10 THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN IRELAND NEXT WEEK

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (May 4-10).

  • Daily Mirror May Day Race Meeting, Down Royal Racecourse, Maze, Lisburn, Co Antrim, May 4. Visit Down Royal, a racecourse steeped in history, on May Day for an afternoon of thrilling racing. Gates open at 12 noon. First race at 2.25pm.
  • Allianz Garden Show Ireland 2015, Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road, Co Antrim, May 8-10. Antrim Castle Gardens will be bursting with colour and sweet smelling flowers at this year’s Garden Show. A three day festival of flowers, food and fun awaits visitors who will get to enjoy some magnificent gardens.
  • The Shadow of a Gunman, Lyric Theatre, Belfast, May 3 – June 6. The first of Sean O ‘Casey’s Dublin plays, which is sure to be an exciting production, the Shadow of a Gunman is set during Ireland’s War of Independence.  The Lyric Theatre will host the performances in the first arts venue to receive a 5 star accreditation from Tourism NI. From 7.45pm Tuesday – Saturday with 2.30pm matinees on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Armagh Apple Blossom Fair, Loughgall Country Park, Armagh, Co Armagh, May 4. Visit the annual Armagh Apple Blossom Fair and delight in the chance to sample different apple produce and enjoy the rural ambience with stunning pink and white blossom providing a spectacular backdrop for this special event. There will be food and craft stalls, orchard tours and cookery demonstrations along with live music and a BBQ! From 10am to 6pm.
  • May Day Pony Trekking Special, Mount Pleasant Trekking Centre, Castlewellan, Co Down, May 4. Jump onto your horse and into summer at Mount Pleasant Trekking Centre. Enjoy a trek through the stunning scenery of Castlewellan Forest Park and after the trek the kids can enjoy a free pic-n-mix bag and free soft drink from the colourful candy table. Bring a picnic and enjoy the enclosed paddock with picnic tables and tea/coffee for adults. Available all day.
  • May Day Celebrations, Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Cultra, Holywood, May 4. Have a go at stripping the willow in preparation for the Basket Maker to weave into traditional baskets and then get your feet tapping to the music of the traditional Strip the Willow set dance in the Parochial Hall. May Day will be thoroughly enjoyable at Ulster Folk & Transport Museum with storytelling and seasonal food available throughout the day. From 10am-5pm.
  • Bank Holiday Blow Out!, Carrowmena Activity Centre & Hostel, Limavady, Co Londonderry, May 4. Fancy a Family Bonding Day? Look no further and enjoy a day of action packed activities at Carrowmena Activity Centre where zip lining, climbing wall and archery are all on offer throughout the day. From 10am.
  • Lisa McHugh, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co Tyrone, May 7. With enough determination and talent to last a lifetime, Lisa McHugh is a Glasweigan born star that’s more than ready to shine. Having gained thousands of fans, the 26 year old beauty has won many awards including ‘Female Vocalist of The Year’ 3 years running. Lisa will be joined on the night by special guest, Malachi Cush, for a great night of musical entertainment. From 8pm.
  • Geo Detectives and Fossil Fun, Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, May 4. Come along to the stunning Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre and enjoy some hands-on fun and learn a bit about the fantastic fossils that make up the fascinating rocks beneath our feet. From 12-4pm.
  • Annual Vintage Rally, Ballymoney Showgrounds, Ballymoney, Co Antrim, May 9. Visit the Annual Vintage Rally where Hugo Duncan and Elvis Tribute, Andy Rodgers, along with live music by Steve Farlow will be providing plenty of entertainment throughout the day.  The entire family are welcome with amusements, free pony rides, face painting and an ice cream truck available to keep the kids happy. From 10.30am to 4pm.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.

For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.