Forget those half-hearted New Year resolutions, and make 2018 the year you do something you’ve always wanted
BECOME MORE ACTIVE
Cycling is incredibly popular in the area, so why not follow the 2014 giro route and travel the same roads as the 200 professionals! Cycling enthusiasts can also relax and rebalance with an absorbing cycle along part of the picturesque Newry Canal Waymarked Way.
Pull on the wellies and immerse yourself more in nature and wildlife, with long walks in the parklands of The Argory and Ardress House or around Oxford Island Nature Reserve. The breath-taking views on a frosty winter morning will lift those January blues. For a faster pace, meet at the Palace Demesne every Saturday at 9.30am and join the Armagh Parkrun or set a goal of completing the 5k & 10K fun runs in Lurgan Park on 4th March 2018. Enjoy a post-run coffee at Brownlow House!
It’s essential to make time to relax, especially if you have a demanding work schedule and a round of golf at one of our superb courses could be just the thing to help you to de-stress and rejuvenate!
Sweat, stretch and groove your way through lyrical, ballet, jazz and house styles at Armagh Adult Dance Class or perform your own Riverdance with a ReelRobics workout at The Market Place Theatre. Why not relive the days of the dancehall and showbands by joining a fun social dance class for men and women in their prime at The Market Place Theatre or Brownlow Community Hub?
BECOME MORE CREATIVE
Using your creativity to produce something for your own pleasure will be an enriching, fun and therapeutic experience. With a group of potential new friends, sign up for one of the winter courses at The Market Place Theatre and FE McWilliam Gallery which include pottery, creative writing, comic book illustration, silver jewellery, photography, finger crochet, woodturning, upholstery and art, taking inspiration from the current exhibition ‘Self Reflections: 40 Years of Banbridge Art Club.
Start the New Year by learning the traditional skills of coppicing willow trees at Oxford Island, the perfect way to work off that Christmas excess. Volunteers can also have a go at basket weaving and making St Brigid’s Crosses over the 6-week programme. Experiment with monoprinting techniques onto beautiful Irish Linen using natural materials uncovered at Oxford Island. Create a beautiful mounted linen landscape inspired by the flora of the local Lough Neagh landscape.
Unleash your creative passions in 2018 by following our new creative trail and indulge in a bit of high quality retail therapy along the way. You won’t be able to resist when you see the amazing products of our talented local artisan craftspeople. They will provide limitless inspiration for your own artistic endeavours whether you consider yourself creatively talented or not.
BECOME MORE INSPIRED BY FOOD
If you’re dreaming of becoming a better chef in 2018, keep an eye out for one of the new Armagh Farm Shop and Food Tasting Tours by Donna Fox Tours and learn from our talented Food Heartland Chefs. In small intimate groups, experience Armagh’s rich culture, fascinating history, and wonderful people the best way possible- through its cuisine!
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