NEWS

(Photo Credit: Tom McDonnell) Rathlin Island has been declared officially ferret free in a world-first conservation success—an achievement that could transform the future of Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony and place the small island at the centre of global environmental efforts. Announced on Monday, 23 March by RSPB NI, the milestone marks the completion of a years-long mission to remove invasive feral ferrets from the island—predators that had devastated seabird po

Global superstar Niall Horan is set to return to Belfast for a major arena show in 2026, with the chart-topping singer confirming the final date of his UK and European tour will take place at the SSE Arena on Sunday 15 November. The highly anticipated performance will mark the closing night of his newly announced Dinner Party tour, named after his upcoming album, and is expected to draw huge demand from fans across Northern Ireland and beyond. Tickets and key details Tickets

Gillian Matthews marking 10 years in business with Willow Beauty A Ballymena beauty salon born out of uncertainty is now celebrating a decade of success, resilience, and community support. Willow Beauty marks its 10th anniversary this month, reflecting on a journey that began with a leap of faith and has grown into one of the town’s most recognised and award-winning salons. From uncertainty to opportunity Founded by local business owner Gillian Matthews , the salon first open

(L&R) Trevor McCrum, General Manager Hovis; Kevin Duffy, Chief Commercial Officer, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland. The unmistakable arrival of hot cross buns on supermarket shelves has been given a distinctly local flavour this Easter, as Lidl Northern Ireland and Belfast-based Hovis celebrate a £7 million partnership that has quietly shaped breakfast tables for more than a quarter of a century. At the heart of the deal is a long-standing relationship that stretches back t

Decosta in the ring! A Ballymena teenager is continuing her remarkable rise in Irish boxing after claiming another All-Ireland title — and setting her sights firmly on the international stage. Fifteen-year-old Decosta Gillen delivered a standout performance at the National Stadium in Dublin last weekend, securing the National Boy/Girl 4 Championship with a dominant unanimous victory. Competing in the 61kg category, the Corpus Christi Boxing Club athlete defeated Grace Fenlon

Pictured is the Mayor and Mayoress of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford and Allison Minford with Grace, Maisy and Emma from Cambridge House Grammar School with their winning idea 'Strike City' at the MEA Student Pitch challenge. Young people from across Mid and East Antrim have stepped forward with fresh, ambitious ideas to breathe new life into struggling town centres — and their creativity is already turning heads. A Dragon’s Den-style competition has seen pos

Kintra ferry crossing the Rathlin Sound. (Image: Shauna Fannin) A new summer ferry timetable for Rathlin Island has been confirmed — with extra early weekend sailings designed to support workers and boost the island’s busy tourism season. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced the updated schedule will run from Friday 3 April to Wednesday 30 September 2026, introducing an additional return crossing every Saturday and Sunday morning. The new sailings will depart Rathlin

Twilight Coffee & Bunkhouse, Carnlough A Carnlough couple behind a popular coffee shop and bunkhouse have issued a stark warning about the future of Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry, saying rising costs and a 20% VAT rate are pushing independent businesses to the brink. Robert and Tiffany McKay, owners of Twilight Coffee & Bunkhouse on the Antrim Coast , say many cafés, restaurants and pubs are now operating with “practically non-existent” margins — forcing difficult d

Leighinmohr House Hotel Planning permission has been granted by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for a rooftop spa and a new bridal cottage at the Leighinmohr House Hotel in Ballymena. A development management officer’s report said the proposed spa will be located on the first floor, with alterations at ground-floor level to accommodate a lift at the Leighinmohr Avenue premises. Planners received eight objections raising concerns about potential noise pollution, external

easyJet’s new ultra-lightweight “Kestrel” seats on incoming Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft easyJet has announced a major cabin upgrade that promises more legroom for passengers while cutting tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions each year — a move the airline says will reshape both comfort and efficiency across its future fleet. From 2028, the airline will begin installing new ultra-lightweight “Kestrel” seats on incoming Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, of

Murder victim: 28-year-old Amy Doherty. (Photo ptovided by Amy’s family) A 28-year-old woman who died after being found seriously injured in a house in Derry/Londonderry has been named by police as Amy Doherty, as detectives continue a murder investigation. Amy was discovered at a property in the Summer Meadows Mews area on the morning of Saturday, 21 March. Emergency services attended the scene, but despite efforts to save her, she died a short time later in hospital. Detect

Shoppers are being warned to check their cupboards after a wide range of popular porridge products were urgently recalled due to a potential contamination risk. The recall, issued on 22 March 2026, affects multiple porridge pots and sachets made by sold through Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores, with customers advised not to eat the products under any circumstances. Contamination concern prompts action The recall has been triggered due to concerns over possible mouse contaminatio

Motorists across the UK are facing a sharp rise in fuel costs, with diesel prices climbing to their highest level in more than three years and further increases expected in the days ahead. The latest data and analysis from the RAC paints a stark picture for drivers, particularly as households prepare for the busy Easter travel period. Diesel drivers hit hardest According to RAC head of policy Simon Williams , diesel users are bearing the brunt of the surge. “Given how many re

A newly refurbished luxury bathroom showroom has opened its doors in Antrim, offering homeowners and trade professionals a fresh wave of inspiration — and time-limited deals to match. Watershed, part of leading builders’ merchant MacBlair, has officially unveiled its upgraded showroom within the MacBlair Antrim branch, showcasing modern design trends and practical solutions for bathroom projects of all sizes. To mark the relaunch, customers can take advantage of exclusive in-

Senior health officials are being hauled back before a Stormont committee this week after what has been branded an “unacceptable” response to mounting concerns over access to GP services in Northern Ireland. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will question Department of Health officials on Thursday, 26 March, following sharp criticism that progress on fixing the struggling primary care system lacks urgency, clarity and credible delivery timelines. “Deeply disappointed” by la

Inset: South Antrim UUP MP Robin Swann A move to reduce the impact of fireworks on communities and animals has been welcomed as a “step in the right direction” by South Antrim MP Robin Swann , following a positive response from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. The council has confirmed it will now consider using silent or low-noise fireworks at future public events, after adopting a motion on the issue and reviewing its approach to event planning. Council commits to r

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt pictured with staff at Meharry Medical School in Nashville. Northern Ireland’s Health Minister has said a high-profile visit to the United States has opened new doors for innovation, partnerships and global collaboration in healthcare. Mike Nesbitt’s trip, which ran from 16–21 March and coincided with St Patrick’s Day engagements, took in Washington DC and Nashville, where he met leading figures in health and social care to explore new ways of im

The new Northern Quarter officially opens after a £1 million investment at Belfast International Airport A major transformation of the passenger experience at Belfast International Airport has been unveiled, with the official opening of the new Northern Quarter following a £1 million investment that has also created 40 new jobs. The new Northern Quarter Bar & Kitchen replaces the airport’s former food court with a modern, single 180-seat restaurant and bar, alongside a dedica

12-year-old Ballymena fighter Lacey Stewart A 12-year-old Ballymena fighter is rapidly becoming one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting young combat sports prospects after claiming gold at one of the region’s top competitions. Lacey Stewart, a Year 8 pupil at Dunclug College , delivered a standout performance at the Battle of the North tournament at Templemore Sports Complex, securing a unanimous decision victory in the 11–12 years novice category. Her latest triumph builds o

A major €40million funding programme aimed at transforming communities and strengthening relationships in Mid and East Antrim, across Northern Ireland and border regions is now fully open — offering local groups a rare chance to turn ideas into real-world impact. The PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme will provide grants of up to €100,000 for grassroots initiatives designed to bring people together across communities and borders, with a strong focus on building lasting