10 things to do in Northern Ireland   

Here are ten exciting things taking place 10 – 16 October 2022   

   

1. 

   Fright Night, Moneymore, Co. Londonderry, 14 – 15 October. Enter the real-lifehorror movie spun in the depths of the ancient and haunted woodlands by a cast of nefarious and sordid creatures, telling tall tales to startle, bamboozle and scare even the most robust horror fans. Reloaded with a new spine-tingling story, the Woodland Trail makes a comeback at Fright Night 2022 with The Jungle NI. You will meet a range of unsettling characters along the way, with no telling where the next scare will come from. Keep your wits about you, there’s trouble lurking in the strangest of places. 

2. Moira Speciality Food Fair, Moira, Co. Down, 15 October. Moira Speciality Food Fair returns to Moira Demesne this autumn and will once again showcase the rich food heritage and innovative producers of the village and wider region.You’ll meet farmers who are committed to sustainable farming methods and heritage breeds, vegetable growers working with the seasons and artisan producers using the best locally sourced ingredients to make exceptional foods for us all to enjoy. 
3. Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, 15 – 16 October. The Salmon & Whiskey festival, which celebrates the local heritage and fine produce in the area, returns from 15th-16th of October. An array of fantastic entertainment and activities will spread across Bushmills Main Street, Millennium Park, Bushmills Distillery and The Salmon Fisheries.
4. Ron Mueck Exhibition, Belfast, open now until 5 November. This is the first exhibition of Mueck’s work in Ireland and brings together seven of his key works including Dead Dad, 1997 and his monumental work In Bed, 2005. Located at TheMAC, book now for what will be a powerful exhibition of Mueck’s meticulously sculpted figures, from mini to mammoth, that act as psychological reflections of the human condition. 
5. Oktoberfest Belfast, 13, 14, 15 October (More dates available). Every night they have an Oom-Pah band followed by a local live band, there are local radio presenters hosting and organising competitions to win prizes, and waitress service for your beer. Food-wise they have a traditional German swing grill perfectly cooking bratwurst and other lovely food over charcoal. 
6. Scarecrow Parade, Hillsborough, Co. Down, open now until 13 November.Hillsborough Castle’s Scarecrow Parade is back! A dazzling array of Kings, Queens and Rulers have begun their reign in the Walled Garden. Who will you spot? Visit the Walled Garden at Hillsborough Castle during October and November to see a gathering of scarecrows made by local schools and community groups in partnership with local artists. 
7. Look Up! An Autumn Night Sky Tour, Armagh, Co. Armagh, 15 – 16 October (More dates available).Produced by Armagh Observatory and Planetarium “Look Up!” is a seasonal tour around the night sky. Let the presenters guide you through the beautiful objects and constellations seen at this time of year. This show is ideal for anyone starting out in astronomy or interested in learning about what can be seen in the night sky. 
8. Halloween Experience at Fermanagh Fun Farm, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, 15 – 31 October. Join in on the very popular Halloween experience. While you’re there, take a train ride out to the pumpkin field to choose your own pumpkin. Collect your pumpkin from the pumpkin patch to bring to the pumpkin carving shed. What creative design will you come up with? Go on a self-guided tour around the farm, feeding the animals while watching out for some spooky creatures hanging about. Or, join them at petscorner for a pet handling session. 
9. Wild Atlantic Distillery Tour, Aghyaran, Co. Tyrone 14 October (More dates available). The distillery tour begins with a Wild Atlantic Irish Gin/Vodka & Tonic and a short talk that highlights the distillery story and traditional production methods. Tours are a combination of a Whiskey Distillery tour and a Gin & Vodka tour.
10. Hidden Cuilcagh Hike, Florencecourt, Co. Fermanagh, 15 October.Join Geopark Guide, Helen Carleton, to explore some of the best kept secrets of Cuilcagh mountain such as the stunning Dry Valley. Hear about the true source of the mighty River Shannon and learn about the importance of the expansive blanket bog cloaking this huge swath of the Geopark and what is being done to protect it for future generations. (Note: The group will neither be hiking to the summit nor walking the boardwalk).

Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.