10 | NORTHERN IRELAND - Say Hello to More
Ulster Museum
Landscape of inspiration Immerse yourself in the magic of Northern Ireland, where some of the finest art, literature and film come alive – here are the places worth a visit this spring/ summer LITERARY BREAK Last year, Heaney HomePlace – an arts and literary centre dedicated to the life and work of the late poet and Nobel Laureate, Seamus Heaney – opened for the first time in Bellaghy, Co Derry, the region where he spent his childhood that inspired much of his work. While poetry enthusiasts will be captivated by the centre’s display of personal stories, photographs and previously unseen artefacts and books donated by the Heaney family, those who may not be as familiar with Heaney’s work can expect to enter an in-depth experience and leave with a newfound love of literature. The centre makes a great day trip for folk of all ages, with a ‘Create & Learn’ area for children where they can dress up, write, draw, colour, craft or simply sit down and read, while adults can sit and enjoy a coffee or locally-sourced food at a café on site. And, keep an eye open for
CS Lewis Square
upcoming events in the centre’s 190-seater performance space, The Helicon – which was designed with a nod to Greek theatre, which Heaney so loved. Here, you can enjoy theatre, music, song, poetry, readings and talks inspired by his life on the traverse stage. The centre is only 45 minutes’ travel time from Belfast and Derry City, and costs just £7 for an adult, or £19 for a family of two adults and up to three children. FINDING NARNIA To quote Belfast-born ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ creator, Clive Staples Lewis: “Someday you will be old enough to start reading fairytales again.” Narnia taught us that although we must all grow up and leave our childhood behind, we must never forget it. Rediscover Narnia with Seamus Heaney Homeplace
a walk through the CS Lewis Square in East Belfast, which commemorates the great writer with a display of seven bronze sculptures from ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.’ Created by Irish artist Maurice Harron, these include characters Aslan, the White Witch, Tumnus, the Robin, the Stone Table and the Beavers. Next, stop by the East Side Visitor Centre located on the Newtownards Road, where you can access information on the city’s attractions from interactive screens, interpretative panels and a wall map, or simply grab a coffee and locally produced snacks at the JACK coffee bar. The coffee bar was named after Lewis, who was known as ‘Jack’ to his close family and friends. By Holywood Arches Library, you’ll find the life-sized statue, The Searcher. Based on the character of Digory Kirke, who was The Magician’s Nephew in the story, the sculpture was created by Northern Ireland artist Ross Wilson.
Did you know? It is believed that the Mourne mountains in Co Down – and the surrounding area – inspired ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’, the classic series of seven fantasy novels by C. S. Lewis. Referring to the little village of Rostrevor, below the Mourne mountains, Lewis told his brother Warren: “That part of Rostrevor which overlooks Carlingford Lough is my idea of Narnia.”
JUST A THOUGHT Anybody with a flair for art simply can’t visit Belfast without going to the Ulster museum, located near the Botanic Gardens. From 10th March to 7th May, the free touring exhibition from the British Museum – ‘Lines of Thought’ – will showcase selected drawings from fifteenth– and sixteenth–century masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, as well as modern artists. Placing contemporary artists side by side with master draftsmen across five centuries, ‘Lines of Thought’ explores the history of drawing as a thinking medium, giving insights into the minds of some of the world’s greatest artists. The exhibition is touring to just three galleries – Poole, Hull and Belfast – with the aim of encouraging art students and art lovers to engage with, and learn to draw from, their local and national drawing collections. SUMMER IS COMING Is there a better time to visit ‘Game of Thrones’ (GOT) country than now? Particularly as we wait in stark patience for season seven to kick off this year. Northern Ireland’s forests, moorlands and mountains, used as the backdrops for HBO’s production, are not just scenic but convey the dark and sombre mood of the iconic production. Visit Tollymore Forest Park, Co Down and see this for yourself. The vibrant 600-hectares park made its mark as the Haunted Forest in the show, as the place where the White Walkers began their march into the realm of men. Including ancient redwoods and Gothic stone arches, the park really provides a medieval-times feel. If you’re in Co Antrim, explore the Cushendun Caves, which will instantly be recognisable to GOT fans who have watched the scene where Melisandre gave birth to the monstrous ‘shadow baby’. But those who aren’t as familiar with the show will be equally aesthetically pleased. The area around the beautiful coastal village of Cushendun makes for a lovely stroll and an Instagram-worthy picture. WILDE EVENING If there’s one show you see at The MAC this
Say Hello to More - NORTHERN IRELAND | 11
Statue of the lion Aslan from ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ year – one of Europe’s leading art centres, situated in Belfast – make it ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’. Opening its curtains on 24th March until 15th April, ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ is widely regarded as one of Oscar Wilde’s finest works and one of the world’s great comedies. A hilarious tale that pokes fun at Victorian society’s conventions and institutions, its themes are still relevant today. Mar-
riage, courtship, and concealed identity all get the Wilde treatment. The result is purposely ridiculous and you’ll leave with sides sore from laughing at Wilde’s wit and dexterous use of language. Bruiser Theatre Company brings its uniquely punchy style to this production of the classic. Imaginatively interpreted by an all-male cast, this is Earnest for a 2017 audience. Prices start from £12.50-£25.
Discover Heaney Country If you want to see more of Heaney’s native homeland in Co Derry, then consider taking the bespoke five-star ‘Tour of Heaney Country’ led by Blue Badge tour guide, Eugene Kielt. The tour is tailored for individuals or groups, and Eugene will personally escort you to
key points where you will discover the inspirational people and places behind some of Heaney’s most famous works. Visit his birthplace at Mossbawn, the villages of Castledawson and Toome, and the renowned Turf Man sculpture – a life-sized representation of Digging.
Visit discovernorthernireland.com and start planning your literary short break