Here are ten exciting things to do 18th – 24th September
Oakfire Adventures, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry , throughout September. If you love flying high, then Zip Trekking has your name on it! Challenge yourself with four epic lines spanning the Faughan Valley over woodland, water, and cliffs. For families, why not try the Tree Trek Adventure which allows you to harness up and join in, or cheer on, from the forest floor. An exhilarating and memorable day out.- Temple of the Winds – Autumn Equinox Sound Healing Retreat and Workshop, Newtownards, County Down, 23 September. Join Tessa Ann at the mindful setting of the Temple of the Winds with breathtaking views over Strangford Lough. You will be introduced to the effects that different types of therapeutic sound and musical instruments can have on the body. Relax and prepare yourself for autumn. Check website for availability.
- Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Adventure Playpark and Fionn’s Giant Adventure Castlerock, Killeavy, County Armagh, throughout September. Join a luxury dining experience inside Mussenden Temple, celebrating everything this iconic landmark has to offer and the best local food. Enjoy a fully guided experience and an exclusive and unique opportunity that is only available to a small number of individuals per year. This event features a five-course taster menu and a range of locally sourced products. Check website for availability
- Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Museum, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, throughout September. This traditional thatched Ulster-Scots farmhouse built in 1750s highlights Carrickfergus’ strong American and Ulster Scots connections as well as telling the story of Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States whose parents emigrated from Carrick to America in 1765.
- Garden of Celtic Saints, Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, throughout September. Discover the Devenish figures, a unique collection of wooden sculptures carved out of Irish oak the grounds of the Sacred Heart Church. The figures of saints and scholars which include Saints Patrick, Brigid and Columbanus and are the work of Lithuanian sculptor Jonas Raiskas. You can also see a Memorial of The Irish Famine close by. Open all year round.
- Féile le Chéile, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 21-24 September. This festival is celebrating 50 years of Traditional music in Derry~Londonderry. Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin is hosting a series of concerts, workshops, and community-led events for all. Whether you’re a calloused piper or casual punter, be sure to check out their dynamic programme and find out what makes our island’s world-renowned musical heritage so special. Tying together a grassroots celebration of our city’s many generations of traditional music pioneers, with opportunities to experience the crème de la crème of current players.
- Orchard/Cider Experience and Cooking Demo with Granny’s Traditional Griddle Bread, Portadown, County Armagh, 23 September. Come along to Long Meadow farm right in the heart of The Orchard County to see and taste nature’s bounty for yourself. Walk through the orchards and learn about the whole craft cider/apple juice production from start to finish in this family run business. Taste their award-winning products and sit back and relax in their new glass fronted Bramley Barn and enjoy a cuppa with granny’s traditional griddle breads, cheese and chutneys. Check website for availability
- Sperrins Walking Festival, Gortin, County Tyrone, 23-24 September. Get your boots on and prepare to walk across this area of outstanding natural beauty. These guided walks with outdoor experts Far and Wild are designed to help walkers of all abilities to enjoy our beautiful landscape as well as promoting health, physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
- Mourne Dew Spirit Experience, Rostrevor, County Down, 23 September. As part of this Gin, Whiskey and Poitín: Spirits of Fire and Revolution experience come along to one of Ireland’s oldest bars, Fearon’s, dating from the 1700’s. Get an insight into how Northern Ireland’s smallest distillery makes its award-winning drinks and try the company’s full range and come away with some cocktail ideas.
- Rathlin Paddle, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, 23-24 September. If you have ever wanted to explore the clear waters of Rathlin Island, why not try Stand Up Paddle Boarding a go? This two-hour session will give you a great introduction with a qualified instructor. All equipment is provided including paddle boards, wetsuits, buoyancy aids and changing facilities. Under fifteen’s need to be accompanied by an adult. The event is weather dependent.
Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.
For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/blog/read/2023/04/bank-holiday-ideas-for-families-b262