Offers of the Week from Discover NI

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The Titanic Hotel Belfast

The Titanic Hotel Belfast is offering the ultimate midweek break in the heart of the Titanic Quarter. The Midweek Sail package offers a luxurious stay and delicious buffet breakfast from £159 per person sharing a night. During your stay, you can enjoy the complimentary 24-hour car parking, allowing you to explore the diverse city of Belfast with ease. The area has many fascinating sites including the world-leading visitor attraction Titanic Belfast, the newly re-opened HMS Caroline and the new Titanic Distillery. Visit https://www.titanichotelbelfast.com/ for more information.

City Hotel Derry, Derry~Londonderry

The City Hotel Derry is offering a special Golden Years Break. Enjoy a romantic two-night stay at the central hotel, including breakfast and one three-course meal on an evening of your choice, from £156 per person sharing a night. Perched on the banks of the River Foyle, within a five-minute walk from the historic Derry Walls, the 4 star City Hotel Derry is the ideal location to explore this vibrant city. Visit https://www.cityhotelderry.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/

Water Is Not An Infinite Business Resource

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By Karl Fox, General Manager, PAC Enviro 

Late last year as global leaders met in Sharam El-Sheikh to discuss climate change at COP27 the issue of water, whether it be flooding in Pakistan or drought in east Africa was never far from the news reports. But the impact of water, and wastewater, closer to home is something that the industry must consider.

To the casual observer, it may seem strange that, in a country so blessed with rainfall, wastewater can have an environmental impact, yet the very treatment of it and managing the processes are drivers of change.

There are real costs in managing wastewater such as energy use and real costs to the environment if not done correctly. Industrial and domestic wastewater disposal is estimated to contribute nine per cent of worldwide anthropogenic methane emissions.

At PAC Enviro, a division of PAC Group, we are conscious that our clients, large and small, want to be part of the solution to the challenges set at COP27, and the ambitious targets set by Northern Ireland’s Climate Action Plan.

Managing water in the workplace is a task that, in some ways, is similar to what you might do at home. Leaks from taps, inefficient toilet flushes and water used in cleaning are all part of the water use mix, but for businesses, there is the added driver of water charges, whether metered or assessed.

Businesses from all sectors from hospitality right through to major manufacturers can not only contribute to the climate goals but also save financially by committing to reusing their water by harvesting, treating and reusing their grey water, wastewater and rainwater.

As water is used at a high volume in manufacturing and engineering it is a resource that must be looked at in planning. Project management and applying the right software are the headline services that can be looked at for water use and wastewater treatment.

From screening the wastewater through to clarification and effluent disposal it can be up to an eight-stage process. Control and automation, plant optimisation, stand-alone solutions, upgrades, associated mechanical and services and pumping station control are part of the mix to be considered across all industry sectors, including agricultural, transport, manufacturing, hospitality and much more.

It is because of the breadth of water usage that all must take on the challenges. Where is our water used? How much does it cost? How is our wastewater managed? What impact does it have on climate? The answers to these questions are available and can be applied in a cost-effective way, in addition to working towards environmental accreditation to reassure clients that it is a responsible business.

That word – responsible – resonates across all industries as every part of society is becoming more acutely aware of the impact that there is no time to wait, and delays will be frowned upon.

I’m not talking about the extreme protests seen across England’s roads and motorways, but the ordinary person who is becoming more conscious of what they are contributing to climate change. That so-called ordinary person is a voter, a business owner, and a consumer. They each want to be part of the solution.

A business’ contribution to achieving net zero is not just an altruistic ambition but it also makes sense when applied to the bottom line. There are real economic advantages to looking at sustainable business planning. Managing wastewater must be part of that mix. Married with renewable energy sources such as solar panels, that target can be achieved.

With the recent increase in non-domestic water and sewerage rates in Northern Ireland, all businesses can not only contribute to achieving net zero but also save money by treating and reusing their grey water, rainwater and modern technology now means even their wastewater can be treated and reused.

The Climate Action Plan will demand that 80% of Northern Ireland’s energy will be from renewable resources by 2030. Unfortunately, we are well away from achieving that target despite almost 50% coming from those sources in 2022 from a base of almost zero 15 years ago.

The country stands at an environmental and economic crossroads. We as individuals can take action; we as business owners and investors can take action.

Businesses such as PAC Enviro and our other PAC Group divisions have been working towards developing efficient, environmentally sensitive solutions. Instead of staring into an abyss wondering what to do, the services are at hand. Whether it be the private or public sector there are ways to tackle the pressing issues for all of the country, and across the UK and Ireland.

What we cannot afford to do is avoid the need to act now. The future health and wellbeing of all of us and our country might seem like hyperbole, but it is the reality. Planning for the next business cycle may take up a lot of time, but a longer vision is also key.

The next time we are caught in a downpour, walk along a river, or even drive past a wastewater treatment plant it is worth considering how that precious resource is managed and how effective management can contribute to a more sustainable future.

VISIT THE WOODLAND TRUST’S BLUEBELL WOODS IN FULL BLOOM

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The enchanting and iconic bluebell wood is a breath-taking sight.

The Woodland Trust cares for more than 50 native woods in Northern Ireland, making it one of the most important organisations for native bluebell colonies.

Bluebells bloom in April and May before the woodland canopy closes but are sensitive plants and take at least five years to establish and colonise. Bluebells hit their peak at different times across the UK and Ireland, and it can take until mid-May before woods in Northern Ireland are at their peak.

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland wants to welcome visitors to the charity’s numerous sites throughout the region so everyone can have the chance to enjoy the spectacular spring-time sight of a bluebell-carpeted woodland. The conservation charity’s top picks to visit this year include: Mourne Park in Kilkeel, Drumnaph Wood in Maghera and Prehen Wood in Derry/ Londonderry.

Mourne Park

With 156 hectares of woodland and 73 hectares of precious ancient woodland, Mourne Park is flourishing with multitudes of vibrant bluebells. The Woodland Trust even named one of its new trails ‘The Bluebell Walk’, a 1.8km amble through ancient woodland past a dense carpet of bluebells.

www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/mournepark

Drumnaph Wood

One of the finest bluebell woods in Northern Ireland is Drumnaph Wood, Maghera, at the gateway to the Sperrins. This beautiful ancient woodland is one of the few remaining fragments of a great forest that once covered much of mid-Ulster. Enjoy an abundance of bluebells in the flower-rich woods and try spotting Irish hares in the rushy meadows.

Drumnaph Woods – Visiting Woods – Woodland Trust

Prehen Wood

This rare and irreplaceable ancient woodland has a magical feel, with carpets of bluebell, celandine and wood anemone in the spring. It is home to the sparrowhawk, long-eared owl and offers terrific views overlooking the Maiden City, and the River Foyle.

Prehen Wood – Visiting Woods – Woodland Trust

Woodland Trust Northern Ireland Estate and Project Manager Dave Scott said:

“Ancient woods carpeted with bluebells are without doubt a sensory delight for people to visit. Our native bluebells are vital both ecologically and culturally and they are often found in ancient woodlands because large colonies take so long to establish. The early blooms provide an important source of pollen and nectar for emerging insects.”

The Woodland Trust is asking visitors to its bluebell woods to enjoy the natural splendour this spring, while being careful not to destroy any flowers by sticking to proper paths and keeping dogs on leads.

Dave continued: “It can be very tempting to stray from the path for that perfect photo or to get away from the crowds sometimes. But it is vital we do all we can to look after bluebells for future generations because trampling by people and dogs can cause serious damage in seconds.”

The Woodland Trust’s Love Your Woods campaign encourages people to help protect woods and nature for the future. Visitors can play their part by following some simple guidelines, including staying on paths, taking dog mess and litter home, and protecting wildlife by keeping dogs close and staying fire free.

Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact the Woodland Trust press office on 01476 602993 or email media@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Love Your Woods Love your woods – Woodland Trust

Woodland Trust sites are free to enter and open all year round so come prepared for nature in its natural state. This means no toilets, cafés, bins, or cleaning staff – just unmissable views, clean air, birdsong, and woodland paths for you to wander along to your heart’s content. You can help protect woods and nature for the future by following these top tips for your visit:

  • Stay on the paths
  • Take dog mess and litter home with you
  • Protect wildlife by keeping dogs close
  • Stay fire free
  • Leave sleepovers to the wildlife
  • Be considerate with den building
  • Park with consideration for others
  • Swimming is for wildlife only
  • Woods are not good for rock climbing which destroys precious habitats
  • Check access rules before cycling

The Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK with more than 500,000 supporters. It wants to see a UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife.

The Trust has three key aims:

  • protect ancient woodland, which is rare, unique, and irreplaceable

restoration of damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life

  • establish native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife

Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 29,000 hectares. Access to its woods is free so everyone can benefit from woods and trees.

COMMUNITIES COME TOGETHER ACROSS NORTHERN IRELAND TO CELEBRATE WITH CORONATION BIG LUNCH

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Communities the length and breadth of Northern Ireland will come together this weekend to celebrate the Coronation with a series of Big Lunch events.

From Carrickfergus to Bangor, Enniskillen to Bushmills, communities are gathering to share food, friendship and fun with the Coronation Big Lunch, an idea from Eden Project made possible by National Lottery.

Ainsley Harriott, Ambassador to The Big Lunch and Coronation Big Lunch, is urging the people of NI to take part in a ‘Big Knock’ to invite neighbours to join in Coronation Big Lunch celebrations. www.coronationbiglunch.com

Coronation Big Lunch events are taking place across Northern Ireland and include street parties, galas, public picnics, fancy dress parades and much more.

Grainne McCloskey, Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Manager at Eden Project Communities, who are behind The Big Lunch, said: “Community spirit is at the heart of this historic occasion, and we hope organisers will go on to make The Big Lunch an annual celebration of neighbourhood.

“With so many digging out the bunting, rustling up their favourite dishes and rallying the neighbours for a bit of craic, we’re sure it’s going to be a weekend to remember.”

Established in 2009, The Big Lunch takes place every year and encourages neighbours and communities to share food as a huge act of community spirit and this year neighbours can celebrate community with the Coronation Big Lunch and throughout Month of Community in June.

Research after last year’s Big Lunch evidenced more than eleven million people say they felt less lonely, 92% of organisers reported it had a positive impact on their community, and almost two thirds of people who took part said it encouraged people to get more involved in voluntary work. Since 2015, Big Lunch organisers have raised £70 million for good causes and the hope is more will be raised in 2023.

The Coronation Big Lunch, an idea from the Eden Project, made possible by The National Lottery, forms part of the celebrations for His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort’s Coronation Weekend. The Queen Consort has been Patron of The Big Lunch initiative since 2013.

For more information, to find an event taking place near you on the Coronation Big Lunch interactive map, or to register your own plans and download the special letter from the King and Queen, visit www.CoronationBigLunch.com

Renewables Firm Everun Sign On As Sponsor For All-Ireland Sustainability Awards

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Belfast renewables firm Everun have been confirmed as one of the leading sponsors of the forthcoming All-Ireland Sustainability Awards. 

The event, hosted by Barra Best, will take place on October 5 in the Grand Ballroom of the Europa Hotel in Belfast.

With sustainability and the net-zero agenda firmly on the radar for everyone, the race is now on to find the best examples of sustainability.

Everun is joined by companies such as  Visit Belfast, International Synergies NI, Danske, NIE Networks, Veri Connect and Ulster Bank who are supporting the event this year.

There are 14 awards being presented on the evening with 13 categories open for nomination to represent the wider sustainability agenda, these include:

  • Agri-Food Initiative of the Year
  • Biodiversity Initiative of the Year
  • Young Changemaker of the Year
  • Housing / Buildings Initiative
  • Consultant / Consultancy of the Year
  • Waste, Resource Management & Circular Economy Initiative of the Year Food
  • Waste Reduction Initiative of the Year
  • Energy Initiative / Project of the Year
  • Green Exporter of the Year
  • Net-Zero Initiative of the Year
  • Green Marketing / Stakeholder Engagement Initiative of the Year
  • Social Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year
  • Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Initiative of the Year

There is also the Overall Winner of the Year 2023, which will be the final award of the evening. This prestigious title will go to one business, selected from all the category winners of the evening, to be awarded the most Sustainable Business of the Year 2023. 

Danielle McCormick of Triterra and founder of All-Ireland Sustainability, explained: “All-Ireland Sustainability began in November 2020 with our free online networking group, the goal of which was to drive the sustainability agenda, and positive change, across the region, share best practice and learnings and create collaboration opportunities. 

“I am proud to say that the Network now has 400 members across NI and Ireland, we have run two All-Ireland Sustainability Summits in 2022 and are now looking forward to delivering our first Awards event in October.”

Ross Moffett, Sales & Business Development Director at Everun, added: “We are delighted to partner in the inaugural All-Ireland Sustainability Awards this October as the ethos of these events was a natural fit with our own. 

“At Everun we are focused on helping our customers become more sustainable through reducing energy consumption, and we felt that the awards were a fantastic opportunity to recognise all the great work being achieved across the island of Ireland to drive and accelerate positive change across the sustainability agenda. 

“We are looking forward to being involved in the judging process and can’t wait to hear more about the individuals and organisations making a difference across this year’s categories.” 

The awards are completely free to enter, and individuals can nominate themselves, their organisation, or a colleague for an award. Entries are now open and will remain open until August 15 with finalists expected to be announced the week commencing September 4.

“We are extremely grateful to all of our sponsors and partners, without whom the awards evening simply wouldn’t be possible, and are absolutely thrilled to have young and upcoming Northern Irish artist, Ruthie Stewart, design a unique trophy, especially for our event,” said Danielle, adding: “We have an absolutely amazing evening organised up for our guests, including a super line-up of local musicians and entertainment, as well as a local produce menu designed by the Europa team for guests to enjoy on the night. 

“We’re delighted to have entries now open and to celebrate all exciting and innovative sustainable developments at our awards event in October.”

Award categories, nomination forms and further details can be found at: www.allirelandsustainability.com 

Renewables Firms Welcome Long Overdue Electricity Network Upgrade

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NI companies say investment plans will kickstart efforts to achieve net zero goal

Leading renewable industry companies, Everun and PAC Group, have welcomed plans for a £3bn investment by NIE Networks (NIEN) to upgrade Northern Ireland’s electricity network.

The two companies have been calling for urgent developments in the existing grid to enable renewable energy sources to support the 2030 target to have 80% of all the country’s energy needs from renewables.

Managing director of Everun, Michael Thompson said that for too long the ageing electricity grid had hampered the development of the sector.

“In welcoming this investment we now need to see rapid action by the regulator and a full action plan for implementation,” he said. 

“There is a demand across businesses to develop wind turbines and solar generation, and connectivity to wider renewable sources.

“NIE Network’s announcement is the first step, and now we need the regulator to press ahead with approval and for the swift progress of the wider energy strategy at NI Executive level.”

Under the investment plans electricity customers will be able to connect with low carbon technology from NIE Networks lines, pylons and substations.

Business development director at PAC Group, Darren Leslie, said more and more businesses are not only seeing the need for action on climate change, but the economic benefits of switching to renewable energy.

“There are too many obstructions in Northern Ireland at present to have it rolling it out across more and more businesses, not least the planning and application processes and assessment of the grid having the correct infrastructure in place,” he said. 

“That is not the case in many areas, and even with this investment, it will not be there for several years without action at executive level to drive it forward.”

NIE Networks does not generate electricity nor sell power to homes and businesses but warned that the investment could add an additional £10 to £20 a year to bills.

Mr Thompson said a cross-government approach is needed to address the challenges such as planning that are hindering the country from achieving the climate goals agreed.

“While pressure on household and business bills should be avoided, this investment will enable NI to take further control of its own energy security and ultimately reduce costs,” he said. 

“We have a great opportunity to become a powerhouse in the generation and distribution of renewable energy, utilising our preferential location for wind resources and creating thousands of well-paid engineering-based jobs.”

Both Everun and PAC Group have been calling for action on the infrastructure for some time and expressed frustration that the climate change goals may not be met, and will restrict business development.

“Business planning for their energy  is part of a five-year cycle,” said Mr Leslie.

“It is not something that owners can push back, and it is not something anyone can afford to ignore any further.

“The reality is that there will be frustrations, but these frustrations should be a driver towards solutions. The renewables industry in Northern Ireland have these solutions to hand, and we see, from the growing number of enquiries for sustainable energy production.

“Northern Ireland’s Climate Action Plan has set ambitious targets that may or not be met, however, businesses must not see that as their driver, but rather what they can do to benefit themselves, employees, and owners.”

The Centre of Advanced Sustainable Energy (Case), hosted by Queens University, believes targets for climate action could not be realised without this injection into the infrastructure.

“In the long-term, we would see many benefits being realised through this investment,” said Martin Doherty from Case. 

“Alongside the positive economic impact on the supply chain and wider industry, this will go a long way to enabling Northern Ireland to meet the target of 80% of electricity coming from renewable sources by 2030 which, in turn, could ease the pressure on energy bills.”

Under the investment plan there will be 1,000 jobs created by NIE Networks. Both Mr Thompson and Mr Leslie believe that the renewables industry will in turn be recruiting more staff in engineering to meet the demands.

Within their eight divisions PAC Group supports the renewables sector through PAC Electrical with solar and EV charging and via PAC Enviro in the water and wastewater industry.

Everun specialises in managing large scale wind farms as well as the installation of wind and solar energy solutions, EV charging, smart motors such as TurnTide and renewable switchovers. 

NOTHING BUT THIEVES The Telegraph Building, Friday 17th November

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Nothing But Thieves 

Tickets on sale Friday 5th May at 10am

New Album ‘DEAD CLUB CITY’ Released on 7th July

Nothing But Thieves have announced a 10-date October and November UK and Ireland headline tour, which will follow the release of their fourth album ‘Dead Club City’ on 7th July via RCA/Sony Music.

With a well-earned reputation for their energetic and impassioned performances, their live show is one not to be missed. Opening with two nights in Glasgow on the 31st October and 1st November, the tour sees the band perform a further 8 nights across the UK and Ireland, including two nights in Manchester, a headline show at London Wembley Arena and a date at The Telegraph Building Belfast on 17th November.

The band have also been announced for this year’s Radio 1 Big Weekend in Dundee performing on Sunday May 28th and are currently touring in Australia before embarking on a North American tour in September and October ahead of their UK and Ireland tour.

Nothing But Thieves toured their third album ‘Moral Panic’ in 2021 and 2022, selling over 110,000 tickets, including their biggest ever London headline show at O2 Arena and a 17,000-seat headline show at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome.

Nothing But Thieves made a statement return last month with lead single ‘Welcome to the DCC’, marking an innovative new chapter with their fourth record ‘Dead Club City’. ‘Welcome to the DCC’ is A-List on Radio 1 and Radio X and has also become the band’s biggest ever airplay track to date.

Through their forthcoming 11-track album, the band showcase their city-sized members only club ‘Dead Club City’. The album’s tracklist is formed by different characters and story arcs from in and around the city, and using the club as a focal point, it is easy to imagine the real-world meaning behind Dead Club City. Themes such as advertisement, unity, internet culture, the music industry, ageing and politics, as well as escapism and change are highlighted by the alienation or privilege of a members only club. The album is  available to pre-order now – welcome to ‘Dead Club City’ and the new era of Nothing But Thieves.

Tickets for their UK and Ireland tour are available for pre-sale from 10am on Tuesday 2nd May and go on general sale at 10am on Friday 5th May. Full dates are as follows:

October:

Tues 31st – Glasgow – O2 Academy

November:

Weds 1st – Glasgow – O2 Academy

Fri 3rd – Bournemouth – International Centre

Sat 4th – Manchester – O2 Apollo

Sun 5th – Manchester – O2 Apollo

Tues 7th – Swansea – Arena

Thurs 9th – Birmingham – Resorts World Arena

Fri 10th – London – OVO Arena Wembley

Fri 17th – Belfast – The Telegraph Building

Mon 20th – Dublin – 3Olympia Theatre

Nothing But Thieves are Conor Mason (vocals, guitars), Joe Langridge-Brown (guitars), Dominic Craik (guitars, keyboard), Philip Blake (bass guitar) and James Price (drums).

About Nothing But Thieves:

The past few years have been quite a ride for Southend five-piece Nothing But Thieves. Amassing over 1.2 million worldwide album sales, 2 billion worldwide streams and 250 million video views, they have built up a loyal and wide following for their impactful alt rock sound and achieved global success with multiple gold and platinum records around the world, including the UK, Australia, Russia, Netherlands, South Korea and Poland.

In 2020, they released their third album ‘Moral Panic’, which charted at #3 achieving over 320 million streams and saw support from the likes of BBC Radio 1, Virgin Radio and Radio X alongside winning Best Indie Act at Global Radio’s 2021 Awards. They followed this later that year with ‘Moral Panic II’, with both projects forming ‘Moral Panic (The Complete Edition)’ in 2021. ‘Moral Panic’ followed their 2018 EP ‘What Did You Think When You Made Me This Way’, their 2017 acclaimed album ‘Broken Machine’, which charted at #2 in the UK album chart, and their debut self-titled album ‘Nothing But Thieves’.

Website | Instagram | Youtube

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 24 – 30 April

  1. City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 27 – 1 May. If you’re looking for the perfect way to start the summer, then look no further than Derry~Londonderry, where the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival returns this May Bank Holiday weekend. This is the 22nd iteration of the Festival which has grown year on year to become the biggest and best Jazz showcase in Ireland, making it the favourite stop off for hundreds of musicians on the jazz circuit.
  2. Portrush Tasty, Portrush, County Antrim, 28 April. These Friday evening foodie tours are the perfect opener for your weekend. This tour is about getting together and sharing food, drink, stories and craic. It starts with an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to Portrush’s only craft brewery, Lacada Brewery, for a private tasting, moving on for a delicious main course on Main Street, and rounding off with a cool new cocktail in an awarding-winning bar and entertainment venue.
  3. Burgers, Beer & Spirits at The Echlinville Distillery, Kircubbin, County Down, 29 April. Enjoy an afternoon of the finest local food and drinks with gourmet burgers by Ballyboley Dexters, craft beer by Modest Beer and Echlinville’s premium whiskeys and gins.
  4. Frock Around The Clock : Vintage & Handmade Fair, Belfast, 30 April. Frock Around The Clock have been running vintage and handmade fairs since 2008, and with over 200 events in Belfast and beyond, they are a firm favourite on the Northern Ireland event calendar. Expect to find cool collectables, on-trend homewares, beautiful jewellery, fashion and accessories.
  5. Rock Out With The Cave Crew, Florencecourt, Fermanagh, 30 April. The Cave Crew of the Marble Arch Cave are excited to host a new above-ground event exploring the rich heritage of Killykeeghan National Nature Reserve. Visitors will delve into the local human history and heritage of this hidden gem nestled within the landscape of Cuilcagh Mountain. They will uncover the treasures of the fascinating geology, stunning landforms and the unique biodiversity of this special place through an exciting new interactive guided trail.
  6. Rathlin Forage, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 30 April. Ksenia has, for the last seventeen years, collected and cooked with the natural produce that grows along the rocky shoreline of Rathlin Island. This exciting foraging walk will last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and the guide Ksenia will introduce the ancient art of foraging.
  7. Food and Mindfulness Tour, Plumbridge, County Tyrone, see website for booking tours Starting your day at Butterlope Farm you will be welcomed by Annie a local expert in the flora of the area. Visit the vegetable garden and enjoy tea, scones and foraged jams before heading out on a forage walk. As you take in the views of the amazing Glenga Valley, Annie will lead you along ancient hedgerows and dry stone walls. The forage walk will look at the historical and medicinal uses of plants and consider plants that can be picked as ‘Food for Free’. Also, learn how to recognise the archaeological features of the upland Sperrins landscape.
  8. Gullion Adventures, Meigh, County Armagh. Whether you are planning some family activities over the bank holiday weekends or are planning a group bonding activity, Gullion adventures has it all. From mountain biking, archery and abseiling, you are sure to be entertained in this outstanding area of beauty and adventure. Contact 07591887370 for further information.
  9. Oakfire Adventures, Derry~Londonderry, see website for opening times. Oakfire strive to make their activity destination as best as possible. Located on the outskirts of Derry-Londonderry, Oakfire Adventures are accessible from all parts of Northern Ireland and beyond. Perfect for corporate events, sports teams, stag parties, birthdays or simply a fun day out, Oakfire provides an exhilarating alternative to those looking to have a great time.
  10. Hydrobikes at Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. This experience is set in the water below the magnificent Enniskillen Castle, and can be enjoyed during the day or at night time, providing a completely unique perspective of the town. Jump onboard the Hydrobikes with lights for a low-impact leisurely ride around Castle Island, with your colourful bike lighting up the water and creating an eye-catching display. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture fantastic shots of your friends and family enjoying the experience.

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/

‘Ahoy there’ – get set for the return of Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival

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Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival is set to make a splash when it returns from May 26th – June 4th, with 10 days of exciting seafaring fun to look forward to.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is working with Ballycastle Community Development Group and Rathlin Development and Community Association to bring you this hugely popular celebration, with a packed programme of activities on both dry land and at sea, inspired by the Rathlin Sound – the body of water between Rathlin Island and the mainland in Ballycastle.

Visitors can look forward to live music performances, dance displays, have-a- go activities, crafts, walks, talks, cookery demonstrations and lots of artisan produce at the Naturally North Coast and Glens Market, all of which celebrate the area’s rich local history, culture, music and food.

Wes Forsythe from Ulster University will be presenting the Madill Archive Project, which is focused on traditional boats from around the Ulster Coast and beyond. An archive of line drawings, photographs, interviews and reports donated to the University by Harry Madill, a retired engineer from Portstewart.

There will also be a demonstration of traditional coracle boat building by Valkyrie Crafts, exhibition of Old-Style Rope making by Traditional Rope Makers NI and Songs, Stories and Recitations of the Antrim Coast from Colin Urwin.

In addition, thanks to Causeway Coast Maritime Heritage Group, you’ll get to see traditional fishing boats like drontheims and currachs take to the water, including the Colmcille, one of the largest vessels of its type in Northern Ireland.

In other programme highlights, look out for the blessing of the boats, traditional rope making, maritime themed children’s crafts, colourful kite display, sand sculpture demonstration and a children’s sandcastle competition on Ballycastle Beach.

Looking ahead to the festival, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ivor Wallace, said:

“Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival is a celebration of Ballycastle and Rathlin Island’s shared nautical heritage and serves as a fantastic showcase of the area’s unrivalled tourism offering.

“This popular festival first began 10 years ago and has become one of highlights of our Borough’s events calendar, being enjoyed by thousands of visitors over the past decade.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the local community volunteers who play a central role in this festival’s ongoing success. I look forward to seeing you all there for some nautical-themed fun!”

The full programme will be published on the festival’s website soon so please visit www.rathlinsoundmaritimefestival.com for the latest updates or contact Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre by ringing 028 2076 2024.

Please note, details are subject to change due to tides and weather conditions, so visitors are advised to follow the Festival’s Facebook (@RathlinSoundMaritimeFestival) and Twitter (@RathlinSoundMF) channels for the most up-to-date announcements.

Belfast Hotel To Save Over 40% On Energy Costs With New TurnTide Technology

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Crowne Plaza using revolutionary power product from Everun to reduce carbon footprint

Renewable experts, Everun, recently completed the installation of revolutionary new motor technology Turntide at south Belfast’s Crowne Plaza hotel with anticipated savings of more than 41% in the running of the air conditioning and handling at the popular venue.

The Turntide Smart Motor System, developed in California, has been proven to save companies on energy bills and reduce their impact on the environment.

Everun’s Managing Director, Michael Thompson believes that it will be an essential part of the drive to save money.

“Electric motors are everywhere in business from pumping air to powering production lines,
however, the technology used in these motors is more than a century old and is no longer efficient for today’s world.” he said.

“We were delighted to work with Crowne Plaza to update the motors that power the air handling units across multiple sites at the hotel including the main function hall, pool, gym, and the fitness suite.”

Ahead of the installation, Everun in conjunction with UK partners Future Motor Limited are the exclusive distributors of TurnTide in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland, carried out a comprehensive audit of the existing motors for over a week, monitoring their performance to help predict the energy-saving potential of the Turntide motors.

“Using our desktop analysis we projected that the minimum potential saving would be 25%,” said Mr Thompson, Everun’s Managing Director. 

“Following the installation, we have carried out an additional analysis of the new system and found that Crowne Plaza will achieve a 41% increase in energy efficiency in actual day-to-day use, giving the hotel a return on their investment in less than three years.”

Three of Everun’s specialist engineers installed the new Turntide motors in the hotel’s HVAC air handling units during February, including the motors, new hardware, cable runs, belts, pulleys and software.

Rajesh Rana from Crowne Plaza said they were delighted with the work undertaken.

“As a hotel, we are very aware that many guests in this beautiful part of Northern Ireland are asking about our sustainability policies. We are proud to have achieved the industry recognised Green Tourism accreditation,” Mr Rana said. 

“The projection that we will have a carbon offset of around 62 tonnes across the whole site is an important aspect of our commitment.”

Mr Thompson added that Crowne Plaza is the latest customer to see the benefits of the revolutionary new motor technology.

“Turntide is a proven system that uses smart technology to make sure that companies have an efficient way to power the electric motors, and we are delighted to offer it to clients across the island of Ireland.

“We are delighted to be able to offer a full, free assessment of the potential of upgrading to any organisation using electric motors.”

The Turntide system is cloud-connected, with smart software that is certified to be up to 60% more efficient than traditional motors and is based on the physics of electric generation using magnets and holds more than 100 patents for its intelligence-based system.

Its three elements are the motor, the controller and the cloud-connected software that optimises every part of the energy produced, and precisely switches the current to the motor 20,000 times per second.

For more information go to everun.ltd

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