Here are ten exciting things taking place 9th – 15th March 2020.
1. Belfast-Childrens-Festival Belfast Children’s Festival Belfast, 6 – 11 March. Belfast Children’s Festival has become one of the largest children’s arts festivals on the island of Ireland and the UK, attracting over 15000 people last year. This year’s festival will explore the concepts of home, place and belonging. There’s lots to choose from, so whether you have a toddler or a teen, it’s worth checking out the full programme.
2. CultureLab CultureLab Belfast, 21 February – 30 November.CultureLab is a place to take a good, hard look at the cultural stereotypes that we all know surround us in Northern Ireland. This new exhibition poses questions about culture and offers a glimpse into how identities have been, and continue to be, shaped. The exhibition includes the famous ‘Differences’ blackboard from the hit TV series Derry Girls, which is on public display for the very first time
3. Coast-and-Country Coast and Country Coleraine, 8 Feb – 12 December 2020. On this 6 hour tour by private bus sit back, relax and savour the flavours that make this area so unique. Get ready for a truly unique, memorable and heartfelt experience where you will have the chance to sample local food and drinks. Enjoy this time together to eat, discover and take home an authentic taste of our beautiful place.
4. nationaltrust.org.uk An Object I Love – May Ward Downpatrick, 14 March. Celebrate the life of Mary Ward, accomplished author, artist and astronomer. Tour the rooms of Castle Ward where the team at Castle Ward has unearthed some of Mary’s own treasured belongings to tell the tale of her pioneering life including her famed microscope. Following the talk from their experts, retire to the theatre for tea and scones
5. Home-of-St-Patrick-Festival Home of St Patrick Festival Armagh, 6 – 17 March. Armagh is at the heart of celebrating the life of Patrick and the “Home of St. Patrick Festival” promises a lively and varied showcase of the best culture, music and spirituality. The festival will provide an unrivalled mix of regional and international music, theatre, spoken word, art and comedy, highlighting the stunning locations where he walked and worked.
6. Rademon-Estate-Distillery-Tour Rademon Estate Distillery Tour Downpatrick, 21 Feb – 2 May. Learn all about their foraged botanicals, unique gin and whiskey processes, stand next to their three beautiful copper pot stills and meet the founders Fiona and David. Just remember to take time to enjoy the views in their beautiful location with a pre/post tour cocktail at the bar.
7. Dynamic-Dye-Tracing-Experiment-at-the-Marble-Arch-Caves Dynamic Dye Tracing Experiment at the Marble Arch Caves Enniskillen, 14 March. Join their friends from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and the Marble Arch Caves staff to hear about the hydrology of these fascinating caves while watching the Shruh Croppa River turn a luminous shade of green. Find out more about the tracing experiments that have been carried out in the wonderfully wet County of Fermanagh
8. Give-My-Head-Peace Give My Head Peace Derry~Londonderry, 12 – 14 March. The comedy sensation, Give My Head Peace Live returns to the Millennium Forum in March with a brand new show promising a satirical look at everything happening in Northern Ireland today. Join Da, Ma, Cal, Dympna and the rest of the gang for a fun-filled night with plenty of laughter and a few surprises thrown in for good measure.
9. Saint-Patricks-Day-Steam-Saturday Saint Patrick’s Day Steam Saturday Carrickfergus, 14 March. The Museum will be celebrating Saint Patrick’s Weekend with steam train rides from Whitehead Excursion Platform and a themed Treasure Hunt. Experience a taste of steam travel with a mini steam train ride departing from Whitehead Excursion Platform.
10. Friday-13th-Special-Jail-of-Horror Friday 13th Special – Jail of Horror Belfast, 13 March. Visitors, if they dare, will enter the haunted prison site and face all their fears on an intense scare after scare journey at Crumlin Road Gaol which only has one way out. The one-of-a-kind Friday 13th Special – Jail of Horror is full of surprises and guaranteed to make even the bravest of visitors jump.
For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com