10 things to do in Northern Ireland (6 – 12 May)

1. The Epic Journey to The 148^th Open, Armagh, 9 May.  Golf’s most prestigious championship returns to Royal Portrush for the first time in nearly 70 years this July, and you can share in the excitement and civic pride with this community roadshow rolling into Armagh for its fourth stop. Come along and see golf’s most iconic trophy, the Claret Jug, together with a giant #TheOpen letter sculpture made out of 4,000 golf balls.
2. International North West 200 Race Week Festival, Coleraine, 11 – 18 May. The International North West 200 road races celebrate their 90th anniversary this year and will take place at Causeway Coast and Glens towns including Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine. Many great races and racers have graced the roads since the first event back in 1929. You can be guaranteed the warmest welcome as you experience world-class road racing whilst being part of the theatre and drama of the International North West 200.
3. Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, 6–12 May. The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival continues its 20^th birthday celebrations this week. Rufus Wainwright, Anna Calvi, and Roy Walker are among the star names descending on Belfast’s historic cultural quarter for a bumper programme of live music, comedy, literature, theatre, film, visual art and more.
4. Slieve Gullion E-Bike Exploration Crossmaglen, Newry, 7 May. In celebration of GeoWeek, the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership is offering a geology tour with a difference – an electric bike exploration of Slieve Gullion Mountain. The E-Bike Exploration is a unique opportunity to explore the landscape of Slieve Gullion Mountain from a bike saddle without the extreme exertion it usually takes to cycle up a mountainside, though peddling is still required.
5. Festival of Fools, Belfast, 6 May. Established in 2004, the Festival of Fools has put Belfast firmly on the world map as a capital of street theatre and circus excellence. The festival is the largest comedy and street theatre festival on the island of Ireland, with more than 100 performances due to take place on the streets of Belfast City Centre and Cathedral Quarter. All shows are free to attend, and no booking is required.

1. Seamus Heaney HomePlace and Landscape Tour, Magherafelt, 11 May. Take a trip to Seamus Heaney HomePlace and experience the landscape that inspired the world renowned Nobel Laureate. Explore Seamus Heaney HomePlace and visit the Forge, with a few little extras along the way, ending with a meal, traditional music and poetry recitals in The Old Thatch Inn.
2. Art in the Orchard at Long Meadow Cider Company, Craigavon, 10 May. Join a professional visual artist for a unique day of creativity at Long Meadow Farm. A unique opportunity to get out into the orchards and enjoy the challenge of producing your own creative response to the surrounding apple trees. Beginners and seasoned artists are all welcome to the workshop with all materials and equipment provided. Experience the magic and beauty of the orchard during Apple Blossom season. Includes an orchard tour with an opportunity to sample cider and apple juice.
3. Antrim County Fleadh, Ballymena, 10 – 12 May. Musicians across Ulster are preparing for a busy summer as the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann 2019 County Fleadhanna get into full swing. The County Fleadhanna presents excellent opportunities for musicians of all ages to participate and showcase their unique musical talent whilst each county has a colourful itinerary that will be enjoyable for visitors far and wide.
4. Ulster Orchestra Rachmaninov’s Second, Derry~Londonderry, 9 May. Northern Ireland’s own virtuoso pianist, Barry Douglas, joins the Orchestra to perform Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto, often described as one of the best piano concertos ever written. A masterpiece of melodic writing, it’s no surprise that it is a regular choice on Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, also featuring in the film Brief Encounter and Eric Carmen’s smash hit, All By Myself.
5. Scenic Forest Walk at Florence Court, Enniskillen, 6 May. Join the Ranger for a scenic 9km trail in Florence Court forest. At the highest viewpoint enjoy panoramic views of Fermanagh and Lough Erne, the fourth largest lake in Ireland. Surrounded by lush parkland and thick woodland with Benaughlin Mountain rising in the background, Florence Court enjoys a majestic countryside setting in West Fermanagh. There is something for everyone to enjoy at this extensive and welcoming place.

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