10 Things To Do Next Week in NI

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 5 – 11).

  • Shane’s Castle May Day Steam Rally, Shane’s Castle, Randalstown, Co. Antrim, May 4-5. A great day out for the whole family will include steam and vintage tractors, working demonstrations as well as a craft marquee, auto jumble and live rural craft displays.

  • International Bread Festival, Castle Ward, Downpatrick, Co. Down May 5. Be prepared for your taste buds to be tantalised as the global bread tour returns with breads and foods from around the world bringing together bakers and bakeries, music, fun and games.

  • Apple Blossom Festival, Loughgall Country Park, Armagh, Co. Armagh, May 5.  Enjoy a chance to sample different apple produce and the rural ambience with stunning pink and white blossom providing the backdrop with orchard tours, cookery demonstrations, children’s activities and much more.  

  • Titanicdance, Odyssey Arena, Belfast, May 10. An all-new Irish dance sensation tells the story of the world’s most famous ship including 28 hugely talented performers with a cast of world class Irish dancers and musicians.

  • Garden Show Ireland, Antrim Castle Gardens, Co. Antrim, May 9-11. Northern Ireland’s premier gardening event has a packed programme of demonstrations, advice from gardening experts, inspirational show gardens, crafts and much more.

  • Giro d’Italia Big Start 2014, various locations, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Co. Armagh, May 8-11. Grab a piece of the action as Northern Ireland hosts the opening stages of the world famous Giro d’Italia as it takes place over three days making its way through Belfast, around the stunning Causeway Coastal Route and the historic city of Armagh.
  • Mayor’s Carnival Parade & Family Fun Day, Wallace Park, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, May 10. Dance along to the carnival beat as the vibrant street party and procession of international carnival floats and acts ignite Lisburn street’s in bursts of energy and glittering colour as it makes its way to Wallace Park.
  • Sixth Annual Maguire History Weekend, Enniskillen Castle Museums, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, May 9-11. An exciting and varied programme, exploring aspects of the Maguire history of Fermanagh, from castles and chalices to important historic sites, food and family history information.

  • The Jungle Book, Riverside Theatre, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, May 7.  Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale of Mowgli, the man cub brought up by wolves and befriended by a panther and bear is brought to life in a new adaptation by Riverbank Productions for young children and their families.
  • Strabane-Lifford Half Marathon and 5km Fun Run, The Alley Arts Centre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, May 11. Put your best foot forward for this fun charity event.  There are categories for all ages, as well as a walking section, giving everyone an opportunity to participate and join in the fun.