Month: May 2025

DORA WHO? VISIT ARMAGH ON THE HUNT FOR EXPLORERS

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Visit Armagh is on the hunt for an adventure-seeking family in a new ‘Family Explorer’ competition set to showcase the very best of family-friendly attractions and experiences across the Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon region.

Just in time for summer, families with children aged 16 and under are invited to apply by sharing in 100 words or less why they should be chosen. Applications can be submitted online at visitarmagh.com/familyexplorer, with the competition closing on May 18.

As the destination’s official Family Explorer, the selected family will kick off their journey with a stay at Tepee Valley – a one-of-a-kind glamping experience set in the heart of the Orchard County’s countryside. The adventure continues with VIP access to standout attractions, including the Armagh Planetarium and Observatory – the only facility of its kind on the island of Ireland – and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Tayto Castle in Tandragee, home of the iconic crisps.

Throughout 2025, they will be invited to attend a vibrant calendar of festivals and events. From the Georgian Festival, where Armagh’s 18th century charm comes to life with family-friendly events and festive markets, to the Food and Cider Festival celebrating the area’s rich harvest and its famed PGI-certified Armagh Bramley apple and the return of the Wickerman event in August, a dramatic Lughnasa celebration featuring music and crafts.

This latest initiative reflects the region’s commitment to families seeking memorable, high-quality experiences.

Sara McGeary, Tourism Manager at Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council, said, “As a region, we’ve made it a priority to invest in experiences that speak directly to families – not just as visitors, but as a core part of our tourism proposition. This competition is just one example of how we’re bringing that to life, offering a chance to experience the very best of what Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon has to offer. We’re continuing to evolve our attractions and activities to reflect what modern families are looking for. In fact, we’ve just launched a range of new experiences designed to cement Armagh’s status as a must-visit destination for families to connect, explore, and make memories together. Our aim is simple: to create meaningful, accessible experiences that don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.”

The region’s newest offerings give families the chance to explore the heritage of the area including the ancient art of road bowling in Armagh City to Dan Winter’s Cottage, where children and adults alike can learn about traditional weaving in one of Ireland’s oldest thatched homes. Young adventurers can enjoy a brand-new activity sheet filled with fun and educational content, while families can embrace the local food scene and the outdoors with orchard tours, outdoor cooking experiences, adventure play trails in Gosford Forest Park and Moo Valley Artisan Gelato’s farm-to-table tastings.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, said, “Summer is one of the most exciting times to visit our borough – the energy, the colour, and the sense of welcome are second to none. We see families returning year after year because they know they’ll find something special here. Whether that’s stepping behind the scenes at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, delving into ancient myths at Navan Centre & Fort, or indulging in some retail therapy at The Boulevard, we truly believe this is the best place on the island for a family escape – and during the summer months, there’s simply no better time to experience it.”

Families are invited to visit visitarmagh.com/familyexplorer and to submit an entry. T&Cs apply.

Ballymoney Museum Opens Joey 25 Exhibition

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Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Museums Services is thrilled to announce the official opening of the Joey 25 Exhibition, a tribute to motorcycling legend Joey Dunlop, at Ballymoney Museum.

This free exhibition opens to the public from Tuesday 6th May 2025 and commemorates 25 years since the passing of one of Northern Ireland’s greatest sporting icons, and forms part of the Joey 25 celebration taking place in his home town this May.

Joey Dunlop, born in Ballymoney in 1952, was revered as the “King of the Roads” and his extraordinary career boasted 26 Isle of Man TT wins, five Formula One World Championships, 13 North West 200 victories, and 24 Ulster Grand Prix triumphs.

Beyond his racing prowess, Joey was honoured with an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 1996 for his humanitarian work with children in Eastern Europe. The Joey 25 Exhibition celebrates his enduring legacy as a local hero and global ambassador for motorcycling.

The exhibition showcases a unique collection of artifacts and memorabilia, many on loan from the Dunlop family archives and others loaned specifically for this display.

Highlights include rare photographs, racing leathers, trophies, and personal items that chronicle Joey’s remarkable journey.

Of particular note is the racing leathers Joey wore during the 1981 Isle of Man TT, where riders wore all black as a protest. The exhibition also features the very gloves Joey wore when he lost the tip of his left-hand ring finger in a crash during the 1998 Tandragee 100 race meeting.

Visitors will be able to explore restored and original racing bikes, alongside interactive displays and video tributes that capture his courage, humility, and passion for the sport.

The official launch was attended by Joey’s wife, Linda Dunlop, and many of the Dunlop family, who joined Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, to open the exhibition which will run daily Monday – Saturday 9am-5pm from Tuesday 6th May – Saturday 30th August 2025 (excluding bank holidays).

“We are deeply honoured to host this exhibition in Joey’s hometown,” said Councillor Ciarán McQuillan.

“Joey Dunlop was not just a sporting legend but a beloved figure who put Ballymoney on the world stage. This exhibition is a heartfelt tribute to his achievements and the profound impact he continues to have on our community and beyond.”

The Joey 25 Exhibition is part of a series of events commemorating the 25th anniversary of Joey’s passing and Jamie Austin, Councils Museum Officer said: “Thank you to Linda and the Dunlop family for sharing their cherished items with us for this iconic exhibition.

“I would also like to thank William McComb and Ian Waddell who have loaned bikes that Joey rode for the exhibition, in addition to Clifford Stewart who has also kindly loaned bikes to the museum which will be showcased as part of a display on the history of motorbike racing.

“The Museums team is very much looking forward to showing members of the public this exhibition and the legacy that Joey has left for us all.”

On May 24, 2025, the Joey 25 Celebration will feature over 25 motorcycling legends, including World Superbike Champions Carl Fogarty and Jonathan Rea, riding Joey’s iconic bikes in a closed-road parade through Ballymoney’s town centre.

“Joey’s memory lives on through the love and support of his fans and our community,” said Linda Dunlop.

“This Joey 25 exhibition is a beautiful way to honour his life, and we’re grateful to Ballymoney Museum staff and the Council for making it happen.”

Offers of the Week!

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Enniskeen Estate, Newcastle, County Down

 

Step into nature’s embrace and enjoy an unforgettable escape in the wild beauty of Enniskeen Estate, in the heart of the Mournes. Your journey begins with Enniskeen’s signature Electric Bike Picnic — a self-guided exploration through Tollymore Forest trails and rolling countryside, leading to a scenic picnic spot. Then, melt into the magic of the Mournes at the Wild forestSPA where your private wood-fired sauna in stillness awaits beneath a canopy of trees. As the day winds down, retreat to your private five-star glamping cabin. From £269.50 per person sharing. Your overnight stay includes electric bike hire, artisan picnic, private Wild forestSPA experience, breakfast in bed, and cabin side private wood-fired hot tub. Offer valid until mid-November. Visit  enniskeen.com for more information.

 

Denvir’s, Downpatrick, County Down

 

Enjoy a family dining getaway in County Down with Denvir’s in Downpatrick. Starting from £220 (based on a family of up to 2 adults and 2 children), the offer includes a one-night stay in one of their apartments, designed perfectly for families with two separate bedrooms, a kitchen and living area.

A delicious three-course meal, cooked by their talented chefs, is included on one evening and breakfast is included each morning. A sofa bed is available for extra children (call to enquire). Valid until June 30th 2025. Promo Code: FAMILY. Visit denvirs.com for more information.

 

 

 

 

For more inspiration or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.  

 

 

Offers are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability and change without notice. Terms and Conditions apply to each offer and can be viewed on the individual provider’s websites. Tourism NI acts as a promoter of third-party offers and accepts no responsibility for any changes, withdrawals, or inaccuracies made by providers. 

 

10 Things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 5 – 12 May

 

  1. The Briggs Equipment North West 200, Coleraine, County Londonderry, 5 – 10 May. Northern Ireland is the home of motorcycle road racing on closed public roads and every May, the stunning Causeway Coast plays host to one of the sport’s most spectacular events, the Briggs Equipment North West 200. Witness the world’s top competitors in a mass-start as the grid lights turn green, engines scream and feel the vibration through the ground, as the multi-coloured machines and riders race to the first corner at Millbank Avenue, reaching it seconds; it’s a breath-taking sensory experience full of power and skill.

 

  1. The Epic Journey to The 153rd Open, Derry~Londonderry, 7 May. Tourism Northern Ireland invites you to join the Epic Journey to The 153rd Open as it extends a giant welcome to the world ahead of the Championship’s return to Royal Portrush from 13 – 20 July. The Epic Journey teed off at Belfast City Hall on April 28th, before arriving at Kerr Street Green in Portrush on May 2nd and it’s now approaching Derry~Londonderry’s Ebrington Square on May 7th. This free public event will showcase how Northern Ireland is ‘Made for Golf’ and sports fans will have the chance to take photos with the world-famous Claret Jug.

 

  1. Ballyscullion Park Book Festival, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 10-11 May. Following the success of its debut festival, the Ballyscullion Park Book Festival is set to become a key event in the literary calendar. The festival, held in the picturesque surroundings of Ballyscullion Park, near Bellaghy, will bring together readers, writers and art lovers for an unforgettable weekend of cultural delights. This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better, with a line-up of both new and returning authors, children’s writers, opinion formers, historians, poets, musicians and artists. Over two days, attendees can choose from up to 50 talks, readings and panel discussions, as well as enjoying live music, local food stalls, artisan products and an art exhibition.

 

  1. Wee Critters at Whitehead Railway Museum, Whitehead, County Antrim, 10 May. Come along and enjoy a great family day out at Whitehead Railway Museum in conjunction with Wee Critters, an interactive animal education experience. Your ticket includes the following: a 10-minute steam train ride up and down our own site hauled by the 106-year-old engine No. 3BG ‘Guinness’, a 45-minute interactive experience with ‘Wee Critters’ in their education room and entry to their 5-Gallery Museum to explore at your leisure.

 

  1. May Day at Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, County Down, 5 May. May Day, also known as ‘Bealtaine’, is one of the most important days in the Celtic calendar and marks the returning of light. This day is full of traditions, superstitions and tales of mischievous fairies. At this time of year, the hedgerows, woodlands and verges of the Ulster Folk Museum are bustling after the long winter months.

 

  1. Merry May Day at Holywood Town Centre, Holywood, County Down, 5 May. Always a popular family day out, the Merry May Day celebrations have become a long tradition in the bustling gateway town of Holywood. The town will be transformed into a pedestrianised hub of activity. Expect delicious savoury and sweet treats on offer from a food stall market and browse and buy from the bric-a-brac stalls.

 

  1. Cookstown Continental Market, Cookstown, County Tyrone, 10-11 May. The much-loved Spring Continental Market is making its grand return to Cookstown this May. Visitors can look forward to an exciting selection of international cuisine, handcrafted goods and artisan delicacies from around the world, all in a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

 

  1. Marble Arch Caves – Guided Tour, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, visit website for dates and times. Explore this underworld labyrinth as you trace the journey of the Owenbrean River and discover its energy as the waters gurgle and splash venturing deeper into the black abyss. Enlighten your senses as you smell, hear and feel this active living cave around you. This exciting tour follows the Yorkshire Ramblers exploratory route of 1935 past hidden tunnels, still pools, delicate formations and stunning reflections.

 

  1. Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market at Ballycastle Sea Front, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 11 May. The flagship artisan market by Naturally North Coast & Glens on the beautiful Ballycastle Seafront is an excellent showcase of local food, culture, heritage, and traditions. These markets aim to keep things authentic, providing an opportunity to meet some of Northern Ireland’s many producers and creative small businesses. The market features approx. 60 small businesses, showcasing a range of local food, art and handmade crafts.

 

  1. South Armagh Folk & Trad Trio, Armagh, County Armagh, 10 May. Join Briege Murphy, Joanna Doran, and Martha Guiney for an unforgettable evening of folk and traditional music, as they bring their rich musical heritage to the stage. Together, these three exceptional women promise a night full of beautiful melodies, captivating storytelling, and unparalleled musicianship.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.

Enjoy the fresh Ayr!

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Longing to travel but tight on time? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. With increasingly busy lives holi-dayers of all ages are finding the best way to satisfy their wanderlust is with a daycation.

Same-day travel offers an affordable and convenient way to experience the best of new places. It eliminates the need to book accommodation, removes luggage worries and minimises the amount of time you need to take away from work and all of life’s other responsibilities.

And, thanks to Stena Line, a day-trip to the Scottish seaside has never been easier.

Whether you’re hoping to enjoy an afternoon filled with picnics and sandcastle building on one of Scotland’s best beaches, put your putting skills to the test with some mini-golf at Pirate Pete’s Family Entertainment Centre or get your cultural fill at Robert Burn’s birthplace museum, there is no shortage of fantastic experiences to be had in Ayr on the country’s west coast.

Crossing the Irish Sea in just over two hours, passengers can leave their car, and cares, at home while they relax, unwind and enjoy the unrivalled style and comfort of Stena Superfast and a return coach trip to Ayr.

Your holiday starts the second you set foot onboard and passengers seeking instant relaxation are invited to take a dip in the jacuzzi or enjoy some time out in the sauna at the Pure Nordic Spa, where day-trippers are also entitled to 20% off all treatments.

Start your day with a great value meal in the Taste Restaurant and bag yourself a bargain in the Onboard Shop, where you’ll also receive a £5 off shopping voucher if you spend at least £30.

Or simply relax and unwind in The Living Room or upgrade your trip and enjoy the luxury of the Stena Plus Lounge or the Hygge Recline Lounge.

Departing Belfast at 7:30am, guests will arrive in Cairnryan and take a one-hour coach trip to the seaside town where they will enjoy six hours of free-time, before they return to Belfast at 9:45pm.

Prices start from just £28 per adult and £22 per child. Stena Line passengers will be able to enjoy a day out in the beautiful seaside town of Ayr on select Thursdays and Saturdays from April 24 to September 25.

For more information visit stenaline.co.uk/special-offers/day-trip-to-ayr.

Derry gets set to welcome all that Jazz to the city

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The City of Derry Jazz Festival swings into town once again over the May Bank holiday with a stellar line up of talent all set to celebrate jazz in all its forms.

From Thursday 1st May – Monday 5th May musicians from across the world will descend on the city to mark 24 years of Ireland’s biggest Jazz extravaganza. Final preparations are now well underway to deliver an unsurpassable programme featuring almost 400 live performances – most of them free!

Music legend Billy Ocean tops the festival bill, performing his iconic hits including ‘Get Outta My Dreams’ and ‘When the Going Gets Tough’ in the Millennium Forum on Saturday and Sunday May 3rd and 4th.

This year’s programme includes old jazz favourites, local legends and plenty of new talent, ready to deliver five days packed with entertainment, from jazz workshops to live concerts and drama performances.

It all kicks off in the Guildhall on Thursday evening at 6pm with the ‘Live Launch’ led by the crème de la crème of local performers, with all donations going to the Mayor’s chosen charity the Bud Club.

A number of dedicated jazz hubs will host performances by some of the very best names on the jazz circuit over the course of the weekend. Popular jazz hotspot Bennigans Bar welcomes a number of acclaimed artists this year, including the Murray Brothers Quartet, the Kevin Brady Trio, Shuffle Boil Quartet and Sara Oschlag.

The Playhouse will also showcase a whole host of talent including Tom Ollendorff, Robert Mitchell, Victoria Geelan, and Albuca featuring Phil Robson.

Swing on over to St Columb’s Hall on Friday night for a fabulous show by Saturdays sensation Una Healy with Luke Thomas and the Swingcats. Fly Me to the Moon will pay tribute to some of the most iconic artists from Ella Fitzgerald to Louis Armstrong. On Saturday and Sunday the EY Jazz Lounge will be hosted by local favourite Paul McIntyre with top talents Curtis Efoua Ela, Brian Questa and Phil Robson, as well as special guest vocalist Winnie Ama.

There will be beats on the streets with a variety of al fresco acts, bringing the vibrant sound of jazz to the entire city. Check out the fantastic line up all set to get the Craft Village swinging from 11am on Saturday and 12noon on Sunday. Younger performers will also have the chance to show off their talents performing live on the Gay McIntyre Stage, showcasing some of the finest jazz talent in the historic Guildhall Square. And don’t forget to catch the DLD Second Line Parade as it weaves its musical magic through the city centre on Saturday morning from 11am.

The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is organised and funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Diageo and EY.

For more information go to www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com and for regular updates follow the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival on Facebook, Instagram and X @derryjazzfest.

Superheroes assemble ahead of Lord Mayor’s charity fun day

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A superhero-themed fun day will take place at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park on Saturday 10 May to support one of the Lord Mayor’s chosen charities this year, Depaul.

The family event, from 1pm-4pm, will feature free activities for all ages, including archery, bouncy castles, face painting, crafts and carnival games.

Junior superheroes Ruairi and Olivia McKee join the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray and (from left to right) Anna Dalton, Deirdre Canavan and Jenny Brady from Depaul to launch a fun day coming up at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park on Saturday 10 May, 1pm-4pm. The free event will raise awareness of the work of Depaul, one of the Lord Mayor’s chosen charities for his year in office, and include superhero-themed activities, crafts and carnival games. More information is on the council’s website at belfastcity.gov.uk/events

Depaul is one of four charities chosen by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, for his year in office. They support individuals coping with homelessness and addiction and their families, through counselling, family support and accommodation.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said: “Depaul do amazing work in Belfast – most of which goes unseen.

“Having worked in the sector myself, I know the vital role they play in the lives of those they work with. I’m delighted to take this opportunity to support these real-life ‘superheroes’ and highlight the services they provide.

“Everyone is welcome to come along to Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park next Saturday 10 May and enjoy all that we have planned, while supporting this worthy cause.”

David Carroll, CEO with Depaul, said: “We are proud to have been chosen by the Lord Mayor to be one of his charities – we have hugely enjoyed working with him during this partnership.

“The Lord Mayor’s charity fun day gives us a great platform to shine a light on the crucial issue of homelessness, which continues to grow across Northern Ireland – particularly for families and children.

“By the end of 2024, there were 5,378 children living in emergency accommodation – now more than ever, our mission remains clear and we have an unwavering commitment to ending homelessness and changing lives.”

For more information on Depaul, visit www.depaulcharity.org

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