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THE LOCAL TOURIST Spend a Sunday in The ‘States’
STUCK for an activity for the family on a Sunday? Why not immigrate to America? No, not actually immigrate, but follow
the stories of ancestors that took the journey from Ireland to America in search of a better life in County Tyrone. The Ulster American Folk Park
EXPLORING THE LAND WE LOVE
The Regency Awarded Five Star Grading
is a national trust owned charity attraction. Sitting just outside of Omagh, the park features artefacts and history from the time in Ireland, and is also home, mind the pun, to an array of houses and buildings from developments in America that these people moved to. The park provides a free map with a
self guided tour around the park- the park costs … and takes around 2 hours to explore in its entirety. As you walk through the open air park,
you can enter buildings and travel through each era. From the 1800’s right up until the present day. In each area you will come across actors who retell the stories of those who lived or worked in the buildings which provides a fascinating insight into these livihoods. This also
REVVED To Take To The Stage at Lyric Theatre Belfast
provides a great opportunity for children who can then ask questions and hear these stories in their own ways. Make sure to check out
or try your hand at forming a horseshoe.
Embrace Northern Ireland’s Awesome Autumn Activities
we prepare for the clocks going back on October 30, but autumn is still a great time of the year to tick off those bucket list ambitions and embrace Northern Ireland’s giant spirit. Discover Northern Ireland has compiled
The days may be getting shorter as
the blacksmiths; get a taste of traditional pancakes made fresh on the griddle
REVVED, a coming-of-age play written and performed by Letterkenny born, Belfast- based actor, Patrick Quinn, is set to make its NI debut with four performances at the Lyric Theatre Belfast, from Thursday 17th November until Sunday 20th November, following a successful three-day stint in Donegal. Directed by Emily Foran (The Half Moon) the one-man show, which is set in the stockroom of a Donegal petrol station during the final weekend of the Donegal International Rally, looks at themes of claustrophobia, small town car culture belonging, loneliness, obsession, regret and male mental health. On the cusp of adulthood, its young protagonist, Eamon, feels like an outsider in his small community, exploring his frustrations and feelings of entrapment throughout, whilst excitedly contemplating his future. Written retrospectively, the play ultimately poses the question – can we ever forgive ourselves for the mistakes we make? Actor and playwright, Patrick Quinn
(The Winter’s Tale, Romeo and Juliet,) trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and Queen’s University Belfast. He is the recipient of this year’s James Ellis Award, and has previously worked with BBC Three, Paines Plough, Lyric Theatre, Tinderbox and Pintsized.
Patrick says, ”It is an honour to introduce REVVED to a new audience for its NI debut at the Lyric, following an incredibly successful run in Donegal. The play explores what it means to be on the cusp of adulthood in modern Ireland, whilst looking at themes of belonging, truth and desire. “In essence, it is a play about regrets, the
ride and cars, and in the end, it challenges us to ask ourselves whether we can, or even should, forgive ourselves for the mistake we make.” As the play begins, we encounter Eamon
as he tidies the stockroom in anticipation of his manager’s arrival. Harbouring a lifelong love of cars, he relives his memories of last year’s attendance at the rally, and how it changed his life forever. Director, Emily Foran, adds “I’m
very muchlooking forward to directing REVVED during its NI debut at the Lyric. “The play tackles some incredibly important themes, like the feeling of being an outsider in a small rural community, and longing for something more. One of its most important messages is that, in order to embrace our future, we need to face our past.
“Patrick has really captured the zeitgeist by creating an urgent and evocative piece that I would encourage everyone to experience.” Tickets for the performances can be booked at:
https://www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
the following list of great places to spend a cosy autumn day. County Armagh Awakening Your Senses, Slieve Gullion Forest Park During this special forest bathing retreat, celebrate the magical season of autumn. Explore how you can bring the practice of forest bathing/nature connection into your everyday life. There is evidence to show how just two hours spent in a forest can boost your immunity for up to 10 days. Your host will gently end the event with a guided meditation enabling you to take the gift of mindfulness home with you. There will also be a three-course lunch celebrating local and seasonal produce while the day concludes with a tea ceremony. Visit
www.xhale.biz/ immersive-experience/awakening-your- senses
County Down
Spirit Awards recently raised a glass to Hinch Distillery by naming it the Best Tourism Experience (large). County Down has a strong distilling history and Hinch Distillery is proud to be part of this continuing story as it takes inspiration from the past while looking to the future. Visitors can enjoy whiskey tours which include tasting two flagship whiskeys, the Small Batch and five-year-old Double Wood. The Hinch Distillery Gin School Experience takes visitors through how the spirit is produced as well as the distilling process. You will also get the chance to make your own gin and take it home. Visit https://
www.hinchdistillery.com Subject to availability. Book in advance to
avoid disappointment. For more information on great places to visit in Northern Ireland visit,
www.discovernorthernireland.com Visit https://discovernorthernireland. com/know-before-you-go/visitor-pledge to learn more about the TNI Visitor Pledge
and how you can help.
Hinch Distillery Tours, Ballynahinch The judges at Tourism NI’s Giant
five stars by Tourism NI under its self catering accommodation grading scheme. Situated in the heart of Belfast’s historic Queen’s Quarter and close to Belfast city centre, the property is in an area well served with cafés, bars and nightlife. David Roberts, Director of Strategic Development at Tourism NI, commented: “We are pleased to award The Regency this well-deserved five-star grading and I commend the team for transforming this unique property into a luxurious accommodation stay. The property is a boost for the tourism offering in the south of the city and the location, close to Queen’s University, the Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens, has always been popular with our visitors.” Anthony Kieron, proprietor of The Regency, added: “We are delighted to be awarded this five-star grading from Tourism NI. As a new accommodation offering, this gives us credibility in the market and also reassures guests who are staying with us for the first time. Although we only opened our doors a few months ago, we have been delighted to welcome guests from all over the world. .” The Regency also provides a complimentary airport shuttle service to George Best Belfast City Airport.
£17 Million Templemore Baths Redevelopment Nearly Complete
Baths is progressing well, with a two-stage opening now confirmed for early
2023.The project aims to preserve and enhance the Victorian building’s historic features, while providing modern leisure and spa facilities in a newly built extension. The leisure facilities will include a 25m six-lane swimming pool with spectator gallery, an 80-station gym, spa facilities and changing rooms. This part of the centre will open in January 2023. The original building will reopen in spring
2023. Within it, there will be an interactive visitor exhibition connecting people to the social history of the building and the area. It will also include many original features which have been sympathetically restored including the ‘major pool’, which will be fully operational again, and the old slipper baths. The former courtyard has been transformed into an attractive new atrium where a café will be located. Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Christina
Black said: “As the sole surviving Victorian public baths on the island of Ireland, it is fantastic to see Templemore brought back to life. So many of its original features have been painstakingly restored, and the building’s heritage will also be celebrated through the new interactive visitor attraction which will tell stories about the building’s former use and its importance to the community. Belfast City Council is investing £12 million in the project, with the remaining £5 million coming from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Work to restore and expand Templemore
The Regency Belfast has been awarded
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