10 THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN IRELAND NEXT WEEK

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (May 27 – June 2).

  • Belfast Continental Market, Belfast City Hall, May 24 – 27.  The Belfast Continental Market makes a welcome return to the city with traders from 26 countries including Morocco, India, Belgium, France, Russia and Spain.  From Crepes to Curry and Paella to Noodles, there will be something to make everyone’s mouth water.
  • Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, Ballycastle Town and Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim, May 24 – June 2.  Enjoy the stunning scenery, diverse attractions and local culture of Ballycastle town and Rathlin Island with everything from sailing to food stalls and guided walks to fun competitions on offer.
  • May Day, Downpatrick and County Down Railway, Co. Down, May 27.  The perfect chance to take a trip to Inch Abbey and sample the delights of a real steam train and rail travel at its most traditional.
  • May Day, Carrickfergus Castle, Co. Antrim, May 27.  Medieval archers practice shooting with the longbow and display their prowess.  Come along and experience the power of one of the oldest and most effective projectile weapons.

  • Brookborough Community Festival, Brookborough, Co. Fermanagh, May 28 – June 1.  A four day festival with lots of events and activities taking place including a 10k fun run, a donkey derby, a soapbox derby and much more.
  • Alice in Wonderland – The Ballet, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, May 30.  Basing his ballet on Lewis Carroll’s much-loved children’s books, Alice in Wonderland is a mix of imagination, eclectic music and joyful dance that will delight all ages.
  • Romeo and Juliet National Theatre, Waterside Theatre & Arts Centre, Co. Londonderry, May 30.  Set against a vibrant backdrop bursting full of excitement, colour, dancing and live song, a company of eight recreate the most famous love story of all time.
  • Tynan Country Fair and Military Exhibition, Tynan Rectory, Co. Armagh, June 1.  Event highlights including a military vehicle exhibition, a gun demonstration, clay pigeon shooting, a dog show, home baking and craft competition, pony rides, a duck race and country fair stalls.
  • Carnivale of Colours, St Columb’s Park, Co. Londonderry, June 1 – 2.  This year’s festival is bigger, better and more colourful than ever before with the very best of international street theatre and local acts interspersed with an eclectic mix of side shows and attractions to guarantee lots of laughs and a truly magical experience for folks of all ages.

  • Strangford Lough Maritime Festival, Portaferry and Strangford, Co. Down, June 1 – 2.  Celebrating Strangford Lough and Lecale’s ancient and modern maritime traditions, world renowned wildlife and stunning landscape with loads of free activities for all the family.