The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (October 13-19).

• Mourne Madness Trek, Donard Car Park, Mourne Mountains, Newcastle, Co Down, October 18-19. Put your fitness levels to the test and join Autism NI on the challenging Mourne Madness Trek!  You will trek through the stunning Mourne Mountain range in Newcastle and through unspoilt wilderness reaching the summit of the magnificent Slieve Donard and Slieve Bernagh.  This challenge is a great weekend adventure for walkers of all abilities and includes an overnight stay in Meelmore Lodge situated in the heart of the Mournes.

• Donaghadee Ulster Scots Autumn Festival, various, Donaghadee, Co Down, October 15 –19. Donaghadee will celebrate its strong Ulster Scots link with a weekend of Ulster Scots activities including concerts, historical displays, cookery demonstrations, fireworks, a family fun day, re-enactments and more

• Armagh Gaol Halloween Tour, Gaol Square, Co Armagh, October 17-31.  Armagh Gaol has seen and heard many ghostly goings-on since it closed its doors in 1986, although some prison officers and prisoners would suggest this has been going on for much longer.  On this special spooky Halloween tour, you will be regaled with the harrowing stories associated with Armagh Gaol’s long history.

• Harry Hamilton and his Swing Band: The American Songbook, The Burnavon, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, October 18.  Join Harry Hamilton and his swing band as they take you on a musical journey through a century of American music.  This innovative collection of popular music showcases the many “Great” songs from the soundtrack of the 20th Century.

• Derek Ryan & His Band, Millennium Forum, 3 Newmarket Street, Co Londonderry, October 15.  Derek Ryan’s rise to become one of the biggest stars of Irish Country music has been phenomenal.  In just over two years few artists have made such an impact on the Irish country scene like the Co Carlow singer songwriter.

• Queen’s Comedy – Howard Read, Felicity Ward and Colin Murphy, Mandella Hall, Belfast, October 15.  Enjoy an evening of comic entertainment with award winning comedians.  Comedy genius Howard Read has appeared on some of the biggest TV shows in the world.  Compere for the night is Colin Murphy, best known for RTE’s The Panel and his BBC shows The Blame Game.

• Oktoberfest, The Quays Bar, Portrush, Co Antrim, October 16-19.  Come and experience a bit of Bavaria at The Quays Bar.  With four days full of fun and frolics including an extensive selection of German and foreign beers, ciders, cocktails and cuisines, competitions, German themed fancy dress, BBQ, music and more, it’s an event not to be missed.

• Ghost in the Glens, Cushendall, Co Antrim, October 16-19.  This is a Storytelling festival based in Cushendall which will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Glens of Antrim.  The festival will include storytellers and musicians from the local area as well as featured guests from the rest of Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.

• Nathan Carter in Concert, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, October 15. Back by popular demand, Country Music star Nathan Carter makes a welcome return to Ardhowen Theatre’s stage.

• Juno and the Paycock, Newry Town Hall, Newry, Co Down, October 14.  Juno and the Paycock is one of the true classics of the Irish theatre.  Written by Sean O’Casey, the play looks at the effects of the civil war on a Dublin household already crippled by economic hardship and the efforts, mainly by the mother, to keep the family on an even keel.  O’Casey skilfully brings the audience member from laughter to tears and back again in a flash.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.