. Check website for availability.
  9. Armagh’s Ecclesiastical Trail, Armagh, County Armagh. Check out this new self-guided tour of city’s many important church sites in this city of saints and scholars. Go at your own pace and explore ten churches across the city offering a glimpse into the history, heritage, and architecture of this beautiful city. The map is available online and as a hardcopy in various venues across Armagh including Navan Fort and The County Museum.
  10. Foyle Adventures, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry. This rib boat experience will give you a new perspective on The Walled City. Expert guides will take you on an unforgettable journey delving into the city and river’s rich history. This experience isn’t just for nature enthusiasts out there but is a fun and novel way to discover more about stake in the city. Check website for availability.

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

Folk Music Stars Trú To Take To The Stage At 4 Corners Festival Next Month

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Folk music stars Trú have been confirmed as the latest musical act to be added to the 4 Corners Festival lineup next month.

The band will be taking to the stage at An Evening In Conversation with Trú where 4 Corners Festival co-founder Steve Stockman and committee member Mylie Brennan will interview the band about their background, individual experiences and the stories behind the songs.

Trú are a trio of well known musicians Zach Trouton, Dónal Kearney and Michael Mormecha who came together to refresh Irish traditional music with their songs and blended harmonies.

Their name comes from the ancient Ulster Trú who were a trio of poet-musicians whose songs told the story of the future.

Throughout the evening on Friday February 9 at Orangefield Presbyterian Church in East Belfast, the band will also perform some of their songs, Irish trad blended with the most sublime harmonies

Speaking of the event, Steve said: “We’re delighted to have Trú on board for this year’s festival and look forward to hearing the story of how Trú came to be. The band sing about some of our longest handed down local stories so for this year’s festival they were the perfect band for An Evening In Conversation.”

Best known for their debut album No Fixed Abode which Clannad’s Moya Brennan declared as “absolutely amazing”, Michael Mormecha of the band said fans are sure to hear a few of the album’s best known Gaelic Waulking and Scots lullabies songs as well as music from their recently released album Eternity Near.

He added: “We are really excited to be part of 4 Corners, the ethos of the festival really resonates with our approach to Trú, we draw inspiration from all over this island and beyond to try and create something unique and special and that’s what this festival is known for. 

“This will be our first show of the year and our first since the release of our second record Eternity Near was released with a sold out album launch in the Duncairn.”

Now in its 12th year, the 4 Corners Festival was conceived as a way to inspire people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all.

The festival features a range of music, discussion, sport and faith-inspired events and will run from February 1 to 11 in venues in all four corners of the city. 

This year’s theme OUR STORIES…Towards A Culture Of Hope is about showcasing our city and our people’s stories reflecting the essence of belonging and unity within the city’s diverse community.

The upcoming festival’s suite of events is designed to entice people out of their own ‘corners’ of the city and into new places where they will encounter new perspectives, new ideas and hopefully meet new friends.

“There is a correlation between the stories we tell and the culture we live in. Stories can highlight common ground, increase understanding and create connections. They hold the power to have a positive impact on our community and promote hope for the future” explained Megan Boyd, 4 Corners Festival Administrator.

The 4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund.

All festival events are free of charge, with most open to the public, although advance booking of tickets is mandatory. Select events will be streamed online on the official 4 Corners Festival YouTube and Facebook accounts.

For more information about the festival and to keep up to date with programme updates go to 4cornersfestival.com 

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 1 – 7 January

  1. The Shortcross Gin Discovery and Tasting Experience, Crossgar, County Down, 5 January. This amazing experience takes place on Rademon Estate, which dates back to AD 565. As you arrive and make your way across the stone bridge over the Ballynahinch river, up the winding forest path and onto the distillery grounds, you’ll be welcomed by your Shortcross host. Then it’s time to settle in to your visit by enjoying one of their many show-stopping cocktails at the distillery bar. Your visit includes neat tastings and a lesson on how to pour the perfect G&T, as well as creating a bespoke label and wax dipping your own personalised bottle of gin to take home.
  1. Game of Thrones Music Experience, Banbridge, County Down, 6 January. Experience the magic of the Seven Kingdoms as the Ulster String Quartet take you on a journey through all eight seasons of Game of Thrones with sounds inspired by composer Ramin Djawadi. The performance will be included in the price of admission and visitors will get the chance to hear symphonic tones fill the lobby where you can enjoy the performance with a refreshment at the beginning or end of their tour.
  1. Brian Hurst exhibition, Belfast, County Antrim, 19 October – 11 January. As Northern Ireland’s film industry continues to go from strength to strength, celebrate the life and work of the man often regarded as one of Northern Ireland’s best film directors, Brian Hurst at the Ulster Museum. Born into a working-class family in East Belfast in 1895, Hurst went on to make over thirty films and is perhaps best known for his 1951 ‘A Christmas Carol’ adaption Scrooge. This exhibition, sponsored by Quartertoten Productions Ltd in conjunction with the Brian Desmond Hurst Estate showcases posters, invitations, lobby cards and original press clippings from Hurst’s own scrapbooks.
  1. Share Village on Ice, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, 1-4 January. Enjoy a fantastic indoor synthetic rink, which is almost identical to a frozen surface but much more eco-friendly for all the family to enjoy. Whether you’re a budding skater or a confident glider, this wheelchair-friendly ice rink is open to all ages and abilities! Enjoy some festive fun before the holiday season is over.
  1. Gosford Karting, Markethill, County Armagh 1-7 January. Experience the thrill racing outdoors gives you at the Gosford Katring track. A member of the National Karting Association, this high-quality racing service is the perfect way to kickstart your week with some competitive fun with loved ones! Practise sessions for children aged eight years upwards are available on junior karts. For adults with a need for speed, Grand Prix karts are also available on site.
  1. Kelpra: Artists and Printmakers, Belfast, County Antrim, 1 January – April 28. Kelpra was set up by Chris and Rose (nee Kelly) Prater at their kitchen table in 1957 and went on to become one of the most pioneering print studios in history. Combining the commercial techniques of screen-printing with fine art practice. Kelpra was renowned for working in close collaboration with artists to produce daring and eye-catching original prints. The artists in this exhibition worked collaboratively with Kelpra and other print studios and these prints are the result of innovative technical and artistic expertise and the sensitive collaboration between individual artists and printmakers.
  1. New Year’s Day Guided Walk, Donaghadee, County Down, 1 January. Start the new year off on the right foot in the stunning seaside town of Donaghadee, the nearest port to Scotland and the backdrop to BBC’s crime drama, Hope Street. Guided by Dr Robert Neill, immerse yourself in stores from 1600 to the present day. Explore the history of the nearby moat, streets and churches in the town and learn about the heroic actions of the crew of The Sir Samuel Kelly lifeboat which rescued survivors from the MV Princess Victoria in 1953.
  1. Bad Bridget exhibition, Omagh, County Tyrone, throughout January. Learn some of the stories of the thousands of women who left Ireland for North America between 1838 and 1918. The exhibition, based on research from Dr Elaine Farrell and Dr Leanne McCormick, charts these women’s experience of migration through an eclectic mix of sights, sounds, smells and objects. Unlike migrants from other countries, hundreds of thousands of Irish girls travelled alone, and once in America, often faced a life of poverty and hardship.
  1. The Derry Girls Experience, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, throughout January. Visit the home of Derry Girls and discover where it all began, see original memorabilia from the hit show, including Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s pyjamas and Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater, not to mention the infamous Spice Girls costumes. If you’re a Sister Michael fan don’t miss the chance to sit on her chair and roll your eyes at anyone who crosses your path.
  1. Visit Kearney Village, Portaferry, County Down. Carefully restored by the National Trust to give the authenticity of a traditional fishing village, make sure to visit Kearney village this New Year. The Trust owns a number of cottages in the area and has restored their vernacular style to give authenticity to this place of character. In the nineteenth century, Kearney was a flourishing community that is now an idyllic place of recreation. Just three miles to the east of Portaferry this is the kind of place you could find by accident yet find yourself returning to again and again.

 

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

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Everglades Hotel, County Londonderry

Welcome in 2024 in style as you enjoy a sumptuous three course evening meal in The Grill with some of the best starters, filling mains and decadent desserts before a heavenly night’s sleep. Wake up refreshed the next morning before one final treat with a full Irish breakfast before you depart. £165 per room per night based on two people sharing. Visit https://www.evergladeshotelderry.com/  for more information.

Aurora, County Antrim

Located just a mile away from the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, Aurora occupies a truly magical vantage point on the tip of the North Antrim coast. With this special weekend offer you can embrace a relaxing start to the new year, staying Friday and Saturday from £295 per night. If the rejuvenating venue and breathtaking views tempt you into staying longer, you can add Sunday to your weekend break for only an extra £100. Visit https://www.auroranorthcoast.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/

Crusaders Strikers Welcome Rising Star Mia Moore To Their Team

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In a significant boost to their squad, Crusaders Strikers have officially announced the signing of the promising young footballer, Mia Moore.

The 16-year-old midfielder, renowned for her scoring prowess, joins the Strikers after a stellar debut senior season with Linfield, where she netted an impressive 10 goals.

Jonny Tuffey, the manager of Crusaders Strikers, said he was delighted to add Mia to the team: “For someone still young in age, she has good experience playing at the first-team level as well as internationally, at U17 and U19.

“Mia’s talent and ability are clear for everyone to see, and we believe she will add strength to what I believe is already a very good group, making us more threatening in the final third.”

Moore’s football journey has been impressive from the start. She captained the U15 Bob Doc squad and progressed through the ranks to earn a call-up for the U19s at just 16.

Tuffey said the management and coaching team was “impressed” by her focus and ambition: “From speaking to Mia, it was so refreshing to hear that her sole focus was playing football, wanting to learn, develop, and improve, as well as helping us improve and become even more competitive in seasons ahead.”

Sue O’Neill, the Director of Women’s Football at Crusaders Football Club and Chairperson of Crusaders Strikers said choosing players that fit the Strikers and Crusaders club ethos is a vital part of the selection process.

She added: “Qualities we look for are a commitment to the club and a professional attitude to improving their ability.

“We have always been a club that nurtures youth, with over seven players in our first team coming through our academy.

“Mia adds to this ethos with her youth and enthusiasm to play for Strikers. There is a great support network of people who all want the player to do well.

“We also believe in checking out our players’ mental health to make sure they are valued and understood.

“We don’t just want great footballers; we want to create good people. Football provides players with great life skills.

“Setting goals, working as a team, dealing with setbacks, then going again. The Crusaders women’s football team is a family.”

Reflecting on her signing, Mia Moore said: “A couple of years ago, I came, trained, and played a match with Crusaders. I was probably around like ten or 11. But I was given an opportunity at another club.

“With the Strikers, what made me sign on the dotted line was everything from the first meeting I had with Jonny, which was great.

“Also, the Seaview Stadium facilities, and everything that goes with that is great. I played against the team last year, and I’m really excited to meet all the players and go win some games.

“Thinking ahead for the new season, I hope that we can win some trophies and move up the table.”

Moore’s addition to Crusaders Strikers heralds an exciting era for the club, signalling their commitment to fostering young talent and achieving success in the competitive world of women’s football.

Ards and North Down Launches Exciting Arts and Heritage Spring Programme!

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Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts and Heritage Spring Programme has just been released! The exciting schedule of events, exhibitions, classes, workshops and talks, covers the January to April 2024 period and is now available online to view and for bookings.

With the New Year, comes plenty of opportunity to learn a new skill or try your hand at something new. The Creative Classes and One-Day Workshop series at Ards Arts Centre includes Drawings Skill, Ceramics, Observational Oil Painting and lots more!

Music lovers will be spoiled with events to suit all tastes. The Ards International Guitar Festival is taking place from 17 – 21 April in various venues around Newtownards. Highlights of this year’s festival include Classical Virtuoso Manus Noble and previous Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Sarah McQuaid. Kyle Riley is also returning to entertain little ones with his unique family-fun concert, Little Folk on the Road. The popular Friday Night Live events also return to Ards Arts Centre with Roving Out, The High Lonesome and a night celebrating Irish Rock with Paul McMordie and friends.

For literary fans, Aspects Festival is holding two special Festival Club events at Bangor’s Imperial Bar, inviting writers to come along and read some of their work in a welcoming environment. For young readers, Young Aspects offers a weekend of book-inspired children’s activities, taking place 1 – 3 March.

North Down Museum is delighted to launch a new series of Hidden History Talks on a range of fascinating topics, themed around its exhibition series. The museum will also open its doors for the popular family friendly Arts Night at the Museum on Friday 22 March. The historical museum building will be filled with local artists providing arts and crafts activities for you to participate in, experience or observe. This free event is fun for the whole family. Little Historians will enjoy the history-themed Easter scheme at the museum including dress-up, games and craft themed activity.

Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift? Online ticket pre-sales for all music events and enrolment for all classes and workshops are available from Thursday 14 December.

Speaking about the programme, Emily Crawford, Arts and Heritage Manager for Ards and North Down Borough Council said: “We have plenty on offer on our Spring programme, from creative classes to live music and family events. I would encourage everyone to check out the programme online or pick up a copy of our brochure from Ards Arts Centre or North Down Museum and book your tickets early!”

To view the full programme, book tickets or enrol in a class or workshop, visit: www.andculture.org.uk

Belfast Agency Excalibur Press To Launch 2024 Training Webinar Series

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When it comes to marketing your business, product or service most small businesses will depend on digital channels such as their website, social media and other platforms such as Google My Business.

According to Fit Small Business 70% of small businesses say they use social media in their marketing strategy whilst Linkedin reveals 90% of companies in general will leverage websites and blogs the most in their content marketing strategy.

In order to truly maximise the opportunities available online to market and promote your business it’s important to have a robust digital and content marketing strategy and plan.

According to Invoca 81% of shoppers say they’ll conduct online research before making an in-store or online purchase.

With this in mind, Belfast based multidisciplinary marketing and communications agency Excalibur Press has launched a new webinar training series with both free and paid for sessions aimed at helping businesses create a social media content strategy, improve their blogging and content marketing, as well as giving top tips and tricks to creating effective communications for promoting your product online and thought leadership. 

Delivered by trainer and content strategist Tina Calder, the sessions will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning on January 2. They will include How To Set Up Your Social Media Content Strategy & Plan For 2024 (January 2), 45 Marketing Assets You Need To Have A Successful 2024 (January 11),  Raising Your Profile Using Thought Leadership (February 15) and The Power Of Influencer For Promoting Your Business (February 22).

Speaking of the sessions Tina said: “Micro, small and medium businesses more than ever before need support and assistance with their marketing. 

“For many of those businesses that spend is a luxury and often the first to go when things get tough.

“There’s no question the last few years have taken their toll on business owners and the fight to survive and thrive has become a crowded space.”

Tina explained the 90 minute sessions are specifically designed to “offer business owners practical and actionable support that will help them streamline, maximise and optimise their marketing activity.”

She added: “Throughout the sessions I will be revealing all the tools, systems and processes we use at Excalibur Press to create good quality content and marketing tactics for our clients as well as lift the lid on the secrets other professionals don’t want you to know.

“These sessions will help businesses reduce their stress levels when it comes to creating a social media content strategy, improving their blogging and content marketing as well as creating effective communications for promoting their product online and honing their marketing messages and brand story.

To book on to any of the forthcoming webinars go to excaliburpress.co.uk/events 

4 Corners Festival 2024 Reveals Programme Highlights At Launch Event

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The annual 4 Corners Festival is set to return in February 2024 with a packed lineup of events which include everything from talks, discussions and exhibitions to music and literature.

Now in its 12th year, the festival was conceived as a way to inspire people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all.

The festival features a range of music, discussion, sport and faith-inspired events and will run from February 1 to 11 in venues in all four corners of the city. 

Speaking at the launch at The Hub Belfast, committee member George Sproule said:

“We’re great at telling stories, but sometimes we need to challenge the stories that we do tell. The other thing is that sometimes we’re not very good at listening to other people’s stories.

“A well written and well told story changes the way you think about things and changes the way you look at the world.

“Our theme this year is OUR STORIES…Towards A Culture Of Hope. We want each other to listen to each other’s stories and the events throughout the festival are designed to do just that.”

With storytelling at the heart of the forthcoming festival renowned storyteller Liz Weir was on hand at the launch to discuss the importance of storytelling in today’s world.

She said: ”I really believe that stories are transformational. Because it’s very difficult to hate somebody, once you know their story. Isn’t that true? 

“Even if you disagree with another person, just pay them the respect of listening to what they have to say. I feel that very strongly. 

“In the work I do and have done for 50 years now, I’ve seen a lot of that. The impact that a good story can have because the listening is the most important thing”

Attendees of the launch were also given a unique preview of the Blue Lights story when journalist Tyree Patton interviewed screenwriter Declan Lawn. At the festival in February Declan and Tyree will be joined by Declan’s writing partner Adam Patterson.

Declan said: “I was really gratified to see the tagline of the festival, towards a culture of hope. For those of you who have seen the show we made, Blue Lights, there is a lot of darkness in it, it’s sort of a valley of darkness in many ways, but it is profoundly hopeful and profoundly optimistic. That’s the message of the show.”

The 4 Corners Festival believes in embracing our shared humanity, fostering connections, and creating a space where meaningful conversations can flourish. Each year the festival returns with a renewed purpose of transforming hearts, bridging divides, and leaving a lasting mark of positivity on Belfast.

The Cancer Focus Sing For Life Choir was on hand at the launch to entertain with a range of big hits and gospel numbers. 

Revealing the highlights of the festival was volunteer Shannon Campbell who said: “We have some pre-festival events in the run up to the 4th of February, but the 4 Corners Festival officially starts on Sunday the 4th. 

“That evening, we’re going to have author Claire Hayns in Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, who is one of the chaplains at Christ Church, Oxford. Her book Unveiled is about the lesser known women in Scripture. Claire’s going to be talking to us a bit about her book and she will be joined by her son who illustrated the book.

“On Monday, university students from across the city will gather at Queen’s University, where Claire will host a lunchtime discussion with students about the book. 

“On Tuesday 6th of February, we’re going to have Elma Walsh joining us at Ekenhead Memorial Halls. Elma is the mother of Donal Walsh who was diagnosed with cancer in his teens. Donal was moved by his situation, and also by the pretty harrowing suicide statistics in Ireland that year, to make a difference and to spread the message of hope among young people throughout the UK and Ireland. Elma and his whole family set up the Donal Walsh Foundation to continue that message of hope today among young people. Elma will speak to us about that and the Live Life message. 

“On Wednesday, we will have our Blue Lights story event which will be taking place in All Saints College on the Glen Road and it will take the form of a Q&Q. 

“On Thursday 8th, Celebrating Young Voices Hopes For The Future at 7.30pm at 2 Royal Avenue. So we’re going to hear about the stories of young people who are leading the way in various spheres of influence.

“The festival will officially draw to a close on Sunday 11th of February with an event entitled Towards A Culture Of Hope at St Comgall’s on the Divis Street, where Reverend Doug Gay will be talking about what a hopeful imagination looks like, and how we can discover that on the streets of our city.”

The 4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund.

All festival events are free of charge, with most open to the public, although advance booking of tickets is mandatory. Select events will be streamed online on the official 4 Corners Festival YouTube and Facebook accounts.

Tickets for the event will be available to book on the website.

For more information about the festival and to keep up to date with programme updates go to 4cornersfestival.com. 

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM ANNOUNCES SERIES OF FAMILY FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS EVENTS

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 – Festive Events to Take Place on Site at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium this December –

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has announced a number of family friendly Christmas themed events that will take place on site during December 2023.

These include:

Visitors Enjoying a Dome Show at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

Astronaut George, a 15 minute toddler Dome Show that will run at various times from 27th   December to 30th December 2023. During this show, George investigates the best planet to live on and the dangers lurking on the surface of other planets in our Solar System. But will he find any alien friends to play with? Join us and find out in this interplanetary adventure!

The show is suitable for pre-school children who must be accompanied by an adult. The ticket includes exhibition entry.

Perfect Little Planet, a 30-minute family Dome Show that will run at various times from 27th   December to 30th December 2023. The show allows you to discover our Solar System from the perspective of a family from another star system, who are seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best-known Dwarf Planet. Dive down the ice cliffs of Miranda. Sail through the rings of Saturn. Feel the lightning storms at Jupiter and walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination would you choose?

Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. The ticket includes exhibition entry.

Our Solar System, a live, 35-minute family Dome Show suitable for all age groups, will run at various times from 16th December to 30th December 2023.

In this interactive show, produced by the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, you can sit back, relax and enjoy an out of this world tour of the Solar System. See the planets up close, safely gaze at the Sun, and let your presenter guide you to where you want to go!

Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. The ticket includes exhibition entry.

Look Up! A Winter Night Sky Tour. Suitable for adults and those aged over eight, this seasonal tour around the night sky as seen from Ireland, will run at various times from 27th   December to 30th December 2023.

Let Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s presenters guide you through the beautiful objects and constellations seen at this time of year. This show is ideal for anyone starting out in astronomy or interested in learning about what can be seen in the night sky.

We are Guardians, a 25-minute Dome Show suitable for adults and those aged over six, this will run at various times from 27th December to 30th December 2023. The show looks at how ecosystems are intrinsically connected and, with the increasing use of Satellite Monitoring, examines the links between human activities and climate change.

Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. The ticket includes exhibition entry.

Moonbase: The Next Step, a 30-minute Dome Show suitable for adults and children aged over eight, this will run at various times from 27th December to 28th December 2023.

It has been over 50 years since humankind last set foot on the Moon and now we are going back to stay. The show tells the story of this human endeavour, visualising the scientific and technological advances needed to safely travel 250,000 miles and survive hostile and alien conditions. How do we establish a foothold on the Moon? Can we explore the vast landscape and extract the resources needed to live there on a permanent basis?

Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. The ticket includes exhibition entry.

Stargazing evening, which will run from 7-9pm on 29th December. Suitable for adults and children aged over eight, this two-hour session at Armagh Planetarium will see a team of experts help you navigate the night sky using telescopes (weather depending) along with a dome show in the digital theatre and an astronomer talk.

This session will be a Telescope clinic with the Irish Astronomical Association.

Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon (50th Anniversary Special), a 45-minute music Dome Show suitable for those aged over 16, which will run at various times during 29th December and 30th December.

The new show, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s iconic album ‘The Dark Side of the Moon,’ sets the album to stunning 360° visuals of our Solar System and beyond.

Children Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, as the show contains infrequent use of strong language. The show also has some flashing images and visuals, which may cause a sensation of movement.

To book tickets for these events, visit: https://armaghobservatoryplanetarium.ticketsolve.com

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