Discover NorthernIreland has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are 10 exciting things taking place this week (11-17 September).

 

1. BBQ & Blues Supper Club, Newtownards, Co. Down, 16 September. At the unique setting of Cloud 9 at Ards  Airport this event will feature the best of local barbecued food, drink, and blues music. Scenic helicopter flights will be available as part of the day over the Strangford Peninsula. To book e-mail hello@indiefude.com or call 07510728109/07518384510.
2. Afternoon Tea with Benefits, Malmasion Hotel, Belfast, 16 September. A naughty afternoon tea with a glass of champagne, followed by a makeup masterclass and demonstration with Benefit Cosmetics. A £10 voucher is included with this package to go towards any Benefit product of your choice.
3. Mourne Mountain Marathon, Newcastle, Co. Down, 16-17 September. A competitive event for teams of two, this is Ireland’s only two-day endurance and navigation marathon held each year in the beautiful mountains of Mourne in Northern Ireland. Teams will be given a map with markers located in various areas, they must visit these control markers, but design their own route between, along with a self-sufficient overnight camp.
4. Community Tea Dancing, The Old Courthouse, Antrim, 13 September. A great opportunity to dust off those dancing shoes and step out in style. Join Double Trouble for some great tunes from all eras, enjoy a cup of tea and whether you dance or not, these relaxed, friendly and entertaining afternoons are sure to delight. Dance starts at 2pm.
5. Siege Museum, Derry~Londonderry, 11-16 September. The new Siege Museum and Exhibition is a permanent display of the history of the Siege of Londonderry and of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, including artefacts, video and interactive media. Open Monday-Saturday from 10am.
6. Return to Source Walk, Belfast, 16 September. Discover the source of the River Lagan on Slieve Croob amidst the rolling Dromara Hills. As the River Lagan flows majestically into the Belfast Lough it is one of Northern Ireland’s greatest rivers, however, at the source this mighty watercourse is small enough to step over. The meeting point is Drumbridge car park, at 10am, duration of the walk is approximately five hours.
7. Sperrin and Killeter Walking Festival, Co Tyrone, 16-17 September. Walkers of all ages and abilities have the chance to get outside and explore the beauty, history and heritage of the Sperrins and Killeter regions.  Walks are available at a variety of levels including easy strolls (perfect for families and budding nature photographers), moderate treks and challenging hill walks.
8. Aspects Literature Festival, Bangor, Co. Down, 14-24 September. Ards and North Down Borough Council present this year’s Aspects Literature Festival, celebrating the very best of Irish writing. After the success of last year’s 25th anniversary celebrations, this year’s festival is filled with poetry, music, theatre, history, memoir, exhibitions, interviews and readings.
9. Introduction to Digital Photography, Clotworthy House, Antrim, 12 September. On this six-week course you will learn how to frame photographs and improve your photography skills to create great photos and also cover saving, editing and making photo gifts. Course costs £54-60, to book visit www.theoldcourthousetheatre.com.
10. Armagh Planetarium, Armagh, 11-16 September. Armagh Planetarium offers visitors a unique experience, which is quite simply “out of this world”. In the Planetarium’s amazing Digital Theatre you can relax and experience our planet and beyond, take a tour of the night sky, or even discover some of the myths behind the star constellations. With interactive displays and exhibition areas, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Open Monday- Saturday from 10am.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

 

Tribute events to two key Heaney influences – Patrick Kavanagh and Michael McLaverty

Autumn guests at Seamus Heaney HomePlace include Jennifer Johnston, Colin Davidson, Ardal O’Hanlon, Ciaran McMenamin, Fintan O’Toole and Robert McCrum

Two of Seamus Heaney’s greatest literary influences – poet Patrick Kavanagh and writer Michael McLaverty – are being celebrated with a number of events taking place as part of the newly unveiled autumn programme at Seamus Heaney HomePlace.

In a cross-border collaboration funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, HomePlace will be working with the Patrick Kavanagh Centre in Monaghan to explore the works of Kavanagh, Heaney and the shared links in their writing.

2017 marks the 50^th anniversary of the death of Patrick Kavanagh – whose poetry Heaney described as combining “bag-apron realism and far-horizon vision” – and events will take place in their respective literary centres in both Monaghan and Bellaghy.

The HomePlace events on Saturday 7 October will include a children’s writing workshop on the theme of home, a lecture by Dr Una Agnew evaluating Kavanagh’s influence on Heaney and their respective literary legacies and a performance of Kavanagh’s ‘The Great Hunger’ by the Lyric Theatre, which will meld spoken word, film, and sound to evoke the poet’s exploration of country life.

One of Ireland’s greatest short story writers, Michael McLaverty, died 25 years ago and on Saturday 28 October family members and literary experts will come together to discuss his life, work and relationship with Heaney.  The event will feature a reading of Heaney’s ‘Tribute to Michael McLaverty’ by actor Vincent Higgins and will be preceded from Saturday 21 October by ‘Fosterage’, an exhibition exploring McLaverty’s life and work, presented in association with Linen Hall Library.

In ‘Capturing Seamus: The Art of the Portrait’ on Sunday 8 October, three artists who have created a portrait of Heaney – artist Colin Davidson and photographers Eamonn McCabe and Geray Sweeney – will discuss the context and experience of working with him and the process of capturing his essence in just one image, in an event chaired by Declan Long.

Often described as the definitive documentary of the life and work of Seamus Heaney, ‘Out of the Marvellous’ was created in 2009 to mark the poet’s 70^th birthday.  Filmmaker Charlie McCarthy will discuss the film with BBC Northern Ireland’s Mark Carruthers following a special screening on Saturday 25 November.

Poet and professional glasses-wearer John Hegley makes his HomePlace debut on Friday 20 October with two shows – ‘Peace, Love and Potatoes’, with poems and songs inspired by memories of his childhood and ‘I am a Poetato’, featuring songs, jokes and rhymes, for children aged 8-12 years.

The fun continues on Thursday 23 November with actor, comedian and writer Ardal O’Hanlon (‘Father Ted’) who will be in conversation with BBC Northern Ireland’s William Crawley about his wide-ranging career, love of literature and famous acting creations.

Looking back at her career of almost 50 years, her reputation and her legacy, one of Ireland’s most important contemporary novelists Jennifer Johnston will be in conversation with fellow author Martina Devlin on Saturday 14 October.

The explosion of new Irish writing talent comes under the spotlight in two events in the HomePlace this autumn.  On Sunday 15 October, ‘Young Blood’ sees three debut authors – actor Ciaran McMenamin, Sally Rooney, one of The Observer’s Rising Stars of 2017 and former journalist June Caldwell – share their fresh and irreverent takes on life in Ireland today.   ‘A Constable Calls’ on Saturday 11 November, meanwhile, looks at the rise of crime writing following political changes in Northern Ireland and includes contributions from authors Eoin McNamee, Liz Nugent and Declan Burke.

Award-winning journalist and commentator Fintan O’Toole makes a welcome return to HomePlace on Thursday 7 December to discuss the issues that have dominated the news over the past twelve months – from President Trump to the UK general election and the consequences for the UK and Ireland of triggering Article 50.

The prospect of death and its aftermath for those left behind are explored in two events.  On Sunday 5 November, author and journalist Robert McCrum discusses his new book, ‘Every Third Thought’, his literary and personal response to his own mortality and his friendship with and memories of Heaney. In ‘Who Am I Now?’ on Saturday 21 October, actress and comedian Nuala McKeever leads an expressive and creative writing session for anyone living with life-changing loss.

There’s plenty on offer for theatre fans too, with ‘Green and Blue’ from Kabosh Theatre Company looking at the realities of patrolling the border during the conflict on Tuesday 17 October; Stephen Beggs exploring the funny, challenging and emotional issue of fatherhood in ‘My Father’s Chair’on Saturday 4 November and Olivier Award-winning actor Guy Masterson (and nephew of Richard Burton!), bringing the Charles Dickens classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ to life in a one-man show just in time for the festive season, on Thursday 14 December.

Tickets for all October – December events at Seamus Heaney HomePlace are on sale now at www.seamusheaneyhome.com or from box office on tel. 028 79387444.  The full online programme is available to view here. 

Three years on since its Spectacular! Moulin Rouge inspired debut show, Peter Corry’s Red Velvet Cabaret is back in Theatre at The Mill on Saturday 9 September with the fantastic new production, MAGNIFIQUE.

 

Featuring an eclectic mix of music from a quirky line up of performers, MAGNIFIQUE is a fun, intimate and dramatic show in classic Red Velvet Cabaret style.

Peter Corry, director and show host, comments: “We are very excited to bring back another spectacular show with the Red Velvet Cabaret. MAGNIFIQUE promises to be a laugh out loud/cry in your wine sort of night.

“It is packed full of songs from just about everywhere, from classics by Queen to opera arias, hits by Lady Gaga to the iconic Billy Joel and musical favorites from the Rocky Horror Picture Show and the wonderful Moulin Rouge. This unique evening of entertainment is cabaret the way it should be, up close and personal!”

For tickets contact Box Office: 028 9034 0202 or online www.theatreatthemill.com

 

Some of County Down’s finest food and drink artisanal producers will be at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Newcastle on Saturday 30^th September for the annual Slieve Donard Beer, Cider, Spirit and Cheese Festival.

Drinks exhibitors at the festival this year include Whitewater Brewery, Tempted Cider and Kilmeggan Cider, Shortcross Gin and Echlinville Distillery, home to Dunville Whiskey and Echlinville Gin along with local food producers including Kearney Blue Cheese and Fivemiletown Creamery.

This year there will also be a new addition at the Festival with a Slieve Donard Street Food Stall with some delicious local treats to taste.

Stephen Meldrum, General Manager at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, said:  “We are thrilled to announce the return of the Slieve Donard Beer, Cider, Spirit and Cheese Festival following the inaugural event in 2016 which was a huge success.

“The Festival will showcase many of County Down’s finest brands who will be there to talk about what they do with such enthusiasm that it’s impossible not to get totally drawn in.  On top of that there will be lots of food and drink to sample to ensure a good time is had by all.

“We at Hastings Hotels are huge supporters of working with the finest local food and drink producers and we can’t wait for guests to come along and see for themselves just why the Slieve Donard holds them in such very high esteem”, concluded Stephen.

This fabulous food and drink event, supported by both Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Tourism Northern Ireland.

Tickets for the event cost £14 per person, which includes three drinks tokens and a souvenir glass, and are available from the Slieve Donard reception or by calling the hotel on 028 4372 1066

Belfast’s McPeake have launched their debut EP ‘Gypsies in the Wood’ and are appearing at Ranfurly House on Saturday 16th September before heading back to Nashville.

McPeake are a unique Irish trio that have developed a soul stirring, emotive sound that is genuine and classic yet contemporary. A band with a rare combination of tradition and innovation laced with pop lyrics and radio friendly hooks on traditional instruments. They have brewed a unique sound of mixed ingredients from Folk, Americana, Traditional Irish and Indie, creating a rustic and spell-binding edge.

McPeake has built their success through rave organic word-of-mouth and good old fashioned touring of the US festival circuit in a transit van!

The four generations of the McPeake family have been whispered as ‘folk-royalty.’ Their beloved song “Wild Mountain Thyme” has been on the lips of music lovers across the globe. This hauntingly beautiful folk anthem has been covered by music superstars such as Ed Sheeran, Glen Frey (The Eagles), James Taylor and Bob Dylan, to name but a very few.

Francis McPeake I, penned ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’ Francis McPeake II influenced Van Morrison, Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan; Francis McPeake III taught John Lennon the Uilleann Pipes; and now Francis McPeake IV has formed the new band McPeake which figured prominently in the BBC Proms in the Park and EMMY Award-winning PBS Special “Music of Ireland.”

McPeake are currently in the studio completing the full-length Gypsies in the Wood album to be released this autumn.

Francis says, “The great heritage and tradition that I come from is something that we pay homage to. Our music is not a departure from this tradition but, as we see it, a development.”

McPeake are: Francis McPeake IV: Uilleann Pipes / Low Whistles, Mairead Forde: Fiddles, Paul Hughes: Vocal, Guitar.

Tickets for the performance in the Square Box, Ranfurly House, Dungannon are on sale now at £16 at www.dungannon.info or via Box Office on 028 8772 8600.

It’s already a sell-out sensation in its native Scotland.  Now ‘The Dolls Abroad’ – a feisty, feel-good romp about two boozed-up besties swigging, swaggering and staggering onwards to yet another foreign bar – has officially been crowned the hottest new ticket in the UK.

The riotous comedy has been awarded number one spot on the Rising Comedy list, published by Ents24, the nation’s biggest live show guide. The list calculates which shows are most popular with the public by counting the people who sign up with Ents24 to know more about specific performances.

The Dolls popularity has been reinforced in other ways, too. One YouTube clip of a recent show bagged nearly 3m hits.

Which is great news for Gayle Telfer Stevens and Louise McCarthy, the crack comedy duo who play ‘the Dolls’, a pair of sassy Scottish scrubbers. (Quite literally, they clean pubs and toilets for a living.)

In the show, Agnes and Sadie have hit the ‘Doll drums’ and are desperate to take a break from the Toilet Duck and scouring pads.

They’re hungry for the sort of Mr Muscle that doesn’t come with an aerosol nodule.

So when Agnes wins top prize at Big Bella’s Bingo, an all-expenses paid holiday in Greece, she decides to take Sadie along for the ride.

What follows is hot weather, hotter men and fending off the hot flushes of maudlin, muddle age for as long as possible.

The Dolls Abroad has bucket loads of banter, sing-a-long sauciness and its own unique energy, which is not to be missed. It’s Mrs Brown times two, with a little bit of Thelma & Louise thrown in for good measure.

Gayle and Louise – who co-wrote he Dolls as well as starring in it – are enjoying being at the centre of the newest showbiz sensation. However, both women are no strangers to success, and regularly appear on stage and TV in their native Scotland as well as the rest of the UK.

Gayle stars in River City, the Scottish version of EastEnders, and Louise appears in Only an Excuse, a topical sports comedy.

But the two friends believe what they have created with The Dolls is unique.

“The chemistry between us is amazing,” says Gayle, who has also appeared in Casualty and the hit movie musical, Sunshine on Leith. “We just set each other off, and the audience participation really adds to the energy of the night. It’s the sort of thing you just can’t replicate in a TV show or with a movie. This is what live theatre is all about – audiences and performers bonding for a great evening of fun, tears and laughter.”

Louise agrees: “It’s just the greatest buzz in the world. It’s ten times better than an actual holiday in Greece, and a billion times better than cleaning a grotty toilet. Just ask the Dolls – they’ve done both!”

The Dolls Abroad performs at the Millennium Forum on Sun 1^st October.   Tickets are now available from the Box Office.  Telephone 71 264455 or visit millenniumforum.col.uk for bookings.

“Ahoy there” ‘Kilkeel Seafood Festival’ will take place at Kilkeel Harbour on Saturday 16^th September. 

The event is a celebration of Kilkeel’s martime heritage whilst showcasing our local seafood offering. Home of the largest fishing fleet in Northern Ireland, Kilkeel Harbour will be a buzz of activity on Saturday 16^th September and seafood lovers are in for a real treat. Visitors can expect a day packed with delicious seafood sampling, there will be 5 top local chefs cooking up a storm in the Seafood Pavilion that will whet your appetite.

There will be an opportunity to visit a range of artisan producers and you can quench your thirst by sampling locally brewed craft beer. The traditional oyster eating and prawn tailing competition will take place throughout the day if you are up for the challenge?  Do not miss Kilkeel RNLI Lifeboat’s demonstration of lifesaving techniques in the heart of the harbour, while saying hello to ‘Stormy Stan’.  Local man Terry Cunningham will showing spectators how to maintain and mend fishing nets. Throughout the day visitors will have the opportunity to visit our award winning Mourne Seafood Cookery School, Visitor Information and Maritime Heritage Centre, not forgetting ‘Seascope’ Northern Ireland’s first Lobster Hatchery and Marine Biology Centre, where you can meet Lucy the Lobster who will take you on an interactive educational adventure viewing tanks as well as seeing fascinating sea creatures, making your visit extra special and memorable on the day. 

What’s more families can enjoy live music and a plethora of children’s entertainment from nautical themed story-telling, under the sea kid’s fancy dress competition, touch tank, face painting, arts and crafts, walk-about cartoon characters and so much more…..  

The event organisers have fished out a few appetisers, where you will be spoilt for choice and uncover culinary delights, special offers and sample menus that you can try at home. Please join us and tell your family and friends to come along and enjoy exploring the panoramic views Kilkeel Harbour has to offer.

Awaken your senses and make memories with family and friends in Ards and North Down, where the seaside and countryside meet.

 

Escape from everyday life and breathe in the fresh sea air, enjoy wonderful scenery and taste the delicious local flavours and all right on Belfast’s doorstep. Be sure to pick up our NEW autumn/winter Experiences AND Events Visitor Guide to help you plan your visit, whether it be a short break, a couple of nights away or day trip.

The guide is packed to the brim with so much to do, inspirational ideas and the latest events – available at Visitor Information Centres throughout N.I. Our website, visitardsandnorthdown.com, gives all the information you could ever need to know from things to do to places to stay. If you prefer to chat, our local expert staff in Bangor and Newtownards Visitor Information Centres will be more than happy to offer knowledgeable advice to make your visit all the more worthwhile.

We are keen to share our little piece of the world with you as the area is sure to capture at little bit of your heart, from miles of coastline to historic castles and Abbeys, rolling drumlins and parklands or award winning attractions and museums we have it all!  Quench your taste buds with our vast array of charming eateries and award winning restaurants and with a superb choice of accommodation we encourage you to spend a little time our way.

From the autumn colours of the exquisite gardens, to the spectacle of 1000s of wintering geese arriving on Strangford Lough, a visit to Northern Irelands only Aquarium, Exploris, home grown craft makers and an eclectic mix of seasonal events, we have the ingredients for a perfect change of scene and leaving you wanting more.

visitardsandnorthdown  | 028 9127 0069 or 028 9182 6846

Drama fans are in for a treat as The Market Place Theatre’s Autumn season gets off to a flying start this September.

2017 is the centenary of Buster Keaton’s debut screen appearance. Beloved by everyone from Samuel Beckett to Jackie Chan, his beautiful silent films remain as funny as when they were first screened, and ‘Buster Keaton @ 100’ offers an endearing memorial to the icon. Two of Northern Ireland’s most eccentric noisemakers, Colin Reid and Reggie Chamberlain-King, are writing all-new scores for some of Buster’s funniest short films, performed live on a wide variety of instruments, with sound effects, and a bit of audience participation. Colin is one of Ireland’s premier guitarists and pianists, who composed ‘The Third Policeman’. Reggie’s work as Sound Effects Artist been broadcast on BBC Radios 3 and 4 and in the USA and Canada.

For two nights on 27 and 28 September, ‘Dirty Dusting’ offers a searing indictment of ageism in the 21^st Century heavily disguised as a hysterical, laugh-out-loud, heart-warming comedy. When three cleaners, Olive, Gladys and Elsie, are threatened with redundancy they feel that their lives are coming to an end until a chance wrong number gives them a new business start-up idea – why not run a telephone sex line? They’ve got motive, opportunity and a lifetime of experience – some more than others, mind you. Provided Elsie can teach the other two a few new tricks, there’s no reason why they can’t get rich quick providing they can keep their operation a secret from their bosses… and their husbands…and their children…and their grandchildren.

Hotbuckle Theatre Company bring their unique magic to the powerful and emotional story ‘Wuthering Heights’. When Cathy’s father brings home an orphaned Heathcliff, the effect will echo for generations. Emily Bronte’s only novel, set on the windswept Yorkshire moors, is a timeless Gothic classic of passionate love, revenge and despair. ‘Wuthering Heights’ will be staged on Thursday 12 October.

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.

Portrush to welcome 200,000 spectators to largest airshow on the island of Ireland

Some of world’s most famous aviation attractions will take to the skies over Portrush’s eastern shoreline this weekend for two days of thrilling flying aerobatics.

Air Waves Portrush, running on Saturday 2^nd and Sunday 3^rd September 2017, is the largest airshow on the island of Ireland and will welcome over 200,000 spectators for a packed programme of aerial and land based entertainment.

The stellar line-up of world-class aerobatics will include the world-famous RAF Red Arrows (sponsored by The Adelphi Portrush) who will perform their trademark formations, close passes and dynamic loops on both days.

The dramatic and noisy Typhoon jet (sponsored by B&E Security Systems) will give crowds a thrilling show of power on both Saturday and Sunday as it displays its jaw-dropping manoeuvrability.

Also, hotly anticipated is the breath-taking aerobatics of the Wildcat display team (sponsored by Portrush Atlantic Hotel), the extremely popular Muscle Bi-plane (sponsored by Barry’s Portrush) and Team Raven (sponsored by JP Corry), who will be making their first ever appearance at the show.

Vietnam veterans Huey and Loach and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Spitfire will once again wow crowds with their distinctive flypasts.

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond the organisers control the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster and Hurricane, as all Merlin powered aircraft, remain grounded for safety reasons.

There will be a stunning pyrotechnic aerial display in Portstewart (sponsored by Morelli’s) on the Saturday evening that will also include a packed programme of family entertainment, live music from The illegals and a magnificent seafront fireworks display.

Looking forward to the show, Richard Baker, Director of Leisure & Development at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “Air Waves Portrush is truly going from strength to strength and is a signature event for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. It’s an event that captures the imagination of not only dedicated aviation enthusiasts, but young and old from across the island of Ireland.

“We are expecting over 200,000 spectators to attend the show over the two days and they will certainly not be disappointed as we have worked tirelessly to ensure we have once again grown this year’s show by bringing new attractions to both the air and the ground.”

This year’s event has an enhanced visitor experience on the ground with live music, street entertainment, fun zone, Motor Village and the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market.

The Ulster Aviation Society and the Ulster Gliding Club will invite visitors into a bygone era with its collection of vintage flying machines and gliding aircraft.

The STEM Village will make a welcome return after its successful debut last year bringing together a range of employers and education providers aimed to showcasing career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

Richard added: “With huge crowds anticipated on both days, we are working closely with the PSNI and Translink to ensure we minimise traffic congestion as much as possible.

“Translink is providing additional capacity on trains and buses and we would encourage as many visitors as possible to use these services, as well as the free park and ride shuttle bus. “

The official Air Waves Portrush 2017 souvenir programme is now on sale from selected outlets in Portrush, Portstewart, Coleraine and Ballymoney and Visitor Information Centres throughout the borough of the Causeway Coast and Glens.

For more information on Air Waves Portrush visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or search for Air Waves Portrush on Facebook and Twitter.