DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are 10 exciting things taking place Aug 14-20.

 

1. Children’s Summer Street Theatre with the Raven Sisters, Portstewart, 18 August. Entertaining for children and adults alike, the Raven Sisters bring their unique brand of cabaret to the seaside towns of Portrush and Portstewart. Evocative of a bygone era of sideshow circus and the silver screen, brought sharply into the 21st century by these dextrous damsels and their fancy footwork. Showtimes 1.30pm and 4pm.
2. 2017 UEFA Women’s Under -19 Championship, Belfast, until 20 August. Eight national teams, including Northern Ireland as hosts, will participate in the prestigious tournament. Showcasing Northern Ireland at its best, including our football, our facilities, our culture, our history, our fans and our unconditional love of the game. Semi-finals are on 17 August with the final on Sunday 20 August.
3. The Charles Wood Festival & Summer School, Armagh, 20-27 August. World-renowned choral composer, John Rutter will conduct a special “come and sing” evening. The festival will also embrace jazz with a residency by leading British jazz composer, Will Todd. A gala concert will feature his popular setting of the Latin mass, Mass in Blue, and he’ll also deliver a special jazz workshop.
4. Meditation and Mindfulness Retreat, Holywood, 18-20 August. Retreat to Lorne Estate, a 21 acre estate overlooking Belfast Lough, situated eight miles from Belfast and a mere five minute walk from the sea. Relaxed schedules and guidance from experienced teachers amid a beautiful, peaceful and relaxing setting combine to make an ideal opportunity for finding inner peace.
5. Causeway Coast Truck Fest, Portstewart, 20 August. This truck show and family fun day starts at 10am at the NW200 Pits, followed by a truck convoy around the NW200 circuit at 4pm. The festival includes 300+ show trucks with prizes for the best trucks and fleet, local food, trade and craft village along with live entertainment for all the family to enjoy.
6. Ulster Rally, Derry~Londonderry, 18-19 August. Stages feature the full breadth of Counties Londonderry and Tyrone with two regroups, one in Derry~Londonderry’s Guildhall Square on Friday and Strabane town centre on Saturday. The city and town areas all allow close public access to drivers, cars and autograph sessions.
7. On the trail of Martel wild caving expedition, Enniskillen, 16 August. Delve off the beaten track to explore wild caving, deep inside the Marble Arch Caves system. Meander through cave passages, climb through boulder chambers and squeeze though the famous flyover to emerge into the Marble Arch showcave. Expedition leaves reception at 2pm.
8. Making Waves Onboard HMS Caroline, Belfast, 16 August. Join artist Julie Greenlee for this craft family workshop onboard HMS Caroline and learn how to weave using peg looms. Use a variety of wool and fabric strips to create ‘waves’, which will then be joined together and suspended from the ceiling creating a colourful display of gently flowing waves.
9. Lughnasa International Friel Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 17-27 August. An annual multi-arts festival celebrating Ireland’s foremost playwright of the last 50 years, the late Brian Friel. The festival will include theatre (headlining play ‘Making History’ by Brian Friel), music, talks and discussions, dramatic readings, dance, film and will take place in many of the city’s iconic historical sites.
10. 1st Birthday Party Celebrations at Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry, 15 August. Swim on down to Exploris to celebrate the aquarium’s first birthday since the re-opening last year. Strap on your pirate eye patch or your dazzling mermaid tail to be in with a chance to win the best-dressed competition.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.