Here are ten exciting things to do 17 – 23 July
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Moves and Melodies, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 20 July. Taking place at the Millennium Forum Theatre and Conference Centre, Moves and Melodies is an age-friendly project full of song and dance workshops. This project will be provided complimentary and is being held in the Studio Theatre. This will be an amazing opportunity to learn new dance skills and sing a range of song styles. - Highlights Tours at the Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, County Down, 22-23 July. Get to know more about your past with a costumed guided tour of some of the site’s key attractions like the Picture House and the Corner Shop. You will also get the chance to see makers demonstrate traditional heritage skills like basketmaking and printmaking.
- Rathlin Forage, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, 17 & 22 July. This is the ultimate event for a young explorer. Learn to identify the different types of edible seaweed along the rocky shores and learn all about the nutritional value of cooking with seaweed. Meet the rockpool creatures and learn all about the conservation of these species on this wondrous foraging experience led by expert Ksenia.
- Wild Atlantic Distillery Gin School & Distillery Tour, Castlederg, County Tyrone, 21-22 July. Find out how landscape and tradition have shaped this award-winning whiskey, gin and vodka distillery on a memorable tour. You’ll be surprised by the unexpected as your hosts, Brian and Jim, tell you stories of innovative distillation methods that are rooted in long tradition, and how the people and landscape of this place have inspired them to make something extraordinary.
- Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT, Castle Espie Wetland Trust, County Down, throughout July. See the wonders of Northern Ireland’s wetlands using a new guide by illustrator, Quentin Blake. As well as the birdlife there’s fun to be had in the wildwood and the secret swamp, as well as story time and crafts for the little ones.
- Summer City Walking Tours, Armagh, County Armagh, throughout July. Grab your trainers and prepare to take in this ancient city soaked in myths, history, and legends. On this tour you will be guided by the experts from Armagh Guided Walking tours as you unearth hidden gems through the city centre and a conservation area, stopping off at various locations on a route of approx 1 km.
- OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Davagh Forest, County Tyrone , see website for opening times. Take a journey through time and space with a visitor experience that’s out of this world. Book your visit to Northern Ireland’s only International Dark Sky Park. Fully guided by an experienced tour guide, the centre will give visitors a unique opportunity to experience the night sky as it is rarely viewed.
- Life Through a Royal Lens, Hillsborough Castle, County Down, throughout July (in line with castle opening hours). Enjoy this unique collection which brings together over 60 of the most iconic images ever taken of the Royal Family, dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria. It includes work by Cecil Beaton and Annie Leibovitz. You can then stroll around the castle’s ornamental grounds, peaceful woodland, and meandering waterways.
- Florence Court, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, throughout July. One of the most beautiful Georgian houses in Ulster, nestled against the backdrop of the Benaughlin and Cuilagh Mountains, the former home of the Cole Family holds a fascinating collection of historic furniture and has some of the best Rococo plasterwork. In the grounds you will find the “parent” tree of all Irish Yews, there’s also a children’s playground and picnic areas to enjoy.
- Belfast TradFest, Belfast, County Antrim (various locations), 23-20 July. Belfast TradFest, the pinnacle of world-class traditional music concerts, fiery pub sessions and Northern Ireland’s fastest growing summer school of traditional music, is set to celebrate its 5th edition this July across Belfast UNESCO City of Music. With events taking place across the city, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/