Here are ten exciting things to do 5 – 11 August
Féile An Phobail, Belfast, County Antrim, 1- 11 August. With over 600 events across the city, there really is something for everyone at Belfast’s biggest community arts festival – whether it’s the Féile Trad Trail, music workshops, comedy with the likes of Neil Delamere and Paddy Raff, theatre shows like ‘Deaf as a Post’ or ‘Love on the Radio’. The eclectic mix of events on offer includes headline concerts, lively debates and discussions, art exhibitions and sporting events showcasing the very best of Belfast.
- Cracks to Caverns – with Marble Arch Caves, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 10 August. Kickstart your weekend with a scenic jeep ride in an UNESCO Global Geopark guided by expert staff. Learn from a local ranger about the area’s landscape and conservation efforts. Capture breathtaking photos and soak in the beauty as you follow the rivers down Cuilcagh Mountain and into underground caves in this three hour excursion. Enjoy an exclusive tour of the Marble Arch Caves with a private guide and learn more about the history of these amazing caverns.
- Roller Skating Rink at Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, Until 8 August. Strap on your skates and get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure at Northern Ireland’s only purpose built roller-rink at the lakeside venue! Get whisked away to a world of nostalgia with their 80’s themed nights and create cherished memories with all the family.
- Orchard/Cider Tour Experience with Long Meadow Cider, Portadown, County Armagh, 8 August. Enjoy a fully immersive orchard/cider experience in the company of the McKeever family. Hear about their family traditions, enjoy an orchard walk and witness first-hand how their apple farming business has evolved and changed over the generations. You’ll learn about the production process for their award-winning products,taste the apples currently in storage from harvest and visit the Apple Pressing and Bottling Room.. Afterwards there is time to relax in their new glass fronted Bramley Barn and enjoy a hot cuppa with delicious apple tart & fresh cream.
- Sacred Sites of Killeavy | Lúnasa Tour, Killeavy, County Armagh, 10 August. As part of the Lúnasa Festival, connect to the deep silence and palpable sense of peace within the sacred sites of Killeavy in Slieve Gullion. Ann Ward from Xhale will guide you gently onto the mountain and to the sacred pre-Christian well dedicated to Moninne. Rest, reconnect and breathe in the spectacular panoramic view during a guided meditation. You will celebrate this special journey with a tea ceremony of organic apple/cinnamon and shortbread from a local bakery.
- Maiden City Festival 2024, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 3-10 August. Don’t miss this week-long celebration of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Witness the drama unfold as characters from the famous siege come to life on the city walls. Let the infectious rhythms of traditional pipe bands sweep you off your feet. Discover hidden stories in the hallowed walls of St Columb’s Cathedral. And don’t forget to dust off your dancing shoes for unforgettable tea dances! With a packed program of events for all ages, there’s never a dull moment.
- Gel Plate Botanical Print and Collage with Ruth Osborne at Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, County Down, 9 August. Join artist Ruth Osborne and learn all about this playful printmaking process using a gel plate. You will be working with botanicals gathered from the National Trust garden at Rowallane. Throughout the day you will create a series of decorative printed paper and create unique collage works.
- August Craft Month, Belfast and across NI, 28 July – 31 August. From jewellery-making classes, open studios where you can watch highly skilled artisans at work, to workshops onboard a famous battleship, the countdown is on for the annual celebration of Northern Irish craft. August Craft Month celebrates the vibrant local craft scene right across Northern Ireland, providing unique opportunities for people to get involved as well as supporting makers by buying products and learning more about their work.
- Whitehead Food & Folk Fest, Whitehead, County Antrim, 10 August. Join in on a day of delightful festivities at the Whitehead Food & Folk Fest on the breath-taking Causeway Coastal Route. Let the kids work up an appetite as they bounce on the bouncy castles and ride the fun fair attractions before you enjoy the food stalls, artisan beer tents and captivating live music on offer.
- Pomeroy Forest, Pomeroy, County Tyrone, visit website for dates and times. Connect with nature this summer and explore a series of magical trails through Pomeroy Forest. See if you can spot all 18 nature-based sculptures along the Fairytale Trail for a magical storybook adventure. The trail includes iconic sculptures, interactive art pieces and natural inclusive play areas, making it the ultimate family day out.
For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Keep a look out for additional dates of the above events throughout the year.