Struggling for the perfect gift? Buy an unforgettable experience in Northern Ireland

For those who have everything, or for that unique gift no one else will think of, check out these alternative gift ideas. Forget the bath sets, perfumes and making sure to get a gift receipt – instead give your loved ones something new and exciting right on their doorstep.

Tourism NI’s Communication Officer; Claire Cromie said: “This year Northern Ireland has seen an abundance of new and unique experiences emerge, many of which would make wonderful gift experiences.

“These activities create long lasting memories, whether it’s an insight into craft beer brewing, a Game of Thrones tour or a luxurious hotel stay.”

The foodie

For a budding baker or someone who enjoys having a go at new things, give the special gift of a traditional Irish bread-making experience with NI Food Tours in County Down. NI Food Tours offer a memorable lesson in a thatched cottage on the shores of Strangford Lough, in making potato bread, soda bread and traybakes.  Or learn to cook traditionally at home, with local food hero Norah Brown at the Grange Lodge, County Tyrone. Norah’s food really does represent the best in family cooking, traditional but nutritious, and full of new twists and flavours, emphasising the opportunity to make the best seasonal use of local produce. These food experiences in Northern Ireland are guaranteed to cook up a storm and leave you dishing out the best gift of the season.

The tea lover

From the lavish to the quaint, there are many stunning locations hosting some very special afternoon teas, from the renowned five-star Merchant Hotel’s afternoon tea in Belfast City Centre. to County Armagh’s Ballydougan Restaurant & Coffee Lounge.  The Merchant provides delicately served afternoon tea in the decadent surroundings of the Great Hall, on a silver tea stand with a choice of tea, coffee or for that extra treat, champagne. Ballydougan Restaurant & Coffee Lounge allows you to relax and enjoy scones and sweet treats in the wonderful surroundings of a restored linen barn. All freshly prepared with the finest local produce, and served on Ballydougan’s famous hand-thrown pottery. You can even make a day of it and join in on one of the pottery classes. The perfect gift for the tea lover with a bit of indulgence.

Something a little stronger

For the craft beer or gin aficionado a taste and tour experience would be the ideal unique gift. They can become immersed in a botanical journey and full Shortcross Gin tasting experience at the Rademon Estate distillery in County Down. David Boyd-Armstrong, the head distiller, talks through the fascinating process, from how they harvest local botanicals, draw fresh water from the distillery well, distill on a bespoke copper pot still and bottle and label the finished product on site. Or learn about the ancient craft of beer brewing at Hilden Brewery in County Antrim, a working brewery with licensed restaurant in a beautiful and historic setting at Hilden House. Visitors can discover the magic of brewing from the master brewer and share in his enthusiasm for the wonderful process which converts malt and hops into one of the finest beverages known to man, traditionally brewed beer.

For someone who deserves a spa break

If you’re looking a gift for someone who would appreciate some well-deserved relaxation time, treat them to a city day spa, ultimate getaway or beautiful retreat– depending on your budget, all offering luxurious pampering. Sitting proud in the Hollywood Hills overlooking Belfast Lough in County Down is the majestic five-star Hastings Culloden Estate & Spa. Just a short drive away from Belfast’s city centre, it’s the perfect retreat for couples looking for some sought after pamper time, great for a day-trip. Or the four-star Hilton Templepatrick in County Antrim, complete with 18-hole championship golf course, onsite restaurant, spa and swimming pool, makes for the perfect weekend break in Northern Ireland. These are just a few of the many spa options throughout Northern Ireland offering a range of choices for the perfect gift voucher.

For the Games of Thrones Fan

For “Thronies” who have enough DVDs, mugs, and novelty t-shirts, treat them to a Game of Thrones experience at Castle Ward Estate. Located just 40 minutes from Belfast, it was used extensively for the filming of George R.R. Martin’s epic adaption of his Game of Thrones® novels.

Bed down for a night in one of the quirky glamping pods deep in the forest of ‘Winterfell’. Explore the sprawling demesne and its many filming location hotspots and recreate your very own Game of Thrones® moments. Packages include archery, cycling and filming experiences.

Alternatively, for the thrill-seeking fan, try Cutting Edge Helicopter’s Game of Thrones Air Tour. Enjoy stunning aerial views and the picturesque scenery of the North Antrim coast used as film locations by HBO in the award-winning series plus the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge.

From boat tours, walking tours and door tours – there are enough Game of Thrones experiences in Northern Ireland to keep any fan busy until Season 8.

For the budding craftsman

For those who like to get their hands dirty, treat them to a blacksmithing class at Hot Milk Forge in Ballymena. An unmissable infusion of fire and artistic expression, create something truly traditional by welding with fire, not electricity. Learn the basic skills of bladesmithing, such as tempering and hardening as well as modern bladesmithing techniques, to ensure you gain a rounded insight into the art of blacksmithing. Attendees can create their own fireside set, wrought iron gate or knife.

For the starry-eyed romantic

Finally, for the perfect romantic gift, treat someone to a great escape with a star-gazing break at the Finn Lough Resort in County Fermanagh.  Immerse in the tranquility of nature with a unique night in a bubble dome in the middle of one of County Fermanagh’s forests. These unique domes feature 180-degree transparent walls, allowing guests to truly escape the noise of the outside world whilst admiring the beauty of nature.

For more Christmas ideas or short break inspiration, visit DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

It’s the one you’ve all been waiting for! The panto dreams are made of is now on stage at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre, and audiences just can’t get enough of this sparkling Christmas adventure.

This year’s spectacular combines wonderful music, song and dance, colourful costumes, memorable characters, and loads of audience participation, in a lively and fun-filled show for all the family.

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, a beautiful princess is born. The entire kingdom is delighted, apart from the evil fairy, who places a curse on the Princess, so that she will prick her finger on a poisoned spinning wheel on her 16^th birthday! Who could possibly break such a terrible spell? And who will be brave enough to challenge the evil fairy? And what mad shenanigans will occur in the meantime? Come to The Market Place Theatre this Christmas to find out…

Featuring all your favourite panto characters, ‘Sleeping Beauty’ is guaranteed to be a fun-packed traditional family pantomime for all ages! Fun, frolics and laughter abound in this spectacular take on the thrilling and timeless classic. Audiences will recognise some familiar names in the cast line-up with Debra Hill playing the role of Sleeping Beauty-Full, Michael Lavery as the Prince, Karen Rush as everyone’s favourite baddie Maleficent, and of course, the fabulous Stephen Beggs back in the ‘funderful’ role of Nanny Magee.

Performances will run right up until Christmas Eve, at a variety of times to suit all ages! Ticket prices range from £10 to £15. Tickets are selling fast, with the best availability remaining on the last week.

To book your tickets for the most exciting pantomime of the season, phone the Box Office now on [028] 3752 1821. The house is sure to be packed to the rafters for this annual festive hit, so don’t be caught napping – book now, before it’s too late! We’d hate for you to snooze out! There are BSL signed, captioned and relaxed performances during the run. Please contact the Box Office for full details.

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com And 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.

 

‘The Nightshift before Christmas’ written by and starring Caroline Curran and Julie Maxwell, is a must see this Christmas.

 

Join nurses Cindy & Ella as they work the nightshift in a busy A&E ward in the ‘Royal Abbey’ hospital on Christmas Eve. All five cast members who also include Abbey Gibbon, James Doran and Patrick Buchanan, play multiple roles in this festive delight.

Meet Belfast characters such as ‘Smasher O’Neill’, Santa Dave and the heavily pregnant Gloria. This show highlights the work of the NHS staff that we can all take for granted and the people they encounter on a daily basis – ‘Heaven isn’t the only place you will find angels’

Christmas can be such a special time but it is just another day for those in the medical profession who continue to save lives and look after the sick, day after day.

This show will have you laughing out loud and maybe shedding a tear or two but it will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling inside.

This Christmas comedy will run until Sunday 31 Dec. Tickets from Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or www.theatreatthemill.com

 

The Millennium Forum is inviting all schools to enter its ‘Create A Beanstalk’ competition. All you have to do is create a beanstalk on an A4 page (drawing/digital art/painting) and email it as a jpeg or low res PDF to siobhanm@millenniumforum.co.uk

The art work will then be judged by the Millennium Forum and the show sponsor, the Richmond Centre. There will be a shortlisting of three entries which will then be put out to public vote on the Richmond Centre’s Facebook page so the artwork with the most likes at the end, wins!

The winning entry gets a prize of pantomime tickets for their whole school class as well as a meet and greet with the cast members for the show on Tue 19^th December at 1.15pm! The runners up in the competition will win family tickets to the pantomime on the same date.

The deadline for the Create a Beanstalk competition is Monday 11^th December at 5.00pm.  Good luck!

The Millennium Forum is well known for its outstanding Christmas pantomimes and this year’s production promises to be the best yet.  A gigantic beanstalk, Daisy the cow, magic beans, a goose that lays golden eggs and the nastiest of giants – it promises to be one giant festive extravaganza that all the family will love!

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the Millennium Forum until Sunday 31^st December.  Tickets are now available from the Box Office.  Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.

 

Competition Terms & Conditions

• When submitting entries please include a name, age, school, address and contact details.
• Only one entry will be accepted per person.
• Winners must agree to be photographed for PR purposes.
• If winner cannot be contacted another will be chosen.
• Work might not be returned.
• Tickets are non-transferable and are for the stated performances only.

On Saturday 16 December, a very special festive concert will take place at The Queen’s Hall, Newtownards.

For fans of the popular Friday Night Live music series and from the team that brought you the sell-out success Rumours Re-told, “It’s Chriiiiistmas!!” will be a fun and nostalgic music homage to the festive season.

From Bing Crosby and Dean Martin to Mariah Carey, The Pogues, Wizzard and Wham!, expect all your favourite Christmas Crackers recreated by artists including VerseChorusVerse, Susie Coyle, Ellen Weir and Becky Baxter.

With fairy lights, tinsel, a dance floor and fabulous Christmas songs, join us for what promises to be a Christmas No.1 for real music lovers.

Tickets cost £10 and are on sale at www.ardsarts.com. Book early to avoid disappointment!

Children from all over the Ards and North Down borough are taking an Environmental Family Pledge whereby they are encouraged to deliver on a promise made through an innovative initiative that Ards and North Down Borough Council are rolling out this November/December.

 

The initiative, called C.L.E.A.R, associates community, learning, environmental, awareness and responsibility, to the environment through a series of 5 workshops set in the Risk Avoidance Danger Awareness Resource (RADAR) centre.

Ards and North Down Borough Council have partnered with RADAR and a voluntary beach cleaning group, North Down beach cleaners, to develop this be-spoke programme which has been financed from the Recycling Community Investment Fund, raised by all the re-cycling efforts by the residents in Ards and North Down, accumulating an extensive £1.2 million saving in landfill tax. This has allowed the council to not only minimise any rates increase but also to re-invest this money into new environmental initiatives such as C.L.E.A.R.

These 5 workshops are aimed at all year 8 pupils in the borough and started on Monday 27 November, taking place over a three-week period – 1,800 local pupils will take part. Set in the impressive location of RADAR, a multi-purpose village built within a warehouse, the children will learn about biodiversity, recycling, environmental crime, dog awareness and good citizenship. By educating the next generation of citizens the programme tackles environmental issues in an interactive, innovative and enjoyable way.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair, stated that “the CLEAR initiative is all about our young people having a unique opportunity to learn key messages about environmental responsibility in a really fun and effective way”.

The team heading the workshops are getting fantastic feedback with encouraging reviews from pupils and teachers.

David Lindsay, Director of Environment in the Council said, “For every child that makes the pledge along with their families the Council will award a bursary to their school, that can then be used to further pupils’ environmental education.  As long as the residents of the borough maintain and improve their commitment to maximising recycling of their household waste, we will continue to reap the financial benefits – and can use the money saved to keep funding important initiatives such as the CLEAR environmental education programme as well as many other projects from our Recycling Community Investment Fund.”

Will you make the pledge? Be environmentally responsible.

 

 

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh will be providing some much-needed respite from the Christmas hustle and bustle this December with relaxing and magical festive performances.

Come and join the exceptional Cara Dillon on Thursday 14 December, for what will undoubtedly be a magical and memorable festive experience. Having recorded her highly anticipated Christmas album, ‘Upon A Winter’s Night’, Cara and her band will be performing classic carols, Celtic hymns and other Christmas songs to celebrate and share in the Christmas spirit. A tradition in the making. If you don’t already know the voice of Cara Dillon, you’re in for a treat. If you are already amongst her legions of admirers around the world, you know you have something special in store. Tickets are priced £22.

Why not treat a loved one to a night of great music at our popular Christmas Jazz Club. Taking centre stage on Saturday 16 December will be the hugely popular Martello Jazz Band who feature a sound reminiscent of the Dixieland bands of 1920’s New Orleans, stamped with their own brand of drive and flair. A great pre-Christmas night out with friends. Admission is priced £15 which includes a glass of prosecco and light refreshments.

Visit the website at www.marketplacearmagh.com for full details and bookings, or contact the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821. And 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.

Maghera’s Christmas festivities kick off this weekend on Saturday 2nd December

 

Kids Christmas workshops and activities will take place in The Lurach Centre from 2pm – 4.30pm, before Santa arrives by reindeer and sleigh at the Walled Garden.

To visit Santa in his Walled Garden Grotto between 4.30pm and 6pm, please pre-book your child’s spot by calling the Bridewell on 028 7963 1510.

Many babies have celebrated their first Christmas due to the fabulous support available from TinyLife, Northern Ireland’s only premature baby charity. Now TinyLife are holding a jumbo Santa event with a difference, to raise vital funds to help future premature babies celebrate their first Christmases’.

A two-centre bumper festive event has been planned, which includes a Snowstorm Christmas Colour Run in Lurgan Park on Sunday 10 December and a train ride to visit Santa in his wooded-cabin at Peatlands Park (Exit 13 M1 at Loughgall). 9/10 and 16/17 December. Both events have the same cover charge £10 Adult and £5 child.

The festive experience brings something for everyone of all ages, as the colour run offers up a festive drenching by Santa’s elves, a visit to the man in red, snow glasses for every participant and a medal for all finishers; while the Peatlands event package has reserved a special train service to chug along the Park’s narrow-gauge railway to see Santa, which includes a gift, a free make and take craft and refreshments as part of the ticket price.

A bundle-booking system is available if both events are reserved. The Lurgan Park Colour Run remains at full price, but for every ticket purchased for the run (adult/child matched) tickets for the Peatlands event will be eligible for a 10% refund.

For visitors preferring to make the takeaway Christmas craft, a pay on the day charge of £4 is applicable. A timed ticketing system is in place to keep Santa’s nerves intact! Visitors are asked to book where possible online and to arrive 15 minutes before the visit.

Peatlands Park Warden, Martin Hampton said, “Our train is always a huge draw throughout the year bringing visitors face to face with nature. Christmas is a wonderful time for children and families, so it is especially poignant that we can take this opportunity to support the work of such a worthwhile charity, who help transform lives every day. As our train turns into the magical Peatlands Santa Express, we would encourage visitors to hop aboard and escape to the great outdoors while supporting TinyLife – a double feel-good factor!”

Over 1900 babies are born too soon (six babies every day), too small or too sick in Northern Ireland. Some arrive as early as 24 weeks, weighing as little as 1lb/454 grams, the same weight as half a bag of sugar! At this understandably very stressful time for parents, TinyLife is there to provide practical advice, emotional support and to give a helping hand to families who have a baby in a neonatal intensive care unit, with their network of Family Support Officers in every neonatal unit across Northern Ireland, ensuring parents receive optimum support in hospital, at home and within the community, all ably supported by a dedicated team of active volunteers.

Nicola Orlick from Newmills, County Tyrone, is mum to 5-year-old Jacob and more recently gave birth to twins, Emma and Matthew, born on 21 August 2015, at 4lb 10 and 5lb 1oz respectively said, “TinyLife was the only charity that could help me. I had a really good job as a senior manager before the twins were. My husband works 12-hour shifts which include weekends, so although we were delighted with the news that we were expecting twins, the reality of the situation soon hit home.”

“With family members working throughout the day, I tried various charities to find a volunteer but to no avail. They I found out about TinyLife and my world changed.  Janice my local TinyLife Support Officer advised me on the many practicalities, including much-needed financial advice as having given up my job I realised that reduced income was yet another pressure I had to deal with.”

“Former nurse, TinyLife Family Support volunteer, Sylvia is without hesitation on my part, is my rock. From the day and hour, she stepped through the front door, she has become not just a volunteer but family. My twins know her as aunty Sylvia. I was at my wits’ end, depressed, lonely and at one point, fearing for my sanity, too frightened and ashamed to reach out for help. For other families in this situation, my advice is to contact TinyLife today. Don’t wait a second longer. Help is at hand. I haven’t looked back since. TinyLife is a local charity for local people. All fundraising money goes directly back to help premature babies and their families. That’s why I’m supporting the Peatlands Park Santa visit event.”

For more information on fundraising, volunteering or this and forthcoming events, visit tinylife.org.uk, buy tickets at buytickets.at/tinylife or connect on Facebook and Twitter.

ends.

 

Come and explore the magic of Christmas in the Antrim Forum on Saturday 9 December at 3.30pm.

 

The annual Christmas Carol Service, hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, will be compered by Claire McCollum.

The Education Authority Youth Concert Band will add musical magic to the voices of the children from primary schools throughout the Borough, capturing the true spirit of Christmas through readings and song.

Admission is free however there will be a door collection with all proceeds donated to the Mayor’s nominated charities: Tiny Life, Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and Sandes.

For more information on the Christmas Carol Concert please T. 028 9034 0073 or carol.shane@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk