Here are ten exciting things to do 21 – 27 August
Paws for Nature at Castle Ward, Strangford, County Down, 26-27 August. Get ready to unleash a weekend of tail-wagging fun celebrating all things canine. There’s a whole range of doggy activities with tasty treats from artisan dog bakers, doggy apparel to kit out your pooch in the latest fashion and expert advice from trainers. There will also be friendly dog charities on the day to provide information on supporting furry friends in the area.- Ould Lammas Fair, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 26-27 August. The country’s oldest fair returns to the beautiful seaside resort of Ballycastle with another fabulous programme full of events. The Naturally North Coast and Glen’s Artisan Market features local fresh produce, quirky handmade crafts, and fine art. Sample the iconic classics of Yellow Man and Dulce while savouring the atmosphere of this horse-trading village which will be transformed with stalls and visitors as far as the eye can see.
- Clearer Water Antrim Coast Half Marathon, Larne, County Antrim, 27 August. The Clearer Water Antrim Coast Half Marathon is a 13.1-mile road race, held on the last Bank holiday in August. Starting at the beginning of the iconic Antrim Coast Road, the course sweeps into Larne Harbour offering not just one of the most beautiful but one of the fastest half marathons in the world. In addition to the main event there’s a one-mile street race for adults and children.
- Hilden Beer & Music Festival, Lambeg, County Antrim, 25-27 August. Set in the picturesque Georgian setting of Hilden House and its surrounding grounds, festival goers can choose for over 40 beers and ciders while enjoying a brilliant line-up of musicians offering rock, blues, folk, bluegrass, and traditional Irish talent. Explore the local artisan food stalls and sample the very best from Northern Ireland’s craft breweries whilst talking to the brewers who make them.
- The Stand-Up Session, Armagh, County Armagh, 26 August. The Market Place Theatre Stand-Up Sessions continue to have audiences rolling in the aisles with another evening of side-splitting comedy genius. Enjoy sets from hilarious local stand-up comedians Ian Thomson, Andrew Ryan, Luke McGibbon, and Bronagh Diamond for everything from politics to parenthood. This is one lineup not to miss!
- Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone,12 August. Journey back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park, from Ulster to America. Enjoy a fun family day out set amid 90 acres, with over forty buildings of exhibits dedicated to the story of Irish emigration. It details rural life here and in frontier America in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Costumed guides help bring history to life with demonstrations like spinning, open fire cooking and candle dipping.
- Belfast Mela, Belfast, County Antrim, 21-27 August. This multi-cultural festival kicks off with a spectacular Carnival Parade through the streets of Belfast. Watch the city’s Botanic Gardens become a wonderland of colour, culture, and creativity. Embrace this lively festival of music, dance theatre, wellbeing, and food. There’s everything from tea walking tours to yoga.
- The 10th Anniversary of the death of Seamus Heaney, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 25-27 August. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of Seamus Heaney, a special weekend of events will take place at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, to celebrate his legacy. Whilst poetry aptly provides the focal point for the weekend, a wonderful blend of music and film will also be on offer, in what promises to be a reflective celebration of Seamus Heaney’s life and work. Paul Muldoon, Ireland Chair of Poetry, will open proceedings with a reading.
- Twilight Tour at Castle Coole, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 25 August. Step back in time at Castle Coole, one of Ireland’s finest Neo-classic houses, for an exclusive evening exploring the Mansion where the 2nd Earl and his family lived there. Experience the stately grandeur of this stunning 18th-century mansion set in a beautiful, wooded landscape park during twilight. The tour will kick off with a drink’s reception on arrival, finishing with wine and cheese in the historic kitchen.
- Emerge, Belfast, County Antrim,26-27 August. EMERGE Musical Festival is back this bank holiday weekend bringing some of the world’s biggest dance acts to Belfast. Following a sell-out inaugural year, it promises to be bigger, better, and bolder. Homegrown talent will be at the core of a line-up across 4 stages encompassing more than 50 acts, as they appear alongside the best breaking acts from the burgeoning international electronic music scene. This year’s headliners include Bicep and Charlotte De Whitte along with local acts like Rebuke.
For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/