Following the success of last year’s partnership, the National Trust and local tour company, ‘Away A Wee Walk,’ are delighted to be relaunching the spectacular Clifftop Experience hike this week.

The Giant’s Causeway Clifftop Experience is a fantastic five-mile hike from the ruin of Dunseverick Castle along the stunning clifftop path to Northern Ireland’s first World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway. On this spectacular journey, walkers will enjoy the breath-taking view of Ireland’s famous coastline which provides some of the best cliff top views in all of Europe.

Alastair Walker, Giant’s Causeway Site Manager, explained: ‘We want to encourage people to make the most out of what this outstanding coastline has to offer. The Clifftop Experience is an incredible hike with an amazing view, and visitors will have the opportunity to find out all there is to know about this beautiful place and learn more about the conservation work of the National Trust across the Causeway Coast and Glens.’

Eimear Flanagan, Away a Wee Walk said: ‘Away A Wee Walk is thrilled to be working alongside the National Trust again to offer visitors to the North Coast a truly breath-taking experience. The cliff top path is simply spectacular and the 944,000 annual visitors to the site can now experience even more of this amazing coast.’

The National Trust, the UKs largest conservation charity, maintains this section of the famous Ulster Way walking route. The remarkable cliff landscape and coastal farmland is home for creatures big and small: cattle and sheep inhabit the surrounding fields, chomping down the long grass, while insects thrive below.

Walking tour information

The Clifftop Experience walk departs daily from the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre at 10.30am for the Rambler bus to Dunseverick Castle. The walk returns along the cliff tops to the Giant’s Causeway and is expected to take around 31/2 hours to complete. Maximum group size is 18. Children must be age 12 years plus.

What to bring

Sturdy walking shoes are essential and a waterproof coat is advisable. A good level of health and fitness is required to complete this hike. Walkers are also advised to carry some water and sunblock.

To book

Pre-booking is essential on: www.giantscausewaytickets.com

You are advised to book by 4pm the day BEFORE you intend to do the walk.

Cost: £30 per person; includes entry to the full Visitor Experience at the Giant’s Causeway, Rambler bus service and shuttle bus.

For more information contact the National Trust North Coast Booking Office on:

T: +44 (0)28 2073 3419

E: northcoastbookings@nationaltrust.org.uk

W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giantscauseway

 

A special musical and drama performance celebrating Ulster-American links takes place in Larne next month as part of the Friends’ Goodwill Festival.

Commissioned by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, American Dreams features artists and groups, including the Harlandic Male Voice Choir, Larne Choral Society, Sir Henry Inglesby Fife and Drum, Larne Drama Circle, and the Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band.

The event is being held in the McNeill Theatre on Thursday 18 May at 7.30pm and promises to take the audience on a voyage through history, starting with the Friends’ Goodwill ship’s departure from Larne 300 years ago.

The show, written and produced by local historian Dr David Hume, also includes historic material, poems and songs especially written for the performance.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Audrey Wales MBE, said: “Admission to American Dreams is free to residents and it promises to be a superb evening of entertainment and reflection.

“The complimentary tickets are available from Larne Tourist Information Centre.

“The production tells the remarkable story of the Ulster Scots emigrants’ voyage to America and launches the Friends’ Goodwill Festival.”

American Dreams will include several set piece dramas, one of which brings the audience into the heart of the Waxhaws region and the creation of the American Declaration of Independence.

The local focus will also include the Timber Ridge community in Virginia, where many families from Ballysnod, Raloo, Browndod and Ballyboley settled from the 1730s.

Back in 1717, 52 pioneering emigrants left Larne on the Friends’ Goodwill ship in pursuit of new lives in America.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is hosting four days of events for all the family to mark the 300th anniversary of the sailing, including outdoor music, concerts, barbecues, historical re-enactments and American-themed sports displays, to commemorate the courage and legacy of all those on board the Friends’ Goodwill.

The packed programme of public, maritime-themed events takes place in Larne from Thursday 18 May until Sunday 21 May.

The Saturdays star Una Healy is headlining the Friends’ Goodwill Festival and will take to the stage at Sandy Bay Playing Fields from 9pm on Saturday 20 May.

Una joins a stellar line-up of performers and acts taking part, including Jim Devine, The Broken String Band, Marty Mone, Dana Masters, Philomena Begley, Four Men and a Dog, Barry Kirwan and Niamh McGlinchey.

For more details visit: midandeastantrim.gov.uk/friendsgoodwill

The glorious May weather is continuing as the gates open today to Northern Ireland’s premier gardening event, the much anticipated Allianz Garden Show Ireland at Antrim Castle Gardens.

Promising a fabulous Festival of Flowers, Food and Fun, the three day Show is set to welcome a bumper crowd to the stunning Antrim setting over the weekend.

The Show is considered by gardening experts to be must see event and with household names like BBC’s Joe Swift leading the line-up it is easy to see why. Joe, who anchors the BBC’s coverage for the Chelsea Flower Show every year, will be giving talks on Friday 5 May.

With over twenty Garden visuals for visitors to enjoy, including the show stopping feature garden which draws inspiration from CS Lewis and creations from local community groups and garden designers there will be something to inspire all levels of gardeners. While the Growers Pavilion will house specialist nurseries with thousands of plants available to purchase from the expert growers who will be on hand for advice along with the opportunity to win a 3D landscape design package by Acheson Glover.

Damien O’Neil, Head of Marketing & Communications for Allianz Ireland remarked,

“Allianz is delighted, once again, to be title sponsor in 2017. Last year’s event was a huge success and this year looks set to be even bigger and better. Allianz is committed to sustainability of the environment and we recognise the big part that our gardens can play in achieving this goal. We know that the Show not only brings communities together but also showcases the very best in the world of gardening with all its attendant benefits. We are very much looking forward to all that this year’s Allianz Garden Show Ireland has to offer.”

Food continues to be a central part of the Show with lively demonstrations from resident chef Paula McIntyre who will be joined on Saturday 6 May by Big Allotment Challenge judge Thane Prince. The Food NI Pavilion will be jammed pack with appetising treats to take home with a diverse range on offer from craft beers to dry cured bacon, not forgetting good old soda bread baked in situ by the Krazi Baker.

Visitors to the Show will then be able to step outside and dine alfresco in the Click Energy Relax & Recharge Area. They will continue to be spoilt for choice with the award-winning Broughgammon Farm serving up their famous goat burgers alongside Born and Raised Waffles creating their delicious handcrafted Liege waffles.

Eddie Rowan, Events Manager at Tourism Northern Ireland commented,

“Antrim Castle Gardens are an historical gem and a magnificent venue to once again host Allianz Garden Show Ireland. The event attracts great crowds to Antrim. Tourism Northern Ireland is pleased to see the 2017 show celebrates the legacy of the Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink, with a Food NI Pavilion packed with local produce.”

 

The Show programme is packed with musical performances from Sestina, Martello Jazz Band, the Brass Band from the City of Belfast School of Music and the Sing for Life community choir all performing at various stages of the three day Show. Also joining the arts line up is a unique exhibition of large tree hanging displays of over 30 quilts which will be suspended from trees in the gardens.

A little bit of Narnia will appear in Antrim in the CS Lewis inspired gardens created by the local community and charity groups and with surprise visits expected from Mr Tumnus and others it is set to be a magical weekend for fans of the Chronicles of Narnia. Little ones will also delight as they can create their own fairy houses, design and fly their own kites and enjoy some archery and even a spot of climbing.

The family focused event has over the last number of years engaged with schools province wide ensuring that the Show is eagerly anticipated by all the children who take part in the Allianz supported schools challenges. Primary Schools are displaying their ‘Enchanted Garden Container Gardens’, meanwhile Allianz Scarecrow Avenue has come alive with scarecrows created by primary schools in the integrated sector.

The 2017 Allianz Garden Show Ireland will run from 5-7 May and is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Set in the stunning Antrim Castle Gardens the Allianz Garden Show Ireland continues to draw record crowds each year and with extensive local parking at Enkalon and the Junction and a short travel time from Belfast it really is an accessible day out for all.

Adults tickets cost £10 (concession £8), the event is FREE for children under 16 and there is a reduced rate for online booking, for more information on the Show or to book tickets online please visit www.gardenshowireland.com

An exhilarating week of drama is lined up for Theatre at The Mill from Monday 15 – Saturday 20 May as the Ulster Drama Festival returns nightly at 7.45pm

Following a series of highly competitive festivals which took place throughout Northern Ireland in March the top six award-winning productions from North and South have gained the honour of performing in the ULSTER DRAMA FESTIVAL which is sponsored by the Enkalon Foundation.

The programme offers the amazing opportunity for audiences to see a spectacular range of plays by well-known and highly acclaimed authors – performed by companies from Belfast, Bangor, Holywood, Newtownabbey and Wexford.

A full synopsis of each play can be on the website: www.theatreatthemill.com

Tickets: £12 & £10 (Concession) or Festival Ticket £60 & £50 (Concession). Tickets are available from Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or online www.theatreatthemill.com

 

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland (May 8 – May 14)

Gunpowder Irish Gin Evening, Co. Antrim, 9 May. Join in on the journey of Drumshambo Gunpowder Irish Gin… Galgorm Resort and Spa are proud to introduce the latest in their Gin evenings. Hear about the curious mind of PJ Rigney and how he got to work over signature serves paired with a mouth-watering menu from Galgorm’s 3AA Rosette River Room kitchen. £40.00 per person. To book email mmcclure@galgorm.com.

Spring Picnic Twilight Market, Belfast, 9-10 May. Back by popular demand, the Twilight Market is set to return to St George’s Market on 9 and 10 May, from 4pm-11pm. Now an award-winning market, the Twilight Market is an established highlight in Belfast’s calendar of events. Please note, the Twilight Market is strictly over 18s after 9pm due to licensing laws. Entry to the market is free. For more information, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/markets.

Balmoral Show, Co. Antrim, 10-13 May. Ireland’s largest agri-food event, the Balmoral Show, is back at Eikon and Balmoral Park and this time it will be for four days. The show will be bigger and better than before with fantastic arena and livestock attractions including family fun for all the family. A complimentary shuttle service to the venue will operate from Lisburn Train station. Opening hours and ticket prices vary. Please visit balmoralshow.co.uk for more information.

The Guitar Artistry of Hugh Buckley, Belfast, 11 May. Hugh Buckley, one of Ireland’s most accomplished jazz guitarists brings a stellar guitar and piano trio to Belfast comprising the exceptionally gifted pianist Myles Drennan and legenderry bassist Dave Fleming. McHugh’s Bar. Ticket prices £8-£12

April Verch Band, Co.Down, 11^th May. Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to present the incredibly talented Canadian fiddler, singer and step dancer April Verch with her band to Portico, Portaferry as part of a Moving On Music tour. Portico, Portaferry. Tickets £12.

Slieve Donard Moonlit Walk, Co Down, 12 May. Get your torch ready for this must-do challenge. Starting at 19.30 you will plan to make it for the summit around midnight, where you will be able to stargaze and marvel at the lights of Newcastle and beyond before returning to Donard car park for a well-earned hot cuppa. This walk will be taken along the well-known Brandy Pad Route – the main track up and down alongside the River Glen. The time taken depends on the pace of the group but on average it takes approximately 6 hours. Early Registration: £25.00. To register online visit cancerfocusni.org/moonlit

Walled City Tattoo, Derry~Londonderry, 12-13 May. The Walled City Tattoo returns to the Millennium Forum stage. Audiences can expect an array of local and international talent that will include all the traditional aspects of a Tattoo including marching bands, theatrics and musical performances. The Walled City Tattoo will also tell local stories, contemporising and embellishing the show with a rich local theme. 8pm, £18-£22.00.

Dawn Chorus – Cladagh Glen, Co. Fermanagh, 13 May. The early bird catches the worm! Head to Marble Arch Caves for 05.00am to join Geopark staff to hear the dawn chorus of birdsong welcoming the new day. Geopark staff will help you to identify which birds you can hear. Please note Cladagh Glen is not wheelchair accessible; wear warm waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear. Booking essential – contact Marble Arch Caves (028) 6634 8855 to book. Free Event.

Ardress House, Co. Armagh. Nestled in the apple orchards of Co. Armagh, Ardress House offers afternoons of fun and relaxation for everyone. Why not visit the farmyard and let your imagination take you on a journey… as a Dairy Maid perhaps milking the cows in the Byre followed by butter making in the Dairy or imagine yourself as a Blacksmith shoeing horses and making tools in the smithy. Admission prices £2.27 – £13.50. For more information, please visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ardree-house.

Ulster American Folk Park, Co.Tyrone. Immerse yourself in the world famous story of Irish emigration at this dedicated museum that brings the story back to life! Follow the emigrant trail as you journey from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale emigrant sailing ship leading to the log cabins of the American frontier. You can meet and chat with an array of richly costumed characters on your way, often with traditional crafts to show, exciting tales to tell and unusual food to share! Open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Admission from £5.50 (children under 4 free) For more information visit nmni.com/uafp

 

With the Vauxhall International NW 200 just days away, the line-up for the supporting Race Week Festival has been announced.

The family orientated festival, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, begins on Sunday 7^th May and runs until Saturday 13^th with activities taking place all around the area.

Speaking about the upcoming events, The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey said: “The NW 200 attracts upwards of 100,000 visitors, spectators and fans, and along with the road racing action, the Race Week Festival offers a packed programme of entertainment throughout the week. I would encourage everyone to take part in the festivities, and enjoy the unique atmosphere created by this world class event.”

Now a time honoured tradition at the Race Week Festival, everyone is welcome to The Family Motor Fest on Wednesday 10^th at East Strand Portrush. Massive jumps, freestyle tricks and breath taking ‘drop offs’ will be performed by the fantastic Inch Perfect Trials Show who are performing at the festival for the first time.

Further adrenaline filled stunts will be on display when Stannage International Stunt Show and the Vertical Trix Motorsport Stunt Display Team take to the stage with their act incorporating cars, bikes, wheelies and burn outs.

Alongside the show which is sponsored by Nutt Travel Coleraine, there will be food stalls and mini moto racing for children. Entertainment begins at 6.30pm and lasts until 8pm.

The public will get a chance to ‘Meet the Riders’ on Friday 12^th May in Coleraine Town centre from 2pm-4pm. Popular broadcaster Adrian Logan will be hosting a chat show with some of today’s top road racers, with fans getting the chance to take photographs and receive autographs during the free event.

The popular outdoor concert and fireworks display at The Crescent in Portstewart takes place on Friday evening. Featuring the legendary tribute band Con Jovi, it’s an event for all the family to enjoy.

Entertainment will continue throughout the week with bike exhibitions, cavalcades and back -to-back activities at the hospitality marquee. With local DJ Brian Moore, hypnotist Adrian Knight and music by The Untouchables and Klass, the week is packed with variety.

Download the Race Week Festival flyer at www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com or call Coleraine Visitor Information Centre on 028 7034 4723.

BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL

Special Olympics is calling on communities across Northern Ireland to help transform lives through sport and support their biggest annual fundraiser on Friday May 5^th.

Close to 1000 volunteers will take to the streets across Northern Ireland for Special Olympics Ulster’s Collection Day 2017, as the charity seeks to raise £75,000 in a single day.

The initiative is part of the wider Special Olympics Ireland Collection Day, which will see over 3000 volunteers take to the streets of towns and cities across Ireland.

On Collection Day, local supporters are asked to give they can to the on-street volunteers at 100 collection points across the Ulster region, or donate online at specialolympics.ie

Special Olympics is a sports organisation for people with an intellectual disability. It gives children and adults the chance to train in a chosen sport, improve their quality of life, demonstrate courage, experience joy and share long lasting friendships. The organisation also provides an invaluable network of friendship and support for the families of athletes.

Commenting ahead of Collection Day, Shaun Cassidy, Regional Director, Special Olympics Ulster said: “This is our biggest annual fundraising event of the year. We’re asking people come out and support Special Olympics by donating what they can to our volunteers that will be manning collection points across Northern Ireland.  Every donation we receive on May 5^th will help Special Olympics in providing a year-round sports programme to athletes across the Ulster region. Full details are available on our website, specialolympics.ie”.

Special Olympics Ireland’s Collection Day is once again proudly supported by eir. On May 5th eir employees will join volunteers in towns and villages right across the country to raise vital funds for Special Olympics.

Carolan Lennon Managing Director open eir: “We have proudly worked alongside Special Olympics Ireland since 1985 and we have seen first-hand the difference this organisation makes to thousands of athletes, and their families, every single day. Special Olympics Ireland positively transforms lives through sport and this is only possible because of the support of people throughout Ireland on Collection Day.

For further information about Special Olympics Ulster’s Collection Day and to donate online, visit www.specialolympics.ie/collectionday.  People can also help to spread the word on twitter by tweeting @SO_Ulster or using the hashtag, #CollectionDay.

Saturday 13th May from 11am will see Castle Park in Bangor come alive with great sounds and sights as the Pipe Band Championships start their season with their first Pipe Band, Drum Major and Highland Dancing Championships of 2017.

This year sees a huge entry of 39 bands, 47 Drum Majors and 55 Highland Dancers taking part in this impressive music and dancing spectacle.

Scottish Pipe Band, The Vale of Atholl, will visit Bangor for the first time since the last major European Championship and will compete with current Grade 1 World Pipe Band Champions Field Marshal Montgomery along with many other finely tuned bands.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Deborah Girvan, who will act as Chieftain for the day said “The Championships are a firm favourite in the Council’s events programme and they bring a great day of family entertainment to Bangor enjoyed by competitors and supporters alike.”

RSPBA NI Chairman Ray Hall said, “I am really looking forward to the Championships in Castle Park, it is a fantastic start to the 2017 season. All the bands, drum majors and Highland Dancers have put in hours of practice over the winter months and are keen to show everyone what they can do in the competition arena at this great day out for all the family.’There will be delicious food and merchandise available throughout the day so come along to Castle Park and don’t miss this superb FREE EVENT!

For more information, check out: www.visitardsandnorthdown.com. or www.facebook.com/rspbani/

Stendhal Festival has revealed the first portion of the musical line-up for this year’s installment of the multi-award winning Festival.

The eclectic mix of genres and styles showcased at Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady, will be headlined by Northern Irish Legends ASH on Friday August 11.

The Downpatrick rockers are one of the most popular and successful acts to ever hail from Northern Ireland, bursting onto the scene with their seminal debut album ‘1977’, an album which contained classics such as ‘Girl from Mars,’ ‘Goldfinger’, ‘Angel Interceptor’ and ‘Oh Yeah’.

The album hit number one in the British Album Charts and spawned four top 20 hits for the fledgling outfit.

Since then their career has spanned over 20 years and ASH have produced 18 top 40 singles, 2 UK Number 1 Albums (‘1977’ and ‘Free All Angels’)  and a further 3 albums which all charted in the top 10.

From one legendary act to another, Irish folk hero Sharon Shannon will also be taking to the Stendhal stage this summer.

Sharon has quite literally seen and done it all in the Irish Folk Scene. She has played on stage with the likes of the Waterboys and Christy Moore, while her 1991 self-titled debut album remains the highest selling folk album in Irish history.

Granted a lifetime achievement award at the 2009 Meteor Awards, Sharon has attained legendary status and everyone involved with Stendhal is very proud to welcome her to Limavady in the summer.

Adding a stylish International flair to proceedings will be both Ginkgoa and Ulrich Schnauss featuring Nat Urazmetova.

Parisian/Manhattan Electro swing act Ginkgoa has been garnering rave reviews thanks to their electrifying recent appearances in festivals across Europe and North America.

German electronica icon Ulrich Schnauss is at once uplifting and otherworldly, combining multi-layered synthesizers with beats and ethereal vocals, serving as an aural escape route from the trappings of reality.

Showcasing the very best of Northern Irish talent has always been a key component of the Stendhal experience and this year some of our very brightest home-grown stars will be shining on the Stendhal stage.

Ciaran Lavery is making a welcome return to Stendhal. This fast rising home-grown star has been making huge strides in recent months and is recognised by the entire Northern Irish Music Industry as perhaps the one to watch from these shores.

Jealous of the Birds is another hotly tipped talent making waves in the Irish music scene,  equal parts light and shade, her songs are poignant and vulnerable, bursting with honesty and raw passion.

Ryan McMullan may be the Northern Irish breakout star of the year thanks to being chosen to open for Ed Sheeran in the superstars’ summer European dates.

Ryan is no stranger to Stendhal having made his Limavady debut in 2014 he hasn’t looked back. He has supported the likes of Foy Vance and is looking forward to his first headline show in Belfast this coming September.

Other local standouts include the brooding intensity of Hiva Oa, the always outstanding and original Joshua Burnside, the excellent Susie Blue, Derry electropop/rock purveyor ROE, the soaring vocal magnificence of Rosborough and with many more to be announced, expect only excellence from the Northern Irish contingent this year.

Brothers Declan and Brendan Murphy have been better known as The 4 of Us for over 25 years now. Propelled by hit single ‘Mary’ the band’s first album ‘Songs for the tempted’ shot them to Number 1 in the Irish album charts, going double platinum and winning them  Best Album of the Year at the Irish Music Awards.

Anthony Toner has been described as ‘John Prine meets James Taylor – in a second hand book shop’.

The Coleraine-born singer-songwriter is a masterful composer whose songs are meticulously crafted, poetic and suffused with compassion, warmth and wisdom.

As usual a multitude of different genres and styles of music will be on show, there will be bluegrass courtesy of Rackhouse Pilfer, Gypsy Orchestral from Basork, Reggae from the John Street Band, folk from Emma Lusby and with further announcements to come, Stendhal will ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Stendhal Organiser Ross Parkhill told The Irish News: “We are really pleased to be welcoming so many top acts to Stendhal again this year. Last year was by far and away our best year ever so we have been working incredibly hard in the knowledge that we have to top it.

“The first part of the music line-up I think shows that we are on our way to doing that and that Stendhal is once again going to be the most unmissable music event in Northern Ireland this summer.”

Tickets for the event on August 11 and 12 are on sale now at Stendhalfestival.com and from local ticket outlets next week. For more info check out the Stendhal Festival Facebook page.

Stendhal Musical Line-up Part 1:

ASH, Sharon Shannon, Ulrich Schnauss ft. Nat Urazmetova, Ginkgoa, Ciaran Lavery, The Four of Us, Anthony Toner, Jealous of the Birds, Ryan Vail, Ryan McMullan, Paddy Nash, Joshua Burnside, Rosborough, Susie Blue, No Oil Paintings, Roe,  Hiva Oa, John Street Band, Emma Lusby, Bror, Chloe McAllister, Basork, Conor Mason, Isobel Anderson, Rackhouse Pilfer. The Burning Glass

 

Smile club is a multi activity summer scheme located in the city centre of Belfast at R.B.A.I. school. This summer scheme has full access to an onsite swimming pool.

This is one of the many outstanding facilities the Belfast summer scheme can offer. The many activities of the scheme include a huge range of SPORTS, Arts & Crafts, ICT, Talent Show and Cooking. There is also an early drop off and late pick up facility alongside all the activities for the children.

* FREE CHILDCARE

* EARLY / LATE DROP OFFS

* AGES 4-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14

Other activities include drama, music, singing and dancing all led by well qualified and highly motivated staff.

* MINIMUM OF 2 FREE SWIMIMING LESSONS

Focus will be on front crawl and breast stroke development. There will be some fun based activities too. The classes cater for all abilities.

Project work includes elements of painting, arts and craft skills. The children will be working in small groups and will gain experience in collective work, designing and using their creative sides to the full.

Energise with an action packed week and a huge range of activities with Smile Club NI “Vantage Group” this summer!!! This is the scheme for older children from ages 12-14. Key features include:

– Additional Choice

– More options

– Additional expert Coaching

Also fully included in the price is a FREE TRIP to Cairnfunnock Country Park on the second week.