From viewing original costumes from the planet’s biggest TV show to sampling whiskey in the birthplace of the world’s most famous ship, one of our most loved actors has been on a voyage of discovery to enjoy some of Northern Ireland’s unique visitor attractions.

Kathy Kiera Clarke, or Aunt Sarah to millions of global fans of the smash hit comedy series, Derry Girls, recently embarked on her own giant adventure to explore some of the places and experiences you can embrace in Northern Ireland that you just can’t find anywhere else. 

And, as the nights draw in, you can holiday like a Derry Girl as Tourism Northern Ireland has recreated Kathy’s itinerary on its website, with a few extra stops along the way for inspiration.

Kathy said: “I’m born and bred in Belfast and it’s always lovely to come home. Every time I come back it seems like there is something new to see, there is a real vibrancy about the place.

“While I’ve always known this place is special, I am thrilled to see that so many people from all over the world think the same. We are truly blessed to have so many amazing places to visit and they’re right on our doorstep.

“For my trip, I wanted to experience Northern Ireland as one of the millions of visitors who come for our world class visitor attractions, award-winning food and drink, giant experiences and amazing scenery.

“If you haven’t had a short break in Northern Ireland for a while, I would highly recommend it.

“There’s never a bad time to visit but now as the seasons change, a short break is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy the natural landscapes or while away the hours in a snug beside a roaring fire.

“You can find great value, too – there would be no need for Derry Girl, Jenny Joyce to dip too far into her famous trust fund, as a short trip won’t break the bank.

“The people I met along the way underlined how we are a warm and friendly bunch and always ready for a bit of craic. Is it the people or the scenery that makes Northern Ireland so special – that’s a question that could spark endless debate.”

Kathy’s trip included a stay in Belfast’s Grand Central Hotel, an introduction to the Seedhead Arts Street Art Walking Tour, a tour of Titanic Distillers, a stop-off at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace and a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour.

She also called at Bushmills Inn, the Magheracross Viewpoint outside Portrush, took a NI Black Taxi Tour and marvelled at the beauty of Enniskeen Estate & Forest Spa which is set within the Mourne Mountains.

Kathy said: “Did you know it was the landscape around the Mournes and across to Rostrevor that inspired C.S Lewis to create Narnia for his chronicles, which would go on to become one of the all-time classics of children’s literature?

“At Enniskeen you really get a sense of this fairytale world, there really is nowhere else like it. Sitting by the fire with that extraordinary view in the distance is just good for the soul.

“When I visited the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, I took my personal copy of one of his books and it gave me shivers to stand there and look at his personal effects, including the pens he used to create his masterpieces. Fans come from all over the world and it’s almost like a pilgrimage for them, we’re so lucky to have it on our doorstep.

“I’ve already started thinking about what to pack for my next trip to Northern Ireland. From climbing the famous Cuilcagh Boardwalk, sampling County Armagh’s ciders to walking in the footsteps of giants under the night sky at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, sure, where else would you get it?”

To plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland this autumn and winter or to find Kathy’s itinerary, visit discovernorthernireland.com.

Get ready for a hair-raising adventure this Christmas at The Market Place Theatre with the spectacular pantomime extravaganza, Rapunzel.

Let your imagination run wild as we unravel the story of Rapunzel, the lonely princess with golden hair who is trapped in a tower and longing for a life of adventure in the outside world. With the help of some ‘a-moo-zing’ animal friends and Dame Pam Loaf, will Rapunzel be able to escape the tower she has been locked in since birth by the evil witch and be reunited with her family?

Brought to you by a superb cast of colourful characters, Rapunzel promises a whirlwind of dazzling costumes, laugh-out-loud comedy, captivating musical numbers and plenty of audience participation in a pantomime that is sure to be a cut above the rest.

So let your hair down and join us for an unforgettably festive experience coupled with The Market Place Theatre’s renowned reputation for high quality, professional pantomimes that are up there with the best!

‘Rapunzel’ will run from Saturday 30 November to Sunday 22 December, with a range of times to suit all busy schedules! Prices range from £14 to £18.50. Tickets are flying out the door, so hurry to book yours now!

To book your tickets for the most exciting pantomime of the season, phone the Box Office now on 03300 561 025, or book online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre.. The house is sure to be packed to the rafters for this festive hit! There will be BSL signed, captioned and relaxed performances during the run. Please contact the Box Office for full details.

To keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

NI’s biggest holiday fair to return with new title sponsor and a new city centre venue

Taking place at the ICC Belfast in January 2025, Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News is a three-day event that showcases a huge choice of dazzling travel options at home and abroad to more than 11,000 visitors every year.

With the days getting colder and the nights getting longer, people’s thoughts are turning to holidays and what better way to kick off 2025 than to start planning your dream holiday with a visit to the province’s biggest annual celebration of travel and tourism, now celebrating its 32^nd year in Belfast.

Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News will open its doors to the public from 12.30pm to 5pm on Friday January 10, and from 10am until 5pm on Saturday January 11 and Sunday January 12.  A dedicated Trade and Media morning will take also place on the Friday from 10am to 12.30pm with registration available at https://holidayworld.registrationdesk.ie/belfast/.

Visitors to the show will have a chance to snap up dozens of exclusive ‘show only’ deals, get the inside track on where to go from operators and destinations, discover new ideas and holiday trends, and receive advice from travel professionals on how to pay less for their holiday.  Some lucky guests could even go home with a free holiday – if they win one of the many ‘free to enter’ prize draws that will run throughout the show.

With a new sponsor and new venue on board, Maria Hourican, Chief Executive of Business Exhibitions Ltd, the company which organises the Holiday World Shows in Belfast and Dublin, said she was doubly excited about January’s show.

“Today is a very special day for us as we proudly launch our 32nd annual Holiday World Belfast Show in association with Bookit by NI Travel News,” said Maria.  “Since our very first show in Belfast, Jonathan Adair and the team at NI Travel News have always been very supportive, as they have been of the entire NI travel industry.

“As a valuable partner for this year’s show, Jonathan brings with him a vault of knowledge, eagerness and experience of the industry from both a travel trade and consumer point of view – so we are absolutely delighted to welcome him on board with Bookit, an exciting new travel hub that offers members a range of great holiday deals every week – which makes it a very good fit for our own Holiday World brand,” she added.

“Also, after many years at the Kings Hall and then the Titanic Exhibition Centre, we are thrilled and excited to bring the 32^nd annual Holiday World Show into the heart of Belfast’s City Centre for the very first time. Having our event at the ICC Belfast will make it so much more accessible to thousands of people in the city wanting to explore their holiday options for 2025 and grab themselves a good bargain in the process.

“With operators and destinations from around the world and closer to home, all under one roof, next year’s show in January promises to be bigger and better than ever, offering visitors a one-stop-shop for all their travel dreams. Visitors will get the chance to do their travel research face-to-face, chatting with sector professionals in a lively, fun-filled environment that’s all about getting into holiday mood.

“There really is something for everyone,” concluded Maria. “Whether you like the thought of relaxing on a sunny beach, a cruise on the high seas, an exciting city break, or uncovering a hidden gem closer to home, you can be sure that Holiday World Show has it covered.”

New show sponsor Bookit by NI Travel News is a membership-based travel hub, created by long-running travel publication Northern Ireland Travel News, that offers members a range of weekly holiday deals and offers, from cruise to ski, family breaks abroad, local breaks, city breaks, long haul family specials and everything in between.

For a subscription fee of just £10 per year, members will receive a minimum of 10 fantastic travel offers straight to their inboxes each week – all hand-selected and supplied by local NI travel agents, providing members with peace of mind that their holiday is protected and their money secure.

Jonathan Adair, Managing Director of NI Travel News, is looking forward to bringing Bookit by NI Travel News to Holiday World Show Belfast for the first time.

“At NI Travel News, we’ve supported the annual Holiday World Show Belfast since it first came to Belfast 32 years ago, so I am delighted to strengthen our relationship further and continue our support as title sponsor of January’s event,” said Jonathan.

“For more than 35 years, NI Travel News has been the go-to publication and online hub for holidaymakers across the province. We have now taken our experience in the travel and tourism industry to the next level by providing our readers with the best holiday deals via our new membership hub – Bookit by NITN.

“With the launch of our new travel agent offers platform to the public, and a brand new venue for the Show, this is perfect time to profile Bookit by NI Travel News. We have exhibited at Holiday World since the beginning, but this is the first time we will be showcasing the best offers from our local travel agents every week. I am looking forward to the new Exhibition in the ICC with all the exciting holiday options on offer,” he added.

Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News will play host to international tourist boards, destinations, airlines, cruise & ferry companies, hotels and B&Bs, visitor attractions, travel agencies and a vast range of service providers.

Operators and destinations already confirmed include Malta, Spain, Cyprus, Travel Solutions, Air Canada, Cleveland, Oklahoma & Grapevine Texas, Costa Del Sol Living, Tunisia, Hays Travel, Stena Line, Irish Ferries, Barrhead Travel, Camino groups and French camping sites, with the promise of more to be announced over the next two months.

One of the fastest growing areas of the holiday industry is undoubtedly the cruise sector – which is reflected at the show, with a dedicated cruise showcase hosted by local specialist Oasis Travel.

For those who like to holiday closer to home, Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News also features a wide range of hotels and accommodation providers, visitor attractions and tourism organisations from across Ireland and the UK.

Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News will take place at the ICC Belfast at 2 Lanyon Place, Belfast BT1 3WH, from Friday January 10 until Sunday January 12, 2025.

Tickets cost £5 for adults; £4 for Senior Citizens and £3 for Students. A special family ticket gives admission for two adults and up to four children for just £10 and a 2-for-1 ticket deal is available online at https://holidayworld.registrationdesk.ie/2-for-1-voucher-belfast/.

All travel trade and media are invited to register and attend the Trade and Media morning on Friday January 10 (10am–12.30pm). To register, visit https://holidayworld.registrationdesk.ie/belfast/.

For more information and all the latest event updates, visit https://holidayworldshowni.com/.

Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards welcomes two new art exhibitions for the month of November: Aspire: Ventures in Craft, a group exhibition between by Homo Faber Fellows 2023: Claire Mooney, Jackson Byrne, Richard Butler and Noel Donnellan and Lemon Juice, a solo exhibition by Kathryn Graham.

In Aspire: Ventures in Craft, the artists, who all recently completed an internship ran by the Michelangelo Foundation, explore themes of sustainability, links to the land and the transmission of traditional skills in the contemporary field. The Homo Faber Fellowship enabled this group to develop their practice and work alongside master artisans.

This show celebrates the learning, development and collaborations which took place throughout this time. From photographs, drawings, and tests to final outcomes, this show is a window on their learning process while showcasing craft to a new audience. Aspire: Ventures in Craft will show in the Georgian Gallery.

Lemon Juice reflects on the proverbial phrase, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” The exhibition investigates the role of images as emblematic mediators of memory, exploring symbols and motifs from popular media, both past and present. It playfully examines perception and perspective, questioning our differing views of the world and the stories we tell ourselves.

Kathryn Graham is a Belfast based visual artist and lecturer at Belfast School of Art. Graham’s work is informed by playful exploration of material through mixed media printmaking, drawing, installation and sculpture. Lemon Juice will be on display in the Sunburst Gallery.

Both exhibitions open on Friday 1 November and continue until Thursday 28 November. Admission to Ards Arts Centre is free.

 

All are welcome to attend a preview event in Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 7 November at 7pm.

For more information visit; www.andculture.org.uk

Here are ten exciting things to do 4 – 10 November

 

1. Thursday Movie Nights at The Bushmills Inn, Bushmills, County Antrim, Every Thursday in November. Everyone loves a night at the movies. Enjoy small, intimate screenings of the latest blockbusters in the exclusive surroundings of the boutique cinema at The Bushmills Inn. Enjoy two courses from the Cinema Supper Menu served at 6.00pm with the movie beginning at 8.00pm.
2. Tearoom Talk – The Ghosts of Rathlin Island, Ballintoy, County Antrim, 7 November. Join the Carrick-a-Rede team for a cosy, winter get together in their Tearoom on Thursday 7 November at 7:30pm, for an evening of captivating storytelling, sure to make your imagination go wild, beginning with The Ghosts of Rathlin Island. Your Storyteller for the evening, Teresa, lived and worked in the 268-year-old Georgian Manor House and experienced unexplained disturbances first-hand, as well as hearing of other supernatural encounters from around the island.
3. OM Odyssey Outdoor Film Projection, Davagh Forest, County Tyrone, Starting 4 November. The OM Odyssey will take you on a journey through time and space with a unique viewing experience, projected on to the outside of the Observatory building. Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you’ll be sitting outside to watch the OM Odyssey, so dress appropriately and wrap up warm. The film projection lasts approximately 12 minutes.
4. Jurassic Roar, Strabane, County Tyrone, 9 November. With the latest animatronic technology and award-winning puppetry, you will be awestruck. This entertaining and educational event allows you to experience up close some of the most realistic dinosaurs in the world. The show centres around a magical professor who takes you back in time, 65 million years to be precise. Meet Archie the cheeky anklysaurus, Bluey the fun velociraptor, and many more including a full-size Triceratops and T – Rex.
5. Sound of Belfast at Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast, 7 – 17 November. With an impressive line-up of 82 events spread across 43 venues across Belfast, this festival is a testament to the city’s thriving and diverse musical landscape. This annual celebration is dedicated to showcasing Belfast’s musical talents and its status as a UNESCO City of Music. Spanning gospel to garage rock, electronic to rap, the festival celebrates our world class music community through collaboration, partnerships and specially curated events across the city.
6. Nocturnal Nature at Crom Estate, Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh, 7 and 14 November. Join their expert rangers for an exclusive after-hours adventure across the estate. Using a night vision camera, you’ll explore the grounds and catch glimpses of deer and other nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat. Along the way, you’ll also discover parts of the estate rarely seen at night and have the opportunity to ask their knowledgeable team questions about Crom’s wildlife.
7. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, County Armagh, visit website for dates and times. For the science and space enthusiast, spend the day exploring Northern Ireland’s leading astronomical research and education facility. In the Planetarium’s Digital Full Dome Theatre, you can sit back, relax and experience the wonders of our Universe. Take a tour of the night sky and discover how their scientific research has impacted the field of astronomy. Check out their website for upcoming events and festive themed experiences, like Mission Santa.
8. Live Music at The Copeland Distillery, Donaghadee, County Down, 1 and 8 November. Join The Copeland Distillery on the following dates for great cocktails and live music.
   Friday 1st November – Local musician, Pete Devlin and Friday 8th November – Living Groove. The bar will be open from 4pm-10pm with live music from 7.30pm-9.30pm.
9. Cranfield Alpaca Beach Treks – Autumn Dates, Kilkeel, County Down, 2,6,9,12 November and more dates. Meet your friendly alpaca and take them for a leisurely stroll down country lanes, enjoying the stunning views as you head down to our beautiful, golden beach. The Alpacas absolutely adore being walked on the beach. Join them for some fun in the sand and have an experience unlike any other. The beach trek lasts approx. 90 minutes and includes refreshments. This experience is not suitable for young children aged 7 years and under.
10. The Derry Girls Experience at Tower Museum, Derry~Londonderry, visit website for open dates and time. Visit the home of Derry Girls and discover where it all began! See original memorabilia from the hit show, like Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s famous pajamas 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. Don’t miss your chance to sit on her chair and roll your eyes at anyone who crosses your path.

 

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com.

Tails will be wagging in Belfast next month as leading pet retailer Jollyes partners with Northern Ireland’s leading photography centre, Belfast Exposed to celebrate our canine companions.

 As part of the city’s Late Night Art initiative, the ‘We Love Dogs!’ exhibition will open on Thursday, November 7.

Running until December 21, this pawfect, pet-friendly exhibition will feature hundreds of portraits, action shots and images of candid moments of the region’s pets.

There will be special VIP (very important pup) events on opening night (Nov 7) and Thursday, December 5 as pups and their people will be granted access from 5-6pm before the doors open officially to the public.

The exhibition will also host a ‘Give A Dog A Home’ space where images from seven Northern Ireland dog rescue and rehoming centres will showcase current residents seeking their forever home.

And, on Saturday, 7 December and Saturday, 14 December, pet parents are invited to bring their furry best friend to meet Santa Paws himself at Belfast Exposed’s Christmas Grotto.

Jollyes’ Northern Ireland regional manager Laura Hadden said the event provides the pawfect platform from which to celebrate the region’s delightful dogs.

She said, “Over the years we’ve built up a solid bond with our customers and their pets and this opportunity to celebrate the joy dogs bring to the lives of their owners is something we are excited to be involved with.

“We are delighted to see Belfast Exposed partner with seven dog rescue centres from across Northern Ireland and hope that all the dogs featured in the ‘Give A Dog A Home’ space can find their forever home.

“And, of course, I know my colleagues and I are eager to see the exhibition in all its glory and we cannot wait to meet Santa Paws in December.”

Belfast Exposed CEO, Deirdre Robb, welcomed Jollyes’ support for the event.

She said, “Jollyes is a household name right across Northern Ireland and we are thrilled to have their support for our ‘We Love Dogs!’ exhibition in the Studio gallery this November and December.

“When we put out an open call for submissions, we expected a lot of responses but have been blown away by the hundreds of wonderful images we received from both amateur and professional photographers.

“The gallery has always been a dog-friendly space, and this exhibition will feature several special events for VIPs (Very Important Pups) including an early opening time of 5-6pm for dogs and their people at Late Night Art, and a Santa’s Grotto in December.

“And, of course, the ‘Give A Dog A Home’ space is a really important element of this exhibition and one we are all proud to feature. Who knows, a gallery visitor might just find their perfect pooch.”

To find out more about Belfast Exposed’s ‘We Love Dogs!’ Exhibition visit We Love Dogs! – Belfast Exposed. To book your free slot at the Christmas Grotto visit Santa Paws- Belfast Exposed.

For more information about Jollyes, visit www.jollyes.co.uk or check out Jollyes’ social media on Twitter and Instagram.

Finalists in The Knitting & Stitching Show’s competition revealed ahead of show’s debut at Titanic Exhibition Centre

With only a week to go until Northern Ireland’s crafters and knitters flock to Belfast’s inaugural The Knitting & Stitching Show, the finalists in this year’s dressmaking competition, sponsored by Janome, have been revealed.

14 finalists from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are competing for the chance to get their hands on a Janome sewing machine worth £850.

This year is the 175^th anniversary of the Belfast School of Art which is now housed in Ulster University and three of the designs destined for the catwalk on Sunday, 10^th November have come from UU graduates.

Ariane Sloan graduated from UU’s textile art design and fashion course where she specialised in knitwear design. Her entry – a crochet babydoll dress with a bonnet – is inspired by her research on how knitting and crocheting techniques have evolved in the fashion world.

Bringing sustainability to the forefront of her design, and inspired by the insects of Northern Ireland, is UU graduate, Kiya Parr, who has designed a reversible jumper and a hand dyed skirt.

Their fellow UU alum Olive Mulvenna has upcycled/repurposed a top and trousers that is inspired by the unnecessary waste generated by fast fashion and textile waste.

These designs will compete against 2nd year Belfast MET student, Lucy Kavanagh-Dick’s patchwork denim jorts and 17-year-old Charlie Wells’ extravagant puffer jacket and matching skirt.

Fatima Naqvi, Event Organiser of the Knitting & Stitching Show Belfast, said she cannot wait to see these inspiring designs take to the catwalk.

She said: “We know Belfast has a rich history of crafting and skills and I cannot wait to see these designs take to the catwalk on the final day of our show – it will make for a great finale to a great weekend.”

Featuring over 140 crafting workshops and 100 brands to shop from, the K&S show takes place at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast from November 7-10.

Visit theknittingandstitchingshow.com to explore all the events taking place and get your tickets now.