DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (11 – 17 March)
- St Patrick’s Spring Carnival 2019 Derry-Londonderry, 16-17 March. Welcome spring with a cacophony of colour and spectacle. This year’s carnival parade is a celebration of children and young people exploring depictions of youth in myth and legend both in the Celtic tradition and cultures across the world. Fantastical creatures will snake their way through the city’s streets along with a host of characters representing young people from fables and fairy tales from faraway lands. Expect to be delighted by dance moves with everything from ballet to hip hop.
- St Patrick’s Procession Family Fun Day, Armagh, 16 March. With a theme of “Invention and Innovation”, celebrate Saint Patrick with a spectacular display of colour, music, dance and entertainment as the wonderful procession snakes through the city from the Palace Demesne. Afterwards, enjoy a family fun day in the Shambles Yard with free admission for all.
- St Patrick’s at St George’s Market Belfast, 17 March. Get set for a real taste of Northern Ireland and sample some of the culinary delights on offer. You will be able to enjoy lots of entertainment including live traditional music, toe-tapping Irish dancing and workshops. So pop in, relax and join in the unmissable St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
- Our Living Coast Boat Tour Portrush, 16 March- 28 September. Join Causeway Seafishing Company’s eagle-eyed crew in a unique two-hour journey along the Causeway Coast. See wildlife in its natural environment and learn about the hidden local history of the Causeway Coast. Depart Portrush Harbour, cruise along the North of the Skerries; see hauled out seals, then continue on to Dunluce Castle. Return journey is via the White Rocks’ sea caves and East bays.
- Station Island Armagh, 13 March. The Lyric Theatre brings its performance of Seamus Heaney’s epic poem to Armagh’s Shambles Market. Steeped in ritual, memory, and ghostly visions, Heaney’s literary pilgrimage through St. Patrick’s Purgatory explores his complex relationship with his homeland, his faith and the past. Composers and performers Paul Stapleton and Steve Davis provide a unique live musical accompaniment to the reading.
- An Evening with Arborist plus Special Guests, Bellaghy, 16 March. An evening showcasing the best of Northern Ireland’s contemporary musical talent. Fronted by James Heaney, Arborist released their critically acclaimed debut album in 2016 and now return with the follow-up A Northern View. Joining Arborist will be three-time NI music award nominee Malojian and Conor Mason, making this a magical evening not to be missed.
- SPAR Craic 10K , Belfast, 17 March. The SPAR Craic 10K sees almost 2000 runners take to the streets
in what has been described as Belfast’s first urban run. The race will leave City Hall at 10am, passing through the Gaeltacht Quarter before finishing at Ormeau Park. Entrants receive a ‘goodie’ bag and all finishers receive a bespoke 2019 medal. The SPAR Craic 10K allows you to celebrate St Patrick’s in a fun, healthy way before enjoying the parade and party in Custom House Square.
- Family Comedy Club , Belfast, 11 March. Paul Currie unleashes his unique style which fuses traditional stand-up with puppetry, clowning and sheer exuberance. Something new and refreshing for families that goes straight for the funny bone that we all share. Presented as part of the 21st Belfast Children’s Festival.
- The Giant Lego Brick Trail, Newtownards, 2 – 31 March. Back at Castle Espie Wetland Centre by popular demand, the Trail features 14 individually designed characters including Natalie the Nene, the world’s rarest goose, Flavia the Andean flamingo and Benedict the Bewick’s swan. Take part in team activities, individual challenges and the popular interactive Lego brick workshops, perfect for fans young or old. Not forgetting the chance to build your own Lego owl to take home.
- Trixie Mattel – Skinny Legend Belfast, 12 March. Dial down and dig deep into the psyche of the life-size legend as you step back into her pink cowboy boots and see the world through Trixie’s iconic eyes. Expect some music and surrealist comedy that only Trixie Mattel could hot glue together: guitar picking, razor-sharp reads, and hair teased to the sky!
For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.