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 (July 22 – 28).

  • Fiddler’s Green International Festival, Rostrevor, Co. Down, July 21 – 28.  Based in the scenic village of Rostrevor, the annual festival will see free outdoor entertainment, an open air stage, art exhibitions, children’s entertainment, a literary pub crawl and much more.
  • John Hewitt International Summer School, Marketplace Theatre, Co. Armagh July 22 – 26.  Held in the honour of Northern Irish poet John Hewitt, this event will see a week-long feast of readings, talks, debate, drama, music and exhibitions, attracting people from Ireland, Britain, Europe and the United States.
  • Children’s and Youth Arts Festival, The Playhouse Theatre, Co. Londonderry, July 22 – August 2.  This festival will offer children and teens a unique opportunity to enjoy two fantastic weeks of workshops in drama, visual arts, dance and much more, all led by friendly local artists.
  • Gaels at the Gaol, Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast, July 24.  A night of fantastic traditional music and song with two multi award winning bands.  Doors open at 8pm.
  • Bug Detectives, Mount Stewart House, Newtownards, Co. Down, July 24.  A drop off programme for children aged between 5 – 11 where parents and carers can relax while the children learn more about the world of bugs and beasties.  Book early to avoid disappointment.
  • An Evening of Country & Gospel Music, Hill of the O’Neill and Ranfurly House, Co. Tyrone, July 27.  Take a stroll down memory lane with Kenny and ‘Colorado’ and revisit the sounds of Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves, Nanci Griffith, Marty Robbins and Merle Haggard.
  • Colours of the Causeway, Whitepark Bay Car Park, Co. Antrim, July 27.  Join the local biodiversity officer for a guided walk along the Causeway Coast from Whitepark Bay to the picturesque Ballintoy Harbour.  The area has a wide range of habitats including wild flowers, sand dunes and scrub.  Pre-booking is required.

  • Gig in the Garden, Minnowburn, Belfast, July 27.  This one day boutique festival returns to the beautiful setting of Terrace Hill in Minnowburn and will showcase some of Northern Ireland’s best musical talent, food, drink and crafts.
  • Slieve Donard Pilgrimage, starting in Newcastle, Co. Down, July 28.  A tradition that started as far back as 1645, you can help mark Trócaire’s 40th anniversary with an unforgettable experience on the beautiful Slieve Donard Mountain and recreate a unique tradition and make a pilgrimage of solidarity with women, men and children who face poverty and injustice every day.
  • Summer Buzz, Corralea Activity Centre, Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh, until July 31.  A daily programme of land and water activities to suit the whole family including archery, windsurfing, biking skills and a night time paddle.