Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland this week (March 14 – 20).

• St. Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade and Concert, Belfast City Centre, March 17. Belfast city centre will come alive this St. Patrick’s Day with a joyful carnival parade for all the family to enjoy. The city centre will be awash with colour and splendour as the parade leaves Belfast City Hall at 12 noon, making its way to Custom House Square, where a free outdoor concert will take place hosted by Cool FM Presenters and featuring performances from Ben Haenow and Brian McFadden.

• LegenDerry Food Festival, Guildhall Square, Derry, Co. Londonderry, March 19-20. The appropriately named LegenDerry Food Fest is a two-day event of entertainment, excitement, and fantastic local food, taking place in two main locations – the Guildhall Square in the Festival Marquee and the stunning refurbished Guildhall. With markets, live music, cookery masterclasses and more, you can be sure to find something for you at this event.

• Digging Up Your Roots – Family History Fair, Armagh City Library, Armagh, Co. Armagh, March 15. Family history is one of the world’s most popular pastimes, with interest in this subject growing all the time. This drop-in Family History Fair will bring together expert advice and guidance along with practical help for those seeking to discover their local roots. With an array of stalls and expert, this will be an occasion not to be missed, whether you are just starting out or wishing to take your family history to the next stage. Begins at 1.30pm.

• Down to Dine Food Tour, Starting at Denvir’s, Downpatrick, Co. Down, March 16. An exciting and diverse taste of our local culinary delights in Downpatrick, Strangford and Ardglass, The Cuan, Denvir’s of Downpatrick and Currans Bar of Chapeltown are teaming up to offer a food tour package that is sure to impress. Starting the evening off at 6pm in Denvir’s, the tour includes four courses with accompanying beverages, tour guide, and bus transport from Denvir’s and back again.

• St. Patrick’s Day – The Emigrants’ Farewell, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, March 17. Countless thousands of people left Ireland in the 18th and 19th Centuries. For many, the hours before departure became known as the American or Living Wake. Watch this dramatic re-enactment complete with music and songs in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Performances begin at 12 noon and 2pm.

• A Taste of Castle Archdale, Castle Archdale Caravan & Camping Site, Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh, March 19. Orchard Acre Farm will host a cookery demonstration for adults and teenagers at Castle Archdale on Saturday 19th March to launch its celebration of Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink. There will be demonstrations of how to make burgers and sausages, warm salads for spring and crusty baps, with tasters at the end.

• Slemish Saint Patrick’s Day, Slemish Mountain, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, March 17. Follow in the footsteps of Saint Patrick in this annual trek up Slemish Mountain. A moderate climb, this trek is suitable for all the family, but suitable footwear and outdoor clothing is essential. Disabled parking only at Slemish, with free parking at Raceview Mill and Buckna Church car park. Last coaches return from Slemish at 4pm.

• Donaghadee Big Weekend, various locations, Donaghadee, Co. Down, March 19-20. Enjoy an action packed weekend in Donaghadee with free family entertainment, family activities, street market, in-store promotions, Cool FM road show, music performances, discount vouchers, fireworks and much more.

• St. Patrick’s Day at St. George’s Market, St. George’s Market, March 18-20. Throughout the weekend at St. George’s Market there will be traditional live music, special trader offers and lots of family fun to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Pop along and enjoy some of the best that St. George’s has to offer.

• Leprechaun Hunt, Hezlett House, Castlerock, Co. Londonderry, March 17. Leprechauns have escaped from the trees of Downhill and hidden themselves around Hezlett House. To join in with the hunt and discover the fascinating story of Hezlett House, come along on March 17 from 10am to 4.30pm.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.