Here are ten exciting things to do 26 August – 1 September
Marketplace Theatre and Arts Centre – Dom Martin and Paddy Raff, Armagh, County Armagh, 31 August. Two great, separate performances at the Marketplace Theatre and Arts Centre to enjoy. Dom Martin is a Belfast born multi award-winning artist who burst onto the music scene in 2019 with a unique guitar style and voice, captivating audiences everywhere. Award-winning Northern Irish comedy sensation Paddy Raff is back on tour with his brand new hilarious standup show ‘Gimme a Minute!’. This is one not to be missed!- Armagh Robinson Library, Armagh, visit website for opening dates and times. Push open the great Georgian door, climb the stairs, and step into the 18th Century. This Library, founded by Archbishop Robinson in the heart of the city and was built to display his own collection of books and fine art for public use. Discover some of the library’s many treasures, including Jonathan Swift’s own copy of Gulliver’s Travels, 1726, with corrections in his own handwriting.
- Wellbrook Beetling Mill Tours and Woodland Walk, Cookstown, County Tyrone, visit website for opening dates and times. One of the most unique National Trust properties in Northern Ireland, from its picturesque location to its unmistakable character and charm, the mill is the last working water-powered linen beetling mill in Northern Ireland. Hear about the detailed history of the mill from a National Trust tour guide. Wellbrook also offers an idyllic setting for a picnic, with ample parking adjacent to the mill. Open weekends throughout August.
- Symphonic September – Ulster Orchestra on Your Doorstep at Ranfurly House, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 1 September. What better way to start September than with a symphonic afternoon? The Ulster Orchestra make their annual visit to Hill of The O’Neill, a firm favourite in their calendar, for another performance of best-loved classical favourites, music from stage and screen and a few surprises along the way.
- Bat Walks at Crom, Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh, 29 August. If you’re keen to learn more about bats and what types of species live at Crom, this is the event for you. Rangers will guide you on a 1.5 hour walk around the estate where you’ll hear about what species are found on the estate, before going to view some of their roosts. Enjoy learning about these incredible creatures at this is a family-friendly event.
- Seamus Heaney HomePlace Book Club, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 1 September. A story is always better if you have someone to share it with and what better spot to meet and share stories than HomePlace. Join Carol and Patricia at this relaxed and friendly book club. Meeting monthly, the club chooses accessible and entertaining books relating to themes found in Seamus Heaney’s work.
- Summer Garden Tours and Family-Friendly Tours at Springhill, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, 26,28,30 August. Mark the end of summer with a tour of Springhill. Offering both garden tours on 26th August, as well as little learner tours on 28th and 30th Springhill has a beguiling spirit that captures the heart of every visitor. Described as ‘one of the prettiest houses in Ulster’, its welcoming charm reveals a family home with portraits, furniture and decorative arts that bring to life the many generations of Lenox-Conynghams who lived here from 1680.
- Heritage Day at Clifton House, Belfast, County Antrim, 1 September. Come and celebrate the 250th anniversary of Clifton House with a celebration of their history, traditional heritage skills, local crafts, live music, food, and a chance to share your memories of north Belfast through their history harvest, part of the Great Place North Belfast project.
- The Copeland Distillery Tour, Donaghadee, County Down, 31 August. Truly immerse yourself at The Copeland Distillery, where you’ll hear tales of secret smugglers, savage battles and remarkable voyages, all while soaking up the coastal spirits of whiskey, gin, and rum. You’ll find the distillery in the old picture house, situated a stone’s throw from the harbour, where you can take in the historic sites of the iconic lighthouse before your tour.
- Feed your Wellbeing Festival at Elmfield Market, Gilford, County Down, 31 August. Join the beautiful Elmfield Estate for a day filled with talks, cooking demos, guided walks, children’s activities, delicious food, live music, and all the usual market traders set in Elmfield’s renovated courtyards and beautiful gardens.
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.