Celebrate the start of the festive period with a visit to the beautiful Craftswirl, based at Armagh Visitor Information Centre.

The gift shop has crafts and gifts to suit all tastes and budgets and for the Christmas period you are invited enjoy some festive fayre as we savour the tastes of Christmas through the ages.

We begin with demonstrations of Gift Wrapping on Saturday 21^st November, 12.00noon – 3.00pm.  All gifts purchased, during this time, will be treated to a special complimentary wrapping.  Perfect for all those Christmas presents.  There is no cost to attend this event.

Our festive celebrations will continue with a flick back through the Armagh of yesteryear with a photographic exhibition provided by Armagh County Museum.

Craftswirl is open April to September… Mon to Sat 9.00am – 5.30pm | Sun 1.00pm – 5.30pm and October to March… Mon to Sat 9.00am – 5.00pm.

For further information contact Craftswirl / Armagh Visitor Information Centre, 40 English Street, Armagh  BT61 7BA Tel 028 3752 1800 www.armagh.co.uk/craftswirl

Celebrate the rich diversity of small independent businesses in Northern Ireland this Christmas and shop local during the festive season to keep vitality in the economic heart of our community.

The creative folks from Frock Fairs NI have made this easy to do with three fabulous lifestyle shopping events which showcase unique designer makers, artists and vintage sellers from all over the province. Taking place in and around Belfast, from late November to mid December, each event will feature an extravaganza of unique artisan & handcrafted gifts, vintage treasures & collectables, delicious edible goodies and a whole lot of nostalgia and fun.
Now in their 8^th year of delighting customers from all over the country, and having just passed the milestone of their 72^nd event, Frock Fairs NI know a thing or two about selecting inspirational creative talent and blending it with interesting vintage finds to create Ireland’s longest-running alternative shopping experience, so you can expect great things from this year end finale of Christmas fairs.

The Wonderful Winter Vintage & Handmade Fair will take place from 12 to 5pm on Sunday 29^th November 2015 at Malone House, Barnett Demesne, Belfast.  Admission costs only £3 for adults, and children go free.

The Very Christmassy Vintage & Handmade Fair will take place from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 5^th December at St Patrick’s Pastoral Centre, Chapel Hill, Lisburn and thanks to the kind sponsorship of Lisburn City Centre Management this event will be free admission.

The grand festive climax is The Magical Christmas Vintage & Handmade Fair which will take place at Belfast Castle on Sunday 13^th December from 12 to 5pm. Admission costs only £3 for adults and children go free.

More information on the events and the exhibitor lists can be found at frockfairsni.com and on facebook.com/frockaroundtheclockvintagefairs.

WINTER can be a costly time for families especially with Christmas fast approaching and thoughts turn to presents and excursions.

Don’t worry though if you need to save your pennies for gifts and the yuletide season as Tourism Northern Ireland has put together a list of really interesting things that you can see and do in NI over the winter months that are completely free.

“You may be saving up for Christmas and all the expenses that it can bring but luckily Northern Ireland has a massive variety of pocket-friendly activities and places of interest to see that means you can have a fun day out without worrying about your bank balance,” said Tourism Northern Ireland’s Destination PR Officer, Pauline Gormley.

To help get you started, Tourism Northern Ireland has highlighted a range of free things to see and do over the coming weeks:

Belfast

Bookworms will love the Linen Hall Library where they can browse through thousands of books as well as check out their exciting exhibitions or events. This much loved library is the oldest in Belfast at over 225 years old and has one of the largest Robert Burns collections outside of Scotland.

Enjoy a fun day out at the Ulster Museum where you can come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an ancient Egyptian mummy and see modern masterpieces. Admission is free and you can explore the museums rich collection of art, history and natural sciences.

Take a stroll around Botanic Gardens where you can explore the Palm House and Tropical Ravine as well as the children’s playground, bowling green, walking routes, rose garden and lots of assorted tropical plants, mature trees and flower beds. Entrance to the gardens is completely free.

Browse the stalls at St George’s Market where you will get a unique glimpse of one of Belfast’s oldest attractions, recognised as one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland, for free.  You can experience the colour, sounds and smells of a busy trading day including lots of banter from the stall holders who sell everything from collectibles to fish.

Co. Antrim

Keen photographers will enjoy Ireland’s Eye Photographic Exhibition at the Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena. Selected photographs by Robert John Welch, a leading photographer in Ulster during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century will be on show alongside the Answer the Call exhibition.

The Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Centre in Carrickfergus is located less than a mile from the town centre and is a traditional thatched Ulster – Scots farmhouse which was built in the 1750’s.

Entry to the centre is free where you can view an impressive exhibition on the life and career of Andrew Jackson, 7^th President of the United States of America whose parents emigrated from Northern Ireland in 1765.

Antrim Castle Gardens are a real hidden gem and you will find nothing else like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else in Northern Ireland. Stroll around the magnificent location and visit some of the beautiful settings such as the Large Parterre, Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond.

Delve into 9,000 years of history at the Ballymoney Museum. Entry is completely free and you can browse through the array of rare finds from the Bronze and Medieval periods as well as exhibits associated with the political history of the region.

Co. Armagh

Bookworms are sure to appreciate Armagh Public Library which is one of the oldest libraries in Ireland, established in 1771 by Archbishop Robinson.  The library contains 17^th and 18^th century books on a wide range of subjects and includes rare and valuable books, first editions and illuminated manuscripts.  The Library is also an accredited museum and holds prints, ancient Irish artefacts, gems, coins, as well as other objects. Entrance to the library is free.

If music is your thing, then the Armagh Public Library is also hosting a New Music Collection exhibition which is available until December 30. The exhibition highlights examples from the Cathedral’s collection and shows how it complements the library’s own collection of hymns, psalms and secondary works on church music.

Oxford Island centre boasts four miles of footpaths, bird watching hides, woodland, ponds, wildflower meadows, picnic and play areas. The centre is fully accessible and houses an exhibition where visitors can learn all about the history, the culture and wildlife in and around Lough Neagh. Families and friends can enjoy a fun, free day out against a backdrop of panoramic views of the Lough.

Co. Down

Those with an interest in jewellery will be pleased to hear about the Mi – NI (My Northern Ireland) Exhibition by jewellery designer Ruth McEwan – Lyon. The exhibition takes place from November 7 to 28 in the Ards Craft and Design Centre in Newtownards and visitors can explore the special collection of pieces with a focus on Belfast.

Spend an afternoon exploring the historical ruins and lawns of the magical Cistercian Abbey Church in Co Down which was founded in 1193. Entry to the grounds is completely free.

Cranfield West Beach near to Carlingford Lough is a gently sloping sandy beach and is an area of Special Scientific Interest. Enjoy an exhilarating walk along the beach, perfect for those with a pet pooch and soak up the stunning scenery of the majestic Mourne Mountains.

Delve into the past at the Down County Museum where you can look through the exhibitions hosting artefacts relating to the history of County Down from the earliest times to the present day.
The Museum is located in the historic buildings of the eighteenth century County Gaol of Down and housed thousands of prisoners from 1796 and until its closure in 1830.

Co. Fermanagh

Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum in Enniskillen is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with family or friends and best of all, entry is completely free! Take a remarkable journey into the past bringing the golden age of the railway vividly to life. Combine your visit with a unique opportunity to have your hair professionally styled in the wonderfully nostalgic surroundings!

Lough Navar Forest rises to the top of Magho cliffs and comprises of over 2,600 hectares of coniferous forest.  Take in the spectacular views over Lower Lough Erne, Donegal Bay, the Blue Stack and Sperrin Mountains.

Bring your family for a walk up Cuilcagh Mountain which is a well-established location for hillwalkers with a network of trails that lead in and around the Mountain Park. If you are not an experienced hill walker then don’t worry as there are also less challenging walking routes available which give a real taste of the beauty in the area.

Co. Londonderry

The Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre is hosting Your Story: Archiving Open Day, Big Houses of the Causeway Coast on November 7. Visitors can help Limavady Museum develop their collection further and be part of a future exhibition by bringing along their own photographs and stories relating to the Big Houses of Limavady. Attendees can peruse the photos and learn more about the history of Limavady.

Entertain your little ones at the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre with screenings of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom on Wednesday November 4.  The Gruffalo film is adapted from the bestselling book which centres on a crafty mouse protected from harm by his own vibrant imagination whilst Room on the Broom is a story about a kind witch adapted from Julia Donaldson’s much loved story.

Stock up on Christmas gifts at the 9^th Annual Garvagh Craft Fair at the Garvagh Community Building on November 27. Visitors can browse the wonderful unique handmade gifts with over 25 stalls exhibiting eye catching and creative gifts.

The spectacular riverside views and woodland walks in Roe Valley Country Park mean that you and your family will be entertained for hours. You can learn all about the industrial and natural heritage of the area in the museum and countryside centre as well as keep an eye out for the local wildlife which includes foxes, badgers, otters and over 60 species of birds.

Co. Tyrone

De-stress with friends or family on a leisurely walk around An Creagan Forest and River Trail. The tranquil, picturesque environment and steady trails are suitable for people of all ages and abilities and are a fun way to relax and enjoy nature.

The Alley Gallery in Strabane is home to an eclectic range of interesting exhibitions.  Entry to the gallery is free and you can browse through the exciting exhibitions which normally last between 4 – 6 weeks.

Discover the interesting history behind the Beaghmore Stone Circles near Cookstown by taking time out to wander around these ancient ceremonial circles and alignments. Have fun with your family coming up with ideas on stories on what they could mean.

For more information on things to do in Northern Ireland click on www.discovernorthernireland.com or visit your local tourist information centre.

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh continues its programme of diverse and wide-ranging music with a classical performance by Hugh Tinney and superb jazz with The Gerry Rice Quartet.

Since winning first prize at both the 1983 Pozzoli and 1984 Paloma O’Shea piano competitions in Italy and Spain, Hugh Tinney has performed in more than thirty-five countries throughout Europe, the USA, Latin America and the Far East. A prize in the 1987 Leeds Piano Competition earned him a busy career in Great Britain performing with many major orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, Philharmonia, Royal Liverpool, Royal Scottish and BBC National of Wales. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Music by the National University of Ireland in 2007.

The programme for the evening will include two of Beethoven’s most loved sonatas, the ‘Moonlight’ and the ‘Waldstein’, as well as a group of Chopin works that includes the great Ballade in F minor. The Beethoven and Chopin frame four pieces from Irish composer Raymond Deane’s 2011 cycle ‘Noctuary’. Hugh Tinney will perform for one evening only on Friday 20^th November at 8pm. Tickets are priced £15 and £13 (concession).

You can start the Christmas Jazz celebrations early on Saturday 21^st November! Taking centre stage at the Christmas Jazz Supper Evening will be the hugely popular Gerry Rice Quartet who will provide the smooth, laid-back and accessible jazz sounds for the evening.

The menu for the evening will include Maryland southern fried chicken filet with chilli butter, New York style BBQ sticky ribs, Braised beef with wild mushrooms and ‘Jack Daniels’ sauce, all served with a selection of fresh breads, Cajun and garlic potato wedges and assorted salads and dressings. Tickets for the evening are priced £11 for the performance only or £21 including supper.

Details of all events can be found online at www.marketplacearmagh.com, and tickets can be booked by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821. And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

It’s time to catch up on the latest seasonal trends as the hotly anticipated event of Fashion Fest 2015, the Gala Fashion Show takes place this Saturday, in St Columbs Hall, Derry, showcasing the latest in cutting edge design and local trends.

The city’s own first lady of fashion, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, said: “I am delighted to see the return of Fashion Fest, which has already established itself as one of the city’s top cultural events. Last year’s programme was a real success attracting talent from across the country who found the perfect platform to showcase their work, and forging new links between creative talents from both sides of the border.

“Derry is really beginning to establish a name for itself in the fashion world, and with centres such as the Fashion and Textile Design Hub providing support for emerging new designers we really have the potential to make the city the fashion capital of the North.”

Business Opportunities Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Louise Breslin, has been working with local designers and retailers to put the final touches to the event.  “This is our second year of Fashion Fest and I’m delighted that we have established such a fantastic network of designers and retailers dedicated to supporting and promoting the local fashion industry through the programme.

For those who enjoy the glamour of the catwalk there will be a stunning Gala Fashion Show in St Columb’s Hall on Saturday night, featuring a glittering array of style from a host of designers the High Street and independent retailers, including the Autumn/Winter 2015 Collection from top International Designer, Helen Cody, which we are really excited about!”

Local retailers in the city are celebrating Fashion Fest with plenty of in store promo opportunities for savvy local shoppers hoping to bag a bargain.

To find out more about the programme and to book tickets for the Gala Catwalk event on Saturday 14^th November go to www.derrystrabane.com/fashionfest

From the 28^th November, meet Santa in his icy Christmas cavern and ride W5’s magical miniature train ride, The Winterland Express!

Meet Santa

A meeting with Santa is always a magical moment for a child. This year our Santa’s Grotto will give young children a memorable experience as little ones get the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in his icy Christmas cavern. Children will be rewarded with a gift from Santa and parents will have the opportunity to buy a photograph of their child/children, or the whole family.

Meeting with Santa costs an additional £5 per child and includes a Christmas present containing a soft toy (retail value of £5.49). To guarantee a place, a Santa visit must be pre-booked via our online booking facility or by 028 9046 7790/7793.

Times and Dates

Saturdays and Sundays from 28 November – 20 December: 10.15am – 5.15pm

Thursdays and Fridays from 3 December – 18 December: 3.00pm – 5.45pm

Monday 21 December – Wednesday 23 December: 10.15am – 4.15pm

Winterland Express

This Christmas take a journey to the fairytale world of Winterland. Take a trip on the Winterland Express, our magical miniature train ride. Travel through the enchanted forest into the icy cavern to emerge in the courtyard of Winterland Castle, where a few surprises await!

The Winterland Express is FREE with admission to W5 and the ride lasts approximately 5 – 8 minutes. To guarantee a place, the Winterland Express must be pre-booked via our online booking facility or by 028 9046 7790/7793.

Times and Dates

Saturdays and Sundays from 28 November – 20 December: 10.15am – 5.15pm

Thursdays and Fridays from 3 December – 18 December: 3.00pm – 5.45pm

Monday 21 December – Wednesday 23 December: 10.15am – 4.15pm

For further information visit www.w5online.co.uk.

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.

• Indulgent Luxury Beach Escapes, Strand Lodge, Portstewart. Luxury weekend escape offers available from £450. Beautiful luxury beach house with breathtaking views and room for all the family. Why not take advantage of not just the house facilities but the vibrant local amenities including luxurious pamper treatment offers. Available until 28 May 2016. To book call 07802 388 941.

• Golf and Spa Break, Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Chalets, Enniskillen. From £117pps. Enjoy an unforgettable break specially created for those that love to golf and spa! Relax with two nights midweek accommodation (Sunday to Thursday), one 4 course dinner, cooked breakfast each morning and use of the Killyhevlin Health Club. You can then decide which of you will enjoy a round of golf on the nearby Castle Coole Golf Course while the other enjoys a 30-minute spa treatment in the Elemis Spa. Treatments require advance booking. Available until 13 December 2016. To book call (028) 6632 3481.

• Exclusive Stay and Spa Package, Hunter’s Lodge, Killinchy, Newtownards. From £90pps. Luxury bed and breakfast accommodation with spa package at Pure Day Spa. Choose one of five treatments: ESPA express facial, aromatherapy back, neck and shoulder massage, dry flotation treatment, pure manicure, pure pedicure.  Spa package to last approximately 2 hours with full use of spa facilities and complimentary refreshments. Available until 13 December 2016. To book call (028) 9754 2703.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (November 16 – 22).

• Lisburn Christmas Lights Switch On, Market Square, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, November 19. Lisburn never disappoints with its spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On, featuring school children, street performers and carnival entertainment. Begins at 6pm.

• The Bard of Armagh 2015, Armagh City Hotel, 2 Friary Road, Co. Armagh, November 20. The Bard of Armagh, Ireland’s Unique Festival of Humorous Verse is celebrating 21 years of uproarious bardic revelry. People travel from every corner of Ireland and abroad to savour this unique cultural entertainment event. The performers on the final night will attempt to generate tornadoes of laughter with the aim of being crowned the champion of humorous verse.

• 16th Belfast Beer & Cider Festival, Ulster Hall, Bedford Street, Belfast, November 19-21.This festival houses the biggest bar in Ireland featuring 70 hand pumps, pub games, tutored beer tastings, Champion Beer of Festival competition, local food stall and live music from late afternoons. There will be over 100 real ales and ciders featuring local and mainland breweries and for the first time all ciders will be from Northern Ireland. For more information visit www.belfastbeerfestival.co.uk.

• Christmas at Hillmount, Hillmount Nursery, Upper Braniel Road, Belfast, November 21. Santa will be making a very special arrival at Hillmount along with his helpers Peppa, Mickey and Minnie! Join in the festive fun with live reindeer and free face painting. You can enjoy a delicious range of festive food and drink and the U105 crew will be there to supply the Christmas cheer!

• Festival of Light, Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Co. Down, November 20-29. Based on the ‘Son et Lumiere’ shows that originated in France this year’s festive show promises to be a fascinating display. See the famous Lake Walk and wonderful art installations come alive to the sound of mystical music and shimmering colour. Take a peek inside the family home and enjoy the chance to see a selection of rooms revealed in a new light.

• Enniskillen Christmas Lights Switch On, The Diamond, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, November 21. Entertainment in the Diamond from 3pm with live music, face painting, balloon modelling, cartoon characters, stilt walkers and street entertainment as well as a flash dance routine. Santa and his parade will commence from Quay Lane Car Park from 4.50pm and will conclude with the lights being switched on at 5.30pm.

• Christmas Craft Market at Flowerfield, Flowerfield Arts Centre, Coleraine Road, Portstewart, Co. Londonderry, currently running until December 19. Do you seem to spend each Christmas scratching your head to think of unique gift ideas for the special people in your life? Then look no further than Flowerfield Arts Centre. The award-winning arts centre will welcome another major Christmas Craft Market and exhibition offering unique hand-made crafts for sale at affordable prices, from some of the most exciting craftmakers in Northern Ireland.

• Visit Santa’s Workshop at the Linen Green, Unit 2 The Linen Green, Main Road, Moygashel, Co. Tyrone, November 19-23. Treat your kids this Christmas with a visit to Santa’s Toy Emporium. Children will be able to take part in a range of seasonal activities before getting to meet Santa and his crew for a beautiful photograph. Each child will receive a Christmas gift from Santa as well as a photograph to take home. For more information visit www.thelinengreen.co.uk.

• Bangor Christmas Lights Switch On, Bangor Town Hall, Castle Park, Bangor, Co. Down, November 21. Kick start the festive season and watch the skies above Bangor come alive with a spectacular fireworks display before the Christmas lights are switched on. Light switch on and fireworks commence at 5.30pm.

• C.S. Lewis Festival, various locations, Belfast, November 19-22. The third C.S. Lewis Festival marks the 52nd anniversary of the death of the renowned author, theologian, academic and creator of the incredible Chronicles of Narnia series. There will be something for everyone; theatre, workshops, craft fairs, films, talks, music and much more.

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.

Christmas in Ards and North Down promises to be more festive AND fun than ever before this year with a packed programme of events for everyone, plus a choice of high street favourites, speciality shops and unique local craft fairs where you can purchase the perfect gift for someone special.

With support from local traders, Ards and North Down Borough Council officially launched its festive AND fun campaign today (12 November) with a seasonal online video that depicts a young girl’s dreams of the borough being transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland.  The video features Santa’s special helper in Ards and North Down, Bubbles (the Elf), who magically lights up each of the borough’s five towns – Bangor, Newtownards, Holywood, Comber and Donaghadee – ready for all the festive fun ahead.

The video can be viewed on the Council’s Facebook page, where you can also access information about upcoming events and promotions.  And the fun doesn’t end there.  Throughout the festive AND fun period there will be competitions, opportunities to participate in more videos and lots of other festive Facebook joviality.

Speaking at the launch Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, said:

“Ards and North Down is simply the best place to visit and shop this Christmas. The Council, in conjunction with all five local chambers of trade, will be delivering a superb programme of nearly 40 events across the borough to help residents and visitors prepare for, and celebrate, Christmas 2015.  This includes Christmas light switch ons, a pop up ice skating rink, craft fayres, musical performances, a pantomime, Christmas movies and more.   Bubbles the elf may make a special appearance at some of these – access our full events programme to make sure not to miss him!”

He continued: “Initiatives to encourage people to shop locally this Christmas will also feature.  A ‘Borough Bus’ will travel between the area’s five towns, allowing passengers to stop off and enjoy an hour of Christmas shopping in each on Saturday 5 December.  Special promotions will run in different towns on different days (check online for details).”

The first event of the season is the ever-popular Bangor Christmas switch on at its new sea front location at the McKee Clock, Queen’s Parade, Bangor on Saturday 21 November (5.30pm).  A spectacular fireworks display will accompany the switch on.  A special Christmas market, providing a sneak peak of the festive gifts and goodies on offer in Bangor shops, will also run on Saturday 21 from 11am – 7pm.

Find out more about all our events at visitardsandnorthdown.com.  For festive pictures, updates and promotions ‘like us’ on Facebook.

Join us on Friday 13 Nov at 7.45pm, as TV presenter, author and architectural historian Dan Cruickshank talks about The Destruction of Warsaw.

Dan Cruickshank who is best known for his popular BBC2 series The Best Buildings of Britain and What the Industrial Revolution Did For Us is also noted for his highly successful cultural investigations screened as Around the World in 80 Treasures when Dan travelled through 36 countries in just four and a half months.

Dan Cruickshank grew up in Poland after moving from London to Warsaw at the age of seven with his Communist parents, and shares clips from his new programme in which he makes a very personal journey to revisit his boyhood home.  Dan talks about the destruction of Warsaw and how the city’s shattered identity was rebuilt in the post war years, describing how these early experiences helped shape his views on heritage, architecture and art.  There will be an opportunity for audience members to ask Dan about his life and experiences travelling around the globe.   Come along and hear about his fascinating world.

For Tickets contact Box Office: 028 9034 0202 or our website: thecourtyardtheatre.com