Category: NITB

As part of the ‘Taste the Island’ initiative for 12 weeks DiscoverNorthernIreland.com will have the top three food experiences and events in their weekly  10 things to do listing. DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week including three food experiences and events (7-13 October)

1.       Slow Food Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 9-13 October.  Slow Food is a global, grassroots organisation that promotes true enjoyment of good food with the commitment to community and the environment – this two-day celebration showcases the best of local, clean, fair food with  talks and demos, tours and tastings, street food, family fun and much more at Guildhall Square.

2.       Taste Causeway 2019, Coleraine, 4-27 October. The Taste Causeway event will showcase the vibrant restaurant scene as well as offering a  full programme of food and drink experiences, including themed nights, taster menus, cookery classes, food tours, Econmusee tours, and opportunities to ‘meet the maker’.

3.       Mourne Mountains Food Trail, Annalong, 12 October. Let NI Food Tours take you off the beaten track into County Down, meet the local producers and farmers, hear their stories and taste their award winning food and drink.

4.       Portrush Motorcycle Beach Races, Portrush, 12-13 October. The East Strand will be the spectacular venue for the annual motorcycle beach races, organised by the Foyle District Motor Cycle Club, in conjunction with Causeway Coast and Glens Council.

5.       One Pot Feeds All: Talk and Book Signing with Darina Allen, Bellaghy, 7 October. Seamus Heaney HomePlace is delighted to welcome world-renowned cookery school owner and bestselling author Darina Allen for an intimate talk, cookery demonstration and book signing.

6.       Oktoberfest, Belfast, 4-19 October. Held in Custom House Square, the festival will have a full range of beers to suit your palate, including Paulaner Oktoberfest Lager which is only brewed for the Munich Beer Festival. All the food and beer will be served by friendly staff in traditional Bavarian costumes.

7.       Walled City Brewery Beer Masterclass, Derry~Londonderry, 12 October.  A 1½ hour interactive experience where you can relax and let the Walled City Brewery’s talented brewers tell you the extraordinary 9,000 year old story of brewing whilst tasting their ten house beers matched with artisanal local snacks.

8.       ‘Learn to’ Workshops, Lisburn, 12 October. As part of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Food & Drink events calendar, Larchfield Estate is hosting a series of ‘Learn To’ workshops. From bee keeping to fermentation and bread and jam making there’s a range of interesting workshops on offer.

9.       Fright Night, Magherafelt, 12-31 October. This year’s Fright Night at Jungle NI will see the return of the horrid and harrowing “Woodland Trail”. Freaky sets frame a haunting story to send shivers up your spine, coupled with special effects, atmospheric lighting throughout and a creepy cast of nefarious creatures.

10.   2 Hour Paranormal Investigation, Belfast, 11-31 October.  The chilling expert led two hour paranormal Investigation gives visitors the opportunity to interact with the spirits as they get hands on with authentic experiments using paranormal investigating equipment. The serious paranormal investigation will visit various hotspots of the Crumlin Road Gaol, where paranormal activity has been reported and sighted.For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com. For additional Taste the Island events, please visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/tastetheisland

As part of the ‘Taste the Island’ initiative for 12 weeks DiscoverNorthernIreland.com will have the top three food experiences and events in their weekly  10 things to do listing. DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week including three food experiences and events (30 September – 6 October)

1.       Taste the Island on Rathlin Island, Rathlin Island, 4-5 October.  Slemish Market Supper Club presents “Taste the Island on Rathlin Island”. Hosted by two top chefs in two top venues, this weekend showcases the best of NI food and drink.

2.       Sustainable Seafood Soirée, Belfast, 4-11 October. This event being held at Fish City restaurant is aimed at seafood lovers who strive to be a conscious consumer. Enjoy a two-course seafood meal while hearing Fish City’s aim for sustainability and taking home a copy of ‘The Good Fish Guide’.

3.       The Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival, Bushmills, 5 October. This festival at the Causeway Hotel, brings together members of the public and the farming community in a celebration of all aspects of the local potato industry.

4.       Waggy Races – The Castle Ward 5k, Strangford, 6 October. Waggy Races is a 5k fun run where you can enter as a runner, jogger or walker, with one or two dogs or in a pack, two runners and one dog. Race entry includes admission to Castle Ward, goody bags and prizes.

5.       Irish Vegan Festival, Belfast, 6 October.  The aim of this festival at the Europa Hotel, is to promote a vegan diet, sustainability and animal welfare in a positive atmosphere. It offers a range of stalls selling amazing vegan products ranging from cakes to jewellery to makeup and more.

6.       Hatch, Strabane, 5-6 October. This performance at the Alley Arts Centre introduces you to Bláithín, who loves caterpillars, moths and butterflies. Follow her on her adventurous journey with Uncle Rusty to find Pearl, the most extraordinary butterfly with the most exquisite colourful wings.

7.       Irish Gin and Cheese Pairing, Belfast, 3-4 October.  Taste and Tour have teamed up with industry experts to bring together an exciting evening, combining two of life’s greatest pleasures, gin and cheese.

8.       Broighter Gold Farm Tour, Limavady, 4-5 October. Visitors will tour the farm, before visiting the sheds and learning how the Broighter Gold journey started. Press and bottle your own Broighter Gold oils, before visiting The Lime Tree restaurant for lunch.

9.       Autumn Wellness & Natural Remedies, Ballycastle, 6 October. Learn how to make natural remedies to help aid a healthy and nourished autumn with Broughgammon Farm including a range of teas, honeys and gels.

10.   Signature Full Day Food Tour, Whitehead, 5 October. Hosted by Toast the Coast, this tour celebrates Northern Ireland food & drink as you journey by coach along the stunning scenery of the Causeway Coastal Route, with food tastings at each stop, light guided commentary and a meet & greet with locals to hear their stories.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com. For additional Taste the Island events, please visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/tastetheisland

As part of the ‘Taste the Island’ initiative for the next 12 weeks DiscoverNorthernIreland.com will have the top three food experiences and events in their weekly  10 things to do listing. DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week including three food experiences and events (16-22 September)

1.       Armagh Food and Cider Festival, Armagh, 19-22 September. An international extravaganza featuring a huge spread of unmissable events in venues across the county. Festival visitors to the iconic city of Armagh and its surrounding fruit-laden orchards can expect to raise more than a glass to an incredible range of mouth-watering events.

2.       Wee Buns – Preserve the Season , Dungannon, 20 September. Capture the essence of Autumn in this preserving class using foraged damsons, rose hips and blackberries from the local hedges and locally grown fruit.  Learn about the fundamental techniques and skills of home preserving, make your own soda bread and take home a jar each of jam and pickles.

3.        Gins and Poitins of the Mournes, Newry, 19 September. Brendan Carty of Killowen Distillery will host an evening dedicated at traditional bar, Crawfords, to the top quality craft gin and poitín he produces in the heart of the Mournes. Several sample drinks will be served, including cocktails and mixers. The final sample will be a Poitín Irish Coffee. Food will also be paired with each drink.

4.       Art in the Orchard with Deborah Malcomson, Portadown, 21 September. Suitable for the complete beginner, budding or seasoned artists, this workshop will provide the opportunity for participants to apply their creative response to the surroundings – trees, apples and landscape. Deborah Malcomson, a professional visual artist will guide and support each participant through the process of exploring line, colour and form through a range of media.

5.       Festival Lough Erne, Enniskillen, 21-22 September.  The tranquil setting of Enniskillen Castle will see a hustle of families and foodie lovers sampling local produce and enjoying the tranquil setting of the River Erne. From live cookery demos with chefs and experts to entertainment on the bandstand, it’s set to be a fun weekend for all the family.

6.       Mourne Mountain Marathon, Newcastle, 21-22 September. Ireland’s only two-day endurance and navigation event for teams of two. Enter one of four categories, covering between 35km and 55km over two days. Camp overnight and be self-sufficient. The Marathon is open to everyone from walkers to elite runners.

7.       Culture Night and Day Belfast 2019, Belfast, 20-21 September. Over 200 free, family-friendly events across the city centre including gigs, talks, tours, walks, activities, screenings, workshops, children’s events and more.

8.       Deep RiverRock Belfast City Half Marathon, Belfast, 22 September. Over 5,000 participants are expected to take part in the largest half marathon event in Northern Ireland.  Entrants will take on the popular flat and fast 13.1 mile route, which weaves its way throughout the four corners of Belfast city.

9.       Montalto Foraging Experience, Ballynahinch, 21 September. Take a walk with NI Survival School and be introduced to some of the most common plants and trees that inhabit our island and discover some of their secrets that make them useful to us in edible or medicinal ways. After the return to the woodland camp and enjoy making tea and a light lunch from the foraged species.

10.   Kilkeel Walking Food Tour, Newry, 19 September. Enjoy a three-hour walking tour of Kilkeel, led by an enthusiastic and experienced local tour guide. The vast history of Kilkeel’s fishing and farming town is served up through fascinating facts and insightful stories whilst you enjoy some local delicacies.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com. For additional Taste the Island events, please visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/tastetheisland

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (9-15 September)

1.       European Heritage Open Days, Across NI, 14-15 September. Over 300 properties and events across Northern Ireland open free of charge during this weekend, many of which do not usually open to the public. Properties open include Florence Court, Belfast City Hall and many more.

2.       Day Walk – Slieve Binnian & North Tor, Newry, 14 September.  Enjoy a day walking in the beautiful Mourne Mountains, climb Slieve Binnian and admire impressive granite tors, with a multi-lingual, qualified Mountain Leader.

3.       An ‘Olympic’ Challenge: Olympic, Titanic and Britannic, Belfast, 9 September. The Belfast Titanic Society and PRONI present their third annual lecture. Mark Chirnside explores the financial, technical and engineering issues that confronted the White Star Line as they planned Olympic, Titanic and Britannic and explains how they overcame them.

4.       Myra’s Story, Derry~Londonderry, 14-15 September. Brian Foster’s new adaptation of his acclaimed play, Maire a Woman of Derry. Living rough on the streets of Dublin, Myra Mc Laughlin is a foul mouthed, feisty, street drinker. She is also immensely funny and self- deprecating. Myra never wallows in self-pity as she gives us a hilarious, moving, and ultimately tragic account of her fall from grace.

5.       Traditional Irish Baking, Moy, 14 September. Wee Buns Cookery School offers a warm welcome at this hands on class, discussing recipes and techniques and making the most of local ingredients.

6.       Athenry: Dance of the Celts, Belfast, 11 September.  Irish dance company ‘Ta Da’  presents the tale of the famous song “The Fields of Athenry” like you’ve never seen before at the Cabaret Supper Club.  With a talented cast of World Champions and dancers from the biggest touring shows, such as ‘Riverdance’ and ‘Lord of the Dance’, watch as ‘Michael’ and ‘Mary’ find love during the Great Famine.

7.       Neon Night Maize Maze, Limavady, 14 September. Do you think you can make it out of the all new Maize Maze in a glowing record time? Try your best  at Carrowmena Activity Centre’s neon themed night maze event.

8.       Shane Todd: The Todd Father, Newcastle, 13 September. Following a hugely successful 2018 tour Shane Todd presents his biggest show yet, The Toddfather. Performing at a number of venues across Northern Ireland, see The Toddfather in Newcastle at The Anchor Bar.

9.       FUR & Guests, Belfast, 15 September. See Brighton-based quartet FUR perform at their only Belfast date in McHugh’s Basement with special guests.

10.   Hidden Gems Tour, Dungannon, 14 – 15 September. This full day tour offers an adventure into the wild and rugged Lough Neagh landscape and gives an insight into how the local people live with local guide, James Walshe. Explore the ancient roads and lanes to uncover tales of Vikings, healing sites and holy wells where Saint Patrick walked.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (2 – 8 September)

1.       Mount Stewart Conversations Festival 2019, Newtownards, 7-8 September. Mount Stewart Conversations Festival celebrates the history of Mount Stewart, revealing its unique stories and influence as a hothouse of ideas, debate, politics, music, literature and the arts.

2.       Macha at Navan Fort, Armagh, 6-7 September.  As part of the #embracetheplace art events, enjoy this new work by Armagh-born traditional musician and composer Niall Vallely, exploring the history and myths associated with the Navan complex.  The event includes a dramatic performance by Armagh Rhymers, musicians from Armagh Pipers Club and audio-visual displays together with a promenade to the Fort itself.

3.       The Belfast International Tattoo 2019, Belfast, 6-7 September. A youth theme will underpin the 2019 event programme with the Victorian Youth Pipe Band travelling from Australia to Belfast for the performance along with a number of other acts at the SSE arena. 

4.       Gourmet Wine Evening, Ballymena, 5 September. Savour Galgorm’s gourmet cooking paired with wine tasting under the expert supervision of a guest speaker in The River Room Restaurant. Each guest will savour a wine and canapé reception on arrival, followed by a five-course dinner created by Head Chef Chris Rees.

5.       Day Walk – Slieve Donard, Newcastle, 7 September.  Enjoy a day walking in the beautiful Mourne Mountains and tackle Northern Ireland’s highest peak, Slieve Donard, with a multi-lingual, qualified Mountain Leader.

6.       Defence Heritage in Castlerock, Castlerock, 7 September. The area around Castlerock is peaceful and beautiful now, but in the past, the region been the focus of military activity for centuries, and each phase has left its mark in one way or another. Join the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust on this day of exploration.

7.       Russell Howard, Belfast, 3-4 September. Following the record-breaking success of his 2017 tour Round The World, Russell Howard returns with his biggest globe-spanning stand-up comedy tour to date, Respite, performing at the Ulster Hall.

8.       Italian Cookery Demonstration by Ian Orr at Browns Bonds Hill, Derry~Londonderry, 7 September. Join Chef Patron Ian Orr for an Italian Cookery Demonstration. Ian will share tips to prepare sumptuous meals at home. The demonstration will be followed by a three-course meal.

9.       Causeway Coast Challenge, Ballycastle, 7 September. Push yourself to the limit on this spectacular challenge in support of people affected by Parkinson’s. Choose from a 13, 19 or 27.5 mile coastal hike or run along the clifftops, beaches and footpaths of the North Atlantic Coast.

10.   Shane Todd: The Toddfather, Armagh, 5 September. Following a hugely successful 2018 tour Shane Todd presents his biggest show yet, The Toddfather. Performing at a number of venues across Northern Ireland, see The Toddfather in Armagh at the Market Place.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (19-25 August)

1.       Belfast Mela, Belfast, 25 August. Organised by ArtsEkta, one of Belfast’s leading arts and cultural organisations, this year’s Belfast Mela is set to provide a wonderful family day out to celebrate increasing cultural diversity with music, dance, food and much more from around the world.

2.       Causeway Coast Mini Weekend, Portrush, 24-25 August.  To celebrate the 60th birthday of the Mini the Causeway Coast Mini Club has organised a weekend of celebrations. From themed competitions to family entertainment and with over 200 Mini cars on show, this is set to be a weekend of excitement for any car fanatic.

3.       Kids Sea Creatures Nature Trail, Newtownards, 23 August. Ards Visitor Centre hosts this nature trail which allows children to explore and see how and where sea creatures live, and which salty treats they like to eat.

4.       Walled City of Derry & Strabane Pro Am Tournament, Derry~Londonderry, 24-25 August. Professional and amateur golfers will tee up for the Walled City of Derry & Strabane Pro Am Tournament, hosting  52 teams and a total of 208 golfers.

5.       Our Living Coast Boat Trip, Portrush, 24 August. Join the Causeway Lass crew in a unique 2-hour journey along the North Coast. See wildlife in its natural environment and learn about the hidden local history of the Causeway Coast.

6.       Lap the Lough, Moy, 23-25 August.  Northern Ireland’s largest cycle event sees 2000 cyclists pedalling around Lough Neagh. The event this year takes place in Moy & Charlemont on the Tyrone and Armagh border and will see a weekend of cycle events suitable for all the family.

7.       Eagles Rock Hill Climb, Limavady, 24 August. Visitors to the Causeway Coast and Glens can experience the thrill of the Eagles Rock Hill Climb, which takes place in the scenic surroundings of Magilligan, overlooking Benone Stand and Lough Foyle.

8.       The Ould Lammas Fair, Ballycastle, 24-27 August. Every year thousands flock to Ballycastle for Ireland’s oldest fair. The seaside town bustles with street trading, bargaining, traditional music, dancing, horse trading, amusements, artisan markets and much more.

9.       Wake the Giant Festival 2019, Warrenpoint, 24-25 August. Visitors and locals will be treated to a new twist in the tale to wake the impressive 32-foot giant, Finn, assisted by a merry band of acrobats, drummers, sprites and fairies.

10.   Foyle Pride Parade, Derry~Londonderry, 24 August. After a week of events, this year’s Pride Parade will be on Saturday 24 August. Expect colour, music and dancing.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (12-18 August)

1.       ISPS Handa World Invitational , Ballymena, 14-18 August.  The event formally known as the NI Open, the most successful and best attended event on the European Challenge Tour, has been transformed into a new global event for men and women professionals, playing at Galgorm Castle Golf Club.

2.       Stendhal Festival of Art, Limavady, 15-17 August. A unique weekend festival like no other. The multi-award winning Stendhal Festival returns to Ballymully Cottage farm. With a packed programme of music, comedy, poetry, art, a dedicated family programme and much more, Stendhal is a cavalcade of creativity for all.

3.       Summer Cinema at City Hall, Belfast, 17-18 August. Tickets are on a first come first served basis for this outdoor cinema at City Hall. With a line-up of household favourites including Inside Out, Toy Story 3, Jurassic Park and Pitch Perfect, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

4.       Moira Food and Drink Festival, Moira, 15-16 August. Moira Food and Drink festival hosts a number of food related events including dining, food sampling, a comedy night, a pub quiz, masterclasses, a street party and much more. 

5.       Groomsport Music and Fireworks, Bangor, 17 August. A full day of events including family fun at Cockle Row Cottages and a fun fair at the Harbour. Then later in the evening enjoy music from local band 19^th Street Band and the official Debbie Harry and Blondie tribute band before the fireworks display.

6.       Causeway Coast Truck Festival, Portstewart, 17-18 August. The festival will see over 600 of the finest show and working trucks from all over Ireland gather in this legendary venue on the North Coast. Trucks are also visiting from Scotland, Wales and England, each of them competing for 25 top prizes, including the main prize of Truck of the Show. The festival will also include a Kids’ Zone, a Food Trade Village and live entertainment on the Anchor Complex live stage.

7.       Larne Flower Show and Summer Market, Larne, 17 August. The Larne Flower Show gives the opportunity to see what’s best in flowers and locally grown fruit and vegetables as well as home baked delights. On offer during the day will be  market stalls from the Naturally North Coast and Glens Market, as well as children’s entertainment, including friendly farm animals, live music, face painting, scarecrow-making, nest box building and more.

8.       Walled City 400, Derry~Londonderry, 18 February 2019 – 31 March 2020. March 2019 marked the 400th anniversary of the completion of the Walls. To celebrate this, a full and vibrant programme has been developed featuring an eclectic range of musical ensembles, dance audio plays, historical and contemporary exhibitions, symposiums, films, living archaeology demonstrations and workshops, visual arts exhibitions and much more.

9.       Ballycopeland Windmill: See the Sails Turning, Newtownards, 18 August.  Ballycopeland Windmill is the only remaining working windmill in East Down. It was built in the late 18th or early 19th century and was worked until the First World War when it fell into disrepair. It was gradually restored between 1950 and 1978 to full working order. Enjoy exterior tours on Sunday 18th August as the sails will be released to turn from 11:00 – 16:00.

10.   Kids Nature Trail, Bangor, 14 August. Learn all about the natural habitat of the birds and animals who live in the picturesque grounds of Castle Park, Bangor. Tour departs on foot from the North Down Museum.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (5 – 11 August)

1.       Féile An Phobail 2019 August Festival, Belfast, 1-11 August. The Féile programme is packed with street theatre, children’s events, parties in the park, concerts, sports, discussions, debates, exhibitions, dramas and readings, offering something for the whole family.

2.       Portavogie Seafood Festival 2019, Portavogie, 10 August. Enjoy a rich range of seafood offerings at this festival from buying, sampling to cooking. There will be entertainment throughout the day including performances by musicians, a Strongman trawler pull and a cookery demonstration from celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli.

3.       Ulster Grand Prix 2019, Crumlin, 5-10 August. Witness a variety of exciting competitions including three Superbike races, plus Supersport, Ultralightweight/Lightweight and Supertwins classes.

4.       Open House Festival, Bangor, 1-31 August. This festival is known for combining headline national and international artists with local musicians, writers, chefs and other creatives, and for curating bespoke events such as Folk on a Boat, Island Picnic and the Bangor Rocks Musical Bus Tour. It all adds up to a festival  programme which truly offers something for everyone.

5.       Eastside Arts Festival 2019, Belfast, 1-11 August. The landscape, history, culture and people of east Belfast have provided the inspiration for this festival. Programme includes dance battles, comedy shows, musicians, discussions, an 80s prom and much more.

6.       Armagh’s 7 Hills Blues Fest, Armagh, 8-11 August. Armagh’s iconic 7 Hills Blues Fest returns for a ninth summer, bringing world-class talent to venues and locations across the celebrated Cathedral City.

7.       Heart of the Glens Festival 2019, Cushendall, 3-11 August. The Heart of the Glens Festival provides a packed programme of over 100 events including the opening parade, the Lurig Challenge Run, workshops, storytelling, quizzes, Irish dancing and much more.

8.       Horrible Histories Live on Stage!, Hillsborough, 10-15 August. Travel back in time to the world of the gorgeous Georgians and vile Victorians, with a live stage production from the world-renowned Horrible Histories at Hillsborough Castle.

9.       Shoreline Music Festival, Enniskillen, 9-11 August.  This festival at Enniskillen Castle opens with Planet Love, a spectacular outdoor dance event headlined by John O’Callaghan. Saturday and Sunday do not disappoint either featuring top artists such as Feeder, The Logues, Rory & The Island, Olivia Douglas, Nathan Carter and Cliona Hagan.

10.   Family Fun Day at Springhill, Moneymore, 11 August. A great fun day out for all the family at Springhill allowing you to get outdoors and closer to nature.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (29 July – 4 August)

1.       Open House Festival, Bangor, 1-31 August. This festival is known for combining headline national and international artists with local musicians, writers, chefs and other creatives, and for curating bespoke events such as Folk on a Boat, Island Picnic and the Bangor Rocks Musical Bus Tour. It all adds up to a festival  programme which truly offers something for everyone.

2.       Yarnfolk Festival of Wool, Whitehead, 3 August. Yarnfolk Festival of Wool takes place in the beautiful seaside town of Whitehead. With over 40 local independent designers, dyers, wool spinners, felt makers, weavers and textile artists from all over the UK and Ireland there will be plenty for you to see and do.

3.       Cairncastle Ulster Scots Bluegrass & Folk Cross Community Festival, Ballygally, 23-31 July. This year’s festival hosts cultural evenings and afternoon workshops at the Halfway House Hotel. Enjoy musicians, dancers and bands as they perform a mixture of Irish, Scottish, country and bluegrass music.

4.       Ulster Military Vehicle Club, Portstewart, 3-4 August. The Ulster Military Vehicle Club exists to promote the restoration, preservation and display of ex-military vehicles. Come and see their fascinating display of a wide range of vehicles from many theatres of war.

5.       Féile An Phobail 2019 August Festival, Belfast, 1-11 August. The Féile  programme is packed with street theatre, children’s events, parties in the park, concerts, sports, discussions, debates, exhibitions, dramas and readings, offering something for the whole family.

6.       Big Splash Festival, Ballymena, 24 July – 3 August. This annual festival provides another wide ranging lineup including a family camp night, tea dance, vintage cavalcade, exhibitions heritage walk, céili/ceilidh, cookery demonstration and competitions. Along with a family fun day which includes water activities, an angling competition and a teddy bears’ picnic, the festival finishes with a triathlon.

7.       Walled City Tattoo, Derry~Londonderry, 3 August.  The Walled City Tattoo returns with another spell-binding mix of top class local and international talent. A spectacular visual display like no other tells the unique story of the walled city including the Tattoo’s well-established blend of cultural traditions and the high quality drama, music, dance and, of course, that little bit extra.

8.       Belfast Pride Festival 2019, Belfast, 27 July – 3 August. Belfast Pride hosts a week of LGBT inclusive events featuring workshops, discussions and performances. The highlight of Belfast Pride is the parade which is the main event in the LGBTQ calendar, a protest and a celebration, a call for equality, a stand for solidarity and a celebration of the lives of LGBT people in Belfast.

9.       Dog Leap Rally, Limavady, 3 August. Visitors to the Causeway Coast and Glens can experience the thrill of the Dog Leap Rally,an exciting rally on the roads of Northern Ireland.

10.   Batty Bonanza, Portadown, 2 August. Come and find out about the resident bat population at Ardress. Help identify all eight of Northern Ireland’s bat species that live at Ardress and make some batty crafts to take home.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (22-28 July)

1.       Armoy Road Races ‘Race of Legends’, Ballymoney, 20-27 July. The world famous road races take place once again in and around the picturesque County Antrim village of Armoy. The three mile circuit harks back to the 1970s and the days of the legendary Armoy Armada including the famous Joey Dunlop, but has been brought bang up to date by the organisers.

2.       The Portstewart Community Red Sails Festival, Portstewart, 22-27 July. Over the course of the week there will be live music featuring pop, rock, blues, country and traditional music. Street theatre includes Mr Mess, Mr Whizzy, Miss Shell, the Singing Mermaid and Roary the Dinosaur. With O’Hara’s Castle as a backdrop, the finale is a fireworks display making a visually impressive end to the festival.

3.       Newtownards Historical Walking Tour, Newtownards, 25 July. Newtownards has a wealth of historical treasures waiting to be discovered.  Hear fascinating stories from the Middle Ages through to Cromwell’s conquest and the 1798 rebellion, as well as finding evidence of how civilisations, such as the Normans, Celts and Vikings, shaped and influenced the town.

4.       Strawberry Tea Fair at The Ballance House, Crumlin, 27 July. Join a guided tour of the House and Ulster-New Zealand Exhibition.  Learn about the life and achievements of John Balance during his New Zealand parliamentary career, including helping to secure the vote for women and land reform. Enjoy a craft market and much more at this summer family event.

5.       Day Walk – Slieve Bearnagh, Newcastle, 27 July. Enjoy a day walking in the beautiful Mourne Mountains and admire the granite tors on the summit of Slieve Bearnagh, with a multi-lingual, qualified Mountain Leader.

6.       Randow Antrim Show, Antrim, 27 July. From the Festival of Food and Paula McIntyre cookery demonstrations to livestock, sheep shearing, horse jumping competitions and much more there’s plenty to keep all of the family amused at the Randox Antrim Show at Shane’s Castle.

7.       Game of Thrones® Workshops and Feast Experience, Belfast, 28 July. Sign up for this unique immersive event starting with a Game of Thrones® style lunch, then take three themed Game of Thrones® workshops. Try your hand at bladesmithing in Gendry’s forge, or create goblet pottery and Dothraki Jewellery for the Khal or Khaleesi in your life, all at The National.

8.       Waterpark, Enniskillen, 23, 25 & 28 July. Corralea Water Park is open to the public on these dates. Just bring a towel, swimsuit and trainers and enjoy paddle boats, canoes and an inflatable water park at Corralea Activity Centre.

9.       Belfast TradFest, Belfast, 27 July- 2 August. Descending upon the city – in a series of concerts, masterclasses, workshops, talks and sessions – will be a host of world-renowned traditional musicians. Enjoy this one of a kind festival that brings together both the Irish and the Ulster-Scots musical traditions.

10.   Happy Days: Enniskillen International Beckett Festival, Enniskillen, 25-28 July. Enjoy a number of performances across this festival including three Beckett short plays with the Mark Morris Dance Group, Morning Recital – Late piano works of Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Chopin and Scriabin with Saskia Giorgini and Cascando by Samuel Beckett.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.