The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (August 12 – 18).
• The Colmcille Experience, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, Co. Londonderry, every Monday night. A night of song, dance and storytelling from the most talented people in Derry~Londonderry. Performers include World Champion Irish Dancers and All Ireland Musicians. You can enjoy the entertainment while tucking into a traditional Irish stew and wheaten bread. Time: 7 – 9pm
• Woodstock Rhythm & Blues Festival, various locations in Belfast, August 8 – 12. Returning for the sixth year, this festival has a fantastic line up of performances including Chris Farlowe and the Norman Beaker Band, Rab McCullough Band & Voodoo Hounds and Grainne Duffy Band & The Blues Katz.
• Belcoo Festival, Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh, August 10 – 18. There will be lots of fun for everyone with plenty of laughs, live music, activities, contests and a sports days taking place.
• The Ark Farm’s 23rd Anniversary Family Fun Day, Newtownards, Co. Down, August 12. Hand feed lots of very tame animals and get up close to the Sika Deer family or the little family of meerkats that have settled into their new home. There will also be a Falconry display, inflatable slide, three piece assault course, pony rides, bumble bee quad rides and a BBQ in the cottage garden.
• The International Ulster Grand Prix, Dundrod, Co. Antrim, August 12 – 17. Just ten minutes from Belfast, the world famous circuit at Dundrod will play host to one of only three international road races, some 50,000 fans and of course the world’s top riders.
• The Tuesday Tours, Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, August 13. Take a coach tour to historical sites associated with the Flight of the Earls and The Plantation of Ulster. The tour will visit Hill of The O’Neill, The Cardinal O’Fiaich Archive and Library, Armagh and the Yellow Ford battle site. Tours runs from 11am – 3pm.
• Kids Sea Creatures Nature Trail, Crawfordsburn Country Park, Co. Down, August 14. Enjoy a guided woodland walk filled with fun activities such as scavenger hunts, shelter building, bird watching and finding the mini-beast that live in the woods. Time: 10.30am and 2.30pm.
• Bangor Belle Steam Train, pick-ups at various locations, August 17 and 24. All aboard the Bangor Belle for a return journey to the seaside town of Bangor. The train departs from Belfast’s Central Station at 11:10am and pick-ups are also available from Whitehead, Carrickfergus and Lisburn.
• Victorian Weekend, the Argory, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, August 17 – 18. Bring your family for the chance to see what really goes on behind closed doors in the Big House. Visitors can meet the Housekeeper, the Governess and the Lady’s Maid and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea in the Octagon Room. Children can dress up, join in Victorian games and pick up some treats in the Victorian sweetshop. Time: 12noon – 5pm.
• Charles Wood Summer School, Armagh city centre, Co. Armagh, August 18 – 25. Charles Wood, the renowned musician and composer, was born at 11 Vicar’s Hill in Armagh and when he died in 1926 he left a legacy of over 250 sacred works that he is remembered by today. This festival will celebrate both his life and works.