Here are ten exciting things to do 28 April – 4 May
The Epic Journey to The 153rd Open, Belfast 28 April, Portrush 2 May, Derry~Londonderry, 7 May. Tourism Northern Ireland invites you to join the Epic Journey to The 153rd Open as it extends a giant welcome to the world ahead of the Championship’s return to Royal Portrush from 13 – 20 July. The Epic Journey tees off at Belfast City Hall on April 28th, before the drive to Kerr Street Green in Portrush on May 2nd and then the short chip shot to Derry~Londonderry’s Ebrington Square on May 7th. This free public event will showcase how Northern Ireland is ‘Made for Golf’ and sports fans will have the chance to take photos with the world-famous Claret Jug.- City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 1 – 5 May. This year’s festival will feature hundreds of performers who travel from far and wide, as well as an impressive array of homegrown talent. With global performers, fan favourites, local acts and new faces, as well as jazz workshops and dance classes, there will be plenty to keep you entertained over the course of the five-day event. And the majority of the events are free for all to enjoy, making top class live performance accessible to everyone.
- Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, Belfast, 1 – 11 May. One of Northern Ireland’s longest running and best-loved festivals is back for 11 days of live music, comedy, film, literature, visual art and more. This year’s Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival – now in its 25th year – will features over 100 acts – big, small and everything in-between – in dozens of venues across Belfast’s historic cultural quarter and beyond.
- Raghery Slemish Market Supper Club, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, 3 May. Slemish Market Supper Club & Basalt Distillery are collaborating on Rathlin Island for a Raghery Dining Experience. You will enjoy an amazing Raghery inspired six-course meal, including a Basalt Distillery cocktail. Chef Rob Curley will use produce from the island, Slemish Market Garden & Co. Antrim in the Branson Centre Rathlin Island for a dining experience not to be missed. Visit website for details.
- Bramley Apple Baking & Orchard Visit with Wee Buns Cookery School, Moy, County Tyrone, 3 May. Visit a local orchard in a lovely rural spot in Collegeland, County Armagh to chat with the owners Des and Michelle Mackle and get the inside knowledge about the apples, the family business, the history and heritage. Then it’s over to the cookery school where you will don your aprons, get baking and learn the secrets of traditional Irish baking using the Bramley apple.
- Festival of Fools, Belfast, 3 – 8 May. Festival of Fools is a jam-packed weekend of circus performances, featuring breathtaking acrobatics, gut-busting comedy and jaw-dropping juggling. The festival is the largest comedy, circus and outdoor arts festival on the island of Ireland, with over 70 performances taking place on the streets of Belfast City Centre and Cathedral Quarter.
- Fermanagh Classic Fishing Festival 2025, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 4 – 9 May. Calling all fishing enthusiasts. Join the Classic Fishing Festival in Fermanagh where anglers come together to celebrate the art of fishing and the beauty of Fermanagh’s lakes and rivers. Mark your calendars, gather your fishing gear, and get ready for a week filled with laughter, camaraderie, and fantastic fishing action.
- Magnificent May Weekend at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down, 4 – 5 May. Bask in the spring sunshine and unwind with live music in the stunning Walled Garden. Enjoy garden games and family-friendly fun at the Woodland Play Park, with train rides available to explore the beautiful Trails and Gardens. On Monday, discover a vibrant Spring Market in The Carriage Rooms, featuring beautifully handcrafted items from talented local artisans. Throughout the day, children can enjoy thrilling train rides and access to the Woodland Play Park. There will also be live music and a BBQ in the Walled Garden.
- Moy Park Belfast City Marathon, Belfast, 4 May. The Moy Park Belfast City Marathon is one of the leading marathons in the UK and Ireland and is an AIMS certified race. The race will start at Stormont at 9am and finish in Ormeau Park. The Belfast event is renowned for the incredible local support and crowds to cheer you on throughout the challenging 26.2-mile course.
- Beltaine at Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh, County Armagh, 2 May. Uncover the rich history and vibrant traditions of Beltaine at Navan Centre & Fort’s enchanting evening celebration of this ancient Celtic festival, where fire, feasting, and folklore come alive.
For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.