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 (12-18 August)
1. ISPS Handa World Invitational , Ballymena, 14-18 August. The event formally known as the NI Open, the most successful and best attended event on the European Challenge Tour, has been transformed into a new global event for men and women professionals, playing at Galgorm Castle Golf Club.
2. Stendhal Festival of Art, Limavady, 15-17 August. A unique weekend festival like no other. The multi-award winning Stendhal Festival returns to Ballymully Cottage farm. With a packed programme of music, comedy, poetry, art, a dedicated family programme and much more, Stendhal is a cavalcade of creativity for all.
3. Summer Cinema at City Hall, Belfast, 17-18 August. Tickets are on a first come first served basis for this outdoor cinema at City Hall. With a line-up of household favourites including Inside Out, Toy Story 3, Jurassic Park and Pitch Perfect, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
4. Moira Food and Drink Festival, Moira, 15-16 August. Moira Food and Drink festival hosts a number of food related events including dining, food sampling, a comedy night, a pub quiz, masterclasses, a street party and much more.
5. Groomsport Music and Fireworks, Bangor, 17 August. A full day of events including family fun at Cockle Row Cottages and a fun fair at the Harbour. Then later in the evening enjoy music from local band 19th Street Band and the official Debbie Harry and Blondie tribute band before the fireworks display.
6. Causeway Coast Truck Festival, Portstewart, 17-18 August. The festival will see over 600 of the finest show and working trucks from all over Ireland gather in this legendary venue on the North Coast. Trucks are also visiting from Scotland, Wales and England, each of them competing for 25 top prizes, including the main prize of Truck of the Show. The festival will also include a Kids’ Zone, a Food Trade Village and live entertainment on the Anchor Complex live stage.
7. Larne Flower Show and Summer Market, Larne, 17 August. The Larne Flower Show gives the opportunity to see what’s best in flowers and locally grown fruit and vegetables as well as home baked delights. On offer during the day will be market stalls from the Naturally North Coast and Glens Market, as well as children’s entertainment, including friendly farm animals, live music, face painting, scarecrow-making, nest box building and more.
8. Walled City 400, Derry~Londonderry, 18 February 2019 – 31 March 2020. March 2019 marked the 400th anniversary of the completion of the Walls. To celebrate this, a full and vibrant programme has been developed featuring an eclectic range of musical ensembles, dance audio plays, historical and contemporary exhibitions, symposiums, films, living archaeology demonstrations and workshops, visual arts exhibitions and much more.
9. Ballycopeland Windmill: See the Sails Turning, Newtownards, 18 August. Ballycopeland Windmill is the only remaining working windmill in East Down. It was built in the late 18th or early 19th century and was worked until the First World War when it fell into disrepair. It was gradually restored between 1950 and 1978 to full working order. Enjoy exterior tours on Sunday 18th August as the sails will be released to turn from 11:00 – 16:00.
10. Kids Nature Trail, Bangor, 14 August. Learn all about the natural habitat of the birds and animals who live in the picturesque grounds of Castle Park, Bangor. Tour departs on foot from the North Down Museum.
For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.