Travel Saturday Ed Finn & Sarah Slattery

Paul McVeigh, born in Belfast,  began his career as a playwright before moving to London where he wrote comedy shows, which were performed at the Edinburgh Festival and in London’s West End.  He briefly returned to theatre in 2022,  with ‘Big Man’ at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, which won an Irish Times Theatre Award.   Paul's short stories have been published in literary journals and anthologies, read on BBC Radio 5 and commissioned by BBC Radio 4. The Good Son (2015) is his first novel and was shortlisted for The Guardian’s ‘Not The Booker’ Prize. He received The McCrea Literary Award in 2015. Paul’s blog for writers gets over 40,000 hits a month and has had over 1 million visitors. His short story series "The Circus" aired recently on BBC Radio 4 and is available on BBC Sounds.

Paul has taught creative writing and read his work, in Australia, Austria, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Singapore, Switzerland and Turkey. In the UK he’s taught at the Barbican Centre, British Library, Hampsted Theatre, Tricycle Theatre, Waterstones Piccadilly and at universities in Brighton, London, Swansea and Wolverhampton. He judges international literary prizes including the Edge Hill Short Story Prize, the Seán Ó Faoláin International Short Story Prize, the International Dylan Thomas Prize and the Royal Society of Literature’s V. S. Pritchard Award. He reviews for the TLS and The Irish Times. He has interviewed authors in print and on stage including five Booker Prize-winners.  Paul co-founded the London Short Story Festival, of which, he was Director and Curator for 2014 & ’15. He is associate director at Word Factory, ‘the UK’s national organisation for excellence in the short story’ The Guardian. Paul’s blog for writers which posts on submission opportunities for journals and competitions has had over a 2 1/2 million visitors. He founded the Paul McVeigh Residency at The Harrison in 2023.

Melanie Harrison describes herself as delightfully bonkers which is probably an essential quality to possess when you run a beautiful, bohemian, burlesque property of distinction on Belfast's rather salubrious Malone Rd.    Visitors to the Chambers of Distinction get a very interesting and fun Irish experience — not only are the rooms dedicated to literary and historical figures of all hues who have a connection to Belfast,  but the interiors are also eclectic,  rich, vivid, wild colours abound, as do wild-animal prints and theatrical collages such as Fifi, hanging proudly in the drawing room bar.  A standard hotel it is not.    Melanie and her unique offering now proudly boast numerous awards and accolades and the repeat business is huge.   People from Dublin and the south really discovered Belfast during Covid and the great value for money that it offers as a city - " People weren’t proud of this city for a long time. Now we are much more confident, We’ve a thriving music, theatre, food and art scene. Exciting things are happening and we’re part of it.”  
The Harrison Chambers of Distinction
Instagram: @theharrisonbelfast

Thanks to the Lyric Theatre Belfast for all their support in recording this podcast
Pure Belfast is brought to you by our sponsors - www.VisitBelfast.com

Welcome to a harmonious journey through the captivating soundscape of Belfast which is now officially recognised as a UNESCO City of Music.  In this special episode of "Pure Belfast - Sound of Music," we embark on an auditory adventure that takes us through the storied musical history of this vibrant city, a place that has given birth to legendary artists like Van Morrison, Ruby Murray, and Snow Patrol. 

We have the distinct pleasure of hosting a trio of esteemed guests who will guide us through this melodious exploration.  First, we sit down with Charlotte Dryden, the creative force behind the Oh Yeah Music Centre, a veritable hub for music enthusiasts in Belfast.  Charlotte takes us on a journey through the centre's fascinating museum and their unique music tours that brings to life the city's musical heritage.  Check out the Belfast City Music walking tour - Don't miss out on the best of Belfast's music scene! Book your spot on the Belfast Music Walking Tour for a leisurely, music-filled stroll through the city.


Next, we are joined by Cameron Menzies, the visionary head of NI Opera, an institution that has earned acclaim far beyond the city's borders, with an Irish Times Award to its name for "Into the Woods".  Cameron shares his insights into the dynamic world of opera and its connection to Belfast's musical landscape.   Check out what's on at NI Opera

And finally, we're graced with the presence of Dani Larkin, who will enchant us with her latest masterpiece, "Come Home to Me," from her album "Walking with Natives." Prepare to be serenaded by her mesmerising voice and lyrics that resonate deep within the soul.  For details on Dani's shows and music visit - Dani Larkin 

This episode is a symphonic celebration of Belfast's thriving musical culture, a tribute to the artists who have shaped its identity, and a spotlight on the exciting talents pushing the boundaries of sound in this UNESCO City of Music.    The Hills are alive .........

Thanks to the Lyric Theatre Belfast for their support in the recording of this podcast
Pure Belfast is brought to you by our sponsors - www.VisitBelfast.com

Titanic Distillers Belfast - The pump house and neighbouring dry dock catered for White Star liners such as Olympic and Titanic more than 100 years ago, and it’s now the site of the city’s first working whiskey distillery in almost 90 years.  The brainchild of Peter Lavery,  Stephen Symington and Richard Irwin, Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock opened to the public earlier this year.  Almost £8m has been invested to convert the pump house into a distillery and visitor centre, where guests will be able to sample some of Titanic Distillers’ products.  Visitors can also enjoy a guided tour of the exterior dry dock, which includes a 66-step descent to where the Titanic last rested on dry land.

In this episode we chat to head distiller Damian Rafferty and owner Peter Lavery.
www.titanicdistillers.com



Pure Belfast is brought to you by our sponsors - www.VisitBelfast.com

Welcome to the Pure Belfast Podcast - In this week's episode I'm talking to Eimear Kearney, Head of Marketing and Communications at Titanic Belfast  and Adrian McNally the General Manager of Titanic Hotel Belfast.  Eimear tells me about about
the new reimagined Titanic Experience which opened in March of this year after a £4.5 million refurbishment and now introduces 'The Pursuit of Dreams' as a new theme which uses immersive technology combined with the authentic Titanic Story in the newly refreshed spaces which are called Never Again; Ballard’s Quest; The Ship of Dreams and The Lasting Legacy.   www.titanicbelfast.com

Adrian McNally has an illustrious career in hospitality and has worked all over the world in Shanghai, Denver, San Francisco, San Jose, Dallas, Kansas City, London, Dublin and Nairobi.  He tells me today about the exciting journey of one of Belfast's most iconic hotels and why it has become part of the whole Titanic experience for visitors to stay here.   www.titanichotelbelfast.com
Pure Belfast is brought to you by our sponsors - www.VisitBelfast.com

Welcome to the Pure Belfast Podcast -  In the first episode we are joined by award winning chef and restaurateur - Niall Mc Kenna.  
Belfast man Niall has been cooking since the age of 14 and in the course of his career spent 12 years training under the likes of Michelin starred Chefs Nico Ladenis, Gary Rhodes at The Greenhouse and City Rhodes and Marco Pierre White at The Canteen. He also worked in the prestigious Avenue Restaurant in Mayfair and at the Notting Hill Brasserie before returning to Belfast to set up his own restaurant in 2003.   Niall has cooked for some serious celebrities and famous faces -  Princess Diana, Prince Charles, Liam Neeson and Jamie Dornan to name but a few!   His new restaurant, Waterman and his cooking school has been receiving rave reviews from food critics and the public alike...  Niall himself was named a Tourism Hero by industry chiefs for his contribution to the hospitality sector and his ground-breaking Apprentice Programme.   Niall has also starred in the BBC TV programme - Great British Menu -  I was delighted to experience a first for me when I met up with Niall recently - cooking on a podcast... now that's just totally "Pure Belfast"  
Pure Belfast is brought to you by our sponsors - www.VisitBelfast.com

From theme parks to national parks, world-class museums to celebrity beach resorts, there are so many things to do in New Jersey - In this special podcast Ed and Sarah tell Classic Hits FM's, Trina Maher's  why New Jersey is a fascinating state that is often overlooked, partly because of its more famous neighbour, New York.  It’s the most densely populated state in the country, and its home to some of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.  But what is New Jersey known for and what makes this state well worth a visit?

WHAT IS NEW JERSEY KNOWN FOR?
New Jersey is known for its beautiful beaches, casinos, entertaining boardwalks, and untouched nature. With its crucial role in American history and distinctive culture today, there is much to discover. New Jersey is also famous for its food. From diners to pizzerias to Italian restaurants, the Garden State has something to offer for everyone who loves good food.
HISTORY, CULTURE, AND TRADITIONS NEW JERSEY IS KNOWN FOR
The Garden State
New Jersey is known by many nicknames, but perhaps the most popular is “The Garden State.” This moniker is fitting, as New Jersey is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the country.  From fruits and vegetables to flowers and trees, New Jersey grows it all. In fact, the state is responsible for over 50 million pounds of the country’s cranberry production, and the Hammonton area is sometimes known as  the “Blueberry Capital of the World.”
New Jersey is also known for its wine industry. There are more than 50 wineries in the state, producing everything from sparkling wines to fruit-based liqueurs.

This is just a snapshot of the many things to do in New Jersey, you can find out more at
 
VisitNJ.org

or visit Sarah's Blog -

https://thetravelexpert.ie/america/top-things-to-do-in-new-jersey/

Happy Travels


Pure Belfast is brought to you by our sponsors - www.VisitBelfast.com