DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are 10 exciting things taking place this week (August 21-27)

 

1. Belfast Mela 2017, Botanic Gardens, 27 August. The Belfast Mela Festival will transform the park into an exotic magical garden filled with the sights, sounds and aromas from a wealth of nations. A lively multi-cultured parade through the gardens will get the party started, creating the famously heady, good humoured atmosphere of this unique event which annually brings the world into the heart of Belfast.
2. Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017, Belfast, 22-26 August. Ireland is hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017, with the semi-finals and finals taking place in Belfast on Tuesday 22 and Saturday 26 August at Kingspan Stadium and Queen’s Sport. Tickets give you access to an entire day’s play – three matches. Prices start from just £7 for children, £12 for adults and £36 for families.
3. Lughnasa International Friel Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 17-27 August. An annual multi-arts festival celebrating Ireland’s foremost playwright of the last 50 years, the late Brian Friel. The festival will include theatre (headlining play ‘Making History’ by Brian Friel), music, talks and discussions, dramatic readings, dance, film and will take place in many of the city’s iconic historical sites.
4. Harvest Foraging at the Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, 27 August. Learn about foraging for food and the wealth of foods available around the countryside. Take a walk around Navan, under the guidance of an expert, and collect food to bring to prepare for cooking. Sample some fayre made with foraged foods like berries, vegetables, apples and even nettles.
5. Vintage Family Weekend, Hillsborough, 27-28 August. Come along with all the family to Hillsborough Castle to enjoy activities inspired by the 1950s. Watch a traditional Punch and Judy show, try your hand at some vintage craft and games, or venture out on a gardens trail to discover what was happening at the Castle during the 1950s.
6. Harvest 2017 – Country Music Festival, Enniskillen, 26-27 August. Two days of live entertainment featuring over 30 acts performing across three music stages. For country music fans who want to enjoy the full festival experience a food village, boutique camping and campervan facilities, family friendly zones and dedicated dancing sessions will be on offer.
7. Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market, Ballycastle, 27-28 August. Market visitors will have every sense tantalised through the colourful art and crafts, the delicious smell and taste of fresh food produce and the sound of musicians providing a backdrop to the buzz of traders and customers chatting and laughing.
8. Belfast Vital: Muse & Tiesto, 23 & 26 August. The annual Vital Festival returns to Belfast’s Boucher Road Playing Fields with a number of phenomenal headline acts. Muse are joined by Biffy Clyro and Nothing but Thieves, and Tiësto will be supported by special guests, Clean Bandit.
9. Causeway Coast Mini Club Mini Weekend, Portrush, 26-27 August. Watch minis “Dash” from Bushmills Distillery to Portstewart on Saturday evening, this starts at approx. 7pm and follows the A2 coast road to Portstewart. On Sunday experience the super static show at West Bay, Portrush, where trade stands, auto jumble and family entertainment will amuse the whole family.
10. Walled City Pro-Am, Derry~Londonderry, 26-27 August. This golf tournament at City of Derry Golf Club and Foyle International Golf Centre attracts top Irish PGA professionals to compete for the title and €15,000. A large number of competitors will have the opportunity to put their skills to the test, teams of amateurs will compete alongside the professionals.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.