This summer get ready to explore activities that celebrate the wonderful world of dragonflies at WWT Castle Espie, the charity for wetlands and wildlife, at the first Dragonfly Festival.

From 21 June to 22 September, festival goers are invited to let their imagination run wild, enjoy an immersive experience in wetland nature featuring a dazzling line-up of dragonfly-themed events and activities all summer long.

Everyone from young and young-at-heart can follow, zip, dart and flutter their way to a great adventure and enjoy expert-guided walks exploring the secret lives of dragonflies that dwell in one of the UK’s blue spaces or enjoy the spectacular wild outdoor adventure area. Go pond dipping and discover the wonderful world of minibeasts living below the surface or take part in dragonfly challenges and giant outdoor dragonfly-themed games.

Headliners at the first Dragonfly Festival at WWT Castle Espie include: craft your very own eco-friendly pet dragonfly, relax to the soothing sounds of local musicians Daniel Halleron and Mark Hamilton during the Sunday music sessions, and immerse yourself in a tranquil sound bath with Tessa Ann. Let imaginations soar with shimmering dragonfly crafts, stretch and flutter through a fun-filled mini beast yoga session, and don’t miss a magical encounter with Bella Butterfly who will be ready for photos, friendly chats and spreading her love of wildflowers and pollinators.

As part of an ongoing volunteer relationship WWT Castle Espie and Strides Day Opportunities Service (DOS), who provide opportunities and experiences for young adults with additional needs aged between 19-30yrs in Bangor, Ards and across North Down to develop their potential to work towards supported employment, worked together to provide colourful festival dressings which will be located around WWT Castle Espie for festivalgoers to enjoy as they participate in the Dragonfly Festival. Strides DOS person-centred approach empowers these adults to learn, develop socially and stay active physically.

Paul Stewart, Centre Manager at WWT Castle Espie, said:
“WWT Castle Espie is looking forward to our first Dragonfly Festival. WWT  Castle Espie is a fantastic place to see species such as damselflies and dragonflies, and we hope many will take this opportunity to enjoy the amazing array of activities we have on offer this summer. We are also delighted that the young adults from our volunteer partner Strides Day Opportunities Service were able to help us prepare for the festival and I am sure everyone will enjoy the spectacular and colourful contribution they have made to the Dragonfly festival.”

Strides Director, Robert McGowan added:
“We are delighted to have been involved in the design of the dressings used for the first Dragonfly Festival at WWT Castle Espie!  When the invite came from Education Officer John McCullough, everyone was very excited, and the planning began!  The group have loved the whole process; getting together to do some research online, chatting about all our ideas, sketching and then finally recreating it all on the festival dressings.  Well done everyone at Team Strides; you can all be very proud of your efforts!”

Participation in the WWT Dragonfly Festival at WWT Castle Espie is included with the price of admission and is free to WWT members. Festival visitors booking online in advance, can take advantage of a 10% reduction in ticket prices. There are also reduced-price tickets (£5 per adult or £3 per child) for anyone who is in receipt of Universal Credit and Pension Credit. These must be pre-booked up to one day before the visit day.  More information and a full what’s on calendar for the WWT Dragonfly Festival at Castle Espie visit Dragonfly Festival at Castle Espie Wetland Centre | Summer Events & Activities | WWT.

Public spaces to transform into a cultural stage for music and heritage

Make Music Day will take place on Saturday 21st June with the BID, transforming the Linen Quarter into a live music stage with performances across three outdoor locations. From 12pm to 6pm, local and international musicians will bring rhythm and energy to public spaces, including Flaxx Outdoor Living Room on Brunswick Street, the Rory Gallagher Statue outside Ulster Hall, and Belfast Grand Central Station.

The flourishing local craft beer and whiskey distilling scene will be brought under one roof for a brand new food and drink festival, Sip and Savour at ICC Belfast on Saturday 16 August.

There will be opportunities to “meet the maker” and hear their colourful tales of trial, error and triumph in the pursuit of the perfect process and the ultimate blend. The festival will also feature a tasty selection of top local food from Hospitality Belfast, as well as a programme of live musical entertainment.

With outstanding courses and experiences nearby, Northern Ireland is Made for Golf

As the return of The Open to Royal Portrush draws ever closer, golfers across the world are eager to secure tee times at Northern Ireland’s outstanding links and parkland courses.

Just minutes from their respective town centres, Royal Portrush and Royal County Down golf clubs regularly feature on lists of the best links courses in the world. And, with over 90 courses across Northern Ireland, including the award-winning Faldo Course at Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh, golfers – and their families – are only a ‘short drive’ from a giant adventure.

Just a short stroll from our fantastic golf courses, there are so many world class experiences to be enjoyed and places to stay, so why not combine a round of golf with a short break and let Tourism NI be your caddy for a trip to the towns in which some of our incredible courses can be found.

Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

Family Fun: Take a tour of Enniskillen Castle, enjoy some dramatic entertainment at Ardhowen Theatre or see Lough Erne your way with Erne Water Taxi’s chauffeur driven boats. For adventure seekers, explore Enniskillen with Erne Adventure’s Hydrobike experience.

Eat Here: Enjoy a delicious meal at Tully Mill Restaurant or discover a menu full of flavours at The Firehouse Bar and Grill. Embrace a cozy, traditional atmosphere at one of the town’s most cherished traditional bars – Charlie’s Bar.

Stay Here: The Westville Hotel is a great base to explore Fermanagh’s beautiful Lakelands and it’s perfect for gathering and socialising with family and friends. Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges is another gem, with stunning views directly overlooking scenic Lough Erne.

Play Here: Established in 1986 Enniskillen Golf Club is a par 71, 18-hole parkland course. Adjacent to Castle Coole Estate, the course is within easy walking distance of Enniskillen town centre. Golfers eager for a challenge should also check out The Castle Hume Course at Lough Erne Resort.

Omagh, County Tyrone

Family Fun: Journey back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park and discover what life was like in rural Ulster and how peoples’ emigration had a lasting impact on North America. Embrace the western gateway to the Sperrin mountains and enjoy a network of five waymarked trails at Gortin Glen Forest Park.

Eat Here: Enjoy stunning food in sleek and stylish surroundings in Sallys Of Omagh or head over to An Creagán for a delicious bite to eat, from the start to your day right through to evening.

Stay Here: Dating back to 1890, The Governor’s Lodge is a delightful two storey building that can accommodate up to four people in the centre of Baronscourt Estate near Newtownstewart and offers stunning views over unspoilt parkland. The Silverbirch Hotel, located in Omagh, is another ideal base for discovering County Tyrone and the Sperrins.

Play Here: Embrace the challenge of Omagh Golf Club’s parkland course, just one mile from the town centre. Or at the foot of Bessy Bell Mountain, enjoy a round of golf in the ancestral estate of the Duke of Abercorn at Newtownstewart Golf Club.

Derry~Londonderry

Family Fun: You’ll find a unique blend of heritage and modern charm in the Walled City. Take a guided tour and learn about the rich history of the Maiden City with Derrie Danders. Reconnect with nature in a thrilling adventure with Far and Wild and unlock the best of the city with the Visit Derry Pass which provides access to 10 world class attractions including the Derry Girls Experience at the Tower Museum.

Eat Here: Try authentic handmade street food, at Pyke ‘N’ Pommes pod on the riverfront or their restaurant at 53-55 Strand Road. Embrace the full flavour of the Northwest and tuck into a McAtamney’s succulent ribeye on the bone at the multi-award winning Walled City Brewery.

Stay Here: Treat yourself to a refined stay at the exquisite B1 listed Bishop’s Gate Hotel, a residential experience in the heart of the city at The James Suites or unwind at the Everglades Hotel, located on the banks of the River Foyle.

Play Here: Enjoy picture perfect views over the River Foyle and the Donegal hills while you put your swing to the test at City of Derry Golf Club’s challenging parkland course or the championship standard par 71 course found at Foyle Golf Centre.

Ballycastle, County Antrim

Family Fun: Embrace a breathtaking tour of some of the Causeway Coast’s most spectacular wildlife habitats with Kintra Boat Tours, explore the award-winning Broughgammon Farm, uncover the rugged landscape and tranquillity of Rathlin Island and Ballintoy Harbour or embrace an adrenaline-filled adventure as you cross the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge.

Eat Here: Enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from the Salthouse Bar and Restaurant, relax and unwind in Marconi’s Bar & Bistro at the Marine Hotel or the Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy.

Stay Here: Just two minutes from the beach and the Rathlin ferry terminal, you’ll find the Marine Hotel, Ballycastle,  or discover your coastal calm at the self-catering The Salthouse Eco-Lodges

Play Here: Offering a part-links, part-parkland championship course between the Causeway Coast and the Glens of Antrim, Ballycastle Golf Club is not to be missed. And, while in County Antrim, don’t miss out on the 18-hole, par 72 parkland golf course at Gracehill Golf Course.

Bangor, County Down

Family Fun: Hop on the Pickie Puffer or a giant pedal swan or test your skills at an 18-hole nautical themed mini golf course at Pickie Fun Park, get your cultural fill at Bangor Castle or North Down Museum and experience the thrills of high-speed racing at Eddie Irvine Sports.

Eat Here: Sample some delicious food using the finest local, seasonal produce at Coq and Bull, check out Lightfoot Kitchen and Deli, or the gastro-pub delights of The Jamaica Inn.

Stay Here: Get comfortable in a guest room, or amp up the luxury, with a suite at The Old Inn, enjoy the charm and service of the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel or the Victorian splendour of Shelleven Guest House.

Play here: Embrace the charming but challenging 18-hole championship course at Bangor Golf Club or the nearby part-seaside and part-parkland course on the County Down coastline at Donaghadee Golf Club.

Armagh, County Armagh

Family Fun: Immerse yourself in the place for space at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, catch a show or browse impressive collections at The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre and explore Armagh County Museum – the oldest county museum in Northern Ireland.

Eat Here: Enjoy authentic cooking with an Australian twist at Uluru Bar & Grill, warm your soul with some delicious coffee and freshly cooked food at 4C Coffee House and Kitchen or a delicious home cooked meal at Keegan’s Bar and Restaurant.

Stay Here: Enjoy a stay in the heart of the city at Armagh City Hotel or unwind and enjoy a warm welcome in an elegant Georgian townhouse at the Charlemont Arms Hotel.

Play Here: Enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the Cathedral City from the beautiful 18-hole course at County Armagh Golf Club or the well wooded parkland course, set within the historic walls of the Duke of Manchester’s estate at Tandragee Golf Club.

For more inspiration and to plan your next short break and discover just why Northern Ireland is made for golf, visit the discovernorthernireland.com

A new planetarium dome show experience Music for Domes, featuring a breathtaking original soundtrack by award-winning Irish folk musician RÓIS, will launch this month at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium with two special screenings on Sat 21 and Sun 22 June at 4pm.

Music for Domes is a documentary planetarium-experience in the English and Irish languages, as well as Khmer and French, which explores the traditions and folklore connections of Cambodia and Ireland. This sweeping journey from Navan Fort to Angkor Wat blends new and archive footage to create a sensory odyssey of cosmic proportions. Mythological tricksters, ancient history and echoes of living memory come together in a unique 360° experience, taking you from the Lagan to the Mekong via the Milky Way.

“Music for Domes uncovers parallels in how two distant cultures interpret spirit worlds, survive trauma and build strength through art,” said director Dawn Richardson.

Created by the Belfast-based Hosta Projects, Music for Domes is the third and final installation in their All Flesh is Grass trilogy which set out to explore generational trauma and cultural recovery in Belfast, Beirut and Phnom Penh.

“All our films have followed a fascination with how stories relate to specific places,” explained the film’s writer Paul Doran. “A planetarium dome is a perfect way to explore this by being able to show the viewer a location then overlay images and text that tease out the hidden stories.”

Tickets are available now via the Planetarium (£10) [link copied below] for screenings on Sat 21 June and Sat 22 June at 4pm. Ticket price includes general access to Planetarium.

Please note: This experience explores some adult themes through intense visuals and soundscapes. We think it’s best suited for children 11+. Please consider if its right for you if you have vertigo or sensory issues. If you have any access concerns or would like more information, please contact boxoffice@docsireland.ie

Open House Festival has added to its summer programme in Bangor with a week-long Blues & Jazz event, the first to be held in the city.

Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and Beamish, The Bangor Blues & Jazz Week will host more than forty free events across Bangor during the August Bank Holiday weekend. And from Monday 18^th August until Monday 25^th, there will be an additional fifteen ticketed events in the Court House and Walled Garden under the Blues and Jazz banner.

“With the development work about to begin on Bangor seafront, it wasn’t possible to schedule our annual Seaside Revival Vintage Festival this year,” said Open House Festival director, Kieran Gilmore. “So we came up with the idea of a small Blues & Jazz event instead, a sort of festival within the main August festival. The idea snowballed however, and now it’s not so small. We’ve collaborated with ten city-centre bars to produce a Blues & Jazz Trail that will run from Central Avenue, down to King Street, up High Street, and along the seafront. And thanks to support from Ards and North Down Brough Council, and Beamish, it’s all free.”

Acts performing at the Bank Holiday Weekend Trail include the Lee Hedley Blues Band, the Linley Hamilton Trio, Double Standards, Frank Carberry, Belfast Groove Collective, and In Full Swing. And participating bars and venues include The Imperial, The King’s Quay, Rabbit Rooms, Wolseys, and The Nines.

Ticketed events featured in the Blues & Jazz Week include award-winning singer-songwriter Katharine Timoney who is making waves as one of Ireland’s leading jazz-soul crossover artists and has been tipped as ‘One To Watch’ by BBC Introducing. Katherine will perform at the Court House on Sunday 24^th August. Also appearing at the Court House are the electrifying blues-rock trio The Zac Schulze Gang from England, and local keyboard maestro Scott Flanigan will be celebrating the 50^th anniversary of piano virtuoso Keith Jarett’s Köln Concert live album recording, the best-selling solo jazz album of all time, with his own tribute on a baby grand piano. Renowned Irish blues artist Grainne Duffy will also be appearing at the venue during the Blues & Jazz week.

Mary Coughlan, Dana Masters, and Ronnie Greer, whose gigs have already been announced, will be representing the week-long Blues and Jazz theme at Bangor Castle Walled Garden.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum said: “Bangor buzzes in August every year thanks to the Open House Festival but with the addition of a Blues & Jazz week to the programme this summer we can look forward to getting an extra soulful dimension as well!  This is music to my ears, as I am sure it will be for many. With around 50 events held in ten or more different venues across the city, many of which are free, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy this exciting new event.”

“Beamish is proud to be one of the sponsors of the Bangor Blues & Jazz Week,” said Andrew Hollywood, Marketing Manager for Beamish. “We’ve been working in collaboration with the Open House Festival team for many years now and see the Court House as the home of Beamish in North Down, so the Bangor Blues & Jazz event is a perfect fit for us. It promises to be a fantastic showcase for blues and jazz music, and will no doubt generate a wonderful atmosphere in the city, especially over the weekend trail.”

The addition of the Bangor Blues & Jazz week brings the total number of events in this year’s Open House Festival programme to 136, with the potential for more to come. Full details of the free Blues & Jazz Trail and tickets for the ticketed events are available via the Open House Festival Website: www.openhousefestival.com

Open House Festival is an arts charity supported by Ards & North Down Borough Council and Arts Council of Northern Ireland

Sailortown Festival Belfast is set to return this weekend with Northern Ireland’s first-ever Night Market.

Taking place from June 20th–22nd, the three-day festival event will feature music, markets, and maritime mischief, as well as food and entertainment, at various venues including Barrow Square in Clarendon Dock and St. Joseph’s Sailortown.

Kicking things off on Friday night is Sailortown’s first ever Night Market, an open-air evening experience inspired by the world’s great market cities, the Night Market will run from 5pm–10pm on Friday 20^th June, transforming Barrow Square in Clarendon Dock into a buzzing festival of sound, flavour, and street culture.

Visitors can expect an unmissable mix of live DJ sets from Bang Bike, carnival beats from Beat Carnival, street performers, and dockside drinks by local bar Seatons of Sailortown.

The trader line-up is packed with standouts: Oui Poutine, Knead Pizza, and Carolyn Stewart’s Totally Hot NI, founded by Sailortown’s own radio legend, brings the heat. Alongside them, a curated selection of handmade art, food, fashion, and gifts will keep browsers busy all night long.

Festival organiser Maeve O’Connor, Sailortown Regeneration said “It’s a real privilege to organise the Sailortown Festival, which has grown over the past four years. It’s wonderful to see the area come to life with culture, creativity, and community spirit. We’re very grateful for the ongoing support of Belfast Harbour, Belfast Maritime Trust, and Belfast City Council, their backing has been instrumental in helping the festival evolve and thrive. We are especially excited to bring our first ever night market which brings something entirely new to the local scene. From Bangkok to Berlin, night markets are vibrant social spaces where people gather to eat, drink, shop and soak up local culture. Now, Sailortown joins that global map.”

It’s full steam ahead on Saturday 21st June, with the Sailortown Speciality Market (11am–4pm). A relaxed daytime event where visitors can meet local makers, discover one-of-a-kind handmade goods, and enjoy live sets from some of Belfast’s most beloved acts, including the genre blending brilliance of Belfast’s The String Ninjas.

Just around the corner, St. Joseph’s Church on Princes Dock Street becomes a cultural hub for the day. Hosting a series of musical workshops and the annual Sail Back to Sailortown event, a lively mix of jazz, poetry, and spoken word performances that honour the area’s rich heritage and talent.

Sunday 22nd June brings the festival to a joyful close with the Family Market (12pm–4pm), a playful afternoon packed with walkabout characters, a pooch parade, inflatables, street theatre, live music, and plenty of nautical fun for kids and families.

The Sailortown Festival reconnects people with Belfast’s first dockside village and the city’s maritime heritage. Bringing life to Belfast’s historic docklands through celebration, creativity, and community spirit. It’s community lead regeneration with soul, anchored in local pride and powered by cultural energy. The festival receives annual support from Belfast Harbour, Belfast Maritime Trust and Belfast City Council.

Speaking ahead of the Festival Jenni Barkley, Belfast Harbour said “We’re delighted to support the Sailortown Festival and to see public space in Clarendon and City Quays brought to life in such a vibrant and inclusive way. Events like this link to our aim of animating the Maritime Mile and create opportunities for people to reconnect with the waterfront in new and exciting ways.”

Commenting on the Festival Maeve Moreland, Maritime Belfast Trust said “We’re really pleased to continue our support for the Sailortown Festival. It’s such a brilliant example of local people coming together to celebrate their own stories and bring this historic part of the city to life. Supporting events like this is a key part of how we animate the waterfront – creating shared experiences, championing local talent, and making sure the Maritime Mile is a place that feels alive for the people who live, work and visit here.”

Getting there: From North Belfast, Festival entrances are located on Pilot Street and Princes Dock Street, and if coming from the city centre, it’s just a 7-minute walk from the Big Fish through Clarendon Dock. Visitors are encouraged to travel by public transport or on foot, and are also invited to explore the brand-new City Quays Gardens beside the AC Marriott Hotel on their way.

Free entry all weekend
Visit stjoessailortown.org and follow @stjoesbelfast and @nightmarketni for updates.

Ards and North Down Borough Council are delighted to announce a brand-new tour set in the bustling seaside town of Donaghadee, which many have come to recognise over the years as Hope Street’s Port Devine.

Celebrate all that is divine about this beacon of great taste which also has a gloriously rich history to explore.

Join them on any of the following dates:

21 June

16 August

20 September

Tasting stops on this tour take in the 400-year-old Grace Neills, Irelands Oldest Pub Est. 1611; an introductory peek around the award-winning The Copeland Distillery; the scenic harbour views from Harbour and Company, and the delicious café culture vibes of Bridewell Coffee

Tours run 2pm until 5pm (approx)

Tickets cost £62.50pp, and they are on sale now!

For more information, including the menu, visit >> https://bit.ly/4mMyODG

An online booking fee applies. To avoid the online fee, you can book in person or by phone via our Visitor Information Centres:

https://bit.ly/3WZw0Xk

This tour is organised and hosted by Ards and North Down Borough Council

www.whatsonni.com | Visit Belfast | Discover Northern Ireland | Food NI

#TasteAND #TasteANDEnjoy #BeDrinkAware #Donaghadee #HopeStreet #PortDevine #VisitAND #BelfastPlus