Hays Travel is set to host its popular Belfast Cruise Show on Saturday, 27 September 2025, at the elegant Stormont Hotel, just five miles from Belfast City Centre.

From 10 am to 4 pm, visitors can discover an impressive range of cruise options while speaking directly with top cruise line representatives such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises, and more.

Guests will enjoy exclusive offers, personal advice, and chances to win enticing prizes, including bottles of fizz, Sunday Buffet Lunches, and a £500 travel voucher.

The event is free to attend, with complimentary parking provided and delicious dining available onsite at the renowned La Scala restaurant.

This is an ideal opportunity for cruise enthusiasts and first-timers alike to plan their dream escape and take advantage of expert guidance, unique incentives, and an unforgettable day out in Belfast.

Firmus Energy is set to lower gas prices by over 7% in the Ten Towns area starting October 1st, delivering crucial financial relief as winter nears.

This marks the third price drop this year and will benefit around 65,000 customers across Antrim, Armagh, Ballymena, Banbridge, Derry, Newry, and many more local towns.

The latest reduction means households could save an average of £112 annually, with total cuts since early 2023 reaching a remarkable 40%, or an average of £865.

John French of the Utility Regulator said the decision follows a formal review, aiming to ensure that falling wholesale costs quickly benefit consumers.

While the Ten Towns welcome this decrease, Firmus Energy is also reviewing prices for Greater Belfast.

Residents are urged to contact their suppliers for advice on support options as colder months approach.

Ed Sheeran is making a much-anticipated return to Dublin, with a special concert at the 3Arena on December 9, 2025.

Fans will get an up-close experience of Sheeran’s new music just before he launches his expansive Loop Tour in early 2026.

The concert comes just ahead of the release of his eighth studio album, Play, which drops on September 12, 2025.

Tickets are on sale September 11 at 10 am, and high demand is expected.

With Play, Sheeran is moving in a vibrant, celebratory new direction, promising diverse influences and upbeat energy.

Lead singles like “Azizam” and “Old Phone” offer glimpses into this fresh sound.

Dublin’s show is part of an exclusive set of arena dates giving fans a more intimate musical connection.

Sheeran’s deep ties to Ireland ensure a memorable performance blending new tracks with crowd favorites.

Iain Ross, a 29-year-old software engineer from Coleraine, will represent Northern Ireland in the 2025 series of The Great British Bake Off.

Now living in Belfast with his girlfriend Dervla and their cat Viktor, Iain has swapped powerlifting for creative sourdough baking and calls himself a "Yeastie Boy."

His distinct style includes decorating loaves with album cover art and experimenting with fermented fruits and vegetables for bold flavors.

Encouraged by Dervla, Iain applied to the show after years of being a devoted fan and was stunned to secure a spot in the famous tent.

Northern Ireland boasts a strong Bake Off legacy, with memorable contestants like Rebs Lightbody, Mark Lutton, Imelda McCarron, Andrew Smyth, and Iain Watters influencing past series.

Excitement is building for the new season, as locals rally behind Iain’s journey.

The show returns September 2 at 8pm on Channel 4.

The Irish presidential election is set for Friday, October 24, 2025, ushering in a new era as President Michael D. Higgins completes his final term.

Minister for Housing James Browne officially opened the nomination process, giving candidates until September 24 at noon to secure endorsements from 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities.

The race features Catherine Connolly, backed by the Social Democrats and independent TDs, and Heather Humphreys, representing Fine Gael after Mairead McGuinness withdrew.

Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin have yet to name their contenders, but names like Jim Gavin, Billy Kelleher, John Finucane, and Rose Conway-Walsh are circulating.

Independents Gareth Sheridan and Joanna Donnelly are also campaigning for ballot spots.

The largely ceremonial presidency remains a post of pride, as voters across Ireland prepare to shape the nation’s future.

Kristian Nairn, famed for his role as Hodor in Game of Thrones, has withdrawn from the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected health concerns.

The Lisburn-born actor and DJ had just been announced as the fifteenth contestant for the 2025 series, generating excitement among fans in Northern Ireland and beyond.

Nairn shared his disappointment in a heartfelt message, promising supporters he hopes to recover soon.

Sarah James, executive producer at BBC Studios, praised Nairn’s energy and said he will be missed in this year’s competition.

A replacement contestant will be revealed on The One Show.

Nairn is renowned not only for his acting but also for his career as a celebrated house music DJ, performing with icons like Steve Aoki and Fatboy Slim.

Supporters across the community continue to wish him a speedy recovery.

With the new school year on the horizon, ensuring children’s eye health is more important than ever for their academic success and everyday well-being.

Clear vision plays a central role in children’s learning, from reading the whiteboard to enjoying sports and classroom activities.

Yet, many vision issues go undetected because kids may not notice their own sight problems.

In Northern Ireland, all children under 16 can receive a free, comprehensive sight test through the Health Service, screening for myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and more serious conditions like amblyopia.

Early detection allows for timely treatment, preventing lasting impacts on visual development.

Recent figures reveal nearly 460,000 Health Service sight tests took place in 2024-25, but many children still miss regular checks, with over half not tested in the past three years.

Choosing comfortable, well-fitted glasses and protective lenses helps young pupils see clearly and confidently.

Prioritise regular eye exams to give your child a healthy start this school year.

Bangor Castle in Northern Ireland is set for a major redevelopment, as the Ards and North Down Borough Council unveils plans to transform the iconic Victorian building into a boutique hotel and event center.

The chosen proposal promises to boost the local economy by over £64 million and generate more than 70 direct jobs.

The council will retain ownership, keeping public access open to the castle’s grounds and new amenities, like a café, restaurant, and event spaces.

Meanwhile, the North Down Museum will relocate to the city center, freeing space for an extension with 43 guest rooms.

Public feedback is welcomed at a consultation event on August 23 at Bangor Castle.

Officials stress that this redevelopment preserves the castle’s architectural charm while adapting it for the future needs of the community.

More than 32,000 students across Northern Ireland received their GCSE results, celebrating a rise in top A/7 grades to 31.6%, up from last year’s 31%.

Overall, 83.5% secured grade C/4 or above, reflecting growing academic strength region-wide.

Education Minister Paul Givan praised student achievements, noting Northern Ireland continues to outperform England and Wales, crediting both students and teachers for their dedication.

Interest in STEM surged, with 41.4% of entrants taking related subjects.

In English Language, 25.1% received top grades, while Maths saw a small dip, with 27.1% achieving an A/7 or higher.

A decline in total entries mirrors a drop in school population, yet results highlight ongoing excellence and recovery post-pandemic.

Local students like Emily Henderson and Ava Donnelly celebrated remarkable success, with plans for futures in medicine, engineering, and the arts, underscoring the potential ahead for Northern Ireland’s youth.

Do racing thoughts keep you awake, replaying old conversations or worrying about the future?

You’re not alone.

Overthinking, especially common among those juggling work, family, and endless demands, is a natural but exhausting cycle.

Our brains watch for danger, but when safety feels threatened, the mind goes into overdrive, making restful sleep and relaxation difficult.

This leads to tension, fatigue, and feeling stuck in anxious patterns.

The good news: This can be eased.

Calming techniques—like slow, soothing breaths or gently telling your mind “not now”—can interrupt spirals of worry.

Visualizing warmth and relaxation or exploring hypnotherapy may help teach your body and mind a safer, quieter response.

You deserve peace and rest.

Small steps can help you embrace a softer, more peaceful mind every day.

Northern Ireland is facing a third heatwave this year, with temperatures exceeding 25°C in several areas.

Derrylin in County Fermanagh hit 25.2°C on Monday, officially starting the streak, and the Met Office expects similar or even hotter days ahead.

With typical August highs averaging just 18.3°C, this unusual warmth is prompting concerns about comfort and safety.

Local experts stress the importance of smart cooling strategies.

To stay cool, keep windows shut during the day and ventilate at night, close blinds against direct sun, and limit use of heat-producing appliances in the afternoon.

Unplug electronics when not in use and switch off traditional lights to combat extra warmth.

Making these adjustments can help households stay comfortable, lower utility bills, and adapt to more frequent hot spells across Northern Ireland.

Students across Northern Ireland are celebrating their A-Level results, with 30.4% achieving top A* or A grades and 98.7% securing grades between A* and E.

This year, 25,000 young people are looking ahead to diverse futures.

Harry from Bangor Academy earned two As and a C and is joining the Red Bull Formula 1 team, eager to work in engineering at Milton Keynes.

Caitlin, deputy head girl at St Mary’s College in Londonderry, is beginning a dental nursing apprenticeship, aiming for a long-term career in dental care.

Fabiha, passionate about caregiving, plans to study midwifery after passing health, social care, and ICT.

Rachel from Parkhall Integrated College, awarded two A*s and a C, will study cinematic arts at Ulster University’s Magee campus.

Education Minister Paul Givan praised students and families, noting nearly 86% achieved A* to C—well above England and Wales.

Top subjects include mathematics, biology, and business studies, highlighting the region’s strong academic focus.

Coleen Rooney was spotted in Northern Ireland, cheering on her son, Kai Rooney, as he shines with the Manchester United U15s at the historic SuperCupNI.

The tournament, a renowned youth football event since 1983, attracts elite teams from across the world and is running this year from July 27 to August 1, 2025.

Manchester United's U15 squad, anchored by Kai, kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 victory over West Cork Academy, followed by a 2-0 win against Glasgow Rangers.

Abdoulaye Bassirou Nkoto emerged as a standout, netting four goals across both matches, while Noah Ajayi added one.

Coleen’s support, joined by her youngest son Cass, highlighted the Rooney family’s commitment to nurturing football talent amid the SuperCupNI’s competitive and storied atmosphere.

The long-held target of 10,000 daily steps is being redefined, with new research showing that 7,000 steps can still lead to significant health gains.

In Northern Ireland, where most adults average just 3,000 to 4,000 steps a day, this lower benchmark makes improved fitness feel more achievable and motivating.

Dr. Hannah McCourt from the Public Health Agency highlights that even simple activities—walking, gardening, or playing with children—can fit easily into daily routines, benefiting both physical and mental health.

A major study published in The Lancet Public Health found that 7,000 daily steps cut overall mortality by 47% compared to just 2,000.

Community programs like the PHA’s Walking for Health and events such as Walk Week 2025 make it easier for locals to stay active, build connections, and boost well-being—one step at a time.

Northern Ireland will introduce a breakthrough long-acting RSV injection for babies born very prematurely, starting this autumn.

This new initiative aims to protect infants too young for the standard RSV vaccine given to pregnant women, targeting the most vulnerable group as winter approaches.

RSV remains a leading cause of severe lung infections and hospital admissions among infants across the UK, especially during winter months.

The newly approved Nirsevimab injection offers over 80% protection in a single dose, delivering season-long immunity from September to February.

This move replaces the older Palivizumab treatment, which required multiple doses and offered less protection.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride both stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable babies and easing the strain on healthcare services.

Parents of eligible infants are urged to seek details from their healthcare providers as the Department of Health prepares for the rollout.

Subway’s popular ‘Kids Eat Free’ deal returns this summer to participating restaurants across Northern Ireland, offering families a free kids’ meal with every Footlong Sub purchase from July 28 to August 17, 2025.

The offer includes a 4-inch mini sub, snack, and drink, making the holidays more affordable for local parents and enjoyable for children.

Kirstey Elston, EMEA Senior Marketing Director at Subway, shared her excitement about supporting families through this initiative, which has benefited thousands of kids across the region.

Alongside this, Northern Ireland is full of family-focused summer events, like Park Life 2025 in local parks, the renowned Fiddler’s Green Festival in Rostrevor, Derry’s Maiden City Festival, Castle Ward’s ‘Summer of Play’ in Downpatrick, and the lively Whitehead Summer Festival.

Combined, these free and low-cost options guarantee families memorable experiences all summer long.

Maeve Kyle, trailblazer of Irish women’s sport and the nation’s pioneering female Olympian, has died at 96.

Born in Urlingford, County Kilkenny, Kyle excelled first in field hockey, earning 58 international caps and global recognition in the 1950s.

She made history by representing Ireland in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, competing in the 100m and 200m.

Kyle went on to the 1960 Rome and 1964 Tokyo Games, reaching the semi-finals in both the 400m and 800m.

At the 1966 European Indoors, she claimed a bronze medal in the 400m.

With her husband, Sean Kyle, Maeve co-founded the Ballymena & Antrim Athletics Club, shaping generations of athletes, including Mary Peters.

Amid Northern Ireland’s unrest, the Kyles united communities through sport, earning OBE and Lifetime Achievement honors.

Maeve Kyle’s enduring legacy is one of inspiration and dedication to Irish athletics.

Topshop is set to make a dynamic return to physical retail as it partners with McElhinney's in Ballybofey, County Donegal.

From August 21, 2025, McElhinney's shoppers can enjoy Topshop’s latest styles, marking the brand’s first high street presence since 2021.

This relaunch brings together Topshop’s vibrant fashion legacy with McElhinney’s status as Ireland’s largest department store outside Dublin.

General Manager Sandra Devenney shared her excitement, promising a return of the much-loved and missed brand.

The move follows ASOS’s sale of a majority stake in Topshop to Danish company Heartland, aimed at revitalizing the brand.

Managing Director Michelle Wilson teased further expansions, with plans for a more permanent retail footprint by autumn.

Fashion fans across Ireland are buzzing as Topshop’s iconic style returns to the heart of their local high street.