Author: whatsonni

Awesome adventures perfect for thrill seeking families

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Discover NI’s giant guide to heart racing activities in Northern Ireland

Adventure seeking families looking for unique experiences to get hearts racing are discovering the world class, adrenaline inducing activities on offer in Northern Ireland.

Action-pack adventures no longer require us to travel abroad, there are plenty of thrills and spills to be had, right here, on our doorstep.

In Northern Ireland, you’re always just a small step from a giant adventure and Discover NI has put together the following list of amazing activities that will ensure you scream if you want to go faster.

Aerosports Paragliding, County Antrim

  • If you dream of flying high and defying gravity then take to the skies of Ballynure in a tandem paraglide at Aerosports Paragliding. Suitable for those aged 14+, strap into a harness attached to a parachute like wing and run off the side of a hill. Travelling at speeds of approximately 20mph, all flights take place under the supervision of Chief Flying Instructor Ken McConnell who has thousands of hours of paragliding experience.

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, County Down

  • As Northern Ireland’s National Centre for Mountaineering and Canoeing Activities, Tullymore National Outdoor Centre offers thrill seekers a range of courses in mountaineering, rock climbing, paddlesports and mountain biking. The centre is also home to the Hotrock climbing wall and a bouldering area with routes suitable for beginners, and others that are sure to challenge ever the most experienced climbers.

Share Discovery Village, County Fermanagh

  • An inclusive facility, Share Discovery Village allows all to participate in a wide range of exciting outdoor activities including canoeing, banana boating, mountain biking and windsurfing. You can also test your aim with outdoor laser-tag, see how high you can climb with a 30ft indoor climbing wall and make a splash as you traverse the rock slide and wiggle bridge at Wibit Water Park.

Todds Leap, County Tyrone

  • Days at Todds Leap are all about adrenaline filled activities. Experience momentary weightlessness as you swing from a trembling height over a cliff edge, scream as you reach speeds of 40mph as your hurtle down the 150m long Tayto ‘BigYella’ slide and strengthen your family bond as you take turns driving a Land Rover Defender blindfolded while the rest of your family help you navigate the off-road obstacle course.

Limitless Adventure Centre, County Londonderry

  • Adrenaline junkines will love the thrilling experiences on offer at Limitless Adventure Centre. At Northern Ireland’s only hovercrafting adventure centre, you’ll pilot a hovercraft travelling at speeds in excess of 30mph across purpose built grass tracks. Then, take control of a Powerturn Buggy and effortlessly break out the wheelies, 360 degree turns and more as you – and your co-pilot – battle to control this ATV.

Craigavon Golf & Ski, County Armagh

  • Challenge your limits as you ski and snowboard on a 300ft slope at Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre. Home to the only artifical ski slope in Northern Ireland, the centre also features a Poma tow lift, nursery slope and snow-tubing facilities. Suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers/snowboarders, there is also an 18 hole par 72 golf course, a 15 hole par three golf course and a 18 hole par three footgolf course on site.

For more thrilling experiences in Northern Ireland visit https://discovernorthernireland.com

Immerse yourself in music and art at Flowerfield and Roe Valley this Easter

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Flowerfield Arts Centre and Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre have a fantastic programme of workshops and events for the whole family this Easter. From creative workshops for adults and kids, to intimate live music and incredible art exhibitions, there is plenty on offer.

Currently on show at Flowerfield Arts Centre, First They Ignore You is an exhibition by Shiela Chakravarti, a socially engaged photographer, educator and activist.

Curated by Belfast Exposed, it centres around her own experiences of racism in Northern Ireland. Admission is free and it runs until 20 April.

Also at Flowerfield, designer Natasha Duddy will be hosting a glass painting workshop on 27 March for parents with children under the age of one. This series of creative workshops is specifically designed for new parents with immobile infants, allowing them to tap into their creativity, relax, and practice mindfulness.

Young artists will love getting creative at Flowerfield Arts Centre with Crafty Kids Nature Monoprinting on 23 March and Weekend Wonders Easter-themed sessions led by Linda Mullholland on 23 and 30 March. Over at Roe Valley Arts Centre Easter Art Club on 30 March, Sarah Barfoot will work with children aged between five and seven years, making mini easter gardens, while Christina Smyth will be making wooden Easter Bunnies for children aged between eight and 11.

On Saturday 23 March, Nodlaig Ní Bhrollaigh and guest musicians will perform at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre to mark the launch of Nodlaig’s second solo album, Cuimhní rúnda. This compilation of original works aims to enhance our understanding of place and heritage. Nodlaig will be joined by talented musicians from across the North West – Martin O’Kane on fiddle, Paul Gillespie on cello and Uilleann pipes, Lasairfhíona Nic Ruairí on the Fiddle and whistles, Carra Nic an Bhaird on Harp and Gerard McChrystal on Saxophone. Tickets are £15 (£12 concession).

Further Info:

For further information on opening hours, or to book workshops or events, visit flowerfield.org or roevalleyarts.co.uk.  Save Your Seat | SAT 23 MARCH

Free tickets to be released for Lord Mayor’s Croí na Cathrach musical celebration

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A special evening of music, song and words, inspired in part by the Belfast Harpers’ Assembly of 1792, will take place at the Ulster Hall on Saturday 13 April to mark the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy’s year in office.

Croí na Cathrach – Heart of the City – will see many of the city’s emerging and traditional musicians coming together to perform a selection of pieces, reflecting Belfast’s rich and diverse shared heritage. 

A limited number of tickets for the free event are available from ulsterhall.co.uk  on a first-come, first-served basis (maximum of two per person).

Curated by renowned composer Neil Martin and presented by acclaimed broadcaster Lynette Fay, the show will open with a piece, led by Neil Martin, which evokes the spirit of the Belfast Harpers’ Assembly, while Oscar-nominated actor Stephen Rea will perform a selection of readings throughout the evening.

There will be a collaboration between Glengormley School of Traditional Music and Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, members of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band will perform solo pipe pieces and there will also be two special renditions from the 1st Old Boys’ Brass Band.

There will also be a unique performance of Slumdog Millionaire favourite Jai Ho from Mukesh Sharma and ArtsEkta, along with contributions from singers Gráinne Holland and Maurice Leyden.

TG4 Gradam Ceoil Bursary recipients Catriona Gribben, Ciara McGuire and Brendan Kerr will showcase their skills, before a special finale featuring soprano Petra Wells and her take on the classic Ae Fond Kiss, followed by an ensemble rendition of The Minstrel Boy.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: “In what is a very special year for Belfast, I wanted to do my part to show how music, and culture in general, can be used positively to bring communities together and celebrate the ties that bind us.

“The Belfast Harpers’ Assembly was a fantastic opportunity back in 1792 not just for musicians to show off their skills, but also for Belfast to invite people here – to our city – to experience the amazing talent we have here.

“My hope is that my Croí na Cathrach – Heart of the City – event will do the same, celebrating our wealth of musical talent and showing how music can unite us in what promises to be a really fun and enjoyable evening for everyone who attends.”

To book tickets for Croí na Cathrach – Heart of the City – visit ulsterhall.co.uk from 9am on Friday 22 March.

Enjoy the best of spring at Spring Fest

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Spring Fest is returning to Malone House and Barnett Demesne on Saturday 27 April and Sunday 28 April.

Organised by Belfast City Council, there’s a lot to see and do at this top free seasonal event.

Take a walk around the Spring Flower Show and view hundreds of prize blooms on display.

Enjoy live music and entertainment and a range of crafts and food stalls. There’ll be spring wreath-making, sunflower seed planting and foraging workshops to take part in.

Families can also bring their little ones to see the farmyard animals, enjoy a fairground or safari train ride as well as face-painting, a climbing wall and more.

The event will run from 1.30pm to 5.30pm on both days.

Launching the event at Barnett Demesne, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: “Spring Fest is always a wonderful outdoor family event in our parks to mark the season of spring – bringing thousands of people, of all ages, through the gates.

“I’m delighted it will be returning here in just a month’s time and hope everyone can get along to enjoy what’s on offer over the two days – and the best thing is that it’s a free event!”

There will be no parking on site during the event, but a free park and ride service will operate from nearby Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. The first bus to leave Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is at 1pm and the last bus to leave Barnett Demesne is at 5.45pm.

You can also take the Translink service bus from Donegall Square East in the city centre every 10 minutes on Saturday (Metro Bus 8A or 8B) and on Sunday every 30 minutes (Metro 8A). Check Translink website for more information at www.translink.co.uk

Dogs will not be permitted into the event area, with the exception of assistance dogs.  

Further information about the event is available on our website at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 25-31 March

 

  1. The Great Dragon Easter Egg Hunt, Armagh, County Armagh, 30 March – 2 April. Embark on an epic Easter adventure and join The Great Dragon Egg Hunt! Drippy the Dragon is on a daring quest to retrieve the five stolen dragon eggs from the cunning Queen Evilana. With storytelling, song, craft and a magical dragon egg hunt, there is plenty to keep your little dragons out of mischief! Immerse yourself in this enchanting tale, before making your own dragon themed craft – the perfect memento of your legendary adventure! Then unleash your inner explorer as you follow clues to find the hidden dragon eggs, adding an extra layer of mystery and magic to your Easter festivities!
  2. Get ‘FIT’ for Pollinators, Belfast, County Antrim, 27 March. Become a ‘citizen scientist’ for pollinators! Join Buglife and Lagan Valley Regional Park on the Barge for a presentation to learn how to identify pollinator groups and wildflowers. Find out how you can carry out your own FIT (Flower-Insect Timed) Counts for the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme. A practical session will follow at the wildflower meadows nearby in Clement Wilson Park.
  3. Birdwatch Morning, Comber, County Down, 27 March. Take a closer look at the wonderful variety of birds across the WWT Castle Espie wetland reserve. Everyone is welcome – no prior birdwatching knowledge required. Come along and speak to wildlife experts, you might even spot something new! Normal admission charges apply, WWT members are free of charge. All tickets must be pre-booked and paid for in advance of the event.
  4. Easter at Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, County Antrim, 31 March – 5 April. Discover the origins of the Easter egg, have a go at an Easter themed craft and meet the talented makers as they demonstrate heritage skills – including Easter card making in the Print Shop. Listen to the talented musicians playing on site, take part in traditional games from years gone by and try some tasty food samples. Don’t miss the egg rolling at the bleach green on Easter Monday, (1st April)!
  5. Full Moon Paddle, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, 25 March. Enjoy a tranquil evening paddle on Upper Lough Erne and experience the natural spectacle of the sunset and the serenity of paddling under the full moon. Please note that this event is weather dependent. Dress warm, with waterproofs and wellies. You will need to arrive 15 minutes prior to your start time to be fitted with a buoyancy aid.
  6. Coast and Country Food Tour, Coleraine, County Londonderry, 30 March. Experience the exceptional foodie culture of the Causeway Coast on this five-stop tour. Sample delicious local produce as you learm about the area’s heritage and culinary culture. Meet the makers behind the tasty treats at one of the local artisan markets, visit an exceptional farm and savour the world-famous Bushmills Whiskey, distilled in the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world.
  7. The Jungle’s Easter Trail, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, 29 March – 2 April. Find your way through this Easter trail by following clues and solving puzzles along the enchanted forest trail. On your journey, you will be greeted and entertained by a selection of brand new characters before you come face-to-face with the Easter Bunny, who will hand out Easter Eggs to everyone! And, after the trail why not join the all singing, all dancing stage cast for a musical medley of well loved classics at the Sing Along Stage Show.
  8. The Ritual Landscapes of West Tyrone, Omagh, County Tyrone, check website for availability. Explore ancient ritual sites and wetland habitats with a landscape guide, paleoecologist and enthralling storyteller. Join Martin from Foyle Trails on a fascinating and humorous exploration of places that were sacred in the Bronze and Iron Ages. Explore a range of sites from giant`s graves and stone rows, to quaking bogs and other places of powerful magic, in a mysterious part of Northern Ireland.
  9. Thursday Movie Nights at The Bushmills Inn, Bushmills, County Antrim, 28 March. Enjoy a small, intimate screening of the latest blockbuster, “Anyone But You” in the exclusive surroundings of the boutique cinema at The Bushmills Inn.  You can indulge in a delicious two-course meal from the Cinema Supper Menu before watching the movie at 8pm. The ultimate date night treat!
  10. Causeway Speciality Market, Coleraine, County Londonderry, 30 March. Visit the largest regular outdoor market in Northern Ireland! Whether you are seeking out a unique gift or a treat for yourself, the traders at the Causeway Market provide a superb selection of quality crafts including handmade jewellery, textiles, ceramics, framed photography, scented candles and soaps, painted glassware and polished wood-turned products. Take time to visit the array of food stalls with many award-winning artisan products.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

 

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor, County Down

  • Refresh yourself through the power of the natural world and enjoy a date with nature. Let the luxurious Clandeboye Lodge be your starting point as you venture out to explore the nearby woodland trails and coastal paths before return to a warming afternoon Irish coffee and luxury shortbread. Relax and recharge, dress for dinner and indulge in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the wonderful Coq & Bull brasserie. This offer includes one night B&B, late afternoon Irish Coffee with luxury shortbread and a three-course dinner and bottle of wine. From £125 per person. Visit https://www.clandeboyelodge.com/ for more information.

Dunadry Hotel and Gardens, Dunadry, County Antrim

  • During your luxurious one night stay you will be treated to a superb dining experience in the AA Rosette Mill Race restaurant as you indulge in a three-course evening meal from the Chef’s seasonal menu, made with the finest local produce. Rise the following morning to a full cooked breakfast and enjoy complimentary access to Dunadry Health & Fitness Club. From £199 per person. Visit https://www.dunadry.com/ for more information.

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 https://discovernorthernireland.com/

Egg-cellent ways to make giant memories this Easter

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Discover NI’s ultimate guide to Easter getaways in Northern Ireland

With the Easter holidays firmly on the horizon, families looking for unique ways to spend quality time together are hatching plans for the perfect break.

Easter Sunday falls on 31st March this year and, with schools out for more than a week, it’s the ideal time to hop to it and make giants memories to last a lifetime.

In Northern Ireland, you’re always just a small step from a giant adventure. So, to help you plan your perfect Easter holiday, Discover NI has put together a few egg-citing ideas.

Be amazed in County Armagh

  • Experience the wonders of the Universe and touch one of the largest meteroites at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. Walk in the footsteps of ancient warriors and join Drippy the Dragon on the great dragon egg hunt at Navan Centre & Fort or, seek out fairies, spells and music in Slieve Gullion Forest Park. After a busy day egg-sploring, relax and enjoy the style, comfort and panoramic views found at Armagh City Hotel.

Dive in to County Down

  • Make a splash this Easter and prepare to get wet at Lets Go Hydro Resort & Spa at Knockbracken Reservoir. Explore Castle Ward, its secret shore nature trail and the Georgian farmyard that doubled as Winterfell in the TV phenomenon Game of Thrones® or, put your survival skills to the test at Finnebrogue Woods. Rest and recharge in an enchanting underground cottage at Fairy River Glamping.

Find fun in County Fermanagh

Trek the trails of County Tyrone

  • Have a cracking time as you climb the Hill of the O’Neill and Ranfurly House and immerse yourself in pivotal events that shaped the history of this island. Trek to Harry Avery’s 632 year-old castle and get your heart racing as you tackle the exhilarating and technical mountain bike trails at Blessingbourne Estate. Slow down and step back in time at the charming, self-catering thatched cottage Rosehill House.

Live it up in County Londonderry

  • Every bunny will enjoy a hop along the Maiden city’s 400 year old Walls and a visit to the Tower Museum. Set sail on Northern Ireland’s longest riverboat – the M. V. Kingfisher – and explore the Best of the Bann or step into the inspirational Seamus Heany HomePlace. Rest your weary head at one of the city’s coolest boutique spots – The Shipquay Hotel.

Enjoy an adventure in County Antrim

For more fantastic experiences in Northern Ireland that are perfect for your Easter getaway, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 18-24 March

  1. Easter Table Centrepiece Workshop, Portadown, County Armagh, 20 March. Visit the Bramley Barn nestled in the heart of Long Meadow Farm’s orchard and create the focal point of your Easter celebrations. The fabulous Kay Casey will guide you through the art of crafting a beautiful arrangement using seasonal blooms and vibrant colours to capture the essence of spring. Unleash your creativity and immerse yourself in the joys of Easter and leave with a masterpiece you’ll be proud to display on your table.

 

  1. Easter Land of Fairies at Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 23 March – 5 April. Don’t miss this enchanting Easter themed outdoor fairy trail that begins at Greenwood gate. Enter the unique fairy sanctuary in the ancient wood of the Cladagh Glen and discover the mythical creatures and fairy families that live within this wonderfully diverse woodland. Each child will receive a Land of Fairies activity booklet containing a fairy trail map and an Easter activity sheet to complete.

 

  1. Beer & Cheese Night, Ballynahinch, County Down, 21 March. This experience combines the finest craft beers with exquisite local cheeses, all set in the charming ambiance of Kinedale Donkeys’ Barn. Indulge your taste buds with a curated selection of craft beers from Modest Beer, paired perfectly with delectable cheeses from local producers, sourced from the Indie Fude deli. Throughout the evening, beer experts will guide you through a tasting journey of five exceptional beers, unraveling the brewing process and the unique characteristics that make each one special.

 

  1. Easter Egg Hunt at Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, County Down, 23 March -7 April. Treat the whole family to a world of adventure on an Easter trail at Rowallane Garden! Make your way along the trail and enjoy nature-inspired activities, solve puzzles, create art and explore the beautiful blooms and blossoms in one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful gardens. Your little ones will receive an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and a dairy or vegan and Free From chocolate egg. A great day out for the whole family.

 

  1. The Siege Museum, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, throughout March. Visit the Siege Museum and Exhibition and learn the history of the Siege of Londonderry and of the associated clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry~Londonderry. Explore artefacts on display along with videos and interactive media. Visitors will also have the added attraction of being able to view one of the meeting rooms used by the ‘Loyal Orders’.

 

  1. Eggsciting Easter Egg Trail, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 23 March- 6 April. Do you think you can find all the eggs at Enniskillen Castle? Come down and take part in this Eggciting Easter Hunt Trail, where the resident hen has been busy laying special eggs all around the museum displays! Find all the eggs in the museum and claim your prize.
  1. Glenpark Estate & Open Farm, Gortin, County Tyrone, throughout March. Take a walk through history as you explore the beautiful grounds of Glenpark Estate. Visit the replica historic buildings and meet the rare breeds in the open farm. Finish off your day with a trip to the farm shop or children’s play area, before visiting the bar and restaurant on site for a bite to eat.

 

  1. Spring Forage in the Forest, Belfast, County Antrim, 23 March. Visit Lagan Valley Regional Park Visitor Centre and explore the edible delights of the woodland. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this 4,200 acre park is rich in natural features, biodiversity and a range of historically important sites. After exploring your surroundings, indulge in some well deserved refreshments on the nearby barge.

 

  1. The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, 23 March- 7 April. Don’t miss the enchanting Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt this Easter season, as the Lindt Gold Bunny hops over to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for the very first time! As you explore the 100 acres, be on the lookout for elusive Lindt Gold Bunny statues peeking out from half a million colourful blooms as part of the Spring Spectacular. Hidden amongst the charming Lindt Gold Bunny are letters that hold the key to a secret question. Think you’ve cracked the clue? Your quest will be rewarded with a delicious Lindt chocolate treat!

 

  1. Sperrins Walking – Fermanagh & Omagh, Gortin, County Tyrone, 23-24 March. Get your walking boots ready for the Sperrins Walking Festival, taking place across the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural beauty (AONB). This programme, developed and delivered by The Sperrins Partnership and outdoor experts Far and Wild, is designed to help walkers of all abilities enjoy this beautiful landscape. There are a range of guided walks available, from leisurely strolls to more demanding longer walks, the choice is yours!

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Benone Getaways – Glamping Village, Limavady, County Londonderry

  • Escape from the stresses of everyday life and book a two-night stay in a range of glamping pods. Nestled on the picturesque Causeway Coast, in the townland of Benone, this accommodation is within walking distance of the spectacular Benone Beach. Book a luxury pod and relax in a private hot tub before lighting your personal fire pit. You can also avail of the ‘Chill & Grill’ BBQ Hut located on site and enjoy an outdoor supper this spring. Take advantage of the endless activities nearby or spend the evening soaking up the views and peaceful atmosphere with a glass of bubbly. From £85.50 per person per night. Visit https://benonegetaways.co.uk/ for more information.

Marine Hotel Ballycastle, Ballycastle, County Antrim

  • Located in the heart of the North Antrim Causeway Coast, this ‘Taste of Ballycastle’ package includes two nights B&B and a two-course dinner in the recently refurbished Marconi’s Bar & Bistro. To ensure you sample all of Ballycastle’s delights, this offer also includes a £20 voucher to Morton’s Fish & Chip Shop and a £10 voucher to Ursa Minor Bakehouse. This hotel is just a short drive away from world-renowned tourist attractions including the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce Castle and many more! A two-night stay from £170 per person sharing. Visit https://marinehotelballycastle.com for more information.

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 https://discovernorthernireland.com/

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 11-17 March

 

  1. Fairy Lore & The Glens – Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival, Cushendun, County Antrim, 15 March. Take in the fresh Spring air with this moderate looped walk on the steep tracks of Ronan’s Way. Part of a series of walks for the annual festival, the trails showcase the environmental and human heritage of the Glens of Antrim. This 6K walk is suitable for anyone with a good general fitness (£10).
  2. St. Patrick’s Day Céilí, Belfast, County Antrim, 17 March. This green themed céilí on St. Patrick’s Day is for everyone, whether you’re a total newcomer to Irish dancing, or an experienced feisanna champion! Hosted by SBIDA at the Europa Hotel, this event promises huge levels of fun for all attendees. Listen to live tradtional Irish music, watch talented Irish dancers and join in on group dances. There will also be a special performance by the SBIDA dancers and a roving professional photographer to capture everyone in all their glory.
  1. Patrick’s Day Parade, Downpatrick, County Down, 17 March. Led by St. Patrick himself, this parade offers a feast for eyes and ears as swirling dancers, community floats and costumed characters entertain the crowds. Enjoy festive live music and dance, a Ceili and Artisan Market and lots of children’s activities. Don’t miss the face painters, kite making workshops, arts and crafts by Makes and Bakes, Clayrazy clay modelling, a chance to have a go at the climbing wall and much more. A fun day for all the family to enjoy!
  2. Stargazing Evening, Armagh, County Armagh, 15 March. Join Armagh Observatory and Planetarium for the last evening in their series of stargazing evenings that are out of this world! This session will feature a talented team of experts to help you navigate the night sky using your telescopes (weather dependent). You will also get a chance to see a dome show in the digital theatre and listen to guest speaker Paul Evans (President of the Irish Astronomical Association).
  1. Coracle Building Workshop with Valkyrie Craft, Castlerock, County Londonderry, 16 March. Enjoy a full day introduction to the universal and ancient art of skin-on-frame boat building. John from Valkyrie Craft will guide you through the process of building the most simple of traditional watercraft, starting with the materials and tools, and finishing with a functional small boat. Learn about the nature and characteristics of wood for bending, appropriate timbers to use, the various materials used in different places and times, how to care for your finished product and most importantly, how to paddle it!
  2. Clogherny Wedge Tomb, Plumbridge, County Tyrone. This well preserved and unusual monument is in an extensive area of blanket peat near the Butterlope Glen, just four miles north of Plumbridge. The wedge tomb is surrounded by an elegant stone circle of eleven tall schist stones. Wedge tombs are generally considered to span the late Neolithic and early Bronze Ages and this site may have been built around 2000BC. Travel back in time and visit this scheduled historic monument.
  3. St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 16-17 March. Visit Northern Ireland’s only island town for a unique St. Patrick’s weekend celebration. There are a variety of events on St. Patrick’s Day eve, including a viking walking tour, storytelling, a colouring in competition and a community park run. On Sunday, celebrate with face painting, balloon modelling and bouncy castles, mingle with walkabouts or get snapped with some of the some of the hairiest folklore heroes on four legs. This weekend is packed with fun for everyone!
  1. Spring Carnival 2024, Derry~ Londonderry, County Londonderry, 17 March. Celebrate the arrival of Spring in all its colourful splendour with a magical programme of music, dance, food and folklore this St. Patrick’s Day. Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of Derry~ Londonderry’s renowned music scene, featuring a lineup of exceptionally talented local musicians. From soulful ballads to foot-stomping jigs, experience the diverse musical tapestry that defines Derry~ Londonderry. Discover the magic of Irish-inspired culinary delights from some of the finest Legenderry traders including Lo&Slo, Doherty’s Meats, La Tia Juanas, and Offing Coffee. This is not one to miss!

 

  1. Davagh Night Walks, Davagh Forest, County Tyrone, 16 March. Join this special night time walk and talk, under the darkest of skies with Davagh Nightwalks. Your adventure will begin at Ceoldán the Davagh Giant, where you will stroll through the forest breathing in all the sounds and sights nature has to offer. This gentle walk consists of forest terrain and a boardwalk leading to the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles. After you finish your exploring, enjoy a seasonal supper made by a local chef and baker from County Tyrone at the OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory. This experience includes hand warmers, torches and supper.

 

  1. St. Patrick’s Day at the Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills, County Antrim,17 March. Enjoy a fun-filled day at the Giant’s Causeway celebrating St. Patrick in the land of legends. Don’t miss the chance to take part in the Leprechaun Trail and find the clues hidden at the secret doors on route to the world-famous stones, in the hope of finding a pot of gold. After your adventure, enjoy cookie decorating and get your face painted beside the sea for the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day celebration!

For more information on what’s on, or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

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