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.

• Winter Warmer, Ramada Encore, Belfast. From £44.50pps. The stylish 3-star Ramada Encore overlooks St. Anne’s Square, home to many of the city’s most popular bars and restaurants, and is right on the doorstep of Belfast City Centre. This fantastic offer includes overnight accommodation with full cooked Irish breakfast, plus a VIP hamper and £20 food/drink voucher to spend in SQ Bar and Grill. Available until 31 march.  To book call (028) 9026 1800.

• Midweek 2 Nights break plus 1 Evening Meal, Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Newcastle, Co. Down. From £119pps. The magnificent Slieve Donard is situated in the heart of County Down at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. As well as two nights’ stay in a luxurious 4-star bedroom and full Irish breakfast each morning, this offer also includes an evening meal in the newly refurbished Percy French restaurant. Available until 17 April. To book call (028) 4372 1066. Quote spring offers when booking.

• One Night Bed and Breakfast, Roe Park Resort, Limavady, Co. Londonderry. From £34.50pps. The 4-star Roe Park is one of Northern Ireland’s premier golf and spa resorts, blending the charm of a country house estate with the modern conveniences expected of a 4-star luxury hotel. This special offer includes a night’s bed and breakfast as well as complimentary use of Fairways Health Club including heated indoor swimming pool, steam room, jacuzzi, sauna and gym. Available until 17 April. To book call (028) 7772 2222. Quote spring offers when booking.

For further information log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

*All offers are subject to availability.

The Matchmaker based on the novella “Letters of a County Matchmaker” by John B. Keane one of Ireland’s most celebrated writers, will play at Theatre At The Mill on Thursday 7^th April at 7.45pm.

The production stars television favorite Mary McEvoy best known for her roles as Biddie in the long running RTE series Glenroe. Irish Actor and comedian Jon Kenny who was part of the Irish comic duo d’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt joins Mary to complete the cast. Kenny is also best known outside Ireland for appearing in the Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted.   Together they play a myriad of characters in this hilarious and earthy dramatic comedy.

The play follows the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O Connor to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn.  Keane, an avid observer of people and the cultures that bind and create their view of the world uses “The Matchmaker” as an exploration of rural loneliness. Aware that generations of people became masters of their own destinies late in life, and only then began to look for companionship and love, once their duties as minder of aging parents were concluded or they had finally inherited, or were the left over brother or sister.

Using his inimitable way with words and his one sense of “devilment” and wit, Keane delves into the longings, hungers, fears and foibles of this collection of lonely county people and creates a marvelously colorful world, taking us back to a simpler time, when phones were few and far between and the only web was one left behind by spiders.

Tickets for this one night only show, The Matchmaker on Thursday 7^th April are available from Theatre At The Mill Box Office – Tel: 028 90 340 202 and online from www.theatreatthemill.com.

~ Actor Liam Neeson lends his voice to Tourism Ireland film celebrating the greenest day of the year and invites the world to visit the island of Ireland ~

10 March 2016 – Liam Neeson is wishing the world a Happy St Patrick’s Day once again this year in a Tourism Ireland campaign.

Over the coming week, Tourism Ireland will roll out its 60-second film featuring the voice of the famous actor in 15 countries around the world – to encourage prospective holidaymakers to come and visit the island of Ireland this year. The film includes wonderful footage shot around Ireland, interwoven with some great images from Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening initiative, which sees hundreds of famous landmarks and iconic sites across the globe illuminated in green each year to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

Liam Neeson and Tourism Ireland are putting a call out to anyone with a love of, or interest in, Ireland to #GoGreen4PatricksDay – by watching and sharing the film – and then to come and experience all that the island of Ireland has to offer. The film will be shared by Tourism Ireland with its 3.4 million Facebook fans worldwide, on its YouTube channels and through email marketing. The film will be highlighted on Tourism Ireland’s international website, Ireland.com; and will also be distributed to influential international travel and lifestyle media, through an extensive publicity and PR campaign. The aim of the online campaign is to create a clear and distinctive link between Tourism Ireland’s very successful Global Greening initiative and holidays on the island of Ireland.

To view the film, click here.

Liam Neeson said: “I’m delighted to be helping Tourism Ireland celebrate St Patrick’s Day. It will be wonderful to see the world turn green again on 17 March as nations come together to celebrate the fun and warmth of the Irish.”

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “We are extremely grateful to Liam Neeson for his tremendous generosity in agreeing to help us promote the island of Ireland. He is an enormously popular, global personality and I am confident that this film will be seen and shared by people across the world – inspiring them to put the island of Ireland on their holiday wish-list for 2016. It’s a fun and innovative way to get people talking about the destination. The #GoGreen4PatricksDay initiative is just one element of Tourism Ireland’s plans to promote the island of Ireland around St Patrick’s Day; our on- and off-line campaigns will be working seamlessly together, to ensure that there is saturation coverage of Ireland across print, broadcast and online channels around the world.”

The #GoGreen4PatricksDay online campaign is part of Tourism Ireland’s extensive programme of consumer, media and trade promotions under way across the world this spring. In total, Tourism Ireland will spend £15 million promoting the island of Ireland around the globe in the first half of 2016.

Last month, Tourism Ireland announced details of some of the famous attractions and sites around the world which will join its Global Greening initiative this year to mark St Patrick’s Day. From Rome to Rio and from London to Las Vegas, a host of major landmarks and iconic sites around the world will be illuminated in green around 17 March – including the Colosseum, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, 7 World Trade Center at Ground Zero in New York, Nelson’s Column in London and even the light rail system in Addis Ababa.

International journalists – representing top media outlets from around the globe – will visit Ireland, taking in the Dublin St Patrick’s Day parade during their time here. And Tourism Ireland will also exploit the profile of St Patrick’s Day with media worldwide – sending images, video footage and news about Ireland to news desks around the world, as well as to its database of 20,000+ influential travel and lifestyle media contacts.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland this week (March 14 – 20).

• St. Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade and Concert, Belfast City Centre, March 17. Belfast city centre will come alive this St. Patrick’s Day with a joyful carnival parade for all the family to enjoy. The city centre will be awash with colour and splendour as the parade leaves Belfast City Hall at 12 noon, making its way to Custom House Square, where a free outdoor concert will take place hosted by Cool FM Presenters and featuring performances from Ben Haenow and Brian McFadden.

• LegenDerry Food Festival, Guildhall Square, Derry, Co. Londonderry, March 19-20. The appropriately named LegenDerry Food Fest is a two-day event of entertainment, excitement, and fantastic local food, taking place in two main locations – the Guildhall Square in the Festival Marquee and the stunning refurbished Guildhall. With markets, live music, cookery masterclasses and more, you can be sure to find something for you at this event.

• Digging Up Your Roots – Family History Fair, Armagh City Library, Armagh, Co. Armagh, March 15. Family history is one of the world’s most popular pastimes, with interest in this subject growing all the time. This drop-in Family History Fair will bring together expert advice and guidance along with practical help for those seeking to discover their local roots. With an array of stalls and expert, this will be an occasion not to be missed, whether you are just starting out or wishing to take your family history to the next stage. Begins at 1.30pm.

• Down to Dine Food Tour, Starting at Denvir’s, Downpatrick, Co. Down, March 16. An exciting and diverse taste of our local culinary delights in Downpatrick, Strangford and Ardglass, The Cuan, Denvir’s of Downpatrick and Currans Bar of Chapeltown are teaming up to offer a food tour package that is sure to impress. Starting the evening off at 6pm in Denvir’s, the tour includes four courses with accompanying beverages, tour guide, and bus transport from Denvir’s and back again.

• St. Patrick’s Day – The Emigrants’ Farewell, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, March 17. Countless thousands of people left Ireland in the 18th and 19th Centuries. For many, the hours before departure became known as the American or Living Wake. Watch this dramatic re-enactment complete with music and songs in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Performances begin at 12 noon and 2pm.

• A Taste of Castle Archdale, Castle Archdale Caravan & Camping Site, Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh, March 19. Orchard Acre Farm will host a cookery demonstration for adults and teenagers at Castle Archdale on Saturday 19th March to launch its celebration of Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink. There will be demonstrations of how to make burgers and sausages, warm salads for spring and crusty baps, with tasters at the end.

• Slemish Saint Patrick’s Day, Slemish Mountain, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, March 17. Follow in the footsteps of Saint Patrick in this annual trek up Slemish Mountain. A moderate climb, this trek is suitable for all the family, but suitable footwear and outdoor clothing is essential. Disabled parking only at Slemish, with free parking at Raceview Mill and Buckna Church car park. Last coaches return from Slemish at 4pm.

• Donaghadee Big Weekend, various locations, Donaghadee, Co. Down, March 19-20. Enjoy an action packed weekend in Donaghadee with free family entertainment, family activities, street market, in-store promotions, Cool FM road show, music performances, discount vouchers, fireworks and much more.

• St. Patrick’s Day at St. George’s Market, St. George’s Market, March 18-20. Throughout the weekend at St. George’s Market there will be traditional live music, special trader offers and lots of family fun to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Pop along and enjoy some of the best that St. George’s has to offer.

• Leprechaun Hunt, Hezlett House, Castlerock, Co. Londonderry, March 17. Leprechauns have escaped from the trees of Downhill and hidden themselves around Hezlett House. To join in with the hunt and discover the fascinating story of Hezlett House, come along on March 17 from 10am to 4.30pm.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.

THE SSE ARENA, BELFAST
9, 10, 11, 12, 13 (Matinee) MARCH 2016

The Seeing Is Believing Live tour comes to Belfast from 9^th March for the very first time. The show run includes a special matinee show with special family tickets available.

For the first time, Northern Irish Dynamo fans will have the opportunity to witness his magic skills live, in what promises to be a spectacular and unique stage production. This will be one of the most elaborate shows ever to visit the SEE Arena, requiring thirty trucks to transport it on tour.

In 2015 the first run of the tour kicked off in Manchester at the Eventim Apollo to a sold out crowd and travelled to London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Birmingham and Leeds.

In 2016 Dynamo will now also be performing at; Newcastle Metro Radio Arena, Sheffield Arena, Echo Arena Liverpool, The SSE Arena, Belfast, Dublin’s 3Arena, First Direct Arena Leeds, Barclaycard Arena Birmingham, The O2 in London and finishing at the Manchester Arena.

Dynamo, whose real name is Steven Frayne, hit our screens just three years ago with his first series of Magician Impossible, in that short time he has quickly established himself as one of the world’s most known and most loved magicians, with his series airing in over 180 countries worldwide reaching over 250 million cumulative viewers across the world. He was recently awarded the highest accolade by the magic circle with his promotion to Member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star, a position only held by 300 magicians worldwide, including HRH Prince of Wales.

Dynamo said of his new venture, “After four series of Magician Impossible, I was ready for a new challenge and for a long time I have wanted to take my show to the stage. I am hoping that like I did for magic on TV, I can reinvent the live magic show and produce something fans have never seen before. This is something I have been working towards for the last 20 years and I can’t wait to amaze audiences what I have in store for them – I can’t wait to get to Belfast, one of my favourite cities.”

Ticket Information

The SSE Arena, Belfast Box Office: Tel. 028 90 739074
Book On Line: www.ssearenabelfast.com

Ticketmaster: Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

This is an 8+ show – under 15s must be accompanied by an adult.

For more see:
Facebook | @Dynamomagician | YouTube

From Andrew Strong, to the Highland Games V Strong Man Competition and an eclectic mix of entertainment for all the family in between, the Dalriada Festival at Glenarm Castle promises to host its strongest, biggest and best festival line-up to date on 16 and 17 July 2016.

Yesterday, Soul Sensation Andrew Strong flew in to launch Dalriada Festival, Ireland’s Biggest Cultural and Heritage Event, in the opulent surroundings of Glenarm Castle.  The star of the epic movie The Commitments says he’s looking forward to his only Northern Irish festival date on Saturday 16th July with his Soul Orchestra, which guarantees to be a sell-out concert. He says;

“This is the 25^th anniversary of The Commitments and I’m really looking forward to celebrating this mile-stone by performing all the movie hits and more at Dalriada Festival.  The setting at Glenarm Castle in the heart of the Glens of Antrim is second to none, and with fabulous acoustics my concert promises to be rockin!”

The launch also unveiled the exciting programme of events to take place at the historic Glenarm Castle on 16^th & 17^th July to include the world famous Highland Games and Strongman, The County Antrim Pipe Band Championships, numerous music, comedy and dance stages, fine foods, and for the little ones, the hugely popular and Official PAW PATROL from Nickelodeon – their first appearance ever in Northern Ireland.

The community of Glenarm will take up the baton from 18^th – 23^rd July and will host an action-packed programme of sporting events and other entertainment including a duathlon, triathlon, super-endurocross, rowing regatta and mountain bike enduro race. The festival will culminate with a street fair, carnival and fireworks finale on 23^rd July.

Nigel Campbell, Events and Marketing Manager for Glenarm Castle, is excited about the forthcoming festival.  He says;

“This is the 6th annual Dalriada Festival and year on year the event gets even bigger and better.  Almost 30,000 people attended our festival in 2015 and we are confident that we’re going to attract even more footfall this year, with such a strong festival line-up. To host Andrew Strong’s only Northern Irish date this year, as well as having Nickelodeon’s PAW PATROL’s first ever appearance in the province, is a real cue. There’s already a great buzz about our festival in the community and further afield and we are indebted to all our sponsors for their continued support, especially The Camlin Group, Tourism NI & Mid & East Antrim Council.  Without their financial commitment to our festival, we just wouldn’t be able to offer this top class entertainment.”

Eddie Rowan from Tourism NI is proud to be supporting the festival.  He says;

“The Dalriada Festival of Sport, Music and Food is recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s biggest cultural family events. This event certainly helps to boost our economy and puts the Antrim Coast firmly on the ‘Best tourist attraction’ map.  It’s encouraging that people travel to the festival from all over Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Europe, The Middle East, America and Canada to enjoy the wide range and diverse program of events on offer.  Tourism NI is delighted to yet again support the Dalriada Festival and we wish the festival every success for 2016.”

Mid and East Antrim Council’s Alderman Tommy Nicholl added;

“The Council is very pleased to support Dalriada Festival again this year.  The Festival offers a really unique visitor experience and we recognise the positive social, cultural and economic impact that the event has had on the Borough and indeed for Northern Ireland in recent years. We’re looking forward to another packed programme of events this summer.”

Day passes for 16^th and 17^th July are now on sale via www.dalriadafestival.co.uk and with an incredible but limited 33% DISCOUNT if purchased before 22^nd March. Children Under 12 also go FREE. Saturday evening concert tickets for Andrew Strong and camping packages are also on sale via the website. Saturday night concert tickets can also be purchased at www.ticketmaster.ie priced at £28.50.

For festival tickets and transport packages direct from Belfast contact www.irishtourtickets.com or phone 028 90310101.

Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council is delighted to host an exhibition of work by design and visual artist Lise McGreevey.

Her exhibition Powerful Natures which celebrates the amalgamation of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Councils will be on display in the Conservatory Gallery, Clotworthy House from Tuesday 15 March – Saturday 23 April 2016.

Powerful Natures, which was inspired by the creation of our new amalgamated  council (Antrim and Newtownabbey) in April last year, is an abstract body of work that takes a fresh, innovative look at the natural and concrete beauty of the two boroughs. The artworks are all designed from original photographs taken on location in both towns and explore the historical and cultural landmarks and beauty of the borough, thus reflecting on the makeup of the districts represented by the council rather than just depicting the hierarchy and establishment of the actual council itself. The title of the collection not only reflects the artworks, but also the joining of the two borough councils into one new stronger entity.

Lise McGreevey is a Belfast based Visual Artist with several years exhibiting experience, including two previous shows at Mossley Mill, who has recently increased her brand and diversified to include producing digital photographic design collections to market as licence to use to fashion and interior design houses.

To reflect the dual nature of her exhibition, Powerful Natures will also be shown at the Flax Gallery, Museum at the Mill , Newtownabbey from 28 April – 28 May 2016.

St. Patrick’s Day is popular for celebrations around the world, but the ultimate place to spend the day is right here in Northern Ireland. There is something for everybody and countless ways to spend this exciting time, from fun parades and concerts to seminars and craft days.

There are opportunities for the whole family to learn about Ireland’s Patron Saint upon whom this day is based including not to be missed experiences such as the Saint Patrick’s Trail and Saint Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrim Walk.

Rachel Quigg, Communications & Destination PR Officer for Tourism Northern Ireland explains why St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to enjoy a fun day out with friends and family.

“There is a huge array of events and activities planned for St. Patrick’s Day in Northern Ireland. Wherever you are and whatever the weather, St. Patrick’s Day is sure to be a great family day out, as many events are indoors as well as outside.”

History and legacy

St. Patrick is a figure that fascinates many as his profile is iconic throughout the world, even inspiring buildings and landmarks to turn green in his honour on March 17.  For those who would like to uncover more about the history and legacy of this renowned saint, there are lots of activities, trails and walks to try out which will help you to understand more about his life.  Visit his grave in the grounds of Down Cathedral or explore Armagh where two impressive cathedrals bear his name.

Follow the Saint Patrick’s Trail through a host of Christian sites at Bangor, the Ards Peninsula, Downpatrick, Newry and Armagh to uncover the fascinating links between Northern Ireland and St. Patrick.

Saint Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrim Walk is perfect for those who like to get out and about whilst also finding out more about the history and heritage of an area. Starting at the Navan Centre in Armagh, this 82 mile signed walking trail takes participants through some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular scenic landscapes before ending at Saint Patrick’s final resting place, in the grounds of Down Cathedral. Participants can stamp their Passports at the 10 locations along the route and then present their completed Passport to receive a certificate of achievement.

Places to take in along the way include the Palace Demesne, Acton Visitor Centre and The Saint Patrick Centre.

Events all around Northern Ireland

Tourism NI has put together a guide of St. Patrick’s Day festivals and events across Northern Ireland for the whole family to enjoy:

Belfast

If you’re in the centre of Belfast on March 17, you will not be able to miss the festivities taking place in the city including the annual St. Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade and Concert. Belfast city centre will be awash with colour as the parade leaves City Hall at midday, making its way down to Custom House Square, where a free concert featuring local musicians and dancers, along with special guests, will take place.

The atmosphere will continue in the coming days with a special St. Patrick’s Day Weekend at St. George’s Market, from March 18-20, featuring live traditional music throughout the weekend, special trader offers and lots of family fun.

Co Antrim

Get into the St. Patrick’s Day mood early by celebrating all things Irish at the St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Giants Causeway. Taking place on March 12-13, there will be face-painting, balloon modelling and a treasure trail, perfect fun for the whole family.

On St. Patrick’s Day itself, the annual Ballycastle and District Horse Ploughing Championship will take place. A traditional event for more than 100 years, it promises to be fun for all the family with many skilled ploughmen taking part and a great bank holiday atmosphere.

Co Armagh

One of Armagh’s key events of the year, is the St. Patrick’s Festival which takes place from March 10-20, opening with a celebratory event honouring St. Patrick through words, music and dance, the John Anderson Choral Event.

Over the following ten days, a wide range of activities and events will take place including an Ulster Orchestra concert in the Church of Ireland Cathedral, a Celtic Spirit concert in the Roman Catholic Cathedral, and one of Northern Ireland’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day precessions on the day itself.

Co Down

From March 11-19, Newry will be playing host to its St. Patrick’s Festival, a week of fun and frolics for the whole family including a variety market, arts and crafts workshops, musical events and more, culminating in a parade with a Feasts and Wild Beasts theme.

Also, on March 17, you can pay a visit to St. Patrick’s Day at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum where a unique festival of music, seasonal food and crafts will be taking place, with costumed guides taking visitors back to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations of a hundred years ago as well as a themed quiz to be solved.

Co Fermanagh

As is the case every year, the Enniskillen St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be a lively event for all the family with a colourful parade and a family fun day, all happening on March 17.

March 17 also marks the start of Easter Extravaganza at Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea which will give families lots to look forward to. Until April 3, visitors can enjoy a variety of land, water and art activities in one or two hour taster sessions.

Co Londonderry

Children and adults alike will enjoy the fun and excitement at Hezlett House as Leprechauns have escaped from the trees of Downhill and hidden themselves around the house. To join in with the Leprechaun Hunt and discover the fascinating story of Hezlett House, come along on March 17 from 10am.

St. Patrick’s Day also marks the beginning of Legenderry Food Festival in Guildhall Square in Derry~Londonderry, with opportunities to try and buy lots of delicious Northern Ireland produce, with a host of activities such as cookery masterclasses, live music and craft activities for kids.

Co Tyrone

Omagh’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations this year have the theme “Sharing Heritage and Traditions” giving everyone the opportunity to come out, get involved and enjoy the multicultural atmosphere and amazing display of creative talent on offer.

Also on March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day – The Emigrants’ Farewell at the Ulster American Folk Park. Watch a dramatic re-enactment featuring music and songs of the so-called “American Wake” when thousands of people left Ireland in the 18^th and 19^th Century.

To find out more about what is happening in Northern Ireland over St. Patrick’s Day or for further information on places to stay or things to see and do click on www.discovernorthernireland.com or visit your local visitor information centre.

Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Tourism NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Golden Years Winter Break, Marine Court Hotel, Bangor, Co. Down. From £210 per couple. Beautifully situated overlooking the marina on Bangor’s seafront, the 3 star Marine Court hotel offers spacious ensuite bedrooms, Oceanis health and fitness club, Nelson’s Bar and Bar Mocha  with entertainment. Couples can stay two nights including an evening meal for £210, and get a third night free, with complimentary use of Oceanis health and fitness facilities. Available until 31 March.  To book call (028) 9145 1100.

• Sleepy Sunday, Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel and Chalets, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. From £35pps. Snuggle up and enjoy one of the 4 star Killyhevlin’s famous sleepy Sundays. The offer includes an overnight stay on a Sunday night with complimentary room upgrade. Use of the Killyhevlin Health Club is included as well as full cooked breakfast on Monday morning. Available until 24 March. To book call (028) 6632 3481.

• March Hare Madness, Europa Hotel, Belfast. From £47.50pps. Lasting through all of March, this special offer contains all the ingredients for the perfect city break. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail on arrival, luxurious 4 star overnight accommodation with free wi-fi, and a full Irish breakfast in the morning. Available until 31 March. To book call (028) 9027 1066.

Tourism NI has put together a list of just 10 of the exciting things to do during the St. Patrick’s Festival taking place in Armagh, Downpatrick and Newry (March 10-20).

• St. Patrick’s Carnival Procession, Armagh City Centre, March 17. Celebrate Saint Patrick in Armagh with a spectacular display of colour, music, dance and entertainment for all to enjoy. The theme for this year’s procession is Feasts and Wild Beasts so expect the fun, the furry and the fantastical as the parade makes its way from Palace Demesne at 1.30pm, through the city centre and ending up in the grounds of Cathedral Road Recreation Centre.

• Beoga in Concert, The Great Hall, Downpatrick, March 16. Beoga (Gaelic for ‘lively’) have become one of the most exciting and influential groups in modern traditional Irish music, whose unique sound features the twin duelling accordions of Damian McKee and Seán Óg Graham, pianist Liam Bradley, four times all-Ireland bodhrán champion Eamon Murray and Niamh Dunne on vocals. They will be joined by renowned Irish Dancers including home grown sensation Celtic Storm who have toured the world in various shows.

• Following in the Spiritual Footsteps of Saint Patrick, Armagh and Downpatrick, March 19. An opportunity to follow in the spiritual footsteps of Saint Patrick, starting at Navan Centre and Fort, through Armagh City to Slieve Patrick, Saul and Downpatrick. There will be a screening of the film, “Footsteps of St. Patrick” during the day as well as a night of traditional music from Cathal Hayden, Donal Murphy and Seamie O’Dowd. Begins at 10.45am with a bus departing Downpatrick at 9.15am. Pre-booking is essential through either Armagh or Downpatrick Visitor Centres.

• The Ulster Orchestra, St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh, March 19. In this special concert, the Ulster Orchestra makes a very welcome return to Armagh, under the baton of Robert Houlihan with two special guest soloists. The evening’s music has been specially chosen to celebrate the relationship between the spiritual and the earthly as reflected in our human experience. Show begins at 7.30pm.

• An Evening with Patrick, Market Place Theatre, Armagh, March 15. Armagh Cathedral Partnership invites you to an evening of music, story, poetry and prayer at the Market Place Theatre. During the evening, a guest speaker will invite the audience to reflect on Patrick and Ireland Today. It promises to be a very special evening as part of Armagh’s St. Patrick’s celebrations. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. Show begins at 8pm.

• St. Patrick’s Landing and Food Banquet, Inch Abbey, Downpatrick, March 13. The re-enactment of St. Patrick’s landing will take place at Inch Abbey, using the River Quoile where visitors will have the opportunity to purchase food from the medieval banquet. Begins at 2pm, with free park & ride available from Down Business Park at 1pm.

• St. Patrick’s Family Fun Day, The Shambles Yard, Armagh, March 17. Let your creativity flow in the wild beasts craft corner, be entertained by the talent on the community stage or take part in family activities pitting your wits against the last man standing in this fun afternoon for all the family. From 2.30 – 5pm.

• Celebrate Saint Patrick: Festival Choral Event, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, March 12. This reflective and celebratory event honouring St. Patrick will combine some of Ireland’s greatest choirs with actors, singers and some special guest artists. It is sure to be an atmospheric evening with some world class music. Begins at 8pm.

• Artisan Food Market, St. Patrick Square, Downpatrick, March 17. The market will offer excellent food produce of local provenance in a traditional style marketplace setting. Make sure to visit and enjoy a tasty treat. From 10am – 6pm.

• St. Patrick’s Day Concert, Armagh City Centre, March 17. Crowds gathering in the city centre will be entertained by a full programme of music including popular country-blues band, The Nooks, with broadcaster Lynette Fay as MC for the afternoon. Show begins at 12.30pm.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.