Here are ten exciting things to do 24-30 June
Foyle Maritime Festival, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 27-30 June. This year heralds the return of the Foyle Maritime Festival to the banks and waters of the River Foyle. This four-day festival will transform the riverfront into an international marina with all the tastes, colours, scents, sights and sounds that come together to create this epic experience. The Foyle Maritime Festival will bring you an exhilarating programme of entertainment, activities and interactive events.- Far and Wild Dragon SUP Race, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 29-30 June. Dragon Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) represents the high-end of SUPing, featuring a four-person crew competing head-to-head on one of Red Paddle’s exclusive Dragon SUPs in a time challenge to determine the overall competition winner. With high energy guaranteed, this epic race will take place on the River Foyle and promises to be a spectacle for those on and off the water. Please note heats will take 30-40 minutes. Far and Wild have many more epic activities available, including their SUP Yoga, a dream on-the-water experience.
- Celebrating 200 Years at The Argory, Moy, County Armagh, 30 June. To mark this momentous milestone, immerse yourself in a day filled with festivities, nostalgia, and jubilation, paying homage to the rich legacy of this beloved estate. Honour the legacy, heritage and splendor of The Argory in an unforgettable celebration of two centuries of timeless elegance. On the day, expect live Jazz and silver bands, face painting, lawn games, swing-boat, carousel and vintage chair-o-planes, estate and garden tour, boat trips in partnership with Blackwater Community Barge (pre-ticketed event), alongside a BBQ and baked treats. Members and visitors are also invited to participate in a commemorative 10k run on 29 June.
- Taste Mid Ulster Market, Pomeroy, County Tyrone, 29 June. Following the success of the first ‘Taste Mid Ulster’ Market in Moy earlier this year, it is set to return to Pomeroy Forest, which has just opened a new state-of-the-art Pomeroy Forest Building and spectacular magic forest trails. The market, organised by Mid Ulster District Council, will showcase the very best of Mid Ulster’s local food, produce and crafts from all across the district, and will include exclusive foodie experiences and chef demonstrations.
- Island Town Dinner & Cruise, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, until 31 August. The Island Town Dinner & Cruise Experience is a unique partnership between Erne Tours and some of Enniskillen’s finest eateries: The Westville Hotel, The Firehouse, The Crowes Nest. Available every evening Sunday through to Thursday, you will first enjoy a cruise to Devenish Island onboard the MV Kestrel on Upper and Lower Lough Erne. Your cruise departs at 4.15pm from the Round ‘O’ Jetty returning at 6pm. You will then be given a £20 Voucher, bring the voucher to your chosen venue and use it as you please.
- DownTime SummerFest, Downpatrick, County Down, 28-29 June. Bringing Downpatrick to life with a two-day summer festival of arts, heritage, sport, food and music. There are lots of quirky and unique events for you to enjoy, showcasing amazing local talent, with concerts and musicians, street art, artisan markets, epic days of sport and more. So come along, bring your friends and family, relax and enjoy some well-deserved fun and ‘DownTime’.
- Summer Postcard Trail at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber, County Down, 28 June-1 September. Pelican Postie has dropped their postbag, scattering mail across the area. Can you find the lost postcards, discover who wrote them, and work out where the world’s animals are spending their summer holidays? Which creature has been backpacking for 4,000 miles? And who’s got themselves a summer job with WWT? Pick up your trail map from the visitor centre and jet off on a first-class adventure.
- Ferguson Tractor Day at the Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, County Down, 29 June. Watch a ‘concours d’elegance’, featuring a convoy of prized and rare Ferguson tractors as they make their way throughout the Folk Museum to the sounds of the Harry Ferguson Pipe Band (who will be unveiling a new drum this year at the event). There’ll also be traditional music, craft demonstrations and more. Henry George “Harry” Ferguson was a pioneer in engineering. He was born locally in County Down and is celebrated as a great innovator, having played a major role in the mechanical implementation of farming and agriculture on an international scale.
- Come From Away at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, 25- 29 June. Winner of four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical in London and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical on Broadway, this smash hit show shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that invited these ‘come from aways’ into their lives with open hearts.
- Cushendall Artisan Market, Cushendall, County Antrim, 30 June. This market is nestled in a picturesque setting with views of the stunning coastline and the backdrop of Lurigethan. The stallholders are themselves producers – people who grow, make, create, style, rear, craft, design or bake the products that they sell. Featuring a wide range of products including ceramics, street food, garden products, local produce and specialty food, art, handcrafted gifts, wood turning, pet products, gifts for children, cosmetic products and so much more.
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 www.discovernorthernireland.com