Aspects Festival 2025 Programme Unveiled

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Bangor will once again become a hub for books, ideas and inspiration this autumn as Aspects Festival returns for its 34th year.

Running from Wednesday 24 September to Sunday 5 October 2025, Northern Ireland’s longest-running literature festival promises an unmissable line-up of acclaimed writers, live events and creative experiences. From author events to intimate workshops, music and art, this year’s festival offers something for everyone who loves a good story.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, Aspects welcomes visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond, celebrating Irish writing in all its forms.

This year’s programme is packed with events for all tastes – from poetry and nature writing to creative workshops, discussions, live music and podcast storytelling. Audiences can also enjoy in-conversation evenings with Eamon Carr, Seán Farrell and Glenn Patterson, explore Bangor Abbey Graveyard tours and discover the work of emerging and established writers.

Among the programme highlights:

  • Dara McAnulty at Clandeboye – Award-winning naturalist and writer Dara McAnulty launches his new book, A Wild Child’s Guide to Nature at Night, in the stunning surroundings of Clandeboye Estate. Dara will also join internationally acclaimed Bangor-based pianist Xenia Pestova Bennett for an intimate evening weaving together words, music and nature at Studio 1A.
  • David Trimble: Peacemaker – A special evening at Bangor Abbey, where author Stephen Walker will discuss his new book with former MP Lady Hermon, offering revealing insights into the life and legacy of the political leader.
  • Carol Drinkwater: One Summer in Provence – Beloved actress and bestselling author Carol Drinkwater joins Aspects at Bangor Castle to discuss her new novel, a tale of betrayal, belonging, and unexpected love set on a sun-drenched vineyard in the south of France.
  • Remembering Michael Longley – This year, Aspects honours the late, legendary poet with two special events. A dedicated evening at Bangor Castle, will bring together his friends and fellow writers to share memories and readings, celebrating his life and work. A special exhibition by artist Pauline Little, inspired by Longley’s poems, will run in Bangor Carnegie Library throughout September.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:
“Aspects Festival brings people together – readers, writers and anyone with a love of stories, to share in the joy of words and ideas. I’d encourage everyone, whether you’re a lifelong book lover or new to the festival, to come along and experience it for yourself.”

Patricia Hamilton, Festival Director, added:
“Aspects Festival has always been about connection – sparking conversations, celebrating voices from near and far, and creating space for audiences to explore new ideas. This year’s programme captures that spirit more than ever, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Bangor this September.”

Aspects Festival runs from 24 September to 5 October 2025 at venues across Bangor. The full line-up and tickets are available at: https://aspectsfestival.com/whats-on

Ulster Operatic Company takes care of business in Dolly Parton’s smash-hit show 9 to 5 the Musical

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Dust off your cowboy boots, channel your inner Dolly, and get ready to sing along—it’s time to take care of business with Ulster Operatic Company at Grand Opera House Belfast in Dolly Parton’s smash-hit show, 9 to 5 the Musical running  7–11 October 2025.

From the multi-award-winning team that brought you West Side Story, Evita, and Legally Blonde, this laugh-out-loud musical comedy is bursting with energy, sass, and unforgettable songs. Based on the iconic movie, 9 to 5 follows three office workers who decide they’ve had enough of their sexist, egotistical boss—and hatch a plan to take control of their workplace and their lives.

It’s a feel-good story of friendship, empowerment, and fighting the system—with a whole lot of Dolly sparkle thrown in. Featuring original music and lyrics by the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton, including Backwoods Barbie, Shine Like the Sun, and the legendary title track 9 to 5, this toe-tapping show is not to be missed.

For tickets visit 9 to 5 The Musical | Grand Opera House

First American-Built Locomotive in Ireland Runs Again at Downpatrick

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In a major first for railway preservation in Ireland, the Downpatrick & County Down Railway in partnership with the Irish Traction Group unveiled a major milestone on Saturday 23rd August, as former Córas Iompair Éireann and Irish Rail diesel locomotive No. 124 hauled its first passenger trains in preservation at the DCDR’s 40th Anniversary Gala event.

Built in 1961 by General Motors in La Grange, Illinois, the 121 Class were the first American-built locomotives to operate in Ireland, transforming CIE’s fleet with their reliability and distinctive styling, looking more like Amtrak switchers (shunting locos) with their distinctive huge cab, with little to compare them to anywhere in Ireland or the UK. Withdrawn in the mid-2000s, most were scrapped, and for years many doubted 124 would ever run again. No. 124 had been placed in long-term storage at Moyasta, County Clare since 2008, only moving to Downpatrick in June 2025. After just two months of intensive restoration, it returned to service in time for the gala, making a surprise debut to an enthusiastic but unsuspecting crowd of visitors and photographers.

The day itself began with cab rides in G-Class locomotive G617, and run-pasts featuring the railway’s fleet, including the recently restored Wickham Railcar No. 713 and 450 Class Railcar No. 458. However, the biggest cheer of the afternoon came when 124 appeared for the first time, surprising everyone as it rounded the corner with a fully loaded ballast train. Later in the day, the locomotive made history by hauling the first passenger trains operated by a 121 Class locomotive since their withdrawal from mainline service. This special trip to Inch Abbey, using the DCDR’s vintage Edwardian carriages, was packed with enthusiasts eager to be part of the occasion.

The event was further enhanced with heritage buses on display outside the station from Ards Bus Preservation and Irish Transport Heritage, while Táilte Tours provided a connecting coach link from Dublin, underlining the all-Ireland interest in the gala.

Irish Traction Group committee member, Mike Beckett, praised the team effort that brought the locomotive back to life: “A huge thanks has to go to all our supporters and especially Downpatrick & County Down Railway and its volunteers for all the work that went on behind the scenes to make the diesel gala event on 23rd August such a major success.

“Our relationship with DCDR has been ongoing for many years, and we have always been grateful for their support with our diesel locomotive fleet based here.”

He continues, “Following the arrival of 124 in early June, Downpatrick-based volunteers really pulled out all the stops to try to get 124 into service for this diesel gala event. Every spare minute was spent repairing electrics, air systems, coolant systems and testing every operational aspect of the locomotive. The final hurdle was getting the all important paperwork completed, and risk assessments written, and agreement from the railway regulator in Northern Ireland, the Railway Safety Authority at Stormont.”

“Thanks to the hard work of ITG & DCDR volunteers, including burning the midnight oil for some last minute faults, it is hard to describe the appearance of 124 at the gala as anything other than triumphant, operating the first 121-class hauled trains in preservation anywhere in Ireland. The crowd were expecting a different locomotive, but we somehow managed to keep this secret until the train started rolling down the line, and jaws were dropping and looks of disbelief and amazement broke out as we powered past the spectators. It’s a real win for ITG and DCDR, and a testament to the skills and perseverance of the volunteers from both groups.”

Robert Gardiner, Chairman of the Downpatrick & County Down Railway, added, “We are proud to host 124 and to work with the Irish Traction Group on this achievement. This gala not only celebrated our 40th Anniversary, but also demonstrated our comeback from the devastating floods of 2023 – as well as the importance of cross-border cooperation in preserving Ireland’s transport heritage.”

He added, “The urge to share the updates on 124’s progress has been pretty strong, but we really wanted to keep this under wraps so that there would be absolutely zero spoilers for our passengers!  We’re more shocked than they are probably that we successfully kept it quiet!”

The gala drew visitors from across Ireland and the UK, cementing Downpatrick’s role as the home of mainline diesel preservation in Ireland. With No. 124 now operational, albeit still a bit shabby from over 16 years exposed to the wild Atlantic winds in Co Clare, work is still not yet complete, with significant work on overhauling mechanical components and bodywork, and an eventual repaint, will resume as soon as volunteers recover from the past few months of effort.  Effort is also continuing to restore the DCDR’s steam services following the 2023 floods, with work on the locomotive shed hoping to be carried out in the near future.

Ards Arts Centre Welcomes Solo Exhibitions by Leah Davis and Zoë Gibson

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Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards is pleased to welcome two new art exhibitions to its Georgian and Sunburst Galleries: The Human Condition a solo exhibition by Leah Davis and Linen Landscapes, a solo exhibition of work by Zoë Gibson.

In The Human Condition visual artist Leah Davis explores the intricate relationship between the human figure and its surrounding space through a dynamic interplay of painting and drawing.

This exhibition reflects Davis’s evolving investigation into the complexities of the human experience, with works that examine how the body interacts with negative space to express emotional depth and shared vulnerability.

Featuring a range of scales and mixed media, the exhibition embraces both intimacy and expansiveness, inviting viewers into an immersive dialogue.

In response to the 2025 Linen Biennale theme Regroup and React emerging Bangor-based artist, Zoë Gibson, presents linen landscape embroideries focusing on the ecologies which we often take for granted. Through craft and creativity, the landscapes are reimagined on a linen canvas to encourage the viewer to visually connect with the intricacies of the individual flax fibers and explore a landscape which they may have only ventured on foot.

Challenging familiarity, this personal journey explores how landscapes sit within their wider context, hoping to provoke viewers to reconnect with these places within Ards and North Down, Ireland and Great Britain.

Both exhibitions will open on Thursday 4 September and continue until Saturday 27 September. Admission is free.

All are welcome to attend a Preview Event in Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 4 September at 7pm.

The event will also include an informal artist’s talk by Leah Davis before the preview of her exhibition (at 6.30pm), The Human Condition, giving further insight to her work and inspirations. Both events require pre-booking.

For more information visit; www.andculture.org.uk

10 Things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 25 – 31 August

 

  1. Wild Ireland: Past, Present, Future at the Ulster Museum, Belfast, until 31 August. Renowned wildlife painter, Julian Friers has collaborated with Ulster Museum Natural Sciences curator, Dr Mike Simms, to create over 50 remarkable paintings of our flora and fauna, past and present.
  2. Royal Style in the Making at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, until 4 January. Step into a world of elegance at Royal Style in the Making, a striking exhibition at Hillsborough Castle. Explore the relationship between royal women and their designers, and how British fashion shaped their iconic looks. See rare pieces up close, including the original toile for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s 1937 coronation gown, and sketches by top designers including Norman Hartnell, David Sassoon, and more.
  3. The Summer Finale at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down, 25 August. Enjoy nature as you are surrounded by summer beauty in the Trails and Gardens, indulge in a seasonal barbeque and grab a burger just freshly off the grill. Relax in the summer sun whilst listening to live music in The Walled Garden. You will be entertained by a whirlwind of different activities that will bring joyful summer fun to you and all the family.
  4. Guided Historical Tour of the Earl Bishop’s Estate at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, Castlerock, County Londonderry, 25 August. Join the National Trust and Hervey Heritage Group on a journey through time and history across one of the jewels of the Causeway Coast. Taking off from the Bishop’s Gate entrance of Downhill Demesne, this two-hour walk-and-talk will take you through the Earl Bishop Hervey’s estate, including his gardens and ‘castle’. It is the perfect opportunity to soak up the surrounding landscapes and breath-taking views of golden beaches and crashing Atlantic waves.
  5. Carrick Coastal Vibes, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, 25 August. Carrickfergus is set to come alive with music and activities as Carrick Coastal Vibes takes over Castle Green for an unforgettable afternoon of free family fun and entertainment. As well as a packed programme of live music, workshops, and children’s activities, visitors can browse an artisan market featuring local traders selling a wide range of unique goods.
  6. Sourdough Bread Cookery Class at The Courthouse, Bushmills, County Antrim, 27 August. Join this hands-on cookery class at Bistro at the Courthouse and learn how to nurture your own starter and bake a delicious loaf. You’ll take home a starter, proving basket, your own loaf to bake, and all the recipes you need. Plus, enjoy a glass of Cava and receive a beautiful breadboard and dips to enjoy.
  7. Shakespeare on the Hill: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 29 and 30 August. It is going to be a summer to remember as Mid Ulster District Council in partnership with Bardic Theatre brings the magic of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ to one of Mid Ulster’s most beautiful and historic locations, Hill of The O’Neill. This is a rare opportunity to experience Shakespeare in a setting as grand and storied as the play itself – a unique cultural evening where history, heritage and live performance meet.
  8. Todds Leap Family Open Park Days, Ballygawley, County Tyrone, 31 August. Join the fun at Todd’s Leap Family Open Park Days. Experience over 15 amazing activities, from ziplining and blindfold driving to the Big Yella Slide and Clip ‘N’ Climb. There’s fun for everyone.
  9. Summer Sunset Yoga at Crom, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 29 August. Take in the nature around you as you move through some lovely beginner-friendly yet strong, grounding flows as each day begins to draw to a close. Then indulge in warm drinks and tasty treats as you sit together and enjoy local wildlife and folklore tales.
  10. Summer Saturdays in Armagh City Centre, County Armagh, until 6 September. Armagh Summer in the City is back this year with children’s activities including face painting and balloon modelling. There will be great live music on the bandstand each Saturday. All Summer in the City activities are free and open to all visitors.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.

 

Offers of the Week!

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Culloden Estate and Spa, Holywood, County Down

This autumn, step away from the everyday and into a world of grandeur, where charm and timeless elegance await at the Culloden Estate and Spa. Starting from £195 per room, on selected dates throughout September, October and November, enjoy 15% off bed and breakfast rates and a complimentary room upgrade to the next room category booked. Your stay includes a full Irish breakfast served in the Vespers Restaurant the following morning. Visit www.cullodenestateandspa.com/offers for more information.

 

Grand Central Hotel, Belfast

Starting from £160 per room, sink into the season and embrace autumn in Belfast with a complimentary room upgrade, a freshly prepared full Irish breakfast, and an additional 15% off your overnight stay on select dates from September to November. Whether you’re yearning for a cosy retreat or a city escape, Grand Central Hotel’s fantastic location, exceptional service and breathtaking views of the changing cityscape provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable autumn getaway. Visit www.grandcentralhotelbelfast.com/offers/ for more information.

 

For more inspiration or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.  

 

Offers are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability and change without notice. Terms and Conditions apply to each offer and can be viewed on the individual provider’s websites. Tourism NI acts as a promoter of third-party offers and accepts no responsibility for any changes, withdrawals, or inaccuracies made by providers.    

Newcastle Gears Up for Live Music, Local Flavours and Family Fun at Eats & Beats Festival

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Newcastle is preparing to welcome visitors for the free Eats & Beats Festival on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September. With two music stages, a wide range of local food vendors and a host of family-friendly activities, the weekend promises a vibrant mix of live music, local flavours and fun for all ages.

Festival goers can begin their culinary journey at the Mourne Flavours Pavilion, where the finest local produce will be on display. Here, visitors can sample and purchase tasty treats while enjoying cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs, including Melissa McCabe, Great British Menu NI Winner 2024 and Jenny Bristow, Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador, alongside local favourites such as Jonny Murphy – The Hungry Hooker.

For music lovers, the festival offers two stages of entertainment. The Homegrown Stage, hosted by Gemma Bradley, features acts including The Boo Radleys, Orwells84 and local favourites Reevah and The Four of Us. While the World Stage, hosted by Ripton Lindsay, brings diverse rhythms from Boye PapaGee & Colours Afrobeat, 353 Samba, Baile An Salsa and Havana Roots. Performances begin at 10am each day in Donard Park, offering something for every musical taste.

Alongside the cookery demonstrations, the Mourne Flavours Pavilion will showcase fresh breads and home-baked delights from Mrs C’s Home Kitchen, Mourne Food Adventures and Counter Culture Real Bread, while Raymie’s Seafood Bar & Grill, The Whistledown Hotel, and the Montalto Estate will inspire visitors with signature dishes. Complementing the food offerings, Killowen Distillery and the Avoca Hotel will present craft drinks and cocktails, making the pavilion a true celebration of local tastes.

Adding an interactive element in the pavilion, the Meet the Producers sessions will allow visitors to learn directly from NearyNógs, Counter Culture Real Bread, Killowen Distillery, Castlescreen Farm, and Whitewater Brewery, who will share recipes, cooking tips and sustainable food ideas, providing insight into the region’s thriving food scene.

Families are also well catered for with the Curious Minds experiences in Donard Park, as well as Castle Park activities including The Mourne Eye, Pedalo Swans and a Go-Kart Track, ensuring fun for visitors of all ages.

This year, Sensory Sessions will take place at the ADHD Hub Coffee Shop & Info Point, 2 Savoy Lane. From 9.30am – 2pm each day, a gentler festival experience can be enjoyed with quieter music, fewer crowds and no queues for visitors with sensory or access needs.

In the week leading up to the festival, visitors can also savour the flavours of Newcastle during Restaurant Week from 1 – 7 September, with exclusive offers served daily from 11am – 2pm and 5pm – 7pm. Local eateries, set between the sea and the stunning Mourne Mountains, will highlight the best of regional produce, perfectly setting the stage for the festival weekend.

Beyond the main festival, Newcastle’s fringe events provide additional experiences, from live performances and food tastings to artistic displays throughout the town. Whether indulging in local cuisine or enjoying the lively atmosphere, On the Fringe adds an extra spark to the Eats & Beats experience.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “Newry, Mourne and Down is renowned for its award-winning food, drinks and music. The Eats & Beats Festival is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy delicious local dishes, live performances and family-friendly fun.”

Chairperson Councillor Campbell continued, “This year’s festival also includes fringe events and unique experiences offered by local businesses, bringing Newcastle to life for all ages. Newcastle Restaurant Week, taking place in the week leading up to the festival, is an integral part of this year’s celebrations and encourages visitors to stay longer.”

” Together, these events enhance our tourism offering, creating unique opportunities to connect with the local community, celebrate Newcastle’s vibrant culture and make lasting memories. From savouring delicious local food to enjoying live music or a fun-filled family weekend, the Eats & Beats Festival is the perfect way to experience everything this beautiful town has to offer.”

For those attending, a Park and Ride will operate from the Northfield site on Carrigs Road, Newcastle BT33 0JZ, where free parking will be available. The Park and Ride route will be clearly signposted and open to all festivalgoers. The service will be available on both Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, operating from 9.30am to 7.30pm each day. Toilets, Changing Places and Accessible facilities will also be located at the site.

The Retro Room Vintage Video Arcade Powers On Permanently at Cityside Retail & Leisure Park this September

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Belfast is about to get a brand new addition to its social and family entertainment scene. After several years of involvement in pop up arcades around the city, The Retro Room has secured a new and permanent home at Cityside Retail & Leisure Park. 

The Retro Room is a vintage video arcade brimming over with original 70s, 80s and 90s arcade games as well as classic consoles and tabletop titles, designed as a welcoming space for all ages. 

From gamers nostalgic about the games of their youth to families looking for something different to do together, to friends on a night out or couples on a first date, the new venue promises to combine fun, nostalgia and community in one place. And the arcade will be also be available to hire privately  for companies, birthday parties or any occasion. 

Founder Martin Neill said:

“Some of our happiest memories are of the arcades we spent our childhoods in in the 1980s. We’re bringing that environment, and the games that made the old arcades so great, back for a new generation to enjoy. We want the Retro Room to be a great place to hang about with a few of your mates like it was for us, when playing games was a social experience rather than a solitary one.”

“We’ve spent a few years hunting down a great selection of retro arcade titles in particular, we’re sure most people of a certain vintage will find something they loved back in the day on our arcade floor. But still there’s nothing like watching kids discovering the likes of Street Fighter 2, Pac-Man or Wonderboy for the first time. These games are timeless.” 

The new venue will sit alongside popular neighbours including Black Axe Throwing Co, Lost City Adventure Golf, Movie House Cinemas and Gallaher’s Bar, strengthening Cityside’s position as one of Belfast’s leading leisure destinations.

With its focus on inclusivity, The Retro Room will be open to kids, teenagers and adults alike, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the atmosphere and experience.

The doors open on September 12th 2025. Find out more at www.retroroombelfast.com

10 Things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 18 – 24 August

 

  1. Ould Lammas Fair, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 23 – 26 August. Sample the famous local favourite, Yellow Man or Dulce, and wander around the Naturally North Coast and Glen’s Artisan Market, which features local fresh produce, quirky handmade crafts and fine art. Experience the hustle and bustle of the horse trading village, or simply take in the atmosphere and local banter on the streets of Ballycastle. The main events will be held on the last Monday and Tuesday of August when the town is transformed by hundreds of stalls lining the streets, as far as the eye can see.

 

  1. Summer Saturdays in Armagh City Centre, County Armagh, until 6 September. Armagh Summer in the City is back this year with children’s activities including face painting and balloon modelling. There will be great live music on the bandstand each Saturday. All Summer in the City activities are free and open to all visitors.

 

  1. Millbank Farm Flower Fest, Killinchy, County Down, 23 – 25 and 30 – 31 August. Come to Millbank Farm Flower Fest, for a family-friendly day out with stunning views over Whiterock Bay. Wander through colourful flower fields, pick your own sunflowers, dahlias, and wildflowers, and get lost in the Maize Maze.

 

  1. Shortcross Whiskey Tour & Tasting at Rademon Estate Distillery, Crossgar, County Down, 21, 22, 28 and 29 August. Join the resident whiskey expert for a tipple and enjoy a fully immersive guided tour of the distillery and its Irish whiskey distilling process. Experience first-hand the sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas of a fully operational craft distillery.

 

  1. Clandeboye Festival 2025, Bangor, County Down, 16 – 23 August. Join a week of world-class music at the Clandeboye Festival 2025: Aspects of Summer. Set against the stunning backdrop of the historic Clandeboye Estate, this year’s festival invites audiences to explore the diverse sounds and moods of summer through a series of captivating concerts and performances.

 

  1. International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 23 – 24 August. On 23rd and 24th August, the Ulster American Folk Park will be marking the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition with a weekend of activity across the museum.

 

  1. Belfast Mela, 16 – 24 August. Prepare to be inspired, delighted, and transported as Belfast Mela, Northern Ireland’s largest and most vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, returns with its most ambitious programme to date. Produced by leading intercultural arts organisation ArtsEkta, the Mela has become a cornerstone of Belfast’s cultural calendar.

 

  1. Family Fun Days at The Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, 24 August. The Jungle Family Fun Days are open-park days, which offer an exciting range of outdoor adventure activities at budget prices. Suitable for all ages and abilities – book online today.

 

  1. Wild & Fired BBQ School at Brook Hall Estate & Gardens, Derry~Londonderry, 23 August. Lo & Slo’s Wild & Fired BBQ School offers an immersive, interactive experience combining foraging, dining, and BBQ workshops in a historic, private walled garden, showcasing Northern Irish culture through locally sourced food. Experience the ancient art of cooking with fire in a modern, engaging, and fun setting.

 

  1. Museum of Discoveries: Waters of Wonder at Enniskillen Castle, County Fermanagh, 18 – 22 August. Uncover secrets of Fermanagh’s past from the earliest settlers, Medieval Maguires, Vikings, Second World War & the Fermanagh Hearth, in fun hands-on learning sessions with museum staff. Get active in the afternoon with adventures on the water.

 

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.

Family-friendly craft events not to be missed this August

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Enjoy eclectic events across Northern Ireland in this month-long programme from Craft NI and Design & Crafts Council

 

August Craft Month, a celebration of the vibrant craft scene across the island of Ireland, is the perfect opportunity to introduce your young ones to local craft.

Everyone, even complete beginners and kids, can get involved. It is your chance to learn, make, explore and connect through creativity.

With just a few weeks left until the schools return, if you’re running out of ideas to keep the kids entertained or are simply looking for a family day out, Northern Ireland is full of opportunities to make, see and do this August.

From origami to copper engraving, August Craft Month offers ways for families to slow down, learn together and connect with skilled makers.

More than 300 events, featuring 1200 talented designer makers across 26 craft disciplines, will support centuries-old traditions while showcasing the innovation of today’s designers.

Here are just a few family-friendly events that will inspire, teach and entertain.

 

August Craft Month Exhibition: (Un)Bound – Belfast

Location: Craft NI Gallery, Belfast

Price: Free

Date: 2–31 August

This month-long exhibition invited contemporary craft makers to address the context of binding and show how the creative process is no linear. A yearly highlight of August Craft Month, this exhibition celebrates and profiles excellence in the NI Craft Sector.

Causeway Craft Trail – Derry/Londonderry

Location: Flowerfield Arts Centre and across the Causeway Coast

Price: Free

Date: 3–31 August

Follow a trail of creativity across the Causeway Coast, with exhibitions and displays from talented makers. The trail celebrates a variety of disciplines, from ceramics and textiles to mixed media, and is ideal for a summer day trip with the family.

North Down Craft Collective Fair

Location: WWT Castle Espie

Price: Free

Date and Time: 24th August, 10am – 4pm

Discover the work of our talented members – from handcrafted pottery and textiles to original artwork and prints. Enjoy live craft demonstrations running throughout the day – a perfect chance to see the making in action! Set on the shores of Strangford Lough, Castle Espie is a magical setting, and this summer, it’s also home to an exciting Dragonfly festival – a perfect day out for all ages! The award-winning Kingfisher Café will be open throughout the day serving hot and cold drinks and snacks

Buttermarket Craft and Design Courtyard – Enniskillen

Location: Down Street, Enniskillen, BT74 7DU

Price: Free

Date and time: 1–31 August

Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century dairy market, the Buttermarket is home to nineteen craft units offering ceramics, jewellery, leather goods, textiles and more. Families can browse, meet makers, and see demonstrations before enjoying a coffee or lunch together at Rebecca’s Coffee Shop.

Humans, Being

Location: Strule Arts Centre, Omagh

Price: Free

Date and Time: 1-29 August, 10am – 6pm

An exhibition of figurative sculpture, focusing on the joys, the sorrows the challenges and the triumphs we meet during our life cycle. The exhibition will be open to all and will run for the month of August.

 

For the full island-wide programme and to get involved and show your support for your local craft sector visit augustcraftmonth.org.

Share your own craft adventures by tagging @augustcraftmonth25 and use the hashtags #augustcraftmonth2025 #makeseebuy

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