Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for an ideal short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.
Autumn Escape, City Hotel Derry, Derry~Londonderry, from £49.50pps. Situated in a beautiful setting in Derry City with panoramic views of the river Foyle and only steps away from the famous city walls, shops, bars, restaurants, the City Hotel is perfect for a short break. Enjoy a fantastic Autumn Escape at the four-star hotel. This special offers includes one night’s accommodation, a three-course evening meal and full Irish breakfast the following morning. Also included is complimentary use of the Health and Fitness Centre. To book call (028) 71 365 800
Ladies Who Shop, Silverbirch Hotel, Co. Tyrone, from £130 per night. Found in the bustling market town of Omagh, the three-star Silverbirch Hotel is ideal for business trips, family vacations and romantic breaks away showcasing classic interiors in modern, elegant surroundings. Indulge in a ‘guilt free’ shopping getaway in association with Menary’s/Tempest. Package includes one night’s accommodation, dinner, full Irish breakfast, complimentary glass of wine and a £20 voucher for Menary’s/Tempest. To book call (028) 82 242520.
Fitz and Thrones, Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast, from £215 per night. The luxurious Fitzwilliam Hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city with easy access to shops, theatres and restaurants. This specially themed package is the ultimate break for any fan of HBO’s award-winning Game of Thrones® TV show. Package includes overnight accommodation in a luxurious room, breakfast, a four-course evening meal, Game of Thrones® cocktail and a filming locations day tour. Subject to availability. Available until 30 September 2016. To book call (028) 90 442080.
Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (September 12 – September 18).
Culture Night, Various locations, Northern Ireland, September 16. Culture Night is an annual all-island public event that celebrates culture, creativity and the arts through a packed programme of events including tasters, tours, talks, trails, demonstrations, activities and gigs. This year, it will take place on Friday 16th September 2016 in Belfast, Derry~Londonderry, Armagh and Downpatrick.
Mount Stewart Conversations, Mount Stewart, Co. Down, September 17 – 18. An unmissable festival weekend of debate, ideas, storytelling, art and music on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September 2016. Tickets on sale now for an inspiring, mind-expanding, one of a kind weekend at Mount Stewart. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Invasion Derry, Millennium Forum, Derry~Londonderry, September 17 – 18. Ireland’s premier Star Wars costuming club, The Emerald Garrison, will be Invading Derry this September. It includes a line-up of talks, and fun interactive activities as well as the Emerald Garrison’s hugely popular props and replicas. Visitors of all ages will love meeting and posing with over 40 costumed characters including legions of Storm Troopers, Jedi Knights, Bounty Hunters, Clone Troopers, Darth Vader, Wookies and many, many more!
Good Food Market, The Argory, Co. Armagh, September 17. In celebration of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink, come along to taste and buy a range of locally sourced produce. The once bustling Courtyard at The Argory will come alive with cookery demonstrations, music and country activities. 11.00am – 4:00pm. Normal Admission. Members Free.
Full Moon & Penumbral Eclipse Boat Trip, Castle Ward, Co. Down, September 17. Enjoy the tranquillity of Strangford Lough at twilight, a full moon rising over the water to set off the beautiful scenery of the area. Visit the SeaGen, Angus Rocks Lighthouse, Seal colonies at Cloughey Rocks Nature Reserve and much more. Suitable for ages 3+. Booking Essential: Contact Strangford Sea Safari on 028 4372 3933
Country Comes To Town, Portadown, Co. Armagh, September 17. Country Comes To Town is a cross-community festival with a rural ethos that will appeal to all ages, showcasing diverse crafts, cultures and traditions. The festival includes, vintage vehicles, country music, walkabout performance, traditional crafts such as blacksmithing and wood-turning, performing arts, food traders and demonstrations.
Tesco Taste Festival, Custom House Square, Belfast, September 16 – 18. The fabulous Tesco Taste Festival is returning to Custom House Square in Belfast. Now in its eighth year, this free Festival, which attracts around 20,000 visitors, looks set to be even bigger and better than before with tasting sessions, cooking demonstrations and live music.
Star Wars – The Force Awakens (Outdoor Cinema), Solitude Park, Co. Down, September 16. Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be screened for the first time under the stars at Solitude Park. Gather friends and family and bring a picnic hamper, rugs and jackets for what is set to be an engrossing evening in the open air.
Titanic: Window on Emigration, Ulster American Folk Park, Co. Tyrone, until 31 January. Set in the context of European emigration, Titanic: Window on Emigration explore the stories of the Irish passengers who travelled on Titanic. The exhibition uncovers the stories of steerage passengers, why they left for America and what happened to many of the 40 Irish survivors.
The Holy, Holy Bus, Grand Opera House, Belfast, September 12 – 17. Take a trip of the soul with this irreverent comedy about three women who climb on board the west Belfast Holy Holy Bus on a pilgrimage around Ireland’s most sacred sites. Suitable for ages 15+.
This Saturday 10th September, Ards and North Down Borough Council, in conjunction with the Ulster-Scots Agency, are hosting a week-long Festival which comes to a fantastic finale at The Commons in Donaghadee featuring a full programme of Ulster-Scots music, activities and food with the highlight of the day being a performance from the world-renowned Red Hot Chilli Pipers. The event will include a Peninsula Picnic Showcase organised by SERC, featuring live food demonstrations and local artisan producers, and lots of Ulster-Scots activities and entertainment. The day will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display at 9.30pm. This is a FREE non-ticketed event.
Armagh
Join Paddington Bear at the Shambles Yard Armagh on Saturday 10th September 2016 at 8pm. This FREE open air cinema will have you following Paddington on his journey from deepest Peru to the bustling streets of London. Gates open at 7pm, pack your marmalade sandwiches, wrap up warm and watch Paddington on his adventures around London. This seated family cinema is FREE and available on a first come first served basis so come early to avoid disappointment. For extra comfort feel free to bring your own chair, cushions and blankets.
Fermanagh
Filmmaker Christopher Myers will give a talk at Castle Coole NT this Saturday on recent film projects shot in Fermanagh including feature film Miss Julie (filmed on location at Castle Coole), BBC comedy Blandings and a yet to be released Hollywood action film. The talk will close with a screening of a short film shot on location in Fermanagh close to Castle Coole titled Land is God – directed by Jonathan Beer, produced by Christopher Myers and Fermanagh born BAFTA winner Brian J Falconer. Booking required – 028 9082 3238.
Tyrone
Tyrone Ancient Order of Hibernians are planning a mini St Patricks Day celebration in Tyrone to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death in exile of the Great Hugh O Neill – who passed away in Rome in 1916. Known as Hibernian Day, the event will take place in Kinturk on Sunday 11th September and will involve a parade of AOH bands from across the North.
Derry/Londonderry
Join Alice and all her friends, including Mr Bloom from CBeebies in Maghera Walled Garden for some blooming good fun on Saturday 10 September from 12pm -5pm. Mr Bloom will be bringing his practical gardening tips and delivering fun workshops while children can also meet Alice and all her friends from Wonderland including the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts, The White Rabbit and many more guests. Alice inspired interactive workshops and activities, other magical characters from Wonderland, music and food stalls are also on offer throughout the afternoon in this free family event.
Antrim
Join Jacqueline from whatsonni for a night full of entertainment, fine dining and fundraising for the Mid Ulster Dementia Support Group at her Gala Fundraiser this Saturday 10th September. The venue is the fabulous White River Hotel in Toome. Arrive in Black Tie on the Red Carpet at 7pm for a drinks reception and canapes. Pose for the press before the night kicks off with a sumptuous three course meal by renowned chef Michael Lennon! Email info@whatsonni.com to reserve your ticket (only a limited number of tickets available).
Belfast
Tickling your ribs and bending your mind this Saturday at the Ulster Hall, five funny friends of the Integrated Education Fund entertain in support of increasing opportunities for children of all traditions and backgrounds to learn together. Tim McGarry, David Meade, Wendy Wason, Neil Dougan and Colin Murphy offer a one-off special night of comedy, telepathy and philanthropy!
For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.
September is a wonderful time for lovers of Northern Ireland’s wide and tempting ranges of breads and buns.
IS THIS ENOUGH FLOUR MUM? Little bakers Ben and Cerys O’Neill are celebrating Bread and Baking Month by cooking up a storm at James Street South Cookery School. As part of Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016, Tourism NI is encouraging everyone to put an apron on and try out a new baking recipe or local product this September. NI is home to lots of delicious treats and bakes such as wheaten bread, fifteens, Soda Farls and Potato Bread so if you haven’t sampled any of these why not have a go at baking your own! To find out more about Bread and Baking Month go to www.discovernorthernireland.com/yearoffoodanddrink2016/ and for more information on short breaks in Northern Ireland go to www.discovernorthernireland.com.
Not only is this month dedicated to Bread and Baking in the NI Year of Food and Drink 2016 calendar but the latest Great British Bake Off competition has just gotten underway meaning it’s almost impossible to avoid tray bakes, bread rolls and delicious scones.
Tourism Northern Ireland’s Communications and Destination PR Officer Rachel Quigg explained why everyone should put an apron on and try out a new baking recipe or local product this September:
“There is no better time to find out more about NI’s rich bread and baking heritage. There are lots of delicious treats and bakes native to Northern Ireland which are known all around the world like wheaten bread, fifteens, Soda Farls and Potato Bread so if you haven’t sampled any of these why not have a go at baking your own!
“There are also a variety of fun food experiences where you can try a variety of baked goods whilst enjoying music and family fun, such as the Belfast Bred Tour and the Tesco Taste Festival,” added Rachel.
Tourism Northern Ireland has put together a list of NI based foods, producers, events and recipes for you to enjoy:
LOCAL DELIGHTS
Baking is very popular in NI and in particular tray bakes with afternoon tea. One of the most famous bakes from NI are the always popular, fifteens. This traditional Northern Irish treat gets its name from the fact that you need fifteen of each of the main ingredients (digestive biscuits, marshmallows and glace cherries) to make them. Fifteens are a popular sweet treat thanks to how easy they are to make.
Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016 saw the inaugural Ulster Fry-Day back in January, a celebration of this hearty local breakfast. Our variation on the morning fry-up wouldn’t be nearly as popular however, if it weren’t for two inspired pieces of Northern Irish baking: potato bread and soda bread. Potato, or “tatie” bread is a form of unleavened bread in which potato replaces a major portion of the wheat flour, and soda bread is soft, thick and fluffy. Both of these are popular breads on their own but they truly come into their own when they are served with bacon, sausage and eggs in a hearty Ulster Fry.
Other baked institutions in Northern Ireland include the Belfast Bap, dreamt up by a Belfast man to keep thousands of people alive during the famine and it is still being eaten today.
Another popular bread unique to Northern Ireland is Veda which was invented by Scot Robert Graham in 1904. It’s so popular that many people living abroad rely on their relatives to send them a Veda to satisfy their craving.
MUCH LOVED BAKERIES
Over one hundred years ago, W.D. Irwin and his wife Ruth opened a small bakery in Portadown, Co. Armagh, baking fresh bread for local people, delivering far afield and expanding, before the introduction of its iconic nutty crust loaf gave it a place in the history books. Nowadays, Irwin’s is situated in a purpose-built plant bakery on the Portadown outskirts and is found on shelves all over the country. It is still a family-run business and their scrumptious products include Veda, batch bread, fruit bread, and many more.
Another iconic Northern Irish brand is Ormo. Established in 1875, Ormo bread and pancakes have been loved by generations. Situated, until recently, in its famous Ormeau Road building in South Belfast, Ormo products are still being lovingly made by a 400-strong workforce in Hovis Bakeries nearby and include favourites such as pancakes, wheaten bread and soda farls.
A favourite amongst those with a sweeter tooth is French Village, a wholesale bakery in East Belfast producing cakes, muffins, cupcakes and all sort of treats for any occasion. There are also two French Village restaurants in Belfast where customers can pop in and sample freshly made delectable delights.
Another of Northern Ireland’s much loved bakery’s is JBird Bakery which offer cupcakes and muffins in a huge range of scrumptious flavours such as Madagascan vanilla, decadent chocolate, red velvet, coffee crème and coconut and raspberry.
The Heatherlea Bakery was first established in 1937 and was taken over by Paul and Patricia Getty in 1990 who have carefully grown the business. The bakery offers a range of fresh breads and cakes which have won coveted national Great Taste Awards in various categories. Try out some of their tasty treats at their cafés in Bangor or Belmont in Belfast.
EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES
Some of the best Northern Ireland food producers will be present at the Tesco Taste Festival in Custom House Square, Belfast on September 16-18. Now in its eighth year, the festival showcases everything great about Northern Ireland food and drink producers, suppliers and chefs, with tastings, demonstrations, tips and entertainment for all the family.
The Belfast Bred Tour runs until September 10 and participants can discover the city’s fascinating culinary history in the company of Barney, a cheeky chef from RMS Titanic. The tour is written by Seth Linder, performed by Michael Lavery and Stephen Beggs and directed by Kabosh’s Paula McFetridge. This mouth-watering tour offers the chance to chat with local chefs and savour a range of free samples at each location including Sawers Deli, Mourne Seafood, the John Hewitt and St George’s Market.
Orchard Acre Farm in Irvinestown is the perfect location for enhancing baking skills as they host a programme of farmhouse and modern cookery classes, Irish craft courses and foodie events. Tours are also available for visitors as well as presentations of the gardens, orchards and farm. From afternoon teas to seven course dining experiences, there is something for everyone and all the food is naturally home grown and made from scratch.
Suitor Craft Gallery and Coffee Shop in Dungannon offers a wide range of beautiful gifts, specialising in high quality traditional wooden toys, handmade jewellery and ceramics. Not only this, but every day, fresh homemade baking is served up, with scones, toasties and other sweet delights, and all through September, Ulster bread-making is being celebrated there, making it a unique and mouth-watering place to stop on your travels.
Those wanting an interactive day out involving some of our local baked delights need look no further than a session at James Street South Cookery School. Located in a purpose-built kitchen above the Bar and Grill on James Street South, it offers hands on cookery classes for all abilities, including bread making, and gorgeous desserts. Other cookery schools around NI which are available to test out culinary skills at include the Belfast Cookery School, Aine’s Kitchen Cookery School in Newry and Belle Isle in Co Fermanagh.
For those who have an interest in baking traditions of old, travel back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park, where the story of the Irish emigration to America in the 18th and 19th century is told, bringing to life people’s daily routines and activities from the time.
The Finnebrogue Artisan Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Festival takes place in Killyleagh to commemorate and celebrate one of Northern Ireland’s most famous legends, Sir Hans Sloane who invented the recipe for milk chocolate. Fun events to look out for include a Chocolate Ball on September 24, the Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Family Fun Day on September 25 and the Hans Sloane Chocolate and Fine Food Family Fun Day.
Community Ticket and A Night for Belfast initiatives make hundreds of festival tickets available across NI
Launching Ulster Bank's free ticket schemes for this year's Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival are Ulster Bank Arts Ambassadors Siobhan McKenna and Trudi Cole. The Community Ticket and A Night for Belfast initiatives will make hundreds of tickets available to individuals and community groups throughout Northern Ireland. More information at: http://belfastinternationalartsfestival.com/ulsterbank/
Hundreds of tickets for this year’s Ulster Bank International Arts Festival are being offered to the public free of charge as part of two initiatives from the event’s title sponsor, it is announced today.
The Community Ticket scheme will make 150 tickets available to community groups throughout Northern Ireland while members of the public can apply for 150 free tickets through the A Night for Belfast initiative.
Richard Donnan, Head of Northern Ireland at Ulster Bank welcomed the scheme, saying:, “As title sponsor of the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival, one of our key focuses is to provide as many people as possible with access to the arts. This year’s programme is packed full of world class performances and we are confident that once people have experienced the buzz of the festival, they will continue to engage with the arts throughout the year.”
“I would strongly encourage community groups and members of the public to take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy what promises to be a very exciting line up.”
Richard Wakely, Director of the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival also welcomed the move by Ulster Bank saying: “We are always looking for ways to bring new audiences to the Festival and therefore applaud our title sponsors for again helping us make the Festival more accessible and inclusive.”
The 150 general public tickets are available for one of the Festival’s most hotly anticipated performances, the Irish Premier of David Greig’s version of Aeschylus’ The Suppliant Women, which promises to be an extraordinary theatrical event.
The 150 community tickets will be available for both The Suppliant Women and Taylor Mac’s 10-decade musical spectacular in which the glittering New-York artist gives his cultural take on the years before, during and after the First World War.
This Saturday, September 10, Ards and North Down Borough Council in conjunction with the Ulster Scots Agency is hosting “Donaghadee Lights Up” at The Commons, Donaghadee.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers who will perform at Donaghadee Lights Up, at The Commons Donaghadee on Saturday August 10. A world-renowned bagpipe act, the group tour the globe with their unique ground-breaking fusion of traditional music and rock/pop anthems. Their live performances are high-octane and energetic and draw huge crowds wherever they go – Donaghadee will be rocking!
The FREE event will be the finale event of the Ards and North Down Ulster Scots Festival which will be running from September 4 with activities taking place across The Borough.
Featuring an afternoon of live food demonstrations from local chefs and artisan food stalls as part of the Peninsula Food Showcase, the highlight of “Donaghadee Lights Up” will be a performance by the world class Red Hot Chilli Pipers at 7.30pm and the evening will then culminate with a spectacular fireworks display.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are a world-renowned bagpipe act who tour the globe with their unique ground-breaking fusion of traditional music and rock/pop anthems. Their live performances are high-octane and energetic and draw huge crowds wherever they go – Donaghadee will be rocking!
At 9.30pm, a spectacular fireworks display will end the evening and celebrate the end of the Ulster Scots Festival. The festival will be a celebration of Ulster-Scots heritage, from talks, including Tim McGarry’s “Ulster-Scots Odyssey” at Bangor Library, to music, from the popular Cup O’Joe, at the Hop House, Bangor, coupled with historic walks and family fun; there should be something for all tastes throughout the week.
So for some fantastic live music and family fun, come along to The Commons Donaghadee this Saturday! The Peninsula Food Showcase runs from 12 noon to 6pm. The Ulster Scots Agency Juvenile Band will take to the stage at 7pm, followed by The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and fireworks finale. An event not to be missed!
For more information, phone Ards Visitor Information Centre on 028 9182 6846 or visit www.visitardsandnorthdown.com
Ten-year oyster eating champion, Colin Shirlow from Dromore, Northern Ireland finally faced defeat at this year’s Turkish Airlines World Oyster Eating Championship which took place on Saturday 3rd September 2016.
Out-eaten by US Contender Michelle Lesco at the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival, Michelle managed to knock Colin off his throne by eating 227 oysters in three minutes and defeated fellow American Adrian ‘The Rabbit’ Morgan.
Although Colin remained top of the leader-board for so long, it’s hardly surprising that Michelle managed to overtake him. A regular at professional eating competitions in the States, Michelle managed to put away 385 oysters in 8 minutes at the Acme Oyster Eating Competition in New Orleans earlier this year.
Former oyster eating champion Colin Shirlow said: “I’ve won so many times now I really don’t mind that someone else takes it for a change. I still in enjoy the challenge. It all started when I walked into a pub years ago. They made me eat 60 oysters and all of a sudden I was in the final of the world championship. A Norwegian beat me this time around but you never know what will happen next year!””
Winner Michelle has taken part in countless eating competitions including ribs, hotdogs and hamburgers.
New world oyster eating champion, Michelle Lesco said: “Colin is like a machine and until now no-one has been able to touch him. I train before every competition and really studied how Colin has been doing it. I just managed to beat him and I’m delighted to have won.”
The Turkish Airlines World Oyster Eating Championship was attended by thousands of people as part of the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival. Other events included the Phoenix Natural Gas Soapbox Derby which featured a superb range of soapboxes and entertained the crowds and the first Northern Irish heat of the British Street Food Awards. This was another close contest which saw the public vote going to Pheasant Hill and judges Richard Johnson and Paula McIntyre’s votes going to Broughgammon Farm. These two street food retailers will now go on to represent Northern Ireland in the final of the British Street Food Awards in Birmingham.
The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival also kindly acknowledges the support of Tourism Northern Ireland and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in the staging of this year’s event. The event welcomed guests from the Hillsborough area and further afield, as well principal Festival sponsors Turkish Airlines, Phoenix Natural Gas, Quilter Cheviot and Charles Hurst.
Be transported to a galaxy far, far away as Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council present the sensational sci-fi spectacular Stars Wars: The Force Awakens on the big screen in Solitude Park, Banbridge on Friday 16 September at 8pm.
This fabulous free film screening is the latest in the iconic movie series which has thrilled generations of cinema goers.
It is now three decades after the defeat of the evil Galactic Empire however a new threat arises.
Our hero Luke Skywalker has vanished and in his absence, the sinister First Order has risen from the ashes of the Empire and will not rest until Skywalker, the last Jedi, has been destroyed.
Only a ragtag group of heroes along with the Resistance stand in the way of their evil imperial ways.
Will the First Order gain control of the galaxy? Will General Leia Organa find her brother Luke? Or will the Stormtroopers get to Skywalker first?
To find out, charge your lightsabre and feel the Force in full flow at this unforgettable night beneath the stars.
To add to the magical movie experience tasty treats including popcorn, sweets and drinks will also be on sale. Booking is not required just come along and don’t forget to bring along a comfy cushion.
For further information contact Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Arts and Events team on T: 028 4066 0609 or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/armaghbanbridgecraigavon
Titanic Belfast has been named as Europe’s Leading Visitor Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards held in Sardinia, Italy, last night.
First Minister Arlene Foster joins celebrations with Titanic Belfast’s Vice-Chairman Conal Harvey, Chief Executive Tim Husbands MBE and Titanic Foundation Limited's Kerrie Sweeney, as it is named as Europe’s Leading Visitor Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards held in Sardinia, Italy, beating off stiff competition from The Eiffel Tower, France and The Roman Colosseum, Italy.
It is the first time an attraction in Northern Ireland has won the award at the ceremony, which has been nicknamed the ‘Tourism Oscars’, in its 23 year history.
Titanic Belfast beat off stiff competition for the top spot from the Acropolis, Athens, Buckingham Palace, England, Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, La Sagrada Familia, Spain, Ribeira do Porto, Portugal, The Eiffel Tower, France and The Roman Colosseum, Italy.
Titanic Belfast Chief Executive, Tim Husbands MBE, commented, “We are absolutely thrilled to be Europe’s Best Tourist Attraction. After only four years in operation, to be recognised and beat off stiff competition from Europe’s most iconic landmarks is a true honour. We know what we offer at Titanic Belfast is something our city and country can be proud of and are so please that this is has been recognised on an international level. We are looking forward to welcoming the national and international visitors that this award will attract to Belfast and Northern Ireland. We would like to thank everyone who has supported and voted for us.”
First Minister Arlene Foster, said, “In just four short years, Titanic Belfast has become an iconic tourist attraction, attracting over three million visitors from all over the world. Titanic Belfast is now a global brand which has put Northern Ireland on the map for all the right reasons so last night’s official confirmation that it is now Europe’s leading tourist attraction is well deserved. I had the privilege as Tourism Minister of being involved with the project since its inception, and this award is further proof that the investment and imagination that went into this attraction keeps paying dividends for the whole of Northern Ireland.”
The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: “Titanic Belfast being voted Europe’s leading visitor attraction is a phenomenal achievement. The story of the Titanic is known around the globe and it is only right and proper we have a world class visitor attraction to match. When we opened this building in 2012 we hoped it would enable the current and future generations to explore the story of The Titanic in an innovative and interactive manner. Titanic Belfast has been a resounding success and I thank everyone involved in making this local tourism attraction a global ‘must see.”
Since opening in 2012, Titanic Belfast has established itself as a world-class attraction on the local, national and international stage, and continues to go from strength to strength. Last month, it welcomed its three-millionth visitor, having once again exceeded visitor number expectations. This milestone came during a record-breaking August, as the visitor attraction experienced its busiest day to date. The visitor experience has also experienced significant growth from France, Germany, USA and China year to date.
The award adds to Titanic Belfast accolades as it was recently included in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist of 500 of the world’s most striking locations, featuring everything from imposing temples to hidden gems, after only a few years in operation. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.
Largest airshow on the island of Ireland hailed major success
The largest airshow on the island of Ireland dazzled huge crowds in Portrush at the weekend for two days of thrilling flying displays by some of the world’s most famous aviation attractions.
Up to 200,000 spectators made the trip to the Causeway Coast for a packed programme of aerial entertainment, as well as a host of land and water based activities and events across the weekend.
The stellar line-up for Air Waves Portrush, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and sponsored by Tourism NI, included the world-famous RAF Red Arrows kicking off both days of the show.
The Red Arrows’ Saturday performance included a range of their trademark formations, close-passes and dynamic loops, as well as a special red heart shaped symbol for the mesmerised crowds. Although Sunday’s performance was curtailed by the weather, spectators were still treated to an array of trademark formations.
The Typhoon jet made a dramatic – and noisy – impact on both days with a thrilling show of power and sound and its collection of jaw-dropping manoeuvres.
The Battle of Britain Memorial trio of Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane treated spectators to a highly anticipated flypast on the Sunday, after being forced to postpone its Saturday appearance due to bad weather.
The Wildcat Aerobatics and the Muscle Bi-plane each performed their unique daredevil routines and aerial manoeuvres to thrill the crowds on both days of the show.
As an added attraction this year, there was a stunning pyrotechnic aerial show by the AeroSPARX Display Team in Portstewart on the Saturday evening as night fell.
Sunday’s airshow drew to a poignant close by commemorating the Battle of Britain, with a Royal British Legion Poppy Drop by the Huey helicopter, which showered spectators with a cloud of fluttering poppies.
Speaking about the success of the show, Richard Baker, Director of Leisure & Development, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “This year’s Air Waves Portrush has been a resounding success. The weather is one thing that we can’t control and although one badly timed rain shower impacted the Red Arrows’ display on Sunday, overall we were able to deliver two packed days of aerial displays and a host of entertainment on the ground.
“I am particularly pleased with the resounding success of the STEM Village – a new addition to this year’s show – as we aim to inspire the younger generation towards careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“Visitors flocked in from far and wide and we would like to thank all of the event sponsors, Ministry of Defence, emergency service agencies and all the volunteers who pulled out all the stops to ensure this year’s show was a safe, successful and spectacular event.”
For more information on Air Waves Portrush visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or for the weekend’s images search for Air Waves Portrush on social media.
