Here are ten exciting things to do 7 – 13 August
Feile 35, Belfast, County Antrim, 7-13 August. Visit Ireland’s biggest community arts festival, Féile an Phobail, for its 35th anniversary and celebrate Irish culture. With over 300 events there is something for locals and visitors alike. This festival is packed with an eclectic mix of events ranging from concerts, lively debates and discussions and art exhibitions to massive community and sporting events showcasing the very best of Belfast. Explore what’s on offer whether it’s the Féile Trad Trail, music workshops, or food & drink events such as the unique heritage of Dunville Irish Whiskey.- Open House festival, Bangor, County Down, 12 August. Bangor seafront will go back in time for this Seaside Revival festival celebrating all things vintage. The core festival will take place at the stunning Bangor Castle Walled Garden. The festival’s eclectic programme includes music, comedy, film, theatre, boat trips, food and drink, talks and tours, and crafting events. Make sure to visit the classic car and bike show, record fair, vintage market, swing dancing and live music.
- Famous Maize Maze, Limavady, County Londonderry, 7-13 August. Explore the trails throughout a 13-acre cornfield with plenty of twists, turns and dead ends to challenge the whole family. If you can find your way out there are lots of other adrenaline pumping activities in the main activity centre from high ropes, a zip line, canoeing, archery and abseiling. All located in the beautiful setting of the Roe Valley.
- W5 Summer Camps, Belfast, County Antrim, 7-13 August. This summer at W5, explore the world of science and technology at the Bright Sparks and Techno Sparks summer camps. This unique and exciting week-long summer camp is perfect for inquisitive young minds ranging from 8-14 years old. Techno Sparks invites those 11-14 years old to get stuck in with coding, film production, robotic programming, engineering, virtual reality and much more. Bright Sparks is calling all young budding scientists ages 8-11 to try out science-based activities such as crime labs, rocket races, animation and building challenges. Spark your creativity and knowledge this summer at W5 summer camps!
- Erne Adventures – Hydrobikes & eBoards, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 7-13 August. Jump onboard and discover a unique way to experience the water day or night! Why not ride around Enniskillen Castle and explore the views with the new eBoard experience, an electric-powered water scooter. This is the perfect way to explore Ireland’s only island town through this unique water sports experience.
- Coast and Country Food Tour, Coleraine, County Londonderry, 12 August. Experience the exceptional foodie culture of the Causeway Coast. Over six hours you will travel by luxury coach stopping off to sample fabulous locally produced artisan foods and meet their producers. You will get the chance to see an area of outstanding natural beauty as you savour the flavours of this beautiful part of Northern Ireland. The tour includes a visit to a farm as well as Bushmills Whiskey, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world.
- Heart of the Glens Festival, Cushendall, County Antrim, 7-13 August. The Heart of the Glens Festival is based in Cushendall in the beautiful Glens of Antrim, on the famous Causeway Coastal route/Antrim Coast Road. Celebrate the wonderful delights of the nine Glens, showcasing 80 events, with something for all the family. Main events include The Lurig Challenge Run, Food Fest night, Adult Treasure Hunt, the ever popular ‘Theme’ fancy dress night. Enjoy the ‘Dalriada Sounds’ concert showcasing the talent both of the locals and invited guests from other areas with dancing, music, singing and poetry.
- Lough Neagh Discovery and Conference Centre, Craigavon, County Armagh, 7-13 August. Get close up with nature and the biodiversity of Oxford Island while exploring the nature reserves’ many beguiling trails. This free nature centre consists of four miles of footpaths, five birdwatching hides, ponds, wildflower meadows and much more. With two playparks and a summer scavenger hunt why not pack a picnic and make a family day of it on the superb shores of Lough Neagh.
- Wellbrook Beetling Mill, Cookstown, County Tyrone, 12-13 August. Situated in a peaceful, wooded glen along the Ballinderry River, Wellbrook Beetling Mill stands as a reminder of Ulster’s once-flourishing linen industry that dates back to the late seventeenth century. Explore the last working linen mill of its kind here and watch costumed guides demonstrate the “beetles” at work, the wooden tools used to tighten the fabric and give it its sheen. This location is a fabulous insight into the past and a lovely place to wander on the banks of the Ballinderry river whose waters helped power the mill.
- Hill of The O’Neill and Ranfurly House, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 7-13 August. This fine listed building is the gateway to one of the most ancient sites in Ulster- Hill of the O’Neill. Experience history and learn about the dynasty that ruled over Ulster for over 400 years. Enjoy 360 panoramic views from the glass tower and learn about the Flight of the Earls. Finish your trip by exploring the beautiful heritage park with a cup of coffee from the coffee shop located in the building.
For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/