The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (September 3 – 9).
For all events in ni2012 click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto http://www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland
- The Big Tickle Comedy Festival, The Playhouse, Co. Londonderry, September 1 – 14. The Big Tickle Festival returns with a bang with an outstanding line-up of comedians including John Cooper Clarke, Jason Byrne, Colin Murphy, Phil Nichol and Neil Delamere.
- In the Court of… Duke Special, the MAC, Belfast, September 4 – 9. Taking over the recently built MAC, Duke Special has been given the opportunity to organise a week of music with a diverse range of athe big tickle cts including the The Futureheads and DJ78.
- Go Batty, Roe Valley Country Park, Co. Londonderry, September 6. Take the opportunity to hear from an expert and learn about the myths and legends of these popular creatures.
- Hillsborough Oyster Festival, Hillsborough, Co. Down, September 6 – 9. This world renowned festival has become one of Northern Ireland’s leading events often attracting visitors from all over with the World Oyster Eating Championships, live music and a Gourmet Food Market.
- Off The Hook, Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, September 7 – 8. Every prisoner’s dream about getting let off the hook comes to life in this riotous farce when Fed and Charlie ‘spring’ Harold Spook from prison and try to find the hidden loot.
- Benedict Kiely Literary Weekend, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, September 7-9. Based on one of the most pre-eminent 20th Century Irish writers, this weekend will feature a variety of workshops and lectures, art exhibitions and a guided bus tour.
- The Vikings Return, Maghery Country Park, Craigavon, Co. Armagh, September 8 – 9. A fun day out for the whole family including an authentic Viking Banquet with a pig on a spit, children’s amusements and birds of prey demonstrations.
- European Heritage Open Days, various venues across Northern Ireland, September 8 – 9. Many properties will be opening for free during this celebration aimed at encouraging people of all ages to discover Northern Ireland’s rich and diverse architecture and heritage.
- My Generation: Art of the 60s and early 70s, Ulster Museum, Belfast, until September 23. An exhibition showcasing the most exciting artistic developments of the 60s and 70s including works by Bridget Riley, John Hoyland, Gillian Ayres and Peter Philips.
- Round the House & Mind the Dresser, Fermanagh County Museum, Enniskillen Castle, Co. Fermanagh, until September 15. This exciting travelling exhibition gives visitors an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Irish traditional music song and dance from the 1700s until the present day.
- Annual Photographic Competition, Belfast Zoo, until September 21. This annual competition challenges budding and amateur photographers to take a picture of the animals during a visit to the zoo with five prize categories up for grabs.
- Sea Kayaking Evening, every Thursday, Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, Co. Down. Sea kayaking evenings aimed at newcomers, the ideal way to get a taste of what Strangford Lough has to offer paddlers.
For further information please contact Pauline Gormley from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on 028 9044 1650 or Alana Taylor of Duffy Rafferty Communications on 028 9073 0880.