10 things to do in Northern Ireland

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (24-30 June)

1.       Enniskillen Road Race, Enniskillen, 28-29 June. Quiet country roads will once again come alive to the sounds of motorcycle racing on closed public roads.

2.       Cycling Ireland National Road Championships, Derry~Londonderry,  27-30 June. Hosted by Foyle Cycling Club, this three day festival of racing will gives visitors to the city an opportunity to see the best of Irish racers, while taking in the sights of the historic city.

3.       Pirates Off Portrush, Portrush, 29-30 June.  A full programme of events will take place throughout the town starting with the Treasure Hunt, Pirate Dress and Dance Competitions. Through drama and entertainment, performed in the Amphitheatre and Antrim Gardens, the battle between the Leprechauns and Tavish’s Pirates is played out. Movement between locations is staged as a journey or pursuit with costumed characters, street entertainers, floats and musicians all taking part in a grand street parade.

4.       Belfast City Blues Festival 2019, Belfast, 28-30 June. This year’s programme has something for everyone. With over 60 free live gigs, ’Blues On The Boat ‘ music cruises and the festival’s new attraction ‘Blues At The River, Music And Food Fest‘ live from Donegal Quay at the Big Blue Fish, this year’s Belfast City Blues Festival is not to be missed.

5.       The Irish Game Fair & Fine Food Festival, Antrim, 29-30 June.  The Irish Game Fair at Shanes Castle is in its 41st year, a serious county sports competition and as a fun-filled family day. There is action right across the fairgrounds and an all-day arena entertainment programme.

6.       Mourne International Walking Festival 2019, Newcastle, 28-30 June. The long-standing and perennially popular walking event returns to the Mourne Mountains. It provides a range of walks suitable for all ages and abilities, from lowland routes to traversing the highest peaks.

7.       The Magic Flute, Belfast, 27-29 June. A handsome prince, a damsel in distress, sorcerers, priests and a bumbling bird catcher – all are given life in Mozart’s sublime blend of lyrical love duets, folk-like ditties and the explosive coloratura of the Queen of the Night arias at the Grand Opera House.

8.       Causeway Coast Foodie Tours – Heart of Portrush Tasting Tour, Portrush, 28 June. Join your friends and embark on a 4.5 hour walking tour of Portrush’s only craft beer brewery and finest gastronomic establishments, visiting four venues to sample award-winning local produce. This tour is about getting together and sharing food, drink, experiences and stories.

9.       Comber Earlies Food Festival, Comber, 29 June. Expect interactive cookery demonstrations, an artisan food market, potato themed children’s craft, a vintage tractor display, Jump, Jiggle and Jive children’s dancing, Ark farm animal roadshow, a hay bale picnic and music from Cleland Memorial Band, the Lily of the Valley Accordion Band and the Comber Silver Band.

10.   Omagh Food Festival, Omagh, 29-30 June. The event is aimed at bringing together local producers and people with a love for food. There is something for all the family at Omagh Food Festival. In addition to the wide range of exhibitors & live cooking demos there is music, face painting and cupcake decoration for kids, all part of the line-up to the free event.

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