Here are ten exciting things to do 16-22 October
The Great North Links Challenge, Portstewart, County Antrim, 18 -20 October. The chance to play golf in three superb links courses over three days. Ballyliffin, Royal Portrush and Portstewart are all Irish Open venues. This includes the chance to get into the swing and play the Dunluce course, at Royal Portrush the home of The 148th Open, and future home of The 153rd Open in 2025. Teams of 4 compete for team and individual prizes.
- Glens Storytelling Festival, Cushendall, County Antrim, 19-22 October. This community storytelling festival will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Glens of Antrim. The festival will include storytellers and musicians offering a varied programme of events. There will be craft sessions, walks, performances, and sessions. There’s something for everyone at a range of locations and venues from Ballycastle to Whitehead.
- Pumpkin Picking at the Priory, Benburb, County Tyrone, 20-22 October. Get the whole family ready for Halloween at this pumpkin picking event. It’s the first of its kind for the Priory and the family ticket includes face painting and fun activities for children, with coffee and tea for the adults. A great day out for all. Check website for availability.
- Years of Chaos & Hope, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, throughout October. This Linen Hall Library Travelling Exhibition reflects on the conflicting identities, protests and warfare leading into the period of the ‘Troubles’. It takes the period from 1922 up to the more recent past. The themes and events are expanded through photographs, objects, and memorabilia.
- Atlantic Sessions, Portrush and Portstewart, County Antrim, 16-22 October. Showcasing original music from traditional to contemporary, electric to acoustic. Now firmly a permanent feature on the cultural calendar creating an energetic, vibrant atmosphere in the pubs, hotels, and coffee shops. There’ll be more than 30 live original music gigs to choose from.
- City of Derry International Choir Festival, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 18-22 October. This festival burst onto the scene ten years ago as part of the City of Culture celebrations. To celebrate that milestone there’s a special line-up of guest artists and concerts. The choral ensemble, The Sixteen will return to the Guildhall as part of the event.
- Storyweavers: Samhain, Holywood, County Down, 21 October. Come along to the Folk Museum and discover more about, Samhain, modern day Halloween. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year. At this time of year, the veil between worlds is at its thinnest and there’s no better time to delight in spooky stories from Irish folklore. Suitable for children from 5-10 years old.
- Woodlab Distillery, Moy, County Tyrone, throughout October. Experience this craft distillery which specialises in premium, sustainable, small-batch gin, and rum. Learn about Symphonia Spirits in this 90-minute experience in which you can taste and learn about this award-winning product. Find out about the locally sourced ingredients used including Bramley Apple! The tour ends with a seasonal cocktail and the chance to take home lovely glass as a memento of your trip.
- Darkley Forest – Aughnagurgan Trail, County Armagh, throughout October. Darkley Forest offers an enchantingly unique walking experience through a small and peaceful coniferous woodland. The Aughnagurgan Trail is one of two trails within Darkely Forest. This is a moderate walk taking approximately 40 minutes to complete and is particularly lovely at this time of year.
- Murder Mystery- Diamond Eye, Davagh Forest, County Tyrone, 20 October. As the moonlight wanes and darkness grows join this murder mystery themed at OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory. Play Dead will enact scenes and you must decipher the clues and turn detective. Evening includes a light buffet and refreshments.
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