What’s happening near you this week?

Welcome to issue #17 of the Antrim & Newtownabbey Post.

Fun fact: Shane's Castle near Antrim has starred in Game of Thrones. Its dramatic ruins were used as filming locations for several scenes during Season 1, bringing a touch of Westeros to the borough.

Here’s a preview of what’s waiting for you in this issue:

Hope you enjoy!

~ Mark McKnight, Editor.

P.S. If you enjoy this newsletter, please feel free to forward it to a friend’s email who might find it useful.

Antrim has taken the top spot at the prestigious Ireland's Best Kept Town Awards 2026, beating out shortlisted contenders from across the island, including Donegal, Westmeath, Wicklow and Galway.

Judges praised the strong partnership between local businesses and residents, highlighting the community's evident "sense of pride" in their town.

Mayor Councillor Henry Cushinan called it a reflection of "years of hard work and collaboration," thanking residents, volunteers, Council staff and local organisations for making it happen.

The award, presented at Riddel Hall in Belfast, is part of the long-running TidyTowns and Best Kept initiative dating back to 1995.

It caps a strong run of recent wins for Antrim, including Best Kept Large Town (NI) in 2025 and 2023.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council's Health Intervention Team has landed one of UK local government's top honours, winning the Transforming Lives Award at the Municipal Journal (MJ) Awards in London.

Judges praised the small but mighty team for delivering huge impact on a modest budget, helping over 25,000 residents last year through GP referral programmes, cancer rehab, and post-natal fitness classes.

Led by Kevin Madden, with Health Officer Arlene McMinn also named UK Active's Physical Activity Hero for 2025, the team continues to set the standard for community-focused public health work across the Borough.

👉 Read more about Transforming Lives.

Randalstown sisters Aislinn and Meagan Joyce are getting their community moving.

After completing the Council's Walking for All training, the pair launched The Maine Walkers, a free, inclusive walking group welcoming people of all ages and abilities.

Weekly walks take place every Wednesday at 7pm, starting from the Viaduct entrance on New Street (arrive 6.45pm to register).

👉 Find out more about this walking group!

Mayor Cushinan praised the sisters' community spirit, and the group hopes to boost physical and mental wellbeing while helping neighbours connect.

Have you got a small business tucked away in one of our rural areas, dreaming of new equipment or a website refresh? There's some good news for you.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has opened applications for its Rural Business Development Grant Scheme, funded through DAERA's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme.

Key details:
Grants cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, worth between £500 and £7,500, for projects totalling up to £30,000.

The money can go towards equipment, machinery, computers and e-commerce websites (building works aren't included).

To qualify, your business needs fewer than 10 full-time staff, must be actively trading, and based in a rural part of the Borough. Applications open 29 June and close at 12 noon on 30 July 2026.

Attending a pre-application workshop is a must if you want to apply, with sessions running online and in person at Antrim Civic Centre and Mossley Mill throughout July.

Why it matters:
For our rural businesses, this kind of support can make a real difference. It's the push that helps a local shop go online, a farm business modernise its equipment, or a small trader finally invest in the tools they need to grow.

Beyond the pounds and pence, it's a vote of confidence in the people who keep our rural communities thriving, and a chance to build something more resilient for the future.

Get involved:
If this sounds like it could be for you, book onto a workshop soon; it's a required first step before applying.

Not sure if you're eligible? The team are happy to help. Know a neighbour running a small rural business? Pass this one on, it might be just what they need.

👉 Find out more and apply today

Every week, we shine a light on one of the brilliant independent businesses that make our community what it is. The hidden gems, the passionate makers, and the hardworking locals who keep our high streets alive.

Tucked into Whiteabbey Village, just five minutes outside Belfast, Medi Cosmetic has quietly been helping locals feel good in their skin for over 22 years.

That kind of longevity says something, and once you look at what's behind it, it's easy to see why they've stuck around.

This isn't your average beauty salon. Medi Cosmetic is a Save Face accredited, RQIA registered clinic, staffed by a full team of doctors, nurses and aesthetic therapists who are on hand for consultations six days a week.

Their focus is on doctor led treatments for pigmentation, ageing, acne, scarring and skin laxity.

Think Ultherapy (famously a favourite of the beauty conscious), Hydrafacial, laser hair removal, dermal fillers, and even a medical weight loss clinic.

Whatever your skin goal, there's likely a treatment plan tailored to it.

What stands out is the balance they strike between serious medical credibility and genuine care.

Every treatment plan is customised, aftercare is described as "exceptional," and free consultations mean you can explore your options with zero pressure before committing to anything.

Their mission is refreshingly simple: to help you achieve a "natural and refreshed appearance," not an overdone one.

Curious? You can book online at medi-cosmetic.com, ring the clinic directly on 028 9086 1186, or visit them on Instagram and Facebook.

For a local business that's been building trust, one confident client at a time, for over two decades, Medi Cosmetic is well worth a look.

If this week's feature caught your eye, show them some love. Pay them a visit, spread the word, or give them a follow online.

Supporting a local business takes just a moment, but it makes a world of difference. If you want to feature your local business here and get it in front of 800+ subscribers for free, click the button below.

Ever wondered how to tell an oak from an ash, or how old that towering tree in the park really is?

Join the Park Ranger team at Antrim Castle Gardens for a hands-on Tree ID Workshop this National Tree Day!

After a short indoor introduction, you'll head outdoors to explore the grounds and discover how to identify deciduous and coniferous trees, learn about their traditional uses, and pick up simple techniques for estimating a tree's age.

Perfect for nature lovers, budding rangers, and anyone keen to see their local green spaces with fresh eyes.

📅 Saturday, 25 July 2026
⏰ 10:30–13:30
📍 Antrim Castle Gardens
🎟️ £5.00

Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your spot!

👉 Book your tickets here

Get ready to move at Beats without Barriers, an inclusive silent disco at the Courtyard Theatre on Saturday 25 July 2026.

With wireless headphones, customisable music channels, and sensory-friendly spaces, guests of all abilities can dance at their own pace in a welcoming, accessible environment.

There are two sessions: 4.30–6.30pm for ages 8–15, and 7.00–9.00pm for ages 15+.

Tickets are £7.50, and parents/carers attend free (though only ticket holders receive headphones). It's more than a night out, it's a community built on fun, connection, and empowerment for all.

👉 Book your tickets here

Breaker Breaker Truck Show | NUTTS Corner Sunday Market | 10:00 AM. Explore hundreds of trucks at this charity show raising funds for mental health support in the haulage industry, with donations welcome at the gate for a fun family day out.

Kids Craft Club | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. Bring the little ones along for Saturday morning crafts while you browse for new books together, no booking needed, just drop in and get creative.

#onThePull 2026 | Niblock Road | 11:00 AM. Watch ninety tractors battle up a hill climb and through an obstacle course in this thrilling head to head race, a ticket only event for the whole family.

Barket! The Market for Pets and Their People | The Junction, Antrim | 11:00 AM. Bring your furry friends for a day of pet stalls, agility demonstrations, live music and appearances from Paw Patrol and Bluey, plus treats for dogs and owners alike.

Dog First Aid Course | The Junction, Antrim | 11:30 AM. Learn essential canine first aid from veterinary surgeon Eimear Gillespie in this hands on ninety minute session covering CPR, bandaging and emergency response, suitable for all experience levels.

Mobile Roller Skating Disco | Valley Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey | 1:00 PM. Strap on retro quad skates and glide under the disco lights at this mobile roller party, with everything provided and fun guaranteed for skaters of every age.

Teddy Bears Picnic | Antrim Library | 2:00 PM. Grab your favourite teddy and join a relaxed picnic filled with songs, stories and crafts, suited to children aged three to six, with booking essential online in advance.

Family Fun Sunday Lunch | The Rabbit Hotel, Templepatrick | 12:00 PM. Enjoy a delicious lunch while little ones get face painted and dazzled by a magician, with live music in Hunter's Bar rounding out this monthly family favourite.

Crossword Club | Greystone Library | 9:30 AM. Settle in with tea, coffee and biscuits while you tackle the week's crosswords in good company at this relaxed Monday morning gathering.

Rhythm and Rhyme | Greenisland Library | 10:30 AM. Little ones aged zero to four can enjoy rhymes, songs and stories together while parents get the chance to socialise, no booking required for this free weekly session.

Comic Book Club | Antrim Library | 3:30 PM. Young readers aged nine to eleven swap comics, discuss favourite characters and create their own comic strip, with booking essential for this monthly junior book club.

Lego Club | Rathcoole Library | 3:30 PM. Children aged six and up can let their creativity flow building with Lego in this perfect afternoon activity, with adults asked to accompany younger builders.

Chess Drop-in | Glengormley Library | 10:00 AM. Find an opponent over a cuppa for a relaxing game of chess, open to all ages with refreshments provided and no need to book.

Big Summer Quiz | Rathcoole Library | 11:00 AM. Test your knowledge and enjoy some friendly competition at this summer quiz session, a great way to have fun and meet fellow library visitors.

Knit and Natter | Cloughfern Library | 11:30 AM. Pick up your knitting, crochet or cross stitch project and swap tips with fellow crafters in this free, relaxed group, open to everyone with no booking required.

Big Summer Read – Activity Afternoon | Crumlin Library | 2:30 PM. Join in seasonal crafts and activities designed to keep young readers entertained and inspired throughout the summer holidays at this welcoming library session.

Vibe Arts Presents Romeo and Juliet | The Old Courthouse, Antrim | 2:00 PM. Experience a lively local adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tale of love and feuding families, brought to life with heart, humour and drama by the Vibe Arts cast.

Let's Go Walking | Randalstown Library | 2:15 PM. Head out for a gentle, sociable walk that connects you with nature and new friends, breathing in the fresh air together, with booking essential to join.

Big Summer Read 2026 Imagination Station | Antrim Library | 11:00 AM. Step into a forest themed world of imaginative play, with woodland stories and nature inspired activities suitable for all ages, though little ones need an adult along.

Big Summer Read 2026 – Fantasy Fairy Village | Glengormley Library | 2:00 PM. Discover a magical fairy themed world of imaginative play and storytelling, part of this year's Big Summer Read programme for young library visitors.

Wild About Reading Scavenger Hunt | Greenisland Library | 2:00 PM. Search the shelves for clues in this playful scavenger hunt, a fun way to get young readers exploring the library and its books.

Big Summer Read – Woodland Wonders Session | Rathcoole Library | 3:00 PM. Enjoy a woodland themed session packed with nature inspired stories and crafts, giving young readers a fun escape into the great outdoors.

Big Summer Read – Story Tree – You and Me | Randalstown Library | 3:30 PM. Gather round for stories and gentle activities celebrating connection and togetherness, part of this year's summer reading programme for children.

Mobile Roller Skating Disco | Sixmile Leisure Centre, Ballyclare | 7:00 PM. Lace up quad skates and roll along to the music at this evening roller disco, complete with disco lights and fun for skaters of all ages.

Do you have a local event coming up that you’d like to share with us?

That’s it for this issue. If you want to get in touch, just hit reply to this email and I’ll get back to you asap.

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Next edition will land at the same time next Friday.