Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (September 12 – September 18).
- Culture Night, Various locations, Northern Ireland, September 16. Culture Night is an annual all-island public event that celebrates culture, creativity and the arts through a packed programme of events including tasters, tours, talks, trails, demonstrations, activities and gigs. This year, it will take place on Friday 16th September 2016 in Belfast, Derry~Londonderry, Armagh and Downpatrick.
- Mount Stewart Conversations, Mount Stewart, Co. Down, September 17 – 18. An unmissable festival weekend of debate, ideas, storytelling, art and music on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September 2016. Tickets on sale now for an inspiring, mind-expanding, one of a kind weekend at Mount Stewart. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
- Invasion Derry, Millennium Forum, Derry~Londonderry, September 17 – 18. Ireland’s premier Star Wars costuming club, The Emerald Garrison, will be Invading Derry this September. It includes a line-up of talks, and fun interactive activities as well as the Emerald Garrison’s hugely popular props and replicas. Visitors of all ages will love meeting and posing with over 40 costumed characters including legions of Storm Troopers, Jedi Knights, Bounty Hunters, Clone Troopers, Darth Vader, Wookies and many, many more!
- Good Food Market, The Argory, Co. Armagh, September 17. In celebration of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink, come along to taste and buy a range of locally sourced produce. The once bustling Courtyard at The Argory will come alive with cookery demonstrations, music and country activities. 11.00am – 4:00pm. Normal Admission. Members Free.
- Full Moon & Penumbral Eclipse Boat Trip, Castle Ward, Co. Down, September 17. Enjoy the tranquillity of Strangford Lough at twilight, a full moon rising over the water to set off the beautiful scenery of the area. Visit the SeaGen, Angus Rocks Lighthouse, Seal colonies at Cloughey Rocks Nature Reserve and much more. Suitable for ages 3+. Booking Essential: Contact Strangford Sea Safari on 028 4372 3933
- Country Comes To Town, Portadown, Co. Armagh, September 17. Country Comes To Town is a cross-community festival with a rural ethos that will appeal to all ages, showcasing diverse crafts, cultures and traditions. The festival includes, vintage vehicles, country music, walkabout performance, traditional crafts such as blacksmithing and wood-turning, performing arts, food traders and demonstrations.
- Tesco Taste Festival, Custom House Square, Belfast, September 16 – 18. The fabulous Tesco Taste Festival is returning to Custom House Square in Belfast. Now in its eighth year, this free Festival, which attracts around 20,000 visitors, looks set to be even bigger and better than before with tasting sessions, cooking demonstrations and live music.
- Star Wars – The Force Awakens (Outdoor Cinema), Solitude Park, Co. Down, September 16. Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be screened for the first time under the stars at Solitude Park. Gather friends and family and bring a picnic hamper, rugs and jackets for what is set to be an engrossing evening in the open air.
- Titanic: Window on Emigration, Ulster American Folk Park, Co. Tyrone, until 31 January. Set in the context of European emigration, Titanic: Window on Emigration explore the stories of the Irish passengers who travelled on Titanic. The exhibition uncovers the stories of steerage passengers, why they left for America and what happened to many of the 40 Irish survivors.
- The Holy, Holy Bus, Grand Opera House, Belfast, September 12 – 17. Take a trip of the soul with this irreverent comedy about three women who climb on board the west Belfast Holy Holy Bus on a pilgrimage around Ireland’s most sacred sites. Suitable for ages 15+.
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.