12 THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN IRELAND NEXT WEEK

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 17 – 23).

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

  • Celebrity Chef Jenny Bristow at Belle Isle Castle, Belle Isle Estate, Co. Fermanagh, September 20.  An exclusive evening with Jenny Bristow in the Grand Hall of Belle Isle Castle.  Jenny will prepare some of her autumn favourites using produce from the walled garden at the cookery school.
  • Culture Night, various locations across Belfast, September 21.  The city’s biggest, most cultural and inclusive cultural celebration will see the streets of Belfast transformed into a magical evening of exploration and adventure with everything from performances to tours taking place.
  • Cultural Night Armagh, various venues, September 21.  Over 15 venues will open their doors with over 50 free cultural events taking place including performances, events, talks and tours.
  • Sunset on the Summit, Slieve Donard Mountain, Newcastle, Co. Down, September 22.  Hike up Slieve Donard with a fully trained guide just in time to see the sunset and enjoy the extensive views from the summit while helping raise funds for charity.
  • Shiver Me Timbers – Jim Lad, Slieve Gullion Courtyard, Newry, Co. Down, September 22.  Come along with your swords, maps, eye patches and parrots in search of treasure in the deep, magical forest with games and activities for all.
  • Show Stopping Spectacular, Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, September 22.  A unique one off show featuring the big musical numbers from the West End and Broadway including Oklahoma, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls and Fiddler on the Roof.
  • 37th Annual Vintage Vehicle Rally, Gosford Forest Park, Markethill, Co. Armagh, September 22.  Enjoy a full day of family fun, vintage vehicles and demonstrations.
  • Fungi Guided Walk, Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House, Castlerock, Co. Londonderry, September 22.  Join the warden to explore the estate’s habitats and discover why fungi, bugs and beasties are so important to the world’s ecosystem.   
  • Autumn Book Fair, The Argory, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, September 23.  Browse through the hundreds of second hand books in the courtyard before enjoying an invigorating walk among the autumn colours around the estate.   
  • Family Adventure Day, Castle Ward, Co. Down, September 23.  Enjoy a range of activities to entertain all the family including canoeing, archery and orienteering.  Suitable for age 4 years plus.
  • The Story of Belfast, Belfast Barge, Titanic Quarter, until September 30.  An exhibition that traces the story of Belfast from prehistoric times through medieval times, the Plantation, the granting of the town charter in 1613 and right into the early 1900s.
  • Art in the Age of Steam, Enniskillen Castle Museums, Co. Fermanagh, until October 7.  This art exhibition will take visitors on a nostalgic journey back to the golden age of railway travel and bring to life a period when colour photography was in its infancy.