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 (22-28 July)
1. Armoy Road Races ‘Race of Legends’, Ballymoney, 20-27 July. The world famous road races take place once again in and around the picturesque County Antrim village of Armoy. The three mile circuit harks back to the 1970s and the days of the legendary Armoy Armada including the famous Joey Dunlop, but has been brought bang up to date by the organisers.
2. The Portstewart Community Red Sails Festival, Portstewart, 22-27 July. Over the course of the week there will be live music featuring pop, rock, blues, country and traditional music. Street theatre includes Mr Mess, Mr Whizzy, Miss Shell, the Singing Mermaid and Roary the Dinosaur. With O’Hara’s Castle as a backdrop, the finale is a fireworks display making a visually impressive end to the festival.
3. Newtownards Historical Walking Tour, Newtownards, 25 July. Newtownards has a wealth of historical treasures waiting to be discovered. Hear fascinating stories from the Middle Ages through to Cromwell’s conquest and the 1798 rebellion, as well as finding evidence of how civilisations, such as the Normans, Celts and Vikings, shaped and influenced the town.
4. Strawberry Tea Fair at The Ballance House, Crumlin, 27 July. Join a guided tour of the House and Ulster-New Zealand Exhibition. Learn about the life and achievements of John Balance during his New Zealand parliamentary career, including helping to secure the vote for women and land reform. Enjoy a craft market and much more at this summer family event.
5. Day Walk – Slieve Bearnagh, Newcastle, 27 July. Enjoy a day walking in the beautiful Mourne Mountains and admire the granite tors on the summit of Slieve Bearnagh, with a multi-lingual, qualified Mountain Leader.
6. Randow Antrim Show, Antrim, 27 July. From the Festival of Food and Paula McIntyre cookery demonstrations to livestock, sheep shearing, horse jumping competitions and much more there’s plenty to keep all of the family amused at the Randox Antrim Show at Shane’s Castle.
7. Game of Thrones® Workshops and Feast Experience, Belfast, 28 July. Sign up for this unique immersive event starting with a Game of Thrones® style lunch, then take three themed Game of Thrones® workshops. Try your hand at bladesmithing in Gendry’s forge, or create goblet pottery and Dothraki Jewellery for the Khal or Khaleesi in your life, all at The National.
8. Waterpark, Enniskillen, 23, 25 & 28 July. Corralea Water Park is open to the public on these dates. Just bring a towel, swimsuit and trainers and enjoy paddle boats, canoes and an inflatable water park at Corralea Activity Centre.
9. Belfast TradFest, Belfast, 27 July- 2 August. Descending upon the city – in a series of concerts, masterclasses, workshops, talks and sessions – will be a host of world-renowned traditional musicians. Enjoy this one of a kind festival that brings together both the Irish and the Ulster-Scots musical traditions.
10. Happy Days: Enniskillen International Beckett Festival, Enniskillen, 25-28 July. Enjoy a number of performances across this festival including three Beckett short plays with the Mark Morris Dance Group, Morning Recital – Late piano works of Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Chopin and Scriabin with Saskia Giorgini and Cascando by Samuel Beckett.
For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.