Lead on!

Calling all dogs in Belfast and beyond!

Pet superstore Jollyes is inviting you to take part in one of the biggest inclusive dog walks Northern Ireland has ever seen.

Starting in Victoria Park at 10:30am on Saturday, 2nd March, proud paw-rents and their loyal companions will make history as they join Cool FM’s Paolo Ross – and his best furry friend Olly the Poodle – at the inaugural Jollyes’ Doggie Dander.

This ‘walkies’ will be the perfect opportunity for you — and your loyal companion — to meet others, get active and enjoy a guided stroll through the famous C.S. Lewis Trail to Jollyes’ brand new Connswater store.

With fun games, signposted hydration stations and tasty treats dotted along the gentle route, the well-walked pups will be met at the store by Jollyes’ mascot Jolly Joe – who will present each finisher with a thoroughly deserved medal.

A caricature artist will also be on hand to capture your proud pooch’s finest moment, and everyone will be invited inside to enjoy some refreshments and Lifestage goodies.

Ahead of the doggy dander, Jolly Joe will be visiting its brand new Connswater store and Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park on Saturday, 24^th February, where they will be handing out free dental treats for all canines to enjoy.

To find out more about the Jollyes Doggie Dander and the dental event, visit www.jollyes.co.uk or check out Jollyes’ social media on Twitter and Instagram.

Discover NI’s guide to the ultimate family getaway!

From hunting Gruffalos, searching for fairies or helping to save seals, Northern Ireland is bursting with giant experiences to enjoy during your spring family break.

With parents and kids often dragged in different directions by the daily demands of life, an affordable short break is the perfect opportunity to enjoy each other’s uninterrupted company and make memories to last a lifetime.

Discover Northern Ireland has put together the following guide to remind families they are just a small step away from making new giant memories this spring.

County Antrim

What to do

• From the newly refurbished Titanic Belfast to the Ulster Museum and the resplendent Antrim Castle Gardens, culture vultures will be spoilt for choice. The thrill-seekers among us can plunge into the Irish Sea for a snorkelling session with Eagle Divers NI or swing on a zip-line at Colin Glen Activity Centre.

Where to stay

• Unwind in the pet friendly, four-bedroom country house at Ned’s Brae View. Nestled in a quiet village, this coastal style home offers an enclosed garden and driveway with a play area for children and outdoor seating. For something completely different, enjoy waking up to ocean views from your glamping pod at Further.Space at Glenarm Castle.

County Armagh

What to do

• Lurgaboy Adventure Centre invites its bravest guests to take a leap of faith from 14m and climb Jacob’s Ladder. Walk in the footsteps of ancient warriors at Navan Centre & Fort, visit rare livestock at Tannaghmore Gardens and Animal Farm or seek out fairies, spells and music in Slieve Gullion Forest Park.

Where to stay

• For an unforgettably unique experience in the Orchard County, why not rest your weary head at Tepee Valley Campsite on the outskirts of Markethill or embrace the old-world rustic charm of bespoke log cabin apartments at Greenvale Cabins in the heart of the Ring of Gullion.

 

 

County Down

What to do

• See marine life from around the world at Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary, hone your survival skills at Finnebrogue Woods Bushcraft, learn the importance of our wetlands at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, or walk with the alpacas at Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes.

Where to stay

• Escape into nature with your loved ones as you surround yourselves with 200 acres of farmland at Kilwarlin Self Catering Cottages or cosy up in front of a wood burning fire at the foot of Slieve Gullion in the pet friendly Clonlum Cottages.

County Fermanagh

What to do

• Enjoy canoeing, kayaking and stand up-paddle boarding with outdoor activity provider, Blue Green Yonder, soak up some local history at Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum or delve into the deep and marvel at the waterfalls and lofty chambers that make up the Marble Arch Caves.

Where to stay

• Make your break extra special when you stay at the charming, pet friendly lodges at Lusty Beg, unwind in the midst of the Sliabh Beagh mountain range at Hidden Gem Cottages or bring your touring caravan, or tent, to the highly-accessible Share Discovery Village Caravan Park.

County Londonderry

What to do

• Learn all about the maiden city at the Tower Museum, grab a selfie in the Quinn household or sit in Sister Michael’s chair as part of the Derry Girls Experience. Ride four-man Dragon SUPs on the Foyle with Far and Wild or saddle up with an experienced guide at the City of Derry Equestrian Centre for a Slow Adventure on horseback through the Faughan Valley.

Where to stay

• For an adventure they’ll never forget, check-in to the cosy glamping pods at Benone Getaways – just two minutes from the renowned blue flagged Benone Beach and offering stunning views of Binevenagh Mountain and the Hills of Donegal – these glamping pods provide the perfect base to enjoy some quality alone time with your loved ones.

County Tyrone

What to do

• Explore the Sperrin Sculpture Trail and pose for photos with its three giants – Ceoldán, Darach and Nowanois. Experience what life at home was like for Ulster’s emigrants at the Ulster American Folk Park, take a journey through time and space at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory and set hearts racing at Todd’s Leap Outdoor Activity Centre as you descend the ‘Big Yella Slide.’

Where to stay

• The self-catering cottages at An Creagán provide the perfect opportunity for your family to recharge and make memories by the campfire. Alternatively, enjoy magical views and spectacular sunsets at Gortin Glen Glamping pods. Each of these wheelchair accessible pods come with a private hot tub and fire pit and are within minutes of the forest park.

To create your own spring break itinerary or find out more about any of these great value accommodation offerings and experiences visit https://discovernorthernireland.com

Aspects Festival is delighted to welcome Al Mennie to its Young Aspects programme. The Big Wave Surfer, writer and athlete will be giving a special talk in Studio 1A, Bangor on Friday 1 March. Author of several children’s books, Al will share insights into his writing journey and what inspires him.

Al Mennie is probably best known for his big wave surfing exploits. From humble beginnings playing on the beach at Castlerock to eventually becoming a pioneer of big wave surfing in both Ireland and at the infamous location of Nazare in Portugal.

​Al is also a writer and has written a number of books, from an autobiography to books to help adults and children with fear, anxieties and being confident. His book Confident Kris tells the story of Kris and his life as a Viking child living with his widowed mum. It explains how he uses strength and confidence to combat fears and worries, and to not let other people’s opinions impact him. The book deals with bullying and how to make sure you don’t waste a minute of your day. Al’s latest book Billy the Basking Shark is designed to educate young people on the importance of protecting nature and the ocean from pollution.​

Speaking about his Aspects appearance, Al said: “I have been writing almost every day since I was a child. I am inspired by life and the environment around me and I look forward to speaking to the audience about this at Young Aspects Festival”. 

Aspects Festival Director, Patricia Hamilton said: “We are delighted to welcome Al Mennie to our Young Aspects programme. Al is an inspiration and I’m sure our audience will enjoy hearing about his writing. I would encourage everyone to book a ticket and come along.”

Young Aspects is presented by Ards and North Down Borough Council and will run from 1 – 3 March at various locations around Bangor. Tickets are on sale now.

To view the full programme and to book tickets, visit: https://aspectsfestival.com/whats-on

As part of its ongoing mission to improve the lives of people living with dementia, leading local charity Dementia NI has chosen Ballymoney as the location for its new Empowerment Group, with the launch event taking place on Thursday 22^nd February 2024, 12pm-2pm, at Ballymoney Town Hall, 1 Townhead Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6BE.

Dementia NI has more than 12 Empowerment Groups across the whole of Northern Ireland. These Groups provide a place for local people in the early to middle stages of dementia to come together, share experiences and provide peer support to one another. The Groups are also a place for Dementia NI members to press for changes in policy and services and challenge the stigma of dementia.

The charity is inviting everyone in the local area to join them for their Dementia NI Engage and Connect launch event. Whether you would like to talk with Dementia NI members about their experiences of living with dementia or are looking for information on practical support available in your local area, Dementia NI encourages you to come along. The event also offers the chance to find out about volunteering and fundraising opportunities with Dementia NI.

Dementia NI Founding Member John McErlane, who set up the charity with four other people with dementia after being diagnosed in his early fifties, comments, “I am delighted that Dementia NI is starting an Empowerment Group in Ballymoney. Bringing people together with a dementia diagnosis is very powerful. We can learn a great deal from each other as we are all in the same boat. Starting a new group in Ballymoney is very exciting for me, the new members and the people of Ballymoney”.

Reflecting on the support he received following his diagnosis with early onset dementia seven years ago, Dementia NI Member and Trustee, Davie McElhinney, 60, says, “Since joining Dementia NI, the support I’ve received has really helped me. After my first group meeting, I felt better. Getting to meet the other members has provided me with confidence and a new outlook.”

Commenting on the upcoming event, Conor Lawell, Empowerment Facilitator at Dementia NI, says, “Dementia NI is coming to Ballymoney with some of our existing members and championing our message of hope – that with the right support, it is possible to live well with dementia. We invite members of the public to join us to come and hear what we have to offer. We look forward to seeing you on the day.’’

Come and talk to the Dementia NI team, get involved and help the charity make a real difference to the lives of local people. See you there!

For further information on Dementia NI’s Empowerment Groups, please contact Empowerment Facilitator Conor Lawell on 07734 375 583 or email conor@dementiani.org

To find out more about the work of Dementia NI, visit our website at www.dementiani.org

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is encouraging visitors to explore spectacular walking routes in Ballycastle and the Glens of Antrim during the upcoming Walking Festival 2024 from Friday March 15 – Sunday March 17.

Local activity providers, Far and Wild will deliver the festival – now in its 4^th year – over a variety of stunning forest, mountain and clifftop trails, highlighting the unique history, heritage and mythology surrounding this location.

Launching the event, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan said: “The quality and variety of walking trails within our Borough is unsurpassed and the Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival provides a valuable opportunity for visitors to the destination and residents of the borough to discover the beauty of our mountain trails and coastal paths.

“I am delighted to welcome walking enthusiasts to discover our magnificent landscape and scenery, both on popular routes and lesser-known paths.”

Kerrie McGonigle, Council’s Destination Tourism Manager added: “The Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival 2024 further enriches the superb walking product available to visitors in the Borough and adds to the world class visitor experience that the Causeway Coastal Route offers.”

The Walking Festival begins on March 15, with ‘Fairy Lore and the Glens’, a moderate looped way marked walk on Ronan’s Way, taking in the historic landscape of one of the nine Glens of Antrim, Glendun.

This walk showcases the environmental and human heritage of the Glens and how local lore governs the ways native populations have interacted with landscape down the ages.

The second day of the Festival on March 16 explores ‘The Living Edge: Where the Land Meets the Sea’, along the dramatic cliff-scape at Fairhead and Murlough Bay, overlooking the Sea of Moyle.

This walk will illuminate the connection with Rathlin Island and the Scottish western seaboard through the ages, from the pre-Christian period to the modern era.

The final walk of the Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival on March 17 will take place on open country, trails and minor roads, on the challenging ascent to the summit of Lurigethan Mountain.

With ancient remains dating from neolithic times and beyond, ‘Settlement in an Iconic Landscape’ entwines history with glacial geology in a breathtaking location overlooking Waterfoot Bay and Cushendall.

Accompanied children over 12 years can be accommodated on these walks, but the adjacent high cliffs and steepness of the ascent should be noted by parents.

These walks are suitable for everyone with good fitness levels and walkers with prior hillwalking experience.

Waterproofs and hiking boots are required and a packed lunch with at least one litre of water is recommended.

The nature of the landscape determines that unfortunately dogs cannot be accommodated on these walks.

Each walk is £10 per person, including refreshments, and bookings can be made via https://www.farandwild.org/causeway-coast-and-glens-walking-festival.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour, officially opened Dementia NI’s unique art exhibition at Ards Art Centre last week.

The Real Lives: The Art Of Living With Dementia exhibition is free to visit and runs until 24 February. It explores what it is like living with dementia in Northern Ireland while challenging widespread stigma about the condition.

The exhibition features pieces created by members of the Dementia NI charity, all of whom live with a diagnosis of dementia, and showcases captivating photography and striking patchwork quilts.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour, said:

“There are over 20,000 people living with dementia across Northern Ireland, many of whom live in our Borough, and Age UK’s statistics suggest this could rise to 60,000 by 2050. Years of stigma and misunderstanding have led to common misconceptions about what it means to live with dementia but this exhibition sets out to challenge these misconceptions, transforming how people view the condition and starting conversations through the medium of art.”

The exhibition features patchwork quilts created during an online project organised by Dementia NI and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, to help local people with dementia stay active during lockdown. Working with Arts Council art tutors, Dementia NI members were encouraged to make their own heirloom quilts which tell the story of their lives.

Dementia NI member, Allison Batchelor, is exhibiting her patchwork quilt which she created to represent what is important in her life. She said:

“When you receive a diagnosis of dementia you believe your life is over and that it’s impossible to learn new skills. However, this isn’t the case. During lockdown, Dementia NI developed this amazing art project which was run via Zoom. Through this we learnt many new skills and produced first class artwork. We are challenging the public’s perception of what dementia looks like and are constantly endeavouring to break down stigma and barriers. This art project was so enjoyable, and I am very glad to have been involved.”

Claire-Rose Canavan, Dementia NI Empowerment Facilitator, said:

“This exhibition is really special to our members, and we are so thrilled they permitted us share it with the public. It shares a message of hope that many people with dementia are still able to enjoy life in the same way as before their diagnosis and live well with dementia. We warmly invite everyone to come along and view it for themselves.”

The free-to-attend exhibition is open Tuesdays to Fridays (10am – 4pm) and Saturdays (10am – 1pm) until 24 February. For more information, visit andculture.org.uk.