Our pick of great family days out for the weekend.

Down

On Friday 19th July the small village of Ballywalter on the east coast of the beautiful Ards Peninsula will host the Ballywalter Fair Day which dates back to the 1940s. Now the fair day is one of the largest fairs in Northern Ireland and is always held around the July holidays, when this small fishing village bursts into life with thousands of visitors from all over Ireland. The fair attracts traders from as far away as Scotland, England and the South of Ireland. There is something for everyone at the fair, from the young to the old, with pony rides and inflatable slides to craft and food stalls. So make it a date and don’t be late for the Ballywalter Fair Day.

Tyrone

Discover your Hidden Heritage – Come and delve into the ancient site of Ardboe Cross and take a tour of St. Coleman’s Abbey this Saturday 20th July . Hear a reading of the ancient High Cross inscriptions, featuring 22 panels depicting Biblical scenes. Booking is essential for all Hidden Heritage events through the Burnavon Box Office/TIC. Buses will depart from the Burnavon for the tour sites at 6pm sharp on the evening of the event on Saturday 20th July.

Fermanagh

Join Corralea Activity Centre for a Night Paddle on Lough Macnean this Thursday evening.  As darkness falls, step into your canoe, push off the shore and slip into the still waters.  Listen to the water gurgling beneath your boat between your rhythmic paddle strokes, marvel at the splendour of the setting sun as the light dims behind Thur Mountain.  Accompanied by a qualified instructor you will navigate between the dark silhouettes of Lough Macnean many islands absorb the stillness and peace of a summer evening and drift under the starry sky.  Your instructor will finish your tour on an island where you will enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit by the side of a camp fire.  Minimum age 7. Under 9s must be accompanied by an adult.  All equipment provided.

Derry

Join the National Trust on Saturday evening at Mussenden Temple for a unique evening of melodies in this breathtaking venue at  Downhill Demesne perched on the cliff tops of the North Coast.  Stunning location and beautiful music.

Armagh

The Argory Estate in Moy will once again be filled with the sound of pipes, drums and folk music, along with highland and Scottish dancing workshops on Sunday 21st July.  There will be performances from members of St Laurence O’Toole Pipe band, St. Marys’s pipe band Derrytrasna and the Armagh School of Drum Majors. There will also be traditional Scottish food in the Courtyard and you are encouraged  to bring your West highland and Scottish Terrier along for their very own unique gathering.

Antrim

See Fantasia 2000 at the Courtyard Theatre Picture House on Sunday at 2.30pm. This update of Disney’s magical masterpiece brings together animation and music in a presentation of great musical works for all the family, featuring seven animated short films set to classical compositions, along with the original version of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, starring Mickey Mouse.

Belfast

Contemporary Circus meets traditional Alpine culture in a splendid display of stupidity. Brought to you by the Festival of Fools, This Sunday’s “Sunday Treat” is “Yodel” is an absurd comedy where Wolfgang Glockenspiel performs his world famous musical crescendo while riding on a 2 metre high Unicycle. Witness the wonderful exposition of traditional Leek dancing with a chorus of juggling. Listen to the beautiful melodies played by his orchestra of Bell Ringers. This is a highly original, funny and energetic show that will charm any audience in the Cathedral Quarter between 2pm and 5pm.

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