A 'Purrfect' Day in Tyrone

It’s so easy to take your time in Tyrone...

As a born and bred Tyrone girl, I love how there is a laid back atmosphere in our people and places, but chilled and easy going as we are, we Tyrone folk know how to treat ourselves and our visitors in true style when it comes to fine food, days out, relaxation and superior shopping.

Accompanied by my sister Vanessa and cousin Kathie, I set out on a girls’ day out to see what my home county had to offer when it came to some of our favourite things and we certainly got our eyes opened as to what hidden gems were quite literally on our doorstep.

We headed first to the outskirts of the village of Ballygawley to the Lavender Health Spa which is tucked away off the arterial A4 road under the shadows of the old monastery in the town-land of Errigal. Its hideaway location gives a real sense of getaway as the windy rural roads lead you to a little piece of heaven away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

We began with a 30 minute session in the pool which and then were taken individually for our treatments. As an expectant mum, I opted for the maternity package of a back and shoulder massage while the girls sampled taster treatments including a facial, then head, back and foot massage mini sessions which were part of a Summer Special Offer and just enough to whet the appetite.

We were each wowed by the heavenly luxury of it all. Proprietor Helene and her staff are personable and warm and they catered each treatment to our individual needs which made each of us feel very special.

An hour later, we met up in the relaxation room with shag pile carpet and muted tones and lay back in luxury sipping on peppermint tea and soaking in the divine surroundings.

There is something spiritual about the Lavender Spa experience. Perhaps the feel good secret is the expertise and personal touch from the staff which is second to none, but I also believe it lies in its ancient location and the rolling hills of the famous Clogher Valley. Whatever the secret of Lavender is, a visit here leaves you with a feeling of deep exhilaration from the moment you arrive until you leave.

With a building hunger, our next stop was at the Black Cat restaurant where we arrived with high expectations. It is not every day you are cooked lunch by James Devine who is well known for his appearance on the TV show Masterchef and who holds a series of awards including NI Chef of the Year 2012.

We were warmly welcomed by manager Richard who seated us by the window overlooking the picturesque Martray Lake and immediately we knew we were in for something special. The Black Cat offers a set lunch menu of three courses for only £15 and we began with mouth-watering home-made breads - curry, tomato and basil, and wheaten -  with a selection of canapés and dips which were simply to die for

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I chose the Potted Salmon and Prawn Cocktail with Tomato Chutney, Vanessa had Chicken and Smoked Ham Hock Croquets and Kathie opted for Confit Duck Tart. The highlight for me was the main course of Slow Cooked Fermanagh Beef and the girls tucked into Black Cat Seafood Pie and the Blackened Beef Burger which sparked off ‘food envy’ all around! Everything was delicious and a visual work of art on a plate!

Richard recommended the ‘Chocolate’ dessert which he described as a must for Snickers lovers, and the Strawberries and Cream with Chocolate Chip Cookies which we accompanied by a selection of Irish Cheeses, Crackers and Chutney. We were left speechless and mesmerised by the high quality of service and the exceptional standard of cuisine. No wonder the Black Cat has got tongues wagging all over Tyrone and beyond. It really is a treat for the taste-buds and a heart-warming way to while away a Saturday afternoon. 

Richard sent us on our way with a complimentary box of Petits Fours and we vowed to return as soon as possible, eager to spread the word to friends and family on the day out we had discovered on our doorstep!

South Tyrone may be home to me, but in an unbiased manner I was genuinely blown away by the real flavour of hospitality and high standards of service offered by our food and tourism sector. To top it all off, in nearby Dungannon, a free parking incentive in the town centre means that a day out like this in the run up to Christmas can be topped off with shopping at bespoke boutiques such as Aurora, Cuba Clothing, Carmel’s, Snooty Fox and lots more.

For package offers from the Black Cat Restaurant and the Lavender Spa, visit www.lavenderhealthspa.com and www.theblackcatrestaurant.com 

In Love with 'Leslie'

IN LOVE WITH ‘LESLIE’

Nestled in the picturesque village of Glaslough, Co Monaghan, the Castle Leslie estate rose to fame back in 2002 when it hosted the marriage of Sir Paul McCartney to Heather Mills - but those links are instantly forgettable as the venue has a lot more to shout about. We found out what is making more and more people fall in love with Castle Leslie when we took our children on a self-catering family break to a place that is becoming increasingly popular with day trippers, holiday makers and bridal parties from all over the country…

 

Castle Leslie’s estate is set on 1,000 acres of woodland and countryside which is dotted with lakes and wildlife – our children loved spotting all sorts of creatures but were mostly taken by the roaming ponies which filled the fields on the way to our accommodation. It is an estate steeped in the rich history, still in the hands of the founding family who came to Ireland in the 16^th Century.

There are several options for accommodation on the estate. The Lodge, which is home to a luxury Victorian Treatment Rooms, Conor’s Bar and exquisite bedrooms; The Castle itself, which is a real step back in time treat of sheer escapism – prepare to be dazzled by the lake and views on the other side of the castle which are not visible from the front; the Village Cottages which are modern day houses located in Glaslough itself, or the Stable Mews where we stayed – a courtyard of truly splendid self-contained two story cottages which I cannot recommend highly enough for a perfect family break.

We arrived on Friday evening and explored the grounds immediately. An equestrian centre, tennis courts, a delicious evening meal in Conor’s Bar, a stroll around the Castle which was breath-taking and exhilarating to little minds who were so eager to learn on the history with eyes peeled for a glimpse of Sir Jack himself, who at the grand age of 98, still lives in the Castle! (forget David Beckham or Harry Styles – this is the celebrity we wanted to see!)

Our cottage was so impressive -  a large open plan dining and living area with high ceilings, an open fire and a small but totally contained kitchen, a flatscreen TV which allowed for some World Cup viewing at night, two bedrooms (one en-suite) and a family bathroom meant that we were truly at home from the very beginning. We even had a games room right next door with table tennis, pool, giant Jenga, Connect 4 and loads more. There is a 15minute walk from the Stable Mews to the main Castle and Lodge but with so much to see and do along the way, this was all part of the adventure!

On Saturday the children thoroughly enjoyed an hour’s lesson at the Equestrian Centre while Jim and I enjoyed some afternoon sunshine on the patio at Conor’s Bar – a great spot for people watching I have to say! Our tired bunch were thrilled with their new found pony friends and as they had worked up quite a hunger, we set off next door to Ambledown Cottages for some tasty pizza!

Located just beside Castle Leslie’s gates (down the hill – it is well signed), Ambledown Cottages is a true gem. Jeremy Herron and his staff have created quite a treat in their home from home atmosphere, rustic surroundings and a ‘pizzeria’ dining experience which was one of the highlights of our weekend. Dualta, who had just turned 13, was serenaded by Jeremy himself on harmonica and treated with some cake and Jim was persuaded to get out his guitar and treat the other diners to some traditional tunes! Jeremy even took the three children to see his very own pony which was the icing on the birthday cake without a doubt!

On Sunday morning after a sumptuous breakfast in Snaffles restaurant (which boasts 2 AA star rosettes), Jim and I set off for some pampering in the Victorian Treatment rooms while the children played tennis in the sunshine. We thoroughly enjoyed a full body massage in the Cocoon Duo Room followed by a fruit platter and ‘mocktail’ and a dip in the outdoor Hot Tub.

 

Following a truly delicious Sunday lunch al fresco, it was time for us to leave Castle Leslie – but only for now. With the school holidays upon us, I have a feeling we may be back to visit more than once.

When you discover Castle Leslie, part of you will want to keep it a secret, while part of you will want to tell the world. It really is a whole new world and best of all, it is right on your doorstep.

 

Visit www.castleleslie.com for summer offers - call 00 353 47 88100

For Ambledown Cottages Pizzeria enquiries call 00 353 47 88393

A 'Legenderry' Stay in the Maiden City

One of my favourite places in Derry is the Craft Village on Shipquay Street. With its brightly coloured doors, metal railings, stone walls and quirky shops scattered across a courtyard, I have been meaning to pay it a visit for a long time. After researching the City for a musical I was working on, I was delighted to make a trip there in late Spring to see what the City of Culture has to offer one year on. 

A short break in Derry will fill you up from the moment you drive over the majestic bridges that lead to the cobbled streets within the city walls. A sense of nostalgia, a lightness in the air and an overwhelming feeling of hope lies here in the town that has witnessed so much trouble but which is now standing tall and proudly flying the flag for culture, history, music, shopping - and most of all, welcoming and friendly people whose pride in the City is tangible when they talk.

We arrived and immediately checked out the shopping at the Foyleside Centre, outside of which we met our tour guide Sorcha who was well versed in the history of the City as she led a small group of us on to the walls as part of the famous Martin McCrossan Tours. Sorcha told us how and why the walls were built, the background of St Columb’s Cathedral, the formation of The Apprentice Boys and the more recent turbulence of Bloody Sunday and its horrible aftermath. As we looked out onto the Bogside I felt shivers with being so close to the scene of such tragedy and yet a great relief that we have moved forward to much more positive times.

There is so much more to Derry’s history than The Troubles of course and we later learned at the Guild Hall of the city’s links to London and how the vibrancy of its people now are reflected in making an old tale into a modern day attraction for sightseers and visitors from all over the world.

Full of new knowledge and some fascinating facts, we checked in to the Tower Hotel (which is the only hotel located within the City walls) where we were shown to the luxury of the Eleanor suite. Our room was circular in shape and we were greeted with lots of personal touches including two swans on the bed –well, towels shaped as swans! It was a huge room with a separate living area and dining table and the staff members were bubbly and enthusiastic. Like all Derry folk, they were keen to tell us all that is great about the city including the best places to eat and drink and where to sample the best of the City nightlife.

We dined that evening at Browns in Town – a high end, a la carte restaurant which was buzzing with parties of all sizes and a mouth watering menu which is managed under the guidance of well known chef (he of Masterchef and the voice of Lidl fame) Ian Orr.  Jim chose scallops to start while I went for the delicious seafood chowder and we followed with rib eye steak (for me) and Jim enjoyed a seabass dish which was polished off with a medley of desserts and tea for two. Browns in Town is a place that makes you feel special from the moment you enter the doors until the moment you leave.

After dinner we popped into Peadar O’Donnell’s bar which was well and truly buzzing with Saturday night revellers. The bar is famous for live Irish traditional music and was a big attraction during the Fleadh so it was good to see the atmosphere is well and truly alive almost one year on. Another hotspot is Sandinos on Water Street which is more modern in style but equally atmospheric with walls donned with Che Guevara and a trendy ‘non conformist’ setting.

We finished our stay in Derry the following day after a magnificent breakfast at the Tower Hotel with a walk on the Peace Bridge which is guaranteed to blow off the cobwebs after a city night out! With its unique winding shape, metal pedestrian structure and buskers along the route of your walk, it is a special experience and a great photo opportunity! We also popped into the Craft Village where we viewed the beautiful knitwear presented by Maggy McCartney and squeezed in a quick visit to Benone Beach – one of our favourite places – on the way home...

For great food, craft, music and culture Derry is ideal for a short break on your doorstep. The dark clouds have lifted and the famous ‘Londonderry air’ is filled with a new energy, a vibe of vitality, new beginnings and genuine vibrancy. Go check it out for yourself – they don’t call it ‘legenderry’ for nothing!

FACTBOX

Emma & Jim’s trip was organised courtesy of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board as part of their Spring Campaign.  For more information on Northern Ireland visit discovernorthernireland.com

Accommodation:

Tower Hotel, City of Derry

The Tower Hotel is the perfect base to explore the city and with great views and is also on the doorstep of the many bars, restaurants and tourist attractions. The hotel’s Walls Restaurant is the perfect setting overlooking the famous City Walls and the new Lyric Bar and Grill showcases the city’s musical history in pictures which are adorned on the walls.

T: 028 7137 1000  W: www.towerhotelderry.com

Attractions:       

Walking Tour with Martin McCrossan

With over fifty natural and built attractions in the region, such as Derry’s Walls, The Bogside, The Peoples Gallery (Murals) The Bloody Sunday Story, The History of the Apprentice Boys, The Marching Season Traditions, you will be sure there is something to see.

T: 028 7127 1996 / 0771 293 7997  W: www.derrycitytours.com

Sandino’s Cafe Bar

Sandino’s is a popular major live music venue in the city ranging from traditional through to jazz and world music as well as some of the best DJ’s in town. Open 7 days a week, the venue is a popular choice for artists, musicians, chess players and visiting students.

T: 028 7130 9297  W: www.sandinos.com

Guildhall Tour

The Guildhall was originally built in 1887 by The Honourable The Irish Society, fashioned in neo gothic style it is one of the most striking buildings in the northwest. Housed in the Guildhall are some of the finest examples of stain-glass windows in the whole of Great Britain. Decorated with Drumfrese sandstone, marble, oak panelling and ornate ceilings, the Guildhall is the premier tourist attraction in Derry.

T: 028 7137 6510 W: www.derrycity.gov.uk/Guildhall/TheGuildhall

Peadar O’Donnell

Peadar’s is known throughout the world and is a must visit location for the many tourists that flock to Derry in ever increasing numbers. They are famous for, among other things, our live music which is largely organised but has regular impromptu sessions from either local musicians or visiting performers.

T: 028 7126 7295 W: www.peadars.com

Restaurant:

Browns in Town

Browns in Town is the sister restaurant to Browns Restaurant and Champagne Lounge also in the city, offering a fine dining experience with a continued high standard of excellent food, genuine hospitality and great service.

T: 028 7136 2889 W: www.brownsrestaurant.com

Belfast Telegraph Woman of the Year Awards

It was a real honour to attend the Belfast Telegraph Woman of the Year Awards at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Belfast recently.
I was shortlisted in the 'Woman of the Year in Arts' category with three other fantastic ladies - arts consultant Carrie Neeley, playwright Leesa Harker and Belfast Poet Laureate Sinead Morrissey. Well done to Sinead who won the award - you can see the winning announcement here.
It was a truly enjoyable and humbling evening and we met some fantastic people including Richard and Leona Kane from Limavady rapeseed oil manufacturers 'Broighter Gold'; husband and wife hairdressing duo Paul and Leisa Stafford, the truly inspirational Margaret McGuckin who is a key campaigner for those affected by institutional abuse; media personalities Wendy Austin and Lynda Bryans, Belfast Telegraph's Gail Walker and Kerry McKittrick, and Arts Council of NI's Head of Literature and Drama Damian Smyth.
We stayed in the Ramada Plaza where the function was held which made it a real pleasure to be able to get ready and just walk down the corridor to where the action was. Here, we dined in style, the champagne flowed and the craic was mighty!
Huge congratulations to Una Crudden who won the overall Belfast Telegraph Woman of the Year for her tireless campaign for ovarian cancer awareness. Una took her 'Teal Takeover' campaign to Stormont recently and her story really touched the entire room. You can follow Una's story on Twitter @unacrudden - please do lend her your support!
A big thanks to everyone involved in organising the evening, especially all at Belfast Telegraph and Sarah Weir at JPR - and massive congrats to all those shortlisted and the worthy winners in each category. It really was a night to remember!

Songs for Amy

Jim is involved in a feature length movie Songs For Amy which will make it's big screen Dublin debut on May 1st before opening at selected IMC cinemas on May 2nd. The film, a love story based in the West of Ireland and New York, stars Sean Maguire (pictured with Jim in his role as Tom the busker) and is directed by Emmy and BAFTA nominated Konrad Begg. 

You can watch the trailer by clicking here and read more about the Dublin debut in this news feature from the Irish Film and Television Network 

Follow Songs for Amy's progress and news on Twitter @songsforamy. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Lots of love from Jim and Emma! We are celebrating lots today, including the release of my novel Crazy For You which is now available for digital download from Harper Impulse and only £1.99 on Amazon! Many thanks to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for facilitating this photo of me to mark the occasion! xxx

Doing it in style in Donegal!

The rugged coastal county of Donegal has always claimed a strong hold on my heart as it is home to many fond memories; from running along the majestic beach as a child in Rossnowlagh and disco dancing as a teenager in Downings, to hanging out in the Las Vegas bling of Bundoran where amusement parks and slot machines and walking ‘rogie’ filled many a day away!

Therefore, it is no surprise that when it came to penning my first novel, Crazy For You, away back in 2007, I based a lot of it in Donegal in a fictional town called Killshannon which is loosely based on the fishing village of Killybegs.

My book also featured many scenes in Donegal town itself with its Diamond centre, quirky cafes and craft shops, so when Harper Collins, my brand new publishers, decided to re-release Crazy For You in an all new look 2014 version for Valentine’s Day this year, I took a trip to Donegal town to see how much it had changed since my first version of Crazy For You was written seven years ago.

There is a sense of warmth and homeliness in Donegal and while I love and cherish memories of staying in caravans and self-catering apartments from childhood days, this time we decided to do Donegal in style!

We chose to stay a night at the 5star Solis Lough Eske Hotel for a night of luxury, and it’s location just outside the town made it an ideal base for exploring the area and absorbing all I needed to bring my novel up to date.

The Lough Eske Castle is the only Irish hotel to claim a World Luxury Hotel Award and has won the World's Best Luxury Country Hotel title for the past FOUR consecutive years and the moment I mentioned to friends where I was going, those who had been became wide eyed with envy and it didn’t take me long to discover why.

We were met at the door by a friendly uniformed porter who took our bags and the staff at reception ran through our itinerary which included a ‘Smoke Your Own Salmon’ activity with chef David Doherty, dinner for two in the Cedar’s Restaurant and a full body massage the following morning for me at the award winning Spa Solis – so far, so great!

Our ground floor room was majestic to say the least. It had a separate living area with its own television (so we didn’t have to fight over the remote, explained our concierge), a luxury bathroom, stocked mini bar and patio doors which overlooked a picturesque courtyard. It was luxurious yet cosy and we settled in immediately, chilling out and enjoying the surroundings before it was time to meet the chef and sample some salmon smoking!

We met chef David outside the kitchens where he had prepared a table of spices and flavours, and he carefully explained and showed us how to prepare the salmon which was fresh from the waters of Killybegs. We sipped a glass of cold wine as he demonstrated the work of art, then brought us outside to the smoking room – a wooden hut which did exactly what it said on the tin, and in true ‘here’s one I made earlier’ style, he presented some delicious smoked salmon, took it back to the kitchen while we waited and within minutes we were tucking in to its succulent taste, marvelled at the attention to detail which had gone in to preparing the popular dish.

Our dinner was  served in Cedar’s Grill Restaurant later that evening where Jim had six oysters on chilled ice with lemon and shallot vinegar for starters and I chose the Pork Belly with fennel, apple compote and balsamic dressing. I tried one of the oysters (my first time tasting them!) and with a little tobasco sauce for an extra kick, I actually liked them! Our main course was the most delicious fillet steak with sides of seasonal vegetables and pepper sauce and we squeezed in a white chocolate panna cotta for dessert. The service as impeccable, the restaurant busy and David the chef even took time out to see if we were satisfied with the service and we both agreed that hands down, the food at Lough Eske is the best we have ever tasted!
We rounded the evening off around an open fire with some new found friends from Belfast and Jim treated them all to a few tunes on the guitar, and the following morning I eased into the day with a wondrous massage in the Solis Spa, followed by breakfast served to our room.

We said goodbye to the Solis Lough Eske Hotel with a heavy heart – it is truly a magical taste of luxury and shows Donegal hospitality at its finest. Our friends were right when they said it was one of their favourite places in the world and I can totally understand why the list of awards keeps getting longer.

On our way home, we explored the town while I made notes that could contribute to the new style of my novel. We visited the Craft Village where we met artist Johnny McCabe and watched him work at a mind-blowingly accurate portrait, just one of a collection of watercolours, pencils, pastels and oil paintings he had on display.

We finished our trip with a quick bite in the Abbey Hotel in the town centre, lapping up the atmosphere and stopped off for a drink in The Reel Inn Bar which shows old style Donegal in its finest form.

With its warmth and homely feeling, Donegal still holds that same place in my heart as it did seven years ago, and I have a feeling that it’s something that will never go away.

Enjoy a Mid Week Tranquility Package at the Lough Eske Hotel which includes 2 nights bed and breakfast with four course evening meal in Cedar’s Restaurant, complimentary use of Spa Solis Thermal Suite and heated pool, 20% off Spa treatment and traditional afternoon tea on the afternoon of your choice. Based on 2 people sharing. From €395 per room. Available until 31^st March 2014. To book, visit www.solishotels.com/lougheskecastle

Crazy For You by Emma Heatherington will be released by Harper Collins (Harper Impulse) on 13^th February as a digital download (Kindle, etc). Available on Amazon.co.uk

Belfast Buzz at Christmas!

Christmas is a time when memories are made for life, so as soon as December kicked in, I couldn’t wait to pack the kids into the car and head to Belfast for a family day trip to remember and the opportunity to check what was going down in the City for a future night out over the festive season.

For families…

At aged eleven and twelve, the children are just on the cusp of the traditional beliefs of Christmas so a visit to Santa was top of the list and this year we did it with a difference – Titanic style!

Tourists just love Titanic, there is no doubt about it! People of all nationalities posed for photos outside, most of them imitating the famous ‘I’m the King of the world’ pose from the James Cameron movie and this brought a smile to our faces as we drove into the parking lot.

We were greeted by Rory, a member of the Front of House team who took great time in explaining to us the story behind the story i.e. why the building was made in the way it was and we were blown away by the attention to detail of the grounds (even the small lawn areas have a meaning, representing the numbers of first, second and third class casualties) and the outdoor seating which you can view from the higher floors is laid out just as it was on the ship itself.

Titanic at Christmas really does have a personal touch and there were lots of photo opportunities on the way to see Santa which got us into the festive spirit. Tea and coffee is served for mums and dads and the children took great delight in sampling the gingerbread men and shortbread. There are arts and crafts tables and beautiful mock shop fronts of a post office and a toy shop, plus the opportunity to write and post a letter to Santa for those who are running a bit behind on the letter writing front! 

A burst of snow met us at the door of Santa’s house which really added to the atmosphere and Chris the photographer/elf (elves are so multi-talented these days) introduced us to the big man whose conversational skills were second to none. He knew each of the three children by name and we had a great chat about what Rudolph likes to find as snacks on Christmas Eve (red apples are top of the list this year, just so you know…).

The gifts from Santa, who has a real white beard by the way, were more than substantial and full of Titanic goodies and we set off to take the Titanic tour which left us very moved and touched by the tales of the men who made the ship as well as those who made their final journey onboard.

After a quick bite of lunch in the town centre, it was time to separate the men from the boys so to speak, with a visit to the new Winter Wonderland at Custom House Square and a spot of outdoor ice skating!

As a veteran Dundonald Ice Bowl visitor (ok, I’ve been no more than ten times but still), I was quietly confident with my skating skills. We laughed until our sides were sore as some of our party fancied themselves as Torville and Dean despite having never donned a pair of skates before and the results were, well, let’s just say there was more time spent sitting on the ice than skating on it! It was great fun!

The atmosphere at Winter Wonderland will make even the most sceptic of us ‘wow’ and indulge in the magic of Christmas. We were blessed with a mild, dry evening under a beautiful night sky and the watchful eye of the Albert Clock. The children tried out almost all of the amusement rides and even won a few prizes on the hoopla which added to the excitement and upped the competition almost as much as the ice skating antics!

Do not miss this fantastic experience – lots more family members have visited on our recommendation since and they each have had an absolute ball.

After Dark…

Christmas in Belfast is a busy time for bars and restaurants and there are so many to choose from but the Cathedral Quarter is a favourite haunt of mine with its cobbled streets and Mediterranean atmosphere.

We look forward to returning to Belfast (no children this time!) on New Year’s Eve when we will ring in 2014 to the sounds of Van Morrison at the Harp Bar on Hill Street.

The Harp Bar (formerly Nick’s Warehouse) is a music lovers paradise with live music seven nights a week – there is no disco or karaoke here, that’s for sure! On my first visit here just a few weeks ago, I was given the distinct impression that this place is special. It truly is the ‘read deal.’

The interior seeps of authentic Belfast with its museum like décor and ornamental memorabilia, paying homage to the bygone days of ‘good vibrations’ and sticking to the origins of the building which was once the headquarters of the Bushmills Distillery.

If you fancy a live sing-a-long to your favourite anthems this is the place to be on any night of the week, you’ll love the Harp Bar on Hill Street.

Something for Everyone…

We were genuinely impressed by the buzz of Belfast this festive season. 

For a family day trip or a couple’s night out, it really is the place to be. Now, is that Dancing on Ice on the phone….? Somehow I’d doubt it very much! Happy Christmas everyone!

Emma’s family day trip was organised courtesy of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.  For more information on Northern Ireland visit discovernorthernireland.com

Belfast Winter Wonderland

Custom House Square is hosting an extra special Christmas this year with the arrival of Belfast’s Winter Wonderland.  Lose yourself in the magic of Christmas with an open-air skating rink, rides, mulled wine, hot cider and hot chocolate, opened until January 5.  

W: www.belfastswinterwonderland.com

Titanic Belfast

Visit Santa Claus in his old curiosity shop, play traditional games and enjoy the atmosphere of the traditional street scene at Titanic Belfast until December 23.  Children can enjoy arts and crafts as well as story-telling and if they haven’t yet sent their much anticipated letter to Santa they can do so in the magical post box.

W: www.titanicbelfast.com T: +44 28 9076 6399

Livin' it up in London!

GROWING up with the Bardic Theatre in Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, there was simply no escaping the magic of musical theatre.

As they say around these parts, I was reared on it so when a weekend in the West End of London beckoned, I was like a child in a toy shop at the very thought of choosing an evening out to the theatre, but which to see and where to start?

For me it was easy.

In fact my musical of choice was a no brainer really.

I’ve been a tad obsessed you might say with the Oscar winning Dublin based movie ‘Once’ for a while now, so when some clever person decided to make it into a Tony and Grammy award winning stage show I was chomping at the bit to go see it since it made its debut in London earlier this year.

Compared to other musical phenomenon such as Les Miserables, Wicked and Billy Elliott, Once is perhaps still a baby of the bunch, but despite its young age it is standing strong amongst the big boys with a stellar cast, a funny and touching script and packed out audiences to prove its worth. 

The story centres round an un-named Dublin busker who is pining for his lost love, singing songs in her name when he meets a Czech immigrant on the street and promises to fix her hoover. ‘Guy’ as he is known in the credits, soon discovers that musically, this beautiful quirky stranger is as talented as he is and as a deep relationship develops, music turns to magical love but not without hiccups and heartaches along the way.

For fans of the movie and newbies alike, Once The Musical will delight you and surprise you at the same time. It is much more comedic than the on screen version, certainly more lively in style and character and dare I say it…it’s even better.

I got shivers, I had tears in my eyes and the music with onstage fiddles, banjos, guitars and more was moving, mind blowing and achingly beautiful.

Jim was as enthralled as I was and as a singer/songwriter himself, he was blown away by the feeling and depth of Once, not to mention the highly charged emotional journey the live on stage story takes you on. This was his first musical theatre experience and one he described as ‘musical genius, a singer/songwriter’s paradise and breathtakingly better than the film.’

For me, it was a bit like meeting an idol – I wanted it to be good but had a fear of building my hopes up too much. However, I needn’t have worried as it exceeded every expectation I could have had and I’ve been telling everyone to go see it since we came home.

It’s a treat for the eyes, the ears and for those who love a laugh and a tug at the old heart strings, it really is a must see.

………..

Planning a West End break to London can be a minefield when it comes to accommodation and it’s easy to make the mistake of staying somewhere which cuts the cost per night but requires multiple Tube stops, swaps and taxi rides to get into the heart of theatre land.

However, the recently opened 4*Novotel in Blackfriars takes away any unnecessary time wasting travel with its South Bank location and walking distance to the heart of the action.

We stayed in an Executive Suite on the 13^th floor with a spacious room which looked out onto The Shard, London’s tallest building, and an invigorating skyline that which reminded us just how close we were to the lights of London’s city life.

Staff at Novotel were friendly and courteous and the breakfasts were to die for, plus it’s fresh, modern and clean interior told us that this was a young hotel which was out to impress. The centrally located bar in the foyer serves a mean cocktail list and its open plan design gives it a real metropolitan feel.

We sampled the sauna, Jacuzzi and swimming pool and there is also a fitness centre and a play area with computer games for kids. The rooms are ensuite with a rain-shower and the hotel has free WiFi too.

A delightful stroll across the Blackfriars Bridge allowed us to take in sights such as Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, The London Eye and the Tate Modern Gallery and on a crisp Autumn night, it was truly a treat to be able to walk to our destination rather than miss it all by travelling on the Underground.

The Novotel’s key selling point is its location and despite our initial plan to stay only one night, we ended up staying three! I think that says it all really….

For culture vultures, West End fans or those who just like to see London rather than trundle through the Underground, the Novotel is simply perfect in every way.

And like us, you just might find it so good that you will want to stay there more than ‘Once.’

For seasonal rates and special offers at Novotel Blackfriars, click www.novotel.com

Once The Musical runs at the Phoenix Theatre Monday to Saturday with Saturday Matinees – tickets and info is available at www.oncemusical.co.uk