Here are 10 things to do Across Northern Ireland
- Ballycastle Seafront Artisan Market, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 2 July. Come on down to the free flagship artisan market by Naturally North Coast & Glens on the beautiful Ballycastle Seafront. This is an excellent showcase of local food, culture, heritage, and traditions, and it is an ideal destination for anyone looking for an authentic experience. This Ballycastle market is a perfect stopping point on a day out along the Causeway Coast, with its proximity to Ballycastle Beach, and many more iconic attractions in the area.
- Meet the Warriors Tour, Armagh, County Armagh, 1-2 July. Immerse yourself in life as a Celt, as you meet our Iron Age warriors. This family-oriented tour provides the opportunity to become a central part of the clan! Transform into a Celtic Warrior, as you have your face painted and wear one of our authentic costumes. Enjoy storytelling around the fire, as the bard tells the tales of the great heroes associated with the Navan Fort, and discover the skills required to succeed in battle. You will also have the chance to learn the art of ancient Celtic writing as you spell out your clan name using Ogham!
- Enniskillen Community Market , Enniskillen, Fermanagh, 1 July. Treat yourself to something delicious from one of the food stalls, and discover local handmade crafts, you might just find that perfect gift you’ve been looking for. Check out the work of our 2 Special Interest tables. Have a rummage through the second-hand stalls, one man’s trash is indeed another person’s treasure. From clothing to vinyl. Try your luck at the Tombola, with everything from a boat trip, gift vouchers, hampers and more.
- Tyrone Farmer’s Market, Food and Craft markets, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 1 July. Come down and explore the talent of Tyrone at the Tyrone Food and Craft Farmer’s Market this Saturday. Get a taste of local produce and bespoke crafts. There are many sweet treats and trinkets to see, with 30 stalls selling artisan food and hand-crafted gifts and homewares, from local producers!
- Dungannon Comedy Festival, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 1 July. There is going to be a lot to laugh at in Dungannon this July, at the town’s first Comedy Festival at Hill of the O’Neill on Saturday 1st July. The seated event at Hill of The O’Neill marquee space will include the cream of Northern Ireland’s burgeoning comedy circuit headlined by Paddy McDonnell and Micky Bartlett alongside other up-and-coming stand-ups. The revered Sean Hegarty will be on MC duties on the night.
- The Spirit of the Bann, Coleraine, County Londonderry, 1 July. The Causeway Coast Foodie Tours’ ‘Spirit of the Bann’ river whiskey tasting experience is an ideal and unique opportunity to slowly savour distinctive colours and flavours, enjoy a warm glow and celebrate the beautiful blend of natural & man-made wonders our stunning Causeway Coast has to offer!
Dive into history as you retrace the voyages of our ancestors who settled here some 9,000 years ago. Their onboard Bushmills whiskey guide will introduce you to a selection of whiskies produced by Old Bushmills Distillery and companied by a hand-picked selection of award-winning local produce.
- Kids’ Bushcraft at Montalto, Ballynahinch, County Down, 1 July. Uncover the secrets of Montalto Estate at The Montalto Estate Forestry School. Kids will navigate their way through the woods, pick the perfect site to build their shelter and forage for plants and trees to make medicine and food. After exploring, cosy up around the campfire to toast some delicious marshmallows!
- A Century of Style, Belfast, County Antrim , 26 June. Visit the Ulster Museum and explore the world of fashion at the free exhibit from the National Portrait Gallery Collection. This exhibition brings together some of the most famous fashion photographers and models (sitters) to showcase the art of fashion photography. Through themes including Designers, Model, Maker and Muse, and Art and Fashion, the exhibition examines the role fashion photography has played in defining style, imagery and contemporary culture. The exhibition also focuses on the work of probably the most celebrated fashion photographer of the 20th Century, Cecil Beaton.
- Mind Of Sound – In The Heart Of The Cave, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 2 July. Get in tune with your mind within the Marble Arch Caves. The Sound Bath in the Cave is a powerful and transformative experience allowing you to explore the hidden depths of therapeutic sound. The event features a 28 inch Chao gong and a 36 inch Feng gong, Shaman- style drumming and harmonic singing. Andy Tyler is a gifted musician, singer and soundscape artist who brings a contemporary approach to gongs and rhythmic entrainment. He cultivates dynamic and harmonically beautiful meditative sessions that are deeply relaxing and memorable.
- Mourne Alpacas Cria Watch, Dromara, County Down , 26 June. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the latest arrivals to the alpaca herd! As the largest breeding farm for Alpacas on the island of Ireland, Mourne Alpacas offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the CRIA WATCH (meeting the new Alpaca babies). Experience the magic, the pronking and general Cria capers in the nursery paddocks – from a cria protective spectator distance. As part of your CRIA Watch experience, you will learn about alpaca families, and all their unique behaviour before heading out to the nursery paddocks to watch the new curious and energetic arrivals, protected by their very proud mums.
Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.
For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/blog/read/2023/04/bank-holiday-ideas-for-families-b262