10 THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN IRELAND NEXT WEEK

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (July 25 – 31).

  • Supercup NI, various locations, Co. Londonderry and Co. Antrim, July 24 – 29. Super Cup Northern Ireland (formerly Milk Cup) has been hosting youth football competitions since 1983 at various venues across Northern Ireland attracting youth teams from the British Isles and Ireland. There is a colourful parade of the various teams as they walk together round the town of Coleraine on the Sunday evening before the contest begins the following day. www.supercupni.com.
  • Armoy Road Races, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, July 29 – 30. The world-famous Armoy Road Race takes place once again in and around the picturesque County Antrim village close to the breathtaking Glens of Antrim, charming Ballycastle and the world famous Giant’s Causeway.
  • Northern Ireland Open, Galgorm Castle, Co. Antrim, July 27 – 31. A golf tournament for all the family; the Northern Ireland Open is Northern Ireland’s annual professional golf tournament attracting players such as Michael Hoey, Gareth Maybin and Peter Lawrie. Away from the fairways, tournament week will be buzzing with activity, especially at the dedicated food festival, which this year will become part of the main golf village and serving up a range of culinary delights in Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink.
  • Bog Day Celebration, Cuilcagh Mountain Park, Co. Fermanagh, July 30. Find out more about the fascinating bog habitats that dominate the Geopark.  Learn of refresh your memory on how people hand cut peat, listen to stories from days gone by and take in some bog pool dipping activities. This event promises to be a great day out for all the family.
  • Afternoon Tea at The Argory, Moy, Co. Armagh, July 31. Discover the fascinating history and explore the beautiful grounds of the National Trust’s Argory and dine on a delightful afternoon tea of sandwiches, cake, scones and seasonal delights. Booking essential.  www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-argory
  • John Hewitt International Summer School, Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Co. Armagh, until July 30. The John Hewitt International Summer School celebrates culture and creativity, with a newly-expanded festival programme over six days exploring diversity in contemporary Northern Ireland, through talks, readings, theatre, writing workshops and debates. Booking essential. www.marketplacetheatre.com.
  • Summer Fun Days, various locations, Belfast, until Aug 5. Come along to a selection of free summer fun days in various locations throughout the summer holidays. There will be fun games for five to twelve year-olds from 2-4.30pm including wall climbing, face painting, street entertainers and much more. www.visitbelfast.com.
  • Londonderry Agricultural Show, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, July 30. This long established agricultural show features livestock classes, home industries, trade stands, children’s entertainment, horse and pony showing. There is also a marquee displaying a large array of local crafts from bespoke jewellery, patchwork, handmade candles through to hand made cards and health products.
  • Red Sails Festival, Portstewart, Co. Londonderry, until July 30. This week-long festival includes a variety of entertainment and competitions for children, nearly all of which are free to view or participate in, with the fireworks finale one of the most popular in Ireland. www.redsails.co.uk.
  • Sherlock Holmes, Solitude Park, Co. Down, July 28. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of mystery and suspense, meet the world’s most famous of detective, Sherlock Holmes himself, as he is called upon to solve a great mystery in this snappy adaption. Bring a picnic and your best detective skills for an unforgettable evening of mystery, suspense and theatre under the stars. Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.