10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 8-14 April

 

  1. Brook Hall Estate and Gardens Open Weekend, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 13-14 April. The 18th century arboretum and gardens at Brook Hall are home to stunning collections of rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias as well as mature collections of conifers and native trees. All proceeds from admissions go to the National Garden Scheme charity.

 

  1. Lagan Valley Spring Wildflower Walk, Belfast, County Antrim, 13 April. Discover the first flush of flowers adding colour to Minnowburn – lesser celandine, wood sorrel, wood anemone, bluebells, violets and more – and learn about their colourful stories. Watch the woodlands and hedgerows come alive in springtime.

 

  1. Torchlight Bug Hunt, Holywood, County Down, 11 April. Join conservation officer and insect expert, Joshua Clarke, for a guided torchlight walk around the Ulster Folk Museum. This bug hunt will focus on Harvestmen (also known as Opiliones) – a taxonomic group related to spiders. Learn about these mysterious creatures and the tactics they use to avoid becoming prey. Keep your eyes peeled for other nocturnal invertebrates on this torchlight bug hunt and learn all about ecology and biodiversity on the way!

 

  1. LELP Beginners Fishing Course, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 13 April. On the shores of Fermanagh’s stunning lakelands, reconnect with nature and enjoy a free beginner’s fishing course. Delivered by the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership (LELP), this course is designed to teach basic fishing techniques to budding young anglers aged 8 – 15 years old and will help ensure Lough Erne’s unique natural heritage is protected and cherished by all.

 

  1. Weave a Willow Garden Obelisk in the Walled Garden, Helen’s Bay, County Down, 13 April. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Old Mill House for a relaxed, informal willow weaving workshop with willow artist, Heather Mcdermott, and learn the fundamental skills and techniques required to create a unique willow plant support. These supportive structures are perfect for your garden borders, for climbing roses, clematis, sweet peas or beans. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn a timeless skill.

 

  1. A Night to Remember at Titanic Belfast, Belfast, County Antrim, 14 April. On the 112th anniversary of the sinking of RMS Titanic embark on a commerative journey of reflection at Titanic Belfast. During this 90 minute experience, guests will be escorted by guides to key points throughout Titanic Belfast, Titanic Hotel Belfast and SS Nomadic where heartfelt stories will be told. Guests are welcome to stay until 23:40 when a candlelighting ceremony will take place on the slipways at the exact time Titanic struck the infamous iceberg.

 

  1. Wee Birds Art Workshop, Comber, County Down, 14 April. Families will be welcomed to WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre for this mixed media experience led by Marianne Kennerley from Boom Studios and taught how to create a collage of birds inspired by the wildlife and landscape of Castle Espie.

 

  1. Torrent Valley Heritage Trail, Donaghmore, County Tyrone, throughout April. Sample the rich history and culture of Torrent Valley. Learn of the area’s brewing history, explore the ruins of Castlecaulfield Castle and discover the story of Sir Toby Caulfield. While exploring, see if you can spot Donaghmore’s famous Old Cross – a 9th century relic from the area’s monastic settlement which lasted from the 6th – 12th

 

  1. Moneypenny’s Forge and Lockhouse, Portadown, County Armagh, 13-14 April. There is no better place to learn the traditional skills of blacksmithing than at the beautiful, and historic, Moneypenny’s Lock. Make sparks fly at the forge or visit the canal-themed museum in the lockhouse named after the Moneypenny family who looked after the lock from the early 1800s to its closure in the mid 20th

 

  1. Frock Around The Clock, Belfast, County Antrim, 14 This vintage and handmade fair is back at Belfast Castle! With 36 fabulous stalls featuring some amazing new exhibitors as well as returning favourites, you can expect to find cool collectables, on-trend homewares, beautiful jewellery and much more! You can browse and shop, chat with the exhibitors, walk around Belfast Castle’s beautiful gardens and stop for refreshments in the castle cellars.

For more information on what’s on, or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com

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