What’s on this week.

Click on this link for an exciting list of activities that the BBC are keen to promote for “not-for-profit or publicly funded organisations” , in Northern Ireland over the coming months, from special Museum Tours to Archaeology Days.

Future Dates for Your Diary!

Newcastle Summer Season

July – August 2013

For details of the full Programme of Events check out the current Down Arts Season and Summer Season Programme. Copies are available from:

World Police and Fire Games Thursday 1 August – Saturday 10 August 2013 www.2013wpfg.com

A range of supporting events will be held across the Mourne area.

Festival of Flight

Saturday 3 August – Saturday 10 August 2013 www.downdc.gov.uk | www.facebook.com/DownFestivals

Now in its 4th year, this successful event attracts over 80,000 visitors to Newcastle. Great location with an amazing air-show line-up with the spectacular Red Arrows as well as plenty of family entertainment throughout the day and it’s all FREE. For further details check www.downdc.gov.uk or like and share our Facebook page DownFestivals.

Hallowtides Festival

Saturday 26 October 2013

www.downdc.gov.uk | www.facebook.com/DownFestivals

For further information keep checking website www.downdc.gov.uk or like and share our Facebook page DownFestivals.

Heart of Down Golf Tournament

Wednesday 14 – Friday 16 August 2013 | Tuesday 13 May – Practice Round | Friday 16 – Heart of Down Day will be played on Royal County Down

www.heartofdown.com | office@posnettgolf.com

The ever popular ‘Heart of Down’ Golf Tournament will take place in August on the following courses: Ardglass, Downpatrick, Spa and Royal County Down. Pre-booking of times is essential.

This Week’s Highlights! Friday 14th to Thursday the 20th of June.

Mojo Mickeybo (12+)

Friday 14 June 2013 | 8pm | £10 / £8 concession (Duration 1 hour)

Down Arts Centre | 2 – 6 Irish Street | Downpatrick | BT30 6BP 028 4461 0747 |www.downartscentre.com

E: downartscentre@downdc.gov.uk

Chatterbox Productions are proud to present Owen McCafferty’s classic play Mojo Mickeybo. This vibrant and fast-paced tale tells the story of two boys growing up during the summer of 1970, blissfully unaware of the sectarian violence around them.

A Musical Evening at Down Cathedral

Friday 14 June 2013 |8pm | Tickets £10

A musical evening in aid of Kawandwe and Bethel Schools Uganda. Compere: Walter Love and featuring artists Peter Corry, Mark McMullan, Dylan Scullion, Cadenza, Clare McEvoy, Gillian Forester, Lauren Nannery & her group.

Charity Quiz – In aid of Chest, Heart and Stroke

Friday 14 June 2013 | 9pm sharp

Turley’s Bar | Scotch Street | Downpatrick 028 4461 2634

The Kilbroney Vintage Show Saturday 15 June 2013 | 10am – 6pm 028 3031 3072 Organiser’s office

Live entertainment by Hugo Duncan & Country Harmony |Tom O’Rourke | Compere: Big ‘O’ | Over 1000 old vehicle on display | Funfair & Sideshows

Catch and Cook

028 4488 1222 | www.thecuan.com

What a novel bonding opportunity for Father’s Day! Spend an afternoon out on Strangford Lough fishing for your supper, then bring your catch back to the chefs at The Cuan and they will prepare a creative delight for you to enjoy. Booking Essential.

Bus Tours of 1798 Sites in Down

Saturday 15 June 2013 | 2pm | £5

Down County Museum | English Street | Downpatrick | BT30 6AH 028 4461 5218 | www.downcountymuseum.com

Tour takes in a range of sites associated with the rebellion of 1798 and the United Irishmen in Down. Pre-booking applies.

Birds and Beetles – Biodiversity Recording

Saturday 15 June | Why not join us for two exciting events happening in Mourne

7am | Dawn Chorus | Meeting at Mourne Park | Kilkeel

1.30pm | Beetle and Ladybird ID | Meeting at Gate Lodge | Silent Valley

Neil Delamere

Saturday 15 June 2013 | 8.15pm | Doors open 7.30pm | £12

St Mary’s Hall | Newcastle

Ticket available from Anchor Bar, Newcastle 028 4372 3344 | Smyth’s Musique 028 4372 2831

Live stand up comedy with TV’s Blame Game ‘the funny southerner’ Neil Delamere with support from Chris Kent and Compere Ryan Hand.

Night at the Races – In aid of Saul Community Playgroup

Saturday 15 June 2013 | 8pm | Light supper and disco

Paddy’s Barn | Saul

Sea Safari Boat Trips

028 4372 3933 |fun@clearsky-adventure.com|www.clearsky-adventure.com

See nature and wildlife as you explore the beautiful waters of Strangford Lough aboard our twelve seater RIB. Highlights will include Angus Rock Lighthouse, Sea Gen (the first electricity generating tidal turbine), seals and possibly even a pod of porpoises.

Afternoon Tea in Lord Bangor’s Sitting Room Sunday 16 June 2013 | 3pm | Adult/Member Adult £9 Castle Ward | Strangford | BT30 7LS

028 4488 1204 |castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk | www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Treat yourself and friends to a delightful cream tea in Lord Bangor’s private quarters within Castle Ward mansion and then enjoy a guided tour of the house. Booking Essential.

Walk into the Past

Sunday 16 June 2013 | 3pm | Members FREE

Castle Ward | Strangford | BT30 7LS

028 4488 1204 |castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk | www.nationaltrust.org.uk

A special day for the gentlemen in the family! An easy walking tour showing the history of the industrious Ward family going back 400 years. Discover how the family were completely self-sufficient and enjoy the sights and sounds of the cornmill coming to life today as it would have long ago.

Fathers Day Boat Trip BBQ at Angus Rock Lighthouse

Sunday 16 June 2013 | 4.45pm

Clearsky Adventure Centre | Castle Ward | Strangford | BT30 7LS

028 4372 3933 |fun@clearsky-adventure.com|www.clearsky-adventure.com

Treat Dad to an extra special afternoon with this unique gift. A sightseeing tour of Strangford Lough with a stop off for a BBQ at Angus Rock Lighthouse. Booking Essential.

Music at the Museum

Sundays| Weekly | May – August | 3pm – 4pm | Free

Down County Museum | English Street | Downpatrick | BT30 6AH

028 4461 5218 | www.downcountymuseum.com

Relax in the Museums tearoom, enjoy a great cup of coffee and delicious snacks, take in the fantastic view from the tearoom and listen to some beautiful harp music. Talented harpist Sarah McVeigh will play every Sunday in the summer from 3 – 4pm. Why not drop in and savour the best harp music. Music at the Museum is sponsored by the Friends of Down County Museum.

Ardglass Harbour 200th Anniversary Celebrations

Wednesday 19 June – Sunday 23 June 2013

Various venues in Ardglass Village

028 4484 1291 / 079 9064 8274 John Smyth (Harbour Master)

Lectures by Capt. Nick Bates Captain of the QE2 Fri 21 June | Ardglass Golf Club

Sat 22 June | Spar Shop on the Harbour

Marine Touch Tank | Olde Harbour Artefacts | Seal & Bird Watch |

RNLI Safety Demo | Basketball Tournament | Photo & Art Exhibition | School Art

Competition

St Mark’s Festival Choir

Wednesday 19 June 2013 | 7pm | FREE

The Saint Patrick Centre | Market Street | Downpatrick | BT30 6LZ E: info@saintpatrickcentre.com | www.saintpatrickcentre.com

Come along and enjoy an evening of music with St Mark’s Festival Choir who are visiting from the USA. Musical Director: Kristin Young

Herblore Evening Classes

Wednesday 19 June | 7pm – 8.30pm

£7 a session or £35 for full 6 weeks| Booking Essential Rowallane Garden | Saintfield | BT24 7LH

028 9751 0131 | E: rowallane@nationaltrust.org.uk

Evening classes held in the garden exploring herbs. Come and learn the fascination of growing herbs, folklore uses in the past, cooking, propagating, harvesting and using herbs for wellbeing inside and out! Each week will focus on a different topic.

Live Music

The Burrendale Hotel | 51 Castlewellan Road | Newcastle BT33 0JY | 028 4372 2599

Live Entertainment

Wednesday| Friday| Saturday |Sunday| Weekly

Millbrook Lodge Hotel | 5 Drumaness Road | Ballynahinch | BT24 8LS | 028 9756 2828 | www.millbrooklodgehotel.co.uk

Saturday 15 June 2013 | Mike Denver Friday 5 July 2013 | Derek Ryan Friday 12 July 2013 | Dominic Kirwin Friday 26 July 2013 | Jim Devine

Saturday 10 August 2013 | Johnny Brady

Denvir’s | 14 English Street | Downpatrick | BT30 6AB 028 4461 2012| www.denvirshotel.com

Quiz Night

Wednesday | Weekly | 9.30pm

An Evening with Adam

Thursday | Fortnightly | 9pm

Live Traditional Irish Session

Thursday | 1st in Week of Month

Live Music in front Bar

Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Weekly

Quinn’s Bar | 61 – 64 Main Street | Newcastle | BT33 0AE 028 4372 6400

Live Music/DJ

Wednesday | Friday | Saturday | Weekly

Murphy’s Bar & Restaurant | 78 Market Street | Downpatrick BT30 6LZ

Live Music

Friday | Saturday |Weekly

Live Music by Adam McKee | 9pm

Sunday 16 June 2013

Magee’s Lounge | 66 Downpatrick Street |Crossgar | BT30 9EA

Live Music by BB

Saturday 15 June 2013 | 9.15 pm – 12.30am | Light supper provided

The Villager | 3 Downpatrick Street | Crossgar | BT30 9EA | 028 44830 385 | www.villagercrossgar.co.uk

Live Music

Saturdays | Weekly

Folk Session

Sunday | Weekly | 7pm

Paddy’s Barn | Mearne Road | Saul | 028 4461 5750 | www.paddysbarne.com

Traditional Folk Session

Tuesday | Weekly

Curran’s Seafood & Steakhouse | 83 Strangford Road | Chapeltown | Ardglass |BT30 7SP | 028 4484 1332

Live music with Rukus

Saturday 15 June 2013

O’Hare’s Lounge Bars|121 Central Promenade | Newcastle | BT33 0EU | 028 4372 2487 | 077 8476 6835 |

www.oharesloungebars.com

Live Music

Saturdays | Weekly

Ivan’s Piano Bar

Sundays | Weekly | 6pm | 074 2587 8755 | ivanspianobar@aol.com

Macken’s Bar | The Harbour | Newcastle |BT33 0EY 028 4372 3430

Jam Session

Wednesday | Weekly

Live Music

Saturday | Weekly

Maginns of Castlewellan | 9 – 11 Main Street | Castlewellan | BT31 9DF | www.maginnsbar.com | info@maginnsbar.com 028 4377 8235

Live Music

Friday | Saturday | Weekly

Diamond Pat’s |59 Central Promenade | Newcastle | BT33 0HH | 028 4372 5700

Live Music

Saturdays | Weekly

Live Music with ROXY (Front Bar)

Sundays | Weekly

Mooney’s Bar & Lounge | The Square | Castlewellan 028 4377 0777

Live Folk Music

Saturdays | Weekly

Mullan’s Bar | 48 Church Street | Downpatrick | BT30 6EJ 028 4461 2227

Texas Hold ‘Em

Wednesday | Weekly | Registration Closes 9.15pm | 9.30pm Start

Pub Quiz

Thursdays | Weekly

Live Music

Fridays | Saturdays | Sundays | Weekly

Regular Music Sessions

The Quoile Tavern | 6 Scotch Street | Downpatrick |BT30 6AQ 028 4461 7777

Traditional Music Session with Celtair

Sunday | Weekly | 7.30 – 9.30pm

Brendan’s Bar & Restaurant | 94 Market Street | Downpatrick BT30 6LZ | 028 4461 5311

Live Music

Sunday | Weekly | 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Traditional Music Night

Thursdays | Weekly | 9pm | FREE

Percy French Restaurant | Downs Road | Newcastle | BT33 0AG

028 4372 3175

Traditional Music Night

1st Friday of each month | 9pm | FREE

Hillyard House| Castle Avenue| Castlewellan

028 4377 1999| info@hillyardhouse.co.uk | www.hillyardhouse.co.uk

Dr Hillyard’s Music Club

Monthly | 9pm | £10 Tickets

Hillyard House| Castle Avenue| Castlewellan

028 4377 1999| info@hillyardhouse.co.uk | www.hillyardhouse.co.uk

Traditional Music Night

Last Friday of each Month | 8pm | £3 Peter Morgan’s Cottage | Finnis |Dromara

Rath Celtair Folk Music Club

1st Friday of each Month | 8.30pm | £10

Denvir’s | 14 English Street | Downpatrick | BT30 6AB

028 4461 2012| D. McGreevy 07703 209886 | www.denvirshotel.com

Traditional Music Session

Last Friday of each Month

Macken’s Bar | The Harbour | Newcastle |BT33 0EY

028 4372 3430

Friday Night Blues Connection

1st Friday of every month | 9.45pm

O’Hare’s Lounge Bars|121 Central Promenade | Newcastle | BT33 0EU

028 4372 2487 | 077 8476 6835 | www.oharesloungebars.com

Activities

Clearsky Adventure Centre | Castle Ward | Downpatrick Road

Bike/Canoe/Kayak Hire

Saturday and Sunday | Weekly | Saturday 30th March – Sunday 29th September

Explore the brand new purpose built Mountain Bike Trails on a top quality Mountain Bike, or hire a canoe or kayak to explore the Castle Ward Bay area of the Strangford Lough Canoe Trail. Children’s bikes, toddler trailers and tag-along bikes also available to hire. Something for everyone from age 9 months and up! A great idea for quality time with the whole family. Hire both bikes and boats and receive a whopping 15% off! Pre-booking highly recommended. Visit our website and click on ‘DIY hire’ to see the prices for the different equipment.

Evening Paddle Power – A Kayaking Course for Beginners

Wednesday 19 June 2013 | £36 | 7pm – 9pm | Pre Booking Essential | Over 18s only

Enjoy our popular beginners’ Kayaking course with state of the art kayaks and paddles you will learn the key skills needed to control the kayak to give you confidence to relax and explore Strangford Lough. Progress to our full day Paddle Power improver’s course where you will further develop your skills and confidence.

Tollymore National Outdoor Education Centre | Newcastle 028 4372 2158 | livetheadventure@tollymore.com

Guided Sea Kayaking | Thursday 13 June – Thursday 20 June 2013

Thursday | Weekly | 7pm – 9.30pm

£22.50 or £80 for 4 Sessions (Includes tea/coffee and one of our famous choc brownies)

Having paddled a kayak before is essential. If you are new to sea kayaking we would suggest that you try our ‘GO Seakayaking’ course as this is the perfect start for beginners and it focuses more on key skills and competencies. Please note that these are not coaching evenings but more of a guided experience. We provide all the essential equipment, so all you need to bring is footwear for the

water, a warm hat and top, towel/ toiletries and a snack for a picnic on one of the Islands.

Introduction to Rock Climbing | Friday 14June – Sunday 16 June 2013 This two-day / two-evening course is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the skills involved in rock climbing at an outdoor crag. The

course involves lots of climbing, discussions about equipment, rope systems, guide books, risk awareness, movement on rock, etc. You will be introduced to the rope systems and belay systems required for safe climbing and should leave with a thorough understanding of the climbing game.

This course is for anyone who would like a safe introduction to the world of outdoor rock climbing. Whether you have any previous experience and would like to brush up on the basic skills or want to move from the indoor wall or perhaps you are starting from scratch, you will find all you need on this course. You need a reasonable level of fitness.

For more information or contact the Centre on (028) 4372 2158 or email

livetheadventure@tollymore.com

Rolling Weekend | Saturday 15 June –Sunday 16 June

This intensive two day course is run in our state of the art rolling pool. We will

start with the fundamentals and over the weekend will help you to develop these foundation skills into a reliable roll that you can count on.

Skills covered will include boat set up, core strength, edge control, support strokes and the Eskimo roll.

For more information or contact the Centre on (028) 4372 2158 or email

livetheadventure@tollymore.com

Life Adventure Centre | Castlewellan Forest Park | BT31 9BU 028 4377 0714 |iwant@onegreatadventure.com www.onegreatadventure.com

Bouldering Adventure Session Session time 1.30pm (3 Hour Session) Adult – £36 pp | Child – £34 pp

July 2013 | 3 August 2013

Action Outdoors | Delamont Country Park | Killyleagh 028 4482 1317 | 077 6994 0306 | E: go@actionoutdoors.co www.actionoutdoors.co

Sunday 16 June 2013 | Father’s Day Activity Duo

1.30pm – 3pm | Adult £16 | Child £14 (Booking Essential)

Celebrate Father’s Day with two great activities – Archery & Grass sledging.

Walking

Tours

Countryside Walks

Wednesday | Weekly | 11am (Generally 5 – 8 miles)

£7 per person (Boots essential) | Pre Booking Essential Cahal & Patricia 028 4377 8721| cahalking@utvinternet.com

Our walks are mostly off-road rambles through the Mid/South Down countryside

Wednesday 19 June 2013 | Castlewellan Forest Park

Meeting Point | Playrock Car Park, Bannonstown Road – (N. E. side of Castlewellan Forest Park)

Important information relating to all walks:

Boots or strong shoes must be worn.
Please bring rainwear, snack and drink.
Walks are variable in length, (generally they are between 5 & 8 miles).
Walkers must be over 16 years of age.
No dogs allowed.
Any walker(s) who leave the walk do so of their own volition.
Please ring to book – not later than evening before walk.
We reserve the right to change, cancel or abandon walks due to unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances.

Granite Tours: Mournes in spring

Saturday 22 June 2013

£25 per person (includes light lunch) | Pre Booking Essential www.granitetours.com | info@granitetours.com | 077 1952 7045 or

Newcastle Tourist Information Centre | 028 4372 2222

Coach tour through the Mourne Mountains, bringing you to sights of outstanding natural beauty, historical importance and a few secret gems along the way.

Regular Classes

Golf Lessons

Mondays – Monday Madness | £10 for 30 minute lesson

Tuesdays – Junior Classes | £6 per hour | 5 – 6pm or 6pm – 7pm

Wednesdays – Lady Classes

Downpatrick Golf Centre |1 Ballywarren Road | Downpatrick | BT30 7DY 077 6784 4377 |E: p.stranney@btinternet.com

Jive and Social Dance Classes Wednesday | 7.30pm – 9pm Seaforde YFC Hall

028 4481 1878

Tea Dance (Ballroom & Olde Tyme Dancing)

Thursday | Weekly | 2pm – 4pm | Tea Provided

Newcastle Centre | 10-14 Central Promenade | Newcastle | BT33 0AA 028 4372 5034

Class Act Drama Academy

Newcastle Centre | 10-14 Central Promenade | Newcastle | BT33 0AA

028 91464337 | www.classactdramaacdemy.com

Thursdays : 4 – 5 pm for primary classes Thursdays : 5 – 6pm for secondary classes

Dance Amore – Salsa & Jive

Thursday | 7.30pm – 8.30pm Beginners | 8.30pm – 9.30pm Improvers

Denvir’s | 14 English Street | Downpatrick | BT30 6AB 028 4461 2012| www.denvirshotel.com

£5 per class | 077 3904 5886| 074 2960 3502

Weekly Social Ballroom, Latin & Jive Dance Classes

Thursday | 7.15pm Beginners Waltz/Quickstep/Jive/Cha-Cha/ Salsa | 8.15pm

Improvers Waltz/Quickstep/Jive/Foxtrot/Tango/Cha-Cha, Rumba/Salsa Annesley Hall, South Promenade, Newcastle

£6 per class|079 7340 8056 | loretto@justdanceni.co.uk |

www.justdanceni.co.uk

Jive & Social Dance Classes

Friday | 8pm – 9pm

Craft Fairs

Bilbo’s Craft Fair

Monday | Weekly | 10am – 4pm

Bilbo’s Bistro | 50 Main Street | Castlewellan 028 4377 2872

Car Boot Sales / Indoor Sales

Car Boot Sale

Every Saturday | 9am – 4pm

Down Hockey Grounds | Strangford Road | Downpatrick 078 7857 5637 | traders@hotmail.co.uk

Indoor Boot Sale

Every other Saturday| 9am – 1pm

St John’s Hall | The Rock | Newcastle 028 4372 2101 | Tables £5

Dundrum Indoor Boot Sale

1st Saturday of each Month| 10am – 2pm

St Donard’s Parochial Hall | Dundrum Stalls £5

Dundrum Car Boot Sale Every Sunday | 8.30am – 2pm Dundrum GAA Grounds | Dundrum 028 4375 1212

Car Boot Sale

Weekly | 9am – 1pm | Gates Open 8.30am

Donard Park | Newcastle | 028 4372 5034 | newcastlecentre@downdc.gov.uk

Saturday 22 June 2013 | Hilltown P. W.

Exhibitions

Heritage Collection

Daily | During Library Opening Hours | Free

County Down Historical Maps| Local Newspapers on microfilm |Photographs and Postcards| Street Directories and Journals | Books – a core County Down collection of local history titles including the Gravestone Inscription series | Griffith’s Valuation and Ordnance Survey Parish Memoirs.

Life In Down Gaol 200 Years Ago

Permanent Exhibition | During Museum Opening Hours | Free

Step back in time and visit Downpatrick Gaol 200 years ago. A living history for all the family.

On Display in The Cuan

2013 onwards | Free

The Cuan | Strangford | BT30 7ND 028 4488 1222 | www.thecuan.com

On display in the Cuan, a unique story about Colman Rooney, Night Porter at the Cuan and his ancestors who share the grave of St Patrick in Downpatrick.

Treasures of the Middle Ages: Archaeological Finds from Poland

This travelling exhibition from the National Archaeological Museum of Poland, Warsaw displays a breathtaking range of beautiful jewellery and decorative items from Poland, Ukraine and Belarus.

Rings, brooches, bracelets, necklaces earrings and pendants, are all on show, all made to stunning standard of manufacture and design. The processes used by the medieval craftspeople are explained and demonstrated and there are accounts of where in Poland these examples of the best in mediaeval production were found.

All Together Now: Going to School in County Down

028 4461 5218 | www.downcountymuseum.com

The PEACE III funded exhibition has been created by some of the pupils of Downpatrick Primary School, Our Lady and St Patrick’s Primary School, Downpatrick and Millisle Primary School with the help of past pupils and teachers of the schools as well as older adults in the wider community. This exhibition features objects chosen by the participants accompanied by text written by them. The information includes memories of schooldays in the past as well as a history of each school. The exhibition is sure to bring back a host of memories of the ‘best days of our lives’ for a wide range of age groups. It will be accompanied by a booklet which provides more detail on school life in County Down, local traditions and celebrations.

Just a Glimpse

Friday 17 May – Saturday 22 June 2013| During Centre opening hours | Free

Down Arts Centre | 2 – 6 Irish Street | Downpatrick | BT30 6BP

028 4461 0747 |www.downartscentre.com | downartscentre@downdc.gov.uk

Paintings and drawings are inspired by the landscapes of Strangford Lough area and places in County Down. They are very much about that moment when you see, remember or experience being in a place….they are ‘of the moment’.

Views from Rossglass

Friday 7 June – Saturday 22 June 2013 | During Museum Opening Hours | FREE

This exhibition comprises of a series of landscapes of views from the coast road at Rossglass across Dundrum Bay to the Mournes. The works in the exhibition depict past events as well as the present.

Treasures of the Middle Ages

028 4461 5218 | www.downcountymuseum.com

The objects of this exhibition are the most valuable items from the collections of the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw. The artefacts display a variety of styles and types of jewellery in use in the early Middle Ages. The exhibition includes displays of rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets, glass ornaments and much more, all of which were found in Poland, Belarus and Ukraine.

Annual Schools Exhibition

Friday 28 June – Saturday 3 August 2013| During Centre opening hours | Free

Down Arts Centre | 2 – 6 Irish Street | Downpatrick | BT30 6BP

028 4461 0747 |www.downartscentre.com | downartscentre@downdc.gov.uk

This exhibition goes from strength to strength, highlighting the excellent standard reached by secondary school art students year after year. This is always a popular exhibition and well worth a visit.