BE A DERRY GIRL WITH THE EVERGLADES HOTEL

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FANS visiting the new Derry Girls Experience in the Tower Museum in Derry-Londonderry can enjoy the ultimate overnight break and Be A Derry Girl with the Everglades Hotel.

From only £160* per room (based on two people sharing) guests can enjoy luxurious overnight accommodation and the hotel’s famous themed Derry Girls Afternoon Tea with cocktail and a selection of tasty treats including sandwiches, freshly baked scones & breads and pastry assortment with a Derry Girls twist – sausage roll baps, fresh cream horns, cone of chips. You’ll also get your very own Michelle, the Derry Girls duck to take home with you and full Irish breakfast the following morning.

Guests will also have the chance to get their picture taken with the hotel’s famous resident, Michelle the Derry Girls duck!

The Everglades Hotel is conveniently located to the Tower Museum which is hosting the new immersive Derry Girls Exhibition which features props and set pieces from the Bafta-winning sitcom which follows five teenagers living in Derry in the mid-1990s during the final years of the Troubles.

Fans of the show will be able to view parts of the original sets, including the Quinn living room and kitchen, as well as props like Spice Girls costumes from season three, the Child of Prague statue and Ma Mary’s rosary beads.

For further information go to www.evergladeshotelderry.com or call 028 7132 1066.

*Subject to availability. Package does not include tickets to the Derry Girls Exhibition.

Jacqueline Shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

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Antrim

Wonderful WOOL”, an exhibition by Region 14, International Feltmakers Association at Larne Museum and Arts Centre. All the exhibits have been created by members of Region 14 of the International Feltmakers Association. Our members come from across the island of Ireland and include  feltmakers of international renown and those just starting their creative journey. Please come and join us in a celebration of “Wonderful WOOL” and of our members’ commitment and talent.

Find out more HERE

 

Armagh

Join Heartbreak Productions for this warm-hearted tale that follows the highs and lows of a father-son relationship. An open-air adaptation of David Walliams’ ‘Bad Dad’ is the perfect summer family entertainment. So, pack your picnics, grab your wet weather gear or sun-cream [or both], something to sit on, and join Frank and Gilbert as they navigate their way through car chases and convicts in the struggle to escape the clutches of the local crime lord and clear Gilbert’s name.

Find out more HERE

 

Belfast

There’s even more to see and do this summer onboard HMS Caroline – Belfast’s First World War ship – now restored as a stunning floating museum with an amazing story to tell! Explore a fully restored war ship, discover incredible history, crack codes, launch torpedoes and steer the ship and bring the whole family to our summer events! 

Find out more HERE

 

Down

Albert Cummings at the Portico of Ards. Albert Cummings is an American blues guitarist, singer and songwriter. Influenced by R&B heroes Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, his style gives as much to the boundary-less blues-rock improvisation of Jimi Hendrix and Freddie King.

Find out more HERE

 

Fermanagh

Throughout July 2023, Share Discovery Village is offering teens the opportunity to join our Multi-Activity Adventure Summer Camps in Fermanagh. The Multi Activity Adventure Summer Residential Camps are action-packed 5 days, involving a taste of fun land, water and arts activities. This is a thrilling adventure that is not to be missed. Open to young people aged from 11 to 17 years old. Ensure they

Find out more HERE

 

Derry/Londonderry

Due to popular request from guests onsite Carrownmena Activity Centre are excited to offer High Ropes Activities, Tri-Stack/Centipede/Tri-Stack – naviate through various obstacles and challenges at evelated heights!!!  Engage in the great outdoors, bond with friends and family and create wonderful summer memories.  Our Action-Packed programme kicks off on Tuesday & Thursday mornings & Saturday afternoons in July & August.

Find out more HERE

 

Tyrone

Conleth McGeary has been described by the Liverpool Echo as a “Liverpool Irish phenomenon”.  Conleth has been quietly penning new music and crafting his new sound in the UAE.  He brings his Homecoming Tour to The Square Box at Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre.

Find out more HERE

 

 

NEW TOUR EXPERIENCE UNLOCKS BELFAST’S UNTOLD STORIES AND MELODIES

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A pioneering travel company, set up by a father on his paternity leave, is launching its inaugural tour promising to uncover a side of Belfast rarely found in tourist books.

The brainchild of Gareth Maguire, Unheard Adventures was conceived and built by the Belfast native after the birth of his first child in 2022 when he took five weeks paternity leave from his role in tech.  Gareth’s focus is on curating hidden gems and vibrant cultural experiences for travellers seeking immersive and unique experiences.

The Belfast Traditional Music Trail is a unique way to experience Irish music. With two professional musicians as your guides you will be treated to a performance of traditional tunes, songs and stories, all of which make up your own personal ‘session’.

The company’s first tour is “Belfast- the then and now” a two-part experience taking place on Saturday July 8th which promises an unforgettable journey through Belfast’s rich history and vibrant cultural and traditional musical scene.

The tour begins with a Belfast political history tour, led by knowledgeable locals who lived, worked and fought during the turbulent Troubles from the 1960s through to the late 90s. Men and women will share their personal stories and explain how religion, rebellion, politics, and conflict shaped their experiences and the cityscape, uncovering the intriguing murals that narrate the area’s local history and culture.

Following a stop for lunch in Belfast’s trendy and vibrant Cathedral quarter, participants then embark on the Belfast Traditional Music trail, with two professional musicians as guides.

Here they will be treated to a performance of captivating Irish tunes, songs and stories, as they walk through cobbled alleyways, past iconic landmarks and on to three different bars housed in some of the city’s oldest buildings, where they can enjoy a local beer, cider, whiskey or Guinness.

Each pub visit unveils a new musical dimension, with different instruments taking the spotlight, offering a unique insight into the similarities and differences between Belfast and Scottish music, as well as the distinctiveness of Irish melodies from various regions.

The tour, which costs £80 per person, will commence at 10:30am beside the famous Europa Hotel on Great Victoria Street, concluding at 5:30 pm.

Participants can prolong their stay with a special overnight rate at the Europa or Grand Central hotel from £100 per night on both Friday and Saturday.

“In 2022, while on paternity leave, I approached my friend, Matt Lynch to develop the idea for Unheard Adventures. We both share a passion for storytelling and for our hometown, Belfast, despite residing in different parts of the world – Dublin and Dubai,” says Gareth.

“Our aim is to create unforgettable memories and invite travellers to embark on off-the-beaten-path journeys that go beyond the ordinary. Our inaugural tour on Saturday July 8th promises something very different to what’s available right now in a city bursting with history and culture.”

You can reserve your spot by visiting www.unheardadventures.com/product/belfast/

 

Walled City Music brings 35 pianists to Derry for 2023 International Piano Festival

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Walled City Music will be welcoming over 30 pianists to Derry on Sunday, for the 2023 edition of its International Piano Festival. Festival Director Derry-born Cathal Breslin, acclaimed concert pianist and professor at Arizona State University, will be joined by an international faculty of tutors at Ulster University, Magee, as they lead 25 piano students through a packed schedule of masterclasses, workshops and concerts from July 10-17, 2023.

The Festival’s student body represents the world’s up and coming generation of young pianists, bringing talent together from nationalities including Ireland, UK, Europe, USA, Taiwan, China, Iran, the Philippines, New Zealand and Korea. Over the 8 days of the Festival, these young artists will be provided with an immersive and inspiring environment in the Magee campus of Ulster University.

The international faculty, who will deliver the Festival’s series of masterclasses, workshops and interviews, includes Professors Thérèse Fahy (Royal Irish Academy of Music), Chu-Fang Huang (Ameri-China International Music Association), Chih-Long Hu (University of Tennessee), Svetozar Ivanov (University of South Florida), Pei-Chun Liao (University of Taipei) and Cahill Smith (Utah State University).

Throughout the week, exciting variety concerts by the faculty and students will be open to the public, with multiple pianists performing solo piano works and works for 4, 6 and 8 hands, as well as two days of performances at the Festival’s International Competition. Look out on the Walled CIty Music website and social media for the schedule of concerts.

Professor Cathal Breslin said, “I am delighted to bring such an exciting international piano festival and competition to Derry for the 4th year. It is an amazing opportunity to welcome these talented young stars of the future to our city, from so many different countries, and to work and refine their musical skills with some of the greatest pianists in the world. The concerts are going to be a big highlight for me, as it is very rare to see multiple pianists on stage together performing. Come along and see the excitement for yourself!”

In addition to its core support from Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Derry and Strabane District Council, the 2023 Festival is sponsored by Yamaha and local taxi company City Cabs. The Festival takes place in partnership with Ulster University, Contemporary Music Centre Ireland and Christ Church.

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Treat yourself to a delicious four course afternoon tea and overnight stay in a stylish room at the Silverbirch Hotel from £155 per room. You’ll enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches followed by scrumptious cakes and scones, of course served with fresh cream and delicious local jam. Visit https://www.silverbirchhotel.com/  for more information.

Ardtara Country House, Maghera, Co. Fermanagh

The Ardtara Country House is offering a Cocktail, Dinner B&B Break package from £135pps. Enjoy a one-night B&B stay, a two-course dinner with a choice of cocktail. This stunning 19th century country house is the ideal cosy getaway located near the quaint Maghera village. Visit https://www.ardtara.com/ for more information.

Roe Park Resort, Limavady, Co. Londonderry

The Roe Park Resort is offering a Friday Wine & Stay Package from £95. This offer includes an overnight stay in a luxurious room, a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival, and use of the Health Suite including indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and gym. Explore the Roe Valley Country Park adjacent to the hotel, which offers miles of stunning woodland walks. Visit https://www.roeparkresort.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 3 – 9 July

  1. Stendhal Festival, Limavady, County Londonderry, 6-8 July. Roll up to the amazing Stendhal Festival, Northern Ireland’s biggest independent music and arts festival since 2011. Enjoy music, comedy, poetry, a dedicated family programme and a host of visual arts. This year’s line-up consists of legendary reggae band The Wailers, Irish rockers Bell X1, Ivor Novello, award winning jazz musician, Yazz Ahmed, the Roe Valley’s own Cara Dillon, and many more.
  2. The Derry Girls Experience, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 4 July. Visit the home of Derry Girls and discover where it all began. The Tower Museum is showcasing original memorabilia from the hit show, like Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s famous pyjamas and Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater, not to mention the infamous Spice Girls costumes. Step into the set of the Quinn’s household and feel like one of the family. Sister Michael fan? Don’t miss your chance to sit on her chair and roll your eyes at anyone who crosses your path.
  3. Open-Air Theatre: The Secret Garden, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 4 July. Chapterhouse Theatre Company is proud to present The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Picnic with friends and family and enjoy this enchanting story, loved by children and adults alike. Relive this tale of secrecy and curiosity in what will be one of the highlights of the summer. The Secret Garden will be performed in the grounds of Enniskillen Castle, a stunning open-air venue for a wonderful evening of theatre under the stars.
  4. Benone Artisan Market, Limavady, County Londonderry, 9 July. This free artisan market by Naturally North Coast and Glens is an excellent showcase of local food, culture, heritage, and traditions, and it is an ideal destination for anyone looking for an authentic experience. Benone offers visitors an enticing mix of a coastal location with the beautiful backdrop of Binevenagh Mountain. This market aims to keep things authentic, providing an opportunity to meet some of Northern Ireland’s excellent producers and creative small businesses.
  5. Family Fun at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, 4-9 July. Visit the Armagh Planetarium this summer and have fun with science and nature. Jurassic Ark Encounters will be bringing their reptile friends to meet you. Get up close and personal with some of nature’s most fascinating and amazing animals, like snakes, lizards, tortoises and many more. This is an educational learning session about nature’s most fascinating family, the reptiles.
  6. Comber Farmers’ Market, Comber, Down, 6 July. Come on down to the award-winning Comber Farmers’ Market. There are over 24 regular traders selling artisan food and plants. This market provides a wide range of local produce including breads, cheeses, vegetables, fruit, cakes, traybakes, jams, flowers, chocolates and many more. In addition, the ladies of the church catering committee will be providing morning tea, coffee and homemade scones, buns and biscuits in the church hall.
  7. Secret Garden, Belfast, County Antrim, 7 July. Enjoy an evening stroll through Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, famous for the International Rose Garden. This walk will focus on some of the less well-known aspects of the grounds and the local history of the park. The beautiful Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is comprised of rolling meadows, woodland, riverside fields and formal gardens. The City of Belfast International Rose Garden has made the park world famous, containing over 20,000 blooms in the summer. Don’t miss out on seeing the wonderful blooms!
  8. Hannah Starkey, Principled & Revolutionary: Northern Ireland’s Peace Women, Belfast, County Antrim, 3-9 July. The National Museums NI has partnered with Belfast Photo Festival to present their newly commissioned body of work by renowned photographer, Hannah Starkey at the Ulster Museum. This co-curated exhibition celebrates and honours the women who helped bring peace to Northern Ireland and pays tribute to their efforts in social and political work. The 21 portraits in this exhibition highlight some of the many women who have been pivotal to peace building and community activism in this country through their work in the political, cultural and social sphere.
  9. Conleth McGeary The Homecoming Tour, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 7 July. Conleth McGeary will be performing at Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre to share some original music. The ‘Liverpool Irish phenomenon’ (Liverpool Echo) has been quietly penning new music and crafting his new sound in the UAE away from everybody. The Tyrone born singer has taken himself out of the local scene in Liverpool where he resides, to work on his original music which he holds close to his heart and is planning his return with a bang. His Irish ‘Homecoming Tour’ will give you a glimpse as to why he has been reluctant to share his new songs until now.
  10. DRAGONS at W5, Belfast, County Antrim. Are you ready to come face-to-face with DRAGONS at W5? For centuries one mythical creature has fascinated and enthralled young and old more than any other. This summer, an epic adventure awaits at W5 as you enter a world of Dragons. This thrilling new experience will bring to life these awe-inspiring creatures using large scale animatronics, puppetry, projections, immersive soundscape technology and fully themed environments. Encounter a range of moving, roaring, smoke breathing beasts.

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/

 

Here are ten exciting things to do 26th – 2 July

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Here are 10 things to do Across Northern Ireland

  1. Ballycastle Seafront Artisan Market, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 2 July. Come on down to the free flagship artisan market by Naturally North Coast & Glens on the beautiful Ballycastle Seafront. This is an excellent showcase of local food, culture, heritage, and traditions, and it is an ideal destination for anyone looking for an authentic experience. This Ballycastle market is a perfect stopping point on a day out along the Causeway Coast, with its proximity to Ballycastle Beach, and many more iconic attractions in the area.
  2. Meet the Warriors Tour, Armagh, County Armagh, 1-2 July. Immerse yourself in life as a Celt, as you meet our Iron Age warriors. This family-oriented tour provides the opportunity to become a central part of the clan! Transform into a Celtic Warrior, as you have your face painted and wear one of our authentic costumes. Enjoy storytelling around the fire, as the bard tells the tales of the great heroes associated with the Navan Fort, and discover the skills required to succeed in battle. You will also have the chance to learn the art of ancient Celtic writing as you spell out your clan name using Ogham!
  3. Enniskillen Community Market , Enniskillen, Fermanagh, 1 July. Treat yourself to something delicious from one of the food stalls, and discover local handmade crafts, you might just find that perfect gift you’ve been looking for. Check out the work of our 2 Special Interest tables. Have a rummage through the second-hand stalls, one man’s trash is indeed another person’s treasure. From clothing to vinyl. Try your luck at the Tombola, with everything from a boat trip, gift vouchers, hampers and more.
  4. Tyrone Farmer’s Market, Food and Craft markets, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 1 July. Come down and explore the talent of Tyrone at the Tyrone Food and Craft Farmer’s Market this Saturday. Get a taste of local produce and bespoke crafts. There are many sweet treats and trinkets to see, with 30 stalls selling artisan food and hand-crafted gifts and homewares, from local producers!
  5. Dungannon Comedy Festival, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 1 July. There is going to be a lot to laugh at in Dungannon this July, at the town’s first Comedy Festival at Hill of the O’Neill on Saturday 1st July. The seated event at Hill of The O’Neill marquee space will include the cream of Northern Ireland’s burgeoning comedy circuit headlined by Paddy McDonnell and Micky Bartlett alongside other up-and-coming stand-ups. The revered Sean Hegarty will be on MC duties on the night.
  6. The Spirit of the Bann, Coleraine, County Londonderry, 1 July. The Causeway Coast Foodie Tours’ ‘Spirit of the Bann’ river whiskey tasting experience is an ideal and unique opportunity to slowly savour distinctive colours and flavours, enjoy a warm glow and celebrate the beautiful blend of natural & man-made wonders our stunning Causeway Coast has to offer!

Dive into history as you retrace the voyages of our ancestors who settled here some 9,000 years ago. Their onboard Bushmills whiskey guide will introduce you to a selection of whiskies produced by Old Bushmills Distillery and companied by a hand-picked selection of award-winning local produce.

  1. Kids’ Bushcraft at Montalto, Ballynahinch, County Down, 1 July. Uncover the secrets of Montalto Estate at The Montalto Estate Forestry School. Kids will navigate their way through the woods, pick the perfect site to build their shelter and forage for plants and trees to make medicine and food. After exploring, cosy up around the campfire to toast some delicious marshmallows!
  2. A Century of Style, Belfast, County Antrim , 26 June. Visit the Ulster Museum and explore the world of fashion at the free exhibit from the National Portrait Gallery Collection. This exhibition brings together some of the most famous fashion photographers and models (sitters) to showcase the art of fashion photography. Through themes including Designers, Model, Maker and Muse, and Art and Fashion, the exhibition examines the role fashion photography has played in defining style, imagery and contemporary culture. The exhibition also focuses on the work of probably the most celebrated fashion photographer of the 20th Century, Cecil Beaton.
  3. Mind Of Sound – In The Heart Of The Cave, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 2 July. Get in tune with your mind within the Marble Arch Caves. The Sound Bath in the Cave is a powerful and transformative experience allowing you to explore the hidden depths of therapeutic sound. The event features a 28 inch Chao gong and a 36 inch Feng gong, Shaman- style drumming and harmonic singing. Andy Tyler is a gifted musician, singer and soundscape artist who brings a contemporary approach to gongs and rhythmic entrainment. He cultivates dynamic and harmonically beautiful meditative sessions that are deeply relaxing and memorable.
  4. Mourne Alpacas Cria Watch, Dromara, County Down , 26 June. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the latest arrivals to the alpaca herd! As the largest breeding farm for Alpacas on the island of Ireland, Mourne Alpacas offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the CRIA WATCH (meeting the new Alpaca babies). Experience the magic, the pronking and general Cria capers in the nursery paddocks – from a cria protective spectator distance. As part of your CRIA Watch experience, you will learn about alpaca families, and all their unique behaviour before heading out to the nursery paddocks to watch the new curious and energetic arrivals, protected by their very proud mums.

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

 

Renewables firm Everun makes major investment to double workforce and target new markets

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Belfast energy management firm Everun is making a multi-million-pound investment to double its workforce with the aim of tripling its turnover by the end of 2024 as it diversifies into new markets. 

The renewable energy specialists provide a range of services across solar and wind power, electric vehicle (EV) charging systems and smart motor systems.  

The investment is being supported by Invest Northern Ireland and will create 32 high value, mostly engineering, jobs that will contribute £1.43m in annual salaries to the economy. 

Commenting on the investment, Michael Thompson, Everun’s Managing Director, said: “We have developed a strategy for expansion and diversification that will see us growing our reach across the UK and Ireland. Our focus will be on consolidating our position as a leading provider of onshore wind turbine generator asset management services and building on our success to date in the EV charging arena. We’ve also identified significant opportunities for growth in the solar power, battery energy storage and smart motor markets.

“Invest NI has been extremely supportive, helping us to take on staff when we first entered the EV charging market and assisting with this latest expansion. Its support ensures we can move quickly to establish Everun as a complete renewable energy services solution for businesses across the UK and Ireland.”

Everun recently announced a new partnership with Scottish engineering firm MCE Scotland to introduce its innovative Turntide Smart Motor Systems to the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) market across Scotland. The system is 80% more energy-efficient than traditional motors. The partnership was announced in May at the Invest NI stand at the All-Energy Conference 2023 in Glasgow. 

Grainne McVeigh, Invest NI’s Director of Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering, said: “Everun is helping businesses across the UK and Ireland to achieve their sustainability goals and reduce their carbon footprint. Through its range of renewable power solutions, the company is not only offering protection from volatile energy markets but is also providing products and services that help businesses reduce costs and improve productivity.

“Invest NI has identified the green economy as a key driver that will be central to Northern Ireland’s future. Our support for innovative companies like Everun aligns with the Department for the Economy’s 10X economic vision to transition to a greener, more sustainable economy.”

Invest NI recently published its Key Performance Indicators statistics which show that in 2022 businesses it supports accounted for approximately 75 per cent of Northern Ireland exports, with sales in the Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering sector increasing by £1bn over 2021.

New Service For Economically Inactive Across NI Launches To Combat Unemployment

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Enterprise NI and Prince’s Trust team up to deliver Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service to 1200 people

A new service aimed at engaging Northern Ireland’s most economically inactive people was launched by Enterprise NI and Prince’s Trust this week.

The new service Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service (NIEESS), is set to run until March 31, 2025. It will offer anyone across the country, considered economically inactive the ability to develop their entrepreneurial and employability skills.

This project has received £1.8m from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is set to target around,1200 individuals aged 16 and above.

The service, delivered by Local Enterprise Agencies and Prince’s Trust will improve enterprise, interpersonal, and employability skills of those taking part, helping them improve their marketability as a candidate and ultimately become self-employed or find a job.

The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency’s 2022 (NISRA) Labour Market Report found that people who are economically non-responsive made up around 28.3% of the 16-64 age group between April – June 2022, meaning that over a quarter of the eligible working population weren’t working at all or looking for work.

Michael McQuillan, Chief Executive of Enterprise Northern Ireland said: “We are very excited about the new service and how it puts the citizen at the centre of a range of supports, connecting them with the right support at the right time. 

“In doing so, we feel our partnership with Prince’s Trust NI will ensure citizens throughout Northern Ireland experiencing the barriers of economic inactivity will have the opportunity to make personal and positive strides in their lives.”

By encouraging out-of-work individuals to develop themselves both personally and professionally, the aim of the service is to boost the economy by helping participants become economically active.

NIEESS is aimed at individuals who have been out of employment for a minimum of four weeks and those who are currently unable to start a new position due to everything from a lack of transferable skills to an inability to engage with the job market due to personal circumstances.

Mark Dougan, NI Director of the Prince’s Trust NI said: “In the Prince’s Trust, our ambition is to give more disadvantaged young people the opportunity to create a better future through Employment, Education and Enterprise. 

“We have a long history of supporting young people to explore their business idea, with many progressing into self-employment with the support of our staff and expert business volunteers. 

“The Prince’s Trust are excited to be working in partnership with Enterprise Northern Ireland to launch the Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service, which will give local entrepreneurs the opportunity to explore, test and refine their business idea and journey towards self-employment.”

The service delivery partners will identify mentors and trainers who will be on-hand for the service users to offer a participant centric approach meaning everyone who signs up will be given a tailored package of support which will provide holistic support targeted to their individual needs and areas where people require the most assistance.

It is estimated that the scheme will provide assistance to over 1200 service users helping them to transition towards employment or entrepreneurship.

For more information about the Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service (NIEESS) go to enterpriseni.com 

Get Set for the Armoy Road Races –  Launch of 2023 Races at Bayview Hotel

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THE village of Armoy is gearing up for this year’s Armoy Road Races Bayview Hotel Race of Legends as it prepares for a weekend of world class road racing over the 28th and 29th July 2023.

On Wednesday afternoon, members from Armoy Motorcycling Road Racing Club (AMRRC) launched this year’s event at the Bayview Hotel in Portballintrae.

Road racers, sponsors and invited guests including the new Mayor of the Causeway Coast and Glens, Cllr Steven Callaghan, had the opportunity to come together to mark the launch and countdown to the days to the races.

Hosted by title sponsor, Trevor Kane, owner of the Bayview Hotel, guests heard from the Chairman and Clerk of the Course of AMRRC, William Munnis as he outlined the race schedule for 2023 and the club’s relief that this year’s meet was able to go ahead following the uncertainty that faced them earlier in the year regarding associated costs.

Guests also had the opportunity to meet and greet some of this year’s riders including local men Paul Jordan, riding for PreZ Racing, Adam McClean who continues his new 2023 partnership with JMcC Roofing and Neil Kernohan from Kernohan Racing.

Following the launch, the Club’s Chairman William Munnis said, “Preparations are well under way for this year’s Armoy Road Races.  This is our fourteenth year of holding the event and we are indebted to all the riders and loyal fans who continue to support us each year.

“Race entries are due to close on Monday 26th June 2023 and in addition to the strong local entries we’ve received, we also have riders from USA, France, England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man.  This year promises to be another exciting weekend of racing for all our fans and sponsors.

“Today’s launch gives us the opportunity to come together and thank our many sponsors as without their financial help and support we would not be able to stage the races.  Trevor Kane from the Bayview Hotel has once again committed his support to the Armoy Road Races with his continued sponsorship of the Race of Legends.

“Our returning sponsors include Hilton Car Sales, James McKillop, Ian Hickinson, Steadplan Sales, MJF Builders, Diamond Bar and the Mermaid Club, Roadside Garages, Park Electrical Services, David Chambers from Brap Moto, Fay Stewart along with the Bayview Hotel.  I’m also delighted to see new sponsors, Causeway Geotech, EMA Building and Civils, Taggart’s Barn, McNally&Co and Raymond Hodges and TT Racing join us and I’m sure they will enjoy the race experience!”

In the lead up to the races, the Club hosts a popular Bike Week which runs from Sunday 23rd July until Saturday 29th July with all events listed on the club’s Facebook and Twitter pages. The Armoy Road Races event is enabled by funding from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

For more information on Armoy Road Races, visit www.armoyroadraces.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook or follow on twitter @ArmoyRoadRaces.

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