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07/02/2017
Valentine's Day Indulgence
Love is in the air, everywhere I look around... Love is in the air, every sight and every sound... I think I've realised why Valentine's Day falls in February – it's obviously a way for couples to remind themselves that they like each other after surviving the ever torturous January.
So let's embrace the survival, and indulge ourselves and those we love...
Grand Opera House, Belfast
The multi-award winning West End show, brings two hours of "the greatest songs ever written", promising not a feel good show, but a "feel great!"
Experience the drama, passion and excitement as a cast of actors and musicians tell Buddy Holly's story, from his meteoric rise to fame, to his final legendary performance at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa.
Featuring songs including That'll Be The Day, Oh Boy, Rave On, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, Johnny B. Goode, Raining In My Heart, Everyday, Shout and many many more.
Tickets range from £20.25 to £40.25 and available now from the Grand Opera House website.
Friends of the Grand Opera House can avail of 2 for 1 tickets on Tues 14th February – 2 tickets max.
goh.co.uk
Cabaret Supper Club, Belfast
Cabaret Supper Club invites you to enjoy a Valentine's Day "with a difference", offering a main course meal and vintage variety show.
Described as "More than a restaurant", Cabaret is a luxurious supper club, where you can feel like a star & experience an evening reminiscent of the 1920's Holywood. Revellers can enjoy live jazz, burlesque, contortionists, magicians, comedians, bands, even famous local artists, while tucking into a sumptuous meal served by your very own Cabaret Butler.
On Valentine's Day, you can enjoy and keep your table for the entire evening, with a Cabaret Butler assigned to you. Strictly table service only until 11pm for your enjoyment.
Tickets for the night are £32.50 per person, and a £10 deposit is needed when booking.
cabaretbelfast.com
The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
The Merchant Hotel, on the very edge of Cathedral Quarter, is the very height of extravagance and possibly the greatest Valentine's indulgence.
Taking advantage of its 'Celebrate in Style' package you will be welcomed into a spacious Art Deco or Victorian bedroom with a bottle of champagne and a selection of the chef's hand crafted chocolates. As an added bonus, at your leisure you are free to enjoy one hour's hydrotherapy treatment in the hotel's state of the art Spa.
The package includes a seven course tasting menu in the Great Room Restaurant, with matched wines. Head Chef Johnny Leake has created a stunning menu to showcase the best of the seasons ingredients, sourced locally where possible.
The hotel promises "the best overnight experience available in Belfast", which will deliver memories that will last a lifetime.
The Celebrate in Style package is available Monday to Thursday for £330 in a Victorian Room and £350 in an Art Deco room (Valentine's falls on a Tuesday).
themerchanthotel.com
La Mon Hotel & Country Club
Described as "one of the most superb hotels in Belfast and one of the finest hotels in Northern Ireland", La Mon Hotel & Country Club is a family owned 4-star hotel, 15 minutes from Belfast City Centre.
While just a short drive from the city, once there you are nestled away in the countryside.
This year it offers three different options for Valentine's Day, two on the weekend just before and one on the day itself.
• Valentine's La Mon Live
On Saturday 11 February, 2017, for £35 per person, you can enjoy a Valentine Cocktail Reception on arrival, followed by a sumptuous three course meal, before dancing the night away with live entertainment from Platinum.
The package can be upgraded to an overnight stay from £55 per person sharing.
• Valentine's Afternoon Tea
For £35 for two, you can enjoy a Sweet Valentine's Afternoon Tea in The Mill Restaurant on Saturday, 11 February, 2017.
The hotel states: "Romance will be in the air as you indulge in La Mon's homemade scones, sandwiches and pastries. All handmade in La Mon's Patisserie. Pre-booking is required, secured with a £5 deposit.
• Valentine's At The Mill Restaurant
On Saturday 11 and Tuesday 14 February, 2017, you can 'Wine & Dine Your Loved One' for £70 per couple.
For that you get a Valentine's 4 course Candlelit Dinner in the Mill Restaurant, with live music provided by La Mon's resident pianist. Again, pre-booking is required and a £5 deposit will secure your table.
You can also surprise your Valentine by upgrading your to an overnight stay from £55 per person.
lamon.co.uk
Finally, a quick list of some of NI's most beautiful sights, which apart from the cost of getting there, won't cost a penny but could be just the thing you need...
Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne
With views stretching across the whole of the North Coast, Downhill Estate is the "wild and dramatic" headline of Northern Ireland. With open windswept cliff top walks it is not surprising the estate is part of the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a well known icon.
Photo courtesy of Del Smith
Silent Valley Reservoir
Ringed by mountains, Silent Valley Reservoir, is found within the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, houses beautiful parkland, lakes and a pond, and offers almost unbridled peace and solitude alongside unique landscapes and varied wildlife.
The are also three walking routes at the site: the all-ability loop, the reservoir loop and the viewpoint loop – designed to demonstrate the history and heritage of the site, such as the Mourne Wall and the Binnian Tunnell.
Lagan Towpath
Stretching from Belfast to Lisburn and taking in wetland, riverside meadows and mixed woodlands, the Lagan Towpath is the very definition of a hidden gem.
Well, we say hidden, it is very well used, but if you're lucky enough to find yourself not dodging commuting cyclists, it is truly hard to believe that your are still within throwing distance of the city.
Full information on all three sites can be found at walkni.com
So let's embrace the survival, and indulge ourselves and those we love...
Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
Grand Opera House, Belfast
The multi-award winning West End show, brings two hours of "the greatest songs ever written", promising not a feel good show, but a "feel great!"
Experience the drama, passion and excitement as a cast of actors and musicians tell Buddy Holly's story, from his meteoric rise to fame, to his final legendary performance at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa.
Featuring songs including That'll Be The Day, Oh Boy, Rave On, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, Johnny B. Goode, Raining In My Heart, Everyday, Shout and many many more.
Tickets range from £20.25 to £40.25 and available now from the Grand Opera House website.
Friends of the Grand Opera House can avail of 2 for 1 tickets on Tues 14th February – 2 tickets max.
goh.co.uk
Cabaret Filthy Gorgeous Variety Show
Cabaret Supper Club, Belfast
Cabaret Supper Club invites you to enjoy a Valentine's Day "with a difference", offering a main course meal and vintage variety show.
Described as "More than a restaurant", Cabaret is a luxurious supper club, where you can feel like a star & experience an evening reminiscent of the 1920's Holywood. Revellers can enjoy live jazz, burlesque, contortionists, magicians, comedians, bands, even famous local artists, while tucking into a sumptuous meal served by your very own Cabaret Butler.
On Valentine's Day, you can enjoy and keep your table for the entire evening, with a Cabaret Butler assigned to you. Strictly table service only until 11pm for your enjoyment.
Tickets for the night are £32.50 per person, and a £10 deposit is needed when booking.
cabaretbelfast.com
Celebrate In Style
The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
The Merchant Hotel, on the very edge of Cathedral Quarter, is the very height of extravagance and possibly the greatest Valentine's indulgence.
Taking advantage of its 'Celebrate in Style' package you will be welcomed into a spacious Art Deco or Victorian bedroom with a bottle of champagne and a selection of the chef's hand crafted chocolates. As an added bonus, at your leisure you are free to enjoy one hour's hydrotherapy treatment in the hotel's state of the art Spa.
The package includes a seven course tasting menu in the Great Room Restaurant, with matched wines. Head Chef Johnny Leake has created a stunning menu to showcase the best of the seasons ingredients, sourced locally where possible.
The hotel promises "the best overnight experience available in Belfast", which will deliver memories that will last a lifetime.
The Celebrate in Style package is available Monday to Thursday for £330 in a Victorian Room and £350 in an Art Deco room (Valentine's falls on a Tuesday).
themerchanthotel.com
Love At La Mon
La Mon Hotel & Country Club
Described as "one of the most superb hotels in Belfast and one of the finest hotels in Northern Ireland", La Mon Hotel & Country Club is a family owned 4-star hotel, 15 minutes from Belfast City Centre.
While just a short drive from the city, once there you are nestled away in the countryside.
This year it offers three different options for Valentine's Day, two on the weekend just before and one on the day itself.
• Valentine's La Mon Live
On Saturday 11 February, 2017, for £35 per person, you can enjoy a Valentine Cocktail Reception on arrival, followed by a sumptuous three course meal, before dancing the night away with live entertainment from Platinum.
The package can be upgraded to an overnight stay from £55 per person sharing.
• Valentine's Afternoon Tea
For £35 for two, you can enjoy a Sweet Valentine's Afternoon Tea in The Mill Restaurant on Saturday, 11 February, 2017.
The hotel states: "Romance will be in the air as you indulge in La Mon's homemade scones, sandwiches and pastries. All handmade in La Mon's Patisserie. Pre-booking is required, secured with a £5 deposit.
• Valentine's At The Mill Restaurant
On Saturday 11 and Tuesday 14 February, 2017, you can 'Wine & Dine Your Loved One' for £70 per couple.
For that you get a Valentine's 4 course Candlelit Dinner in the Mill Restaurant, with live music provided by La Mon's resident pianist. Again, pre-booking is required and a £5 deposit will secure your table.
You can also surprise your Valentine by upgrading your to an overnight stay from £55 per person.
lamon.co.uk
Finally, a quick list of some of NI's most beautiful sights, which apart from the cost of getting there, won't cost a penny but could be just the thing you need...
Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne
With views stretching across the whole of the North Coast, Downhill Estate is the "wild and dramatic" headline of Northern Ireland. With open windswept cliff top walks it is not surprising the estate is part of the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a well known icon.
Photo courtesy of Del Smith
Silent Valley Reservoir
Ringed by mountains, Silent Valley Reservoir, is found within the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, houses beautiful parkland, lakes and a pond, and offers almost unbridled peace and solitude alongside unique landscapes and varied wildlife.
The are also three walking routes at the site: the all-ability loop, the reservoir loop and the viewpoint loop – designed to demonstrate the history and heritage of the site, such as the Mourne Wall and the Binnian Tunnell.
Lagan Towpath
Stretching from Belfast to Lisburn and taking in wetland, riverside meadows and mixed woodlands, the Lagan Towpath is the very definition of a hidden gem.
Well, we say hidden, it is very well used, but if you're lucky enough to find yourself not dodging commuting cyclists, it is truly hard to believe that your are still within throwing distance of the city.
Full information on all three sites can be found at walkni.com
Latest Northern Ireland Features
11 September 2017
Indoors And Outdoors Sightseeing Tours
Indoors/Outdoors Sightseeing Tours Whether you're an eager tourist or a curious local, a well-planned and organised tour can be an excellent way to kill a few hours. It also seems in Northern Ireland, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Indoors And Outdoors Sightseeing Tours
Indoors/Outdoors Sightseeing Tours Whether you're an eager tourist or a curious local, a well-planned and organised tour can be an excellent way to kill a few hours. It also seems in Northern Ireland, you'll be spoilt for choice.
14 August 2017
Row, Row, Row Your Boat...
So, who fancies learning a new and exciting hobby this year? Rather than take up the usual suspects such as cooking, biking or reading, we've decided to go for a more unique fad and pick up the thousand-year-old pastime that is kayaking/canoeing.
Row, Row, Row Your Boat...
So, who fancies learning a new and exciting hobby this year? Rather than take up the usual suspects such as cooking, biking or reading, we've decided to go for a more unique fad and pick up the thousand-year-old pastime that is kayaking/canoeing.
21 July 2017
The Great Outdoors
Sunny weather? In Northern Ireland? During Summer? I've seen it all now. But yes, your eyes do not deceive you. That really is the sun in the sky. And it looks like it's here to stay (fingers crossed) for the foreseeable future. Naturally, many of us will head to our local beer gardens to soak up the rays.
The Great Outdoors
Sunny weather? In Northern Ireland? During Summer? I've seen it all now. But yes, your eyes do not deceive you. That really is the sun in the sky. And it looks like it's here to stay (fingers crossed) for the foreseeable future. Naturally, many of us will head to our local beer gardens to soak up the rays.
30 June 2017
Foot Sports NI Fun Day
The UK's only football-themed fun fair, Foot Sports NI, has announced a Fun Day taking place on Saturday 08 July at the Hanwood Centre in Dundonald.
Foot Sports NI Fun Day
The UK's only football-themed fun fair, Foot Sports NI, has announced a Fun Day taking place on Saturday 08 July at the Hanwood Centre in Dundonald.
26 June 2017
Festival Season Is Here
Summer is here and you've either just been to Glastonbury or watched it on TV, which can only mean one thing, we are now officially in 'Festival Season'. Northern Ireland jumped on the festival bandwagon pretty hard, with big outdoor events seemingly sprouting up in almost any available space.
Festival Season Is Here
Summer is here and you've either just been to Glastonbury or watched it on TV, which can only mean one thing, we are now officially in 'Festival Season'. Northern Ireland jumped on the festival bandwagon pretty hard, with big outdoor events seemingly sprouting up in almost any available space.
16 June 2017
Hit The Beach...
The sun really seems like it's here to hang out for a bit. Now, of course there have been a few days of absolute torrential downpours, but come on, even when it's raining would you not rather be hanging out on a beach. In an effort to take full advantage of the weather while the going is good, we're packing up the cool box again.
Hit The Beach...
The sun really seems like it's here to hang out for a bit. Now, of course there have been a few days of absolute torrential downpours, but come on, even when it's raining would you not rather be hanging out on a beach. In an effort to take full advantage of the weather while the going is good, we're packing up the cool box again.
07 June 2017
Summer Tourist Destinations In Northern Ireland
It's safe to say as a tourism destination, Northern Ireland has come on leaps and bounds over the past number of years. In fact, there's a very good reason why HBO chose to film Game of Thrones here; simply because we have some of the most stunning environments in the world.
Summer Tourist Destinations In Northern Ireland
It's safe to say as a tourism destination, Northern Ireland has come on leaps and bounds over the past number of years. In fact, there's a very good reason why HBO chose to film Game of Thrones here; simply because we have some of the most stunning environments in the world.
19 May 2017
Spoilt For Choice
Well, we're just being spoilt now... Summer has not just been four days this year. OK, there have been some interruptions but we do need some rain. So, it is time to capitalise and get in some top quality activities before June comes along and (possibly) ruins it all.
Spoilt For Choice
Well, we're just being spoilt now... Summer has not just been four days this year. OK, there have been some interruptions but we do need some rain. So, it is time to capitalise and get in some top quality activities before June comes along and (possibly) ruins it all.
05 May 2017
Spirits Are High
It's time to take full advantage of the sudden burst of good weather. You can never take the sun for granted here, so it's important to capitalise on its availability and one of the best way to do that is of course at your favourite beer garden or rooftop bar.
Spirits Are High
It's time to take full advantage of the sudden burst of good weather. You can never take the sun for granted here, so it's important to capitalise on its availability and one of the best way to do that is of course at your favourite beer garden or rooftop bar.
19 April 2017
Festival Of Fools Top Picks
For a solid 13 years now the Festival of Fools has been dispelling the rumour the Northern Irish don't like audience participation. The festival is now internationally renowned and attracts some of the world's finest and funniest street performers to spots throughout Belfast city centre.
Festival Of Fools Top Picks
For a solid 13 years now the Festival of Fools has been dispelling the rumour the Northern Irish don't like audience participation. The festival is now internationally renowned and attracts some of the world's finest and funniest street performers to spots throughout Belfast city centre.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy, rather murky start in east with some patchy rain, otherwise a good deal of dry and quite bright weather with increasing amounts of sunshine across central and western areas. Always the chance of some showery rain in the east. Maximum temperature 17 °C.Tonight:Any heavy showers in east clearing this evening. Otherwise dry with some clear spells, but low cloud mist and fog patches will then form possibly becoming widespread overnight. Cold. Minimum temperature 3 °C.
