Here are ten exciting things to do 20-26 May
Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, Ballycastle and Rathlin Island, County Antrim, 24 May – 2 June. Immerse yourself in the the heritage of the Causeway Coast. Enjoy a diverse programme of live music performances, ‘have a go’ activities, crafts, talks and cookery demonstrations. Browse the artisan produce at the Naturally North Coast and Glens Market and sample cuisine from local producers. Located around Rathlin Sound – the body of water connecting Rathlin to Ballycastle, this festival brings together people from all over the world who have come to experience the warm welcome that is synonymous with the Causeway Coast and Glens.
- Dino Dig – Fossil Fun with Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 25 May. Have a roaring good time at this dinosaur-themed messy play event. Children can explore the prehistoric world through a variety of messy activities and sensory experiences, all centred around everyone’s favourite ancient creatures. From excavating fossils to creating volcanic eruptions, this event promises to ignite imaginations and spark curiosity. Get ready to stomp, squish and explore your way through the Jurassic period with this engaging and interactive experience.
- Blacksmithing Course at Patterson’s Spade Mill, Templepatrick, County Antrim, 25 May. Try your hand at this one day blacksmithing course. Develop a new hobby and learn traditional forging and blacksmithing techniques as you create a bespoke piece under the expert guidance of professional blacksmiths. Minimum age 14.
- Sudor Wellness Retreats at Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down, 24 – 26 May. Join this leading wellness centre for three relaxing days at National Trust’s Mount Stewart. Engage in wellness activities that will rejuvenate your mind and body all while immersing yourselves in the estate’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Take part in a weekend of relaxation including a guided ice bath with elemental breathwork, a traditional sauna experience and yoga session to help you feel strong, empowered and relaxed.
- Armagh Craft Fair 2024, Armagh, County Armagh, 25 May. Enjoy a wonderful day out for all the family at the Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre. Experience high quality craft stalls, traditional and contemporary craft demonstrations and hands on craft experiences for adults and children. Learn a new skill at one of the creative craft workshops and enjoy the many free drop in craft and art experiences on offer. Complete your day with delicious coffee, refreshments and musical entertainment.
- Portaferry Plein Air Festival 2024, Portaferry, County Down, 24-26 May. Embrace your inner artist and enjoy three days of painting outdoors in the beautiful town of Portaferry. Over the three days you will enjoy a demonstration from the day’s invited artist, then you are free to go and enjoy your day painting or book to join the day’s artist in small groups of eight for further tuition. Additionally, there is an evening sunset cruise on Strangford Lough with a picnic, live music and a glass of wine available on Friday 24th or Saturday 25th May, along with tuition from Donald Nelson, who sketched on board a boat rowing around Ireland.
- Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 25 May. Performed by soprano Wendy Ferguson and pianist Ruth McGinley, Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered features songs from the golden age of musical theatre. You’ll hear classic songs by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim and other well-loved classics with some hidden gems, too. Come and experience an hour of witty, heart-rending and spectacular songs performed by two local musicians.
- Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House Experience, Dungannon, County Tyrone, throughout May. Explore a special place at the very heart of Ulster history. Learn more about the O’Neill clan, one of Ireland’s most powerful dynasties. At its top, you can take in breath-taking panoramic views from the glass observation tower. See the drumlins of Tyrone, Lough Neagh, the Sperrin mountains and the Mournes. Then, explore next door in Ranfurly House where the whole story of this remarkable place is waiting to be told in their multi-media exhibition.
- Michael Longley: Where The Poems Come From, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 22 May. This intimate profile of Belfast poet, Michael Longley, offers insight into his work, friendships, working process and the places that have inspired him. Like all great poets, Longley — who was awarded the prestigious Feltrinelli International Poetry Prize in 2022 — captures the universal. Following a screening of the film at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Michael and Edna Longley will join the film’s director and producer Adam Low and Michael Rosenbaum to chat about the intention of the film and the process of making it.
- Eco Boat Tours of Strangford Lough, Killinchy, County Down, 25 May. Learn about Strangford Lough’s world renowned ecosystem and become a sustainable user of the coasts whilst taking in the stunning and peaceful scenery. Partnering with Sam, a marine biologist from Coastal Catchups, this new experience focuses on the wildlife of Strangford Lough. Check website for future dates.
For more information on what’s on, or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com.