Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (August 15 – 21).
Living History at Caulfield Castle, Co. Tyrone, 15 August. Once a great Jacobean estate built in hope and expectation and now an evocative ruin in a lovely setting. Experience a day of living history re-enactments as 17th century gentleman will welcome you to his great hall and gallery in fine style.
- Ulster Rally, Various locations, Co. Derry~Londonderry, August 19 – 20. For some heart racing action head to Derry~Londonderry for the Ulster Rally – one of the premier motor rallies in Ireland – where all the best drivers and cars from across the UK, Ireland and beyond take part in a thrilling race extravaganza.
- Moira Speciality Food Fair, Moira, Co. Down, August 20. The fair will celebrate Northern Ireland’s finest produce, grown, reared and caught featuring fresh, local and seasonal farm produce as well as showcasing the diversity of our artisan food and drink. The region’s top chefs will cook up a culinary storm during the Kitchen Sessions, and the garden area will be home to gourmet street food, tipi café bar and family fun zone.
- Eastside Arts Festival, Various locations, Belfast, until August 21. The Eastside Arts Festival is back! This year’s programme is packed with over 100 events taking place in more than 40 venues across East Belfast as well as the city centre. Locations across the EastSide, and beyond, will help to unpack a festival picnic featuring music, comedy, movies, theatre, talks, workshops, exhibitions, poetry, events for the young and old, community events and heritage tours.
- Viking & Dragons, Navan Centre & Fort, Co. Armagh, August 21. Are you a fan of Vikings and dragons? Join in the fun at this breathtaking family event. Meet Vikings, take part in battle sequences and discover how dragons breathe fire. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking essential. To book call (028) 37 529644.
- August Craft Month, Various locations, Northern Ireland, until Sept 3. Celebrate Northern Ireland’s culture of marking at August Craft month. Not in it 10th year, it is an annual celebration of contemporary craft in Northern Ireland through a programme of talks, exhibitions and workshops.
- Relative Values, Ardhowen Theatre, Co. Fermanagh, August 18 – 20. Southbank Playhouse presents Relative Values by Noel Coward. As well as presenting Noel Coward’s fantastic story on stage, South Bank will once again be transforming The Ardhowen foyer into the world of the play. As soon as you enter the theatre you will be transported into the world of ‘Relative Values’ as Hollywood arrives in a small English town.
- Go Wild with the Rangers, Downhill Demesne, Co. Londonderry, August 19. It’s time for the kids to go wild in the great outdoors with the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’. From climbing trees to building a den and hunting bugs, children will have a great day exploring Downhill Demesne.
- Edible Geology Bus Tour, Ti Chulainn Cultural Centre, Co. Armagh, August 16. Join geologist Kirstin Lemon on an introductory and edible geology bus tour round key sites in the Ring of Gullion – a landscape shaped by fire and ice. The edible side will be tasty, and although Kirstin, along with other geologists, do sometimes taste rock samples, this time she will be bringing some home baked delights which represent different geological features – Rock cakes anyone?
- A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Beanbag Cinema, Belfast, August 16. Directed by Peter Hall using the Royal Shakespeare Academy’s cast of actors, this 1968 version is one of the wittiest and wildest of all versions to be produced. With its cast of great performers, this film version is a hilarious production of one of the Bard’s greatest works.
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.