THURSDAY 11TH MARCH

EXHIBITION:The exhibitors & winners of the Davy Portrait Awards will be on display at the Naughton Gallery, at Queens University, Belfast until March 26.  Amongst the impressive displays are works by Ian Cumberland, Neil Shawcross, Miselon Lee and Graham Flack. Free. Open: Tues – Sun 11am - 4pm. Tel: 02890 973580.

LEISURE: Trostan mountain near Cushendall is a relatively easy climb from the Ballyeamon mountain road.   Nearby Lurig mountain is more challenging still – and yields breath-taking views of the Glens and Scotland on a good day. www.mountainviews.ie

DRAMA: Brian Friel’s play The Gentle Island transports you onto a tiny island off the west coast of Donegal. How does the last remaining family deal with the arrival of two visitors from the mainland? Part of the ongoing Portadown Drama Festival (continues until March 19). 8pm in Portadown Town Hall Theatre. Tickets:£8/£7. Tel: 02838 335264.

FASHION: Glamorous High Street fashion is on the catwalk at Belfast FashionWeek, in the Old Northern Bank Building in Waring Street (8pm, tickets £10, booking essential). Don’t worry if you can’t make it as there are lots of other glamorous events lined up until Sunday. Full list at belfastfashionweek.com

THEATRE: A number of Samuel Beckett's shorter plays, including Not I, Come and Go and Catastrophe can be enjoyed at the Brian Friel Theatre, University Square, Belfast. Tel: 02890 971382 for ticket prices and bookings.

FRIDAY 12TH MARCH

MUSIC: Join in the birthday celebrations at Auntie Annie's Porter House in Belfast as they mark eleven years in business. Drinks at opening day prices will help the party go with a swing as well as great live music and complimentary tapas from 5pm. Tel: 02890 501660

LEISURE: The background to the River Lagan, its weir and a history of Belfast harbour is explained at Lagan Lookout Visitor’s Centre at Donegall Quay in the city centre. It features a panoramic view of the weir and river and includes interactive visual displays of the story of Belfast. Booking s: 02890 315444.

10 THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN IRELAND (March 8 - 14)

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of exciting things to do in Northern Ireland (March 8 - 14). For more details on these and other events, click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events or visit your local tourist information centre.

• 71st Ballymoney Drama Festival, Ballymoney Town Hall, Co. Antrim, March 6 – 13. The oldest drama festival in Ireland returns with another season of performances from some of the top amateur companies in the region.

• Belfast Fashion Week, Northern Bank Building, Waring Street, Belfast, March 8 – 12. This season’s events will once again offer the hottest international models and the crème de la crème in local retail and design.

• Celebration of Irish Film @ Strule Arts Centre, Co. Tyrone, March 9 and 11. Celebrate the very best of Ireland and the Irish on screen

• Science Week at Enniskillen Castle Museums, Co. Fermanagh, March 9 -12. This year science week will be on the subject of the Science of Archaeology. Prior booking essential as places are limited.

• Walk on the Wild Side! Slieve Beagh Nature Walk, Co. Fermanagh, March 10. Sliabh Beagh is one of the most important areas in NI for blanket bog and rare species such as Red Grouse, Hen harriers and Marsh Fritillary.

• Murder at the Castle, Dungiven Castle, Co. Londonderry, March 12. A unique night out combining passion, intrigue and murder with the finest dining out experience.

• Family Adventure Break, Gortin, Co. Tyrone, March 12 – 14. A weekend of adventure, great food, accommodation and lots of activity to keep you going. Activities include archery, orienteering, family fortunes and mountain biking.

• Irish Walking Weekend, Mourne Hostel, Co. Down, March 12 – 14. This weekend is a perfect opportunity for all those walking enthusiasts and also those who are interested in the Irish Language.

• St. Patricks Weekend at Carnfunnock, Larne, Co. Antrim, March 13. A special special weekend where various activities and outlets will be open including the Family Fun Zone, Golf Range and Academy, the Activity Centre and the 9-hole Golf Course.

• Mum's the Word at Mount Stewart house and Gardens, Newtownards, Co. Down, March 14. Enjoy Mother's Day at Mount Stewart. Treat your mum to a three course lunch in the Bay Restaurant and enjoy a stroll in the beautiful gardens.