Category: NITB

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 (15-21 July)

1.       The 148th Open, Portrush, 14-21 July. The 148th Open will be played at Royal Portrush, marking a historic return to Northern Ireland for golf’s original major after nearly 70 years.

2.       Linenopolis, Belfast, 1 July-31 August. Linen Hall Library showcases Linenopolis, a major, new exhibition celebrating, examining and spotlighting the historic social and industrial linen industry of Belfast and Northern Ireland.

3.       Carryduff Forklift Down Rally, Lisburn, 20 July. The Carryduff Forklift Down Rally is back at the Eikon Exhibition Centre and Balmoral Park for a second year and promises to be an action packed day filled with adrenaline fuelled fun for all the family.

4.       Live at The 148th Open Portrush, Portrush, 15-21 July. To mark the historic return of The Open to Portrush, the seaside town will be transformed into a hub of entertainment, live music and markets to explore.

5.       Armoy Road Races ‘Race of Legends’, Armoy, 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 1970’s and the days of the legendary Armoy Armada including the famous Joey Dunlop, but has been brought bang up to date by the organisers.

6.       Day Walk – Slieve Binnian & North Tor, Newry, 20 July. Enjoy a day walking in the beautiful Mourne Mountains, summit Slieve Binnian and admire impressive granite tors, with a multi-lingual, qualified Mountain Leader.

7.       Nautical Past Short Sea Cruise, Bangor, 16 July. Learn more about significant landmarks on the coastline and be sure to look out for the fascinating variety of wildlife. As you head towards Groomsport Bay and then onwards towards Orlock, you will learn about the history of the area and its seafaring past.

8.       LegenDerry Street Food Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 19-21 July. Set in Guildhall Street this three-day festival will bring together the very best of local street food, complemented by craft drink producers. Live DJ music sets, beers served from a double decker bus and a totally unique dining experience.

9.       Guns of the Siege, Derry~Londonderry, 20 July. Follow the soldier to the Siege Museum and see how he fires a replica Siege Musket. Visit the Siege Museum and converse with characters from the Siege. Museum guides will be present to answer your questions.

10.   Nendrum Monastic Site Tour, Comber, 13 July. Enjoy this guided tour of Nendrum, thought to have been set up by St Machaoi in the 5th Century and with links to St Patrick in later sources, the monastery consists of three round dry stone walled enclosures, one within the other

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 (8-14 July)

1.       Athenry: Dance of the Celts, Belfast, 11 July. 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.

2.       Newcastle Summer Street Entertainment, Newcastle, 13 July. Come along and enjoy the Sharp Dressed Men street theatre, a circus shows, incorporating a mix of slapstick comedy and circus skills including juggling, stilt walking and fire breathing.

3.       Walled City Music International Piano Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 1-10 July. The Walled City Music team prepares to welcome 35 young piano students from across the world to the Ulster University Magee Campus  for a unique and exciting brand new piano festival and competition.

4.       Teddy Bears Picnic & Family Fun Day, Limavady, 14 July. Visitors to the Causeway Coast can bring the whole family along to Carrowmena Activity Centre to enjoy the Teddy Bears Picnic and family fun day.

5.       County Antrim Tennis Championships, Ballycastle, 7-14 July. This event, which is played on the only grass courts in Northern Ireland, is one of the most competitive with entries from all over Europe.

6.       Orangefest – Twelfth of July Celebrations, Belfast, 12 July. The celebrations showcase aspects of Ulster’s rich heritage and culture such as Orange Lodges, marching bands, fife and drums, flute music and the resonant sound of Ulster’s unique Lambeg drum.

7.       Public Cruise of Upper Lough Erne, Lisnaskea, 15 July. Journey to Crom Castle passing Reilly Wood, Gah Island Tower and the Hara Krishna Island, in comfort on board the Inishcruiser. This 57-seater luxury pleasure boating has an open air viewing deck and fully heat, licenced cabin.

8.       Causeway Coast Foodie Tours – Catch and Sea, Portrush, 7 July. Leaving Portrush Harbour, just before daybreak on The Causeway Lass, this tour allows you to catch your breakfast in the crystal clear waters of the Causeway Coast, as the sun slowly rises over The Mull of Kintyre and Rathlin Island.

9.       Shandon Park Open Week, Belfast, 6-13 July. As Northern Ireland gets ready to welcome the 148^th Open, Shandon Park Golf Club, just three miles from Belfast City Centre, is hosting its own Open Week of daily golf competitions.

10.   Between the Hedges Exhibition, Armagh, 1-31 July. For this exhibition at Armagh Visitor Information Centre, Sharon Regan looks to the hedgerows, and shares the stories and myths inspired by the animals living within them.

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 (1-7 July)

1.       Hillsborough Castle and Gardens Food Festival, Hillsborough, 5-7 July. Enjoy a majestic day out exploring 100 acres of beautiful gardens and pick up some fabulous local food and drink produce. There will also be live cookery demos from celebrity chefs, workshops and great entertainment for families.

2.       JDM Car Culture 2019, Lisburn, 7 July. Hundreds of show cars, trade stands, live entertainment and non-stop tyre shredding action awaits car fans in Balmoral Park. From slammed hatchbacks and 1000bhp+ road cars, to drift machinery and classic restorations, this year’s show has it all.

3.       A Taste of Summer Slemish Market Supper Club, Ballymena, 5 July. An evening of fine summer food, fun and friendship at Slemish Market Supper Club’s  ‘Taste of Summer’ pop up dining experience with chef Rob Curley in the Adair Arms Hotel.

4.       Seaside Revival Vintage Festival, Bangor, 6 July. A vintage festival celebrating Bangor’s heyday as a thriving seaside resort. Expect vintage stalls, a record fair, classic cars, a vintage fashion show, a dog show, Punch & Judy, traditional craft, sea swim, Etsy Market, plus quality hot food stalls and a full bar to keep you fed and watered. Live music includes The Sabrejets and The Swingtime Starlets.

5.       Inns Cross Market, Belfast, 6 July. A whole host of local food producers can be found on your doorstep at this farmers’ market. Choose from speciality meat, artisan breads and cheeses, preserves, chutneys and pickles and much more.

6.       Summer Music at St. Patrick’s, Coleraine, 4 July. Visitors to the Causeway Coast and Glens can enjoy a series of Thursday lunchtime concerts held over July and August in St Patrick’s Church. The programmes include recitals by local, national and international artists.

7.       Shandon Park Open Week, Belfast, 6-13 July. As Northern Ireland gets ready to welcome the 148^th Open, Shandon Park Golf Club, just three miles from Belfast City Centre, is hosting its own Open Week of daily golf competitions.

8.       Steam and Jazz Train, Belfast, 5 July. Hop on board a restored 1960s train at Lanyon Place Belfast, hauled by a vintage steam locomotive. Relax as you leave the city behind and enjoy the sounds of New Orleans jazz when it call at stations which could be anywhere on the Northern Ireland railway network.

9.       Belvoir Players Summer Theatre Tour, Newcastle, 5 July. The ever-popular Belvoir Players make a welcome return to Newcastle Community Cinema for their now legendary Summer Theatre Tour with ‘Wedding Fever’, a rip-roaring Sam Cree comedy.

10.   Between the Hedges Exhibition, Armagh, 1-31 July. For this exhibition at Armagh Visitor Information Centre, Sharon Regan looks to the hedgerows, and shares the stories and myths inspired by the animals living between them.

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 (24-30 June)

1.       Enniskillen Road Race, Enniskillen, 28-29 June. Quiet country roads will once again come alive to the sounds of motorcycle racing on closed public roads.

2.       Cycling Ireland National Road Championships, Derry~Londonderry,  27-30 June. Hosted by Foyle Cycling Club, this three day festival of racing will gives visitors to the city an opportunity to see the best of Irish racers, while taking in the sights of the historic city.

3.       Pirates Off Portrush, Portrush, 29-30 June.  A full programme of events will take place throughout the town starting with the Treasure Hunt, Pirate Dress and Dance Competitions. Through drama and entertainment, performed in the Amphitheatre and Antrim Gardens, the battle between the Leprechauns and Tavish’s Pirates is played out. Movement between locations is staged as a journey or pursuit with costumed characters, street entertainers, floats and musicians all taking part in a grand street parade.

4.       Belfast City Blues Festival 2019, Belfast, 28-30 June. This year’s programme has something for everyone. With over 60 free live gigs, ’Blues On The Boat ‘ music cruises and the festival’s new attraction ‘Blues At The River, Music And Food Fest‘ live from Donegal Quay at the Big Blue Fish, this year’s Belfast City Blues Festival is not to be missed.

5.       The Irish Game Fair & Fine Food Festival, Antrim, 29-30 June.  The Irish Game Fair at Shanes Castle is in its 41st year, a serious county sports competition and as a fun-filled family day. There is action right across the fairgrounds and an all-day arena entertainment programme.

6.       Mourne International Walking Festival 2019, Newcastle, 28-30 June. The long-standing and perennially popular walking event returns to the Mourne Mountains. It provides a range of walks suitable for all ages and abilities, from lowland routes to traversing the highest peaks.

7.       The Magic Flute, Belfast, 27-29 June. A handsome prince, a damsel in distress, sorcerers, priests and a bumbling bird catcher – all are given life in Mozart’s sublime blend of lyrical love duets, folk-like ditties and the explosive coloratura of the Queen of the Night arias at the Grand Opera House.

8.       Causeway Coast Foodie Tours – Heart of Portrush Tasting Tour, Portrush, 28 June. Join your friends and embark on a 4.5 hour walking tour of Portrush’s only craft beer brewery and finest gastronomic establishments, visiting four venues to sample award-winning local produce. This tour is about getting together and sharing food, drink, experiences and stories.

9.       Comber Earlies Food Festival, Comber, 29 June. Expect interactive cookery demonstrations, an artisan food market, potato themed children’s craft, a vintage tractor display, Jump, Jiggle and Jive children’s dancing, Ark farm animal roadshow, a hay bale picnic and music from Cleland Memorial Band, the Lily of the Valley Accordion Band and the Comber Silver Band.

10.   Omagh Food Festival, Omagh, 29-30 June. The event is aimed at bringing together local producers and people with a love for food. There is something for all the family at Omagh Food Festival. In addition to the wide range of exhibitors & live cooking demos there is music, face painting and cupcake decoration for kids, all part of the line-up to the free event.

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 (24-30 June)

1.       Enniskillen Road Race, Enniskillen, 28-29 June. Quiet country roads will once again come alive to the sounds of motorcycle racing on closed public roads.

2.       Cycling Ireland National Road Championships, Derry~Londonderry,  27-30 June. Hosted by Foyle Cycling Club, this three day festival of racing will gives visitors to the city an opportunity to see the best of Irish racers, while taking in the sights of the historic city.

3.       Pirates Off Portrush, Portrush, 29-30 June.  A full programme of events will take place throughout the town starting with the Treasure Hunt, Pirate Dress and Dance Competitions. Through drama and entertainment, performed in the Amphitheatre and Antrim Gardens, the battle between the Leprechauns and Tavish’s Pirates is played out. Movement between locations is staged as a journey or pursuit with costumed characters, street entertainers, floats and musicians all taking part in a grand street parade.

4.       Belfast City Blues Festival 2019, Belfast, 28-30 June. This year’s programme has something for everyone. With over 60 free live gigs, ’Blues On The Boat ‘ music cruises and the festival’s new attraction ‘Blues At The River, Music And Food Fest‘ live from Donegal Quay at the Big Blue Fish, this year’s Belfast City Blues Festival is not to be missed.

5.       The Irish Game Fair & Fine Food Festival, Antrim, 29-30 June.  The Irish Game Fair at Shanes Castle is in its 41st year, a serious county sports competition and as a fun-filled family day. There is action right across the fairgrounds and an all-day arena entertainment programme.

6.       Mourne International Walking Festival 2019, Newcastle, 28-30 June. The long-standing and perennially popular walking event returns to the Mourne Mountains. It provides a range of walks suitable for all ages and abilities, from lowland routes to traversing the highest peaks.

7.       The Magic Flute, Belfast, 27-29 June. A handsome prince, a damsel in distress, sorcerers, priests and a bumbling bird catcher – all are given life in Mozart’s sublime blend of lyrical love duets, folk-like ditties and the explosive coloratura of the Queen of the Night arias at the Grand Opera House.

8.       Causeway Coast Foodie Tours – Heart of Portrush Tasting Tour, Portrush, 28 June. Join your friends and embark on a 4.5 hour walking tour of Portrush’s only craft beer brewery and finest gastronomic establishments, visiting four venues to sample award-winning local produce. This tour is about getting together and sharing food, drink, experiences and stories.

9.       Comber Earlies Food Festival, Comber, 29 June. Expect interactive cookery demonstrations, an artisan food market, potato themed children’s craft, a vintage tractor display, Jump, Jiggle and Jive children’s dancing, Ark farm animal roadshow, a hay bale picnic and music from Cleland Memorial Band, the Lily of the Valley Accordion Band and the Comber Silver Band.

10.   Omagh Food Festival, Omagh, 29-30 June. The event is aimed at bringing together local producers and people with a love for food. There is something for all the family at Omagh Food Festival. In addition to the wide range of exhibitors & live cooking demos there is music, face painting and cupcake decoration for kids, all part of the line-up to the free event.

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 (10-16 June)

1.       Father’s Day Experience at the National Football Stadium, Belfast, 16 June. Windsor Park’s Father’s Day Experience invites you and your dad to relive the atmosphere of some of its famous nights, gain insights into the drama on and off the pitch and feel the rush of emotions shared by everyone in the stadium – win, lose or draw.

2.       The Epic Journey to The 148th Open, Tyrone, 13 June. The Epic Journey to The 148th Open tour will include golf’s most iconic trophy, the Claret Jug, along with a giant #TheOpen letter sculpture, designed by Tourism NI and made out of 4,000 golf balls. Enjoy the opportunity to have your photo taken with the replica Claret Jug, chat with local sports stars and test your pitching skills as the tour comes to the Hill of O’Neill Visitor Centre  in Tyrone.

3.       Fun Run of the Glens (FROG), Ballymena, 15 June. Join hundreds of cyclists and runners taking on the Glens in this fantastic annual event. Challenge yourself on a number of cycling, running or walking routes with all proceeds going to Cancer Focus NI.

4.       Belsonic 2019, Belfast, 12-28 June. The popular  festival once again runs throughout June. This year’s massive line-up includes Slash, George Ezra, Hozier and The Killers, playing different dates throughout the month.

5.       Strajamba, Strabane, 15 June.  The live music festival returns to Strabane’s Canal Basin. In addition to headline act Nathan Carter, the festival showcases local performers including Mickey Joe Harte and David Oliver and hosts a great selection of food vendors. 

6.       Belcycle Festival, Belfast, 15 June. This event at the CS Lewis Square will host bikes of all shapes and sizes to test ride on the day including tandems, a side- by-side bike and balance bikes. Event includes activities such as children’s cycle training, maintenance workshops, led rides, giant outdoor games and a slow bike race. 

7.       Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival, Limavady, 13-16 June. The Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival taking place in and around the town centre of Limavady promises an array of top quality jazz and blues acts with headline act Clara Rose and special guests.

8.       Father’s Day Tea, Belfast, 16 June. Step back in time at Titanic Belfast  to a period of luxury, elegance and five-star service as you enjoy a sumptuous menu featuring a selection of finger sandwiches, classic scones with fresh cream, mouth-watering sweet treats and tasty savoury bites.

9.       Art in the Garden, Holywood, 15 June-1 July. The Culloden Estate, in conjunction with Gormleys Fine Arts, will play host to a unique art exhibition, including the largest collection of Dali’s works seen in Ireland.

10.   The Girl on the Train, Belfast, 11-15 June. Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ novel – an international phenomenon selling over twenty million copies worldwide – and starring Samantha Womack, this gripping new play at the Grand Opera House will keep you guessing until the final moment.

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 (3- 9 June)

1.       World Oceans Day, Portrush, 8 June. Join Visit Causeway for an exciting boat trip with the Irish Whales and Dolphins Group on-board the Causeway Lass.

2.       BBC Radio 4’s Gardener’s Question Time Summer Garden Party, Newtownards, 8 June. BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time is returning to the shores of Strangford Lough to hold its annual Summer Garden Party in the beautiful surrounds of the National Trust’s Mount Stewart.

3.       Belfast Book Festival 2019, Belfast, 7-16 June. This year’s line-up at The Crescent Arts Centre and partner venues across the city features authors, comedians and journalists, delivering a unique, diverse and highly creative programme that caters from a wide range of interests and explores many topical themes.

4.       Fun Bike Food Tour Weekend , Strangford, 7-9 June. An exclusive short break in one of the most beautiful parts of Northern Ireland, combining both culinary and cycling adventure for 10 people led by award winning Belfast City & Country Bike Tours.

5.       Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival, Bushmills, 7-9 June.  Two days of fantastic entertainment and activities will spread across Bushmills Main Street, Millennium Park, Bushmills Distillery and The Salmon Fisheries.

6.       Causeway Coast Amateur Golf Tournament ,Ballycastle, 3-7 June. Experience golf like you have never experienced it before with The Causeway Coast Amateur Golf Tournament.  Having run successfully since  the 1960s it attracts up to 600 golfers annually from all over the world.

7.       Shortcross Gin Evening , Bangor, 7 June. Join The Old Inn for a fantastic evening of gin and food, and learn about Shortcross Gin from the experts. Evening includes blended gin cocktails and a four course tasting menu.

8.       Kaz Hawkins, Downpatrick, 7 June. ‘My Life and I’ is an intimate and personal show coming to the Down Arts Centre about Kaz’s life in song,  aiming to highlight mental health issues such as abuse, drug addiction, domestic violence and more. 

9.       Something in the Air, Belfast, 1-9 June. Coming to the MAC and produced by the Brassneck Theatre Company this play tells the tale of  hundreds of families fleeing south to refugee camps, escaping the violence, but one young woman lost more than just her home. Fifty years later, she is forced to confront the events of that summer in a way she could never have imagined.

10.   Paddle Boarding in Binevenagh, Limavady, 9 June. Flow with nature through Binevenagh, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while on a stand up paddleboard lesson. This is a sport which can be enjoyed at any pace but will also give you time to take in the scenery while hearing about the heritage of the local area from knowledgeable instructors.

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 (27 May- 2 June)

1.       Maritime Memories, Bangor, 31 May. This tour departs from North Down Museum, and includes Eisenhower Pier, Donaghadee, the Ards Peninsula  and Portavogie. Learn the important role of the Coastguard in the modern day, visit a Lifeboat Station and hear of local legends and tales of the sea.

2.       Ballymoney Show, Ballymoney, 31 May-1 June. The Ballymoney Show is a local agricultural show providing two days of entertainment for the whole family. Show includes livestock judging, food tents with cookery demonstrations, agricultural products, artisan foods, local crafts as well as entertainment in the form of music, football competitions and tug of war.

3.       The Epic Journey to The 148th Open, Portrush, 30 May. The Epic Journey to The 148th Open tour will include golf’s most iconic trophy, the Claret Jug along with a giant #TheOpen letter sculpture, designed by Tourism NI and made out of 4,000 golf balls. Have the opportunity to take a photo with the replica Claret Jug, chat with local sports stars and put your pitching skills to the test as the tour comes to Portrush.

4.       French Wine Dinner, Derry~Londonderry, 31 May.  For an evening out with a difference, come along to Brown’s  fabulous French Wine Dinner. Enjoy sparkling wine on arrival and a six course tasting menu with perfectly paired wines; a wonderful dining experience and a delight for foodies and wine lovers.

5.       Use Your Senses Belfast 5K, Belfast, 1 June. Walk, jog or run a sensational 5K. This family friendly fun run on behalf of Guide Dogs features  five sensory experiences at Sense Stations along the route. Use your senses and change the lives of families living with sight loss.

6.       Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, Belfast, 25-27 May. There will also be lots to see and do over the weekend in Titanic Quarter with live music, authentic nautical cuisine and family fun. You’ll also be able to experience Belfast’s rich maritime heritage through a bumper-packed programme of free activities along the Maritime Mile.

7.       Cookstown Continental Market, Cookstown, 1-2 June. Cookstown Continental Market will feature over 40 traders from as far afield as Morocco, India, Belgium, France, Russia, Holland, Spain and China, who will set up stalls alongside local traders from the weekly street market.

8.       Belfast Girls, Downpatrick, 31 May. Packed with songs from the Belfast Girls page, this comedy play will have you dancing in the aisles. Also starring the hilarious Christina Nelson from ‘I’ll Tell My Ma’ and directed by Alan McKee (Handbag Positive)

9.       AVA Festival, Belfast, 31 May-2 June. The festival showcases the best in local talent across audio visual arts as well as bringing some of the best International artists in the field to Belfast. AVA have showcased shows in Belfast such as Jeff Mills & Guillaume Marmin’s ‘Close Encounters of the 4th Kind’, Bicep (Live), Larry Heard aka Mr Fingers (Live), Rodhad, Fatima Yamaha (Live), DVS1 and more.

10.   Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, Ballycastle, 24 May-2 June.  The festival celebrates the culture, cuisine and coastal treasures with an exciting sea-focused programme of nautical themed events in Ballycastle and Rathlin Island.

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 (20-26 May)

1.       Brainiac Live, Belfast, 24-25 May. Strap on your safety goggles boys and girls, due to popular demand Science’s greatest and most volatile live show is returning with a vengeance to the IIC Belfast. Expect exploding dustbins, combusting microwaves and loads of live daredevil stunts.

2.       Armagh Craft Fair 2019, Armagh, 25 May. Armagh Craft Fair 2019 returns for the ninth year to the wonderful surroundings of The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre. Bringing high quality craft to the heart of Armagh City this annual event offers something for everyone.

3.       Altikeeragh Blanket Bog Walk, Limavady, 25 May. Join the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust to explore Altikeeragh Blanket Bog nestled high up in the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and learn about the special wildlife and habitats.

4.       Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, Ballycastle, 24 May-2 June.  The festival celebrates the culture, cuisine and coastal treasures with an exciting sea-focused programme of nautical themed events in Ballycastle and Rathlin Island.

5.       Armagh County Fleadh, Armagh, 24-26 May. The Armagh Fleadh is set to take place in Forkhill and presents excellent opportunities for musicians of all ages to participate and showcase their unique musical talent.

6.       The Spring Beer Festival, Belfast, 24-25 May. Clink Steins and sing songs at The Doyen with old friends (and probably some new ones)  on traditional long style tables with the room dressed in true German Beer Fest style, whilst the Heidi girls keep the Bavarian Beer flowing at your tables.

7.       Ards Puppet Festival 2019, Newtownards, 26-27 May. Classic tales will be brought to life with fascinating and magical performances to entertain the whole family. Festival line-up includes Lyngo Theatre  performing ‘Tom Thumb’ and ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’,  Clydebuilt Theatre performing  ‘Lost Bear’ and Banyan Theatre performing  ‘The Hedgehog Prince.’

8.       Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival 2019, Belfast, 25-27 May. The magnificent masts of the Tall Ships return to Belfast’s quaysides, signalling the start of one of the city’s most popular family events, the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival.

9.       Hands Craft Festival, Omagh, 24-27 May. Rediscover Ireland’s rich heritage and lost traditional skills as An Creagán hosts this festival, aimed at teaching skills including foraging in the wild, lace making, firing pottery, straw craft, cordage, fermentation, frame loom weaving and herbalism.

10.   County Derry Fleadh 2019, Derry~Londonderry, 23-27 May. All of the competitions will be in St Brigid’s College and showcases unique musical talent within the area.

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 (13-19 May)

1.       Candlelit Tour Castle Coole, Enniskillen, 17 May. Castle Coole is one of the greatest neo-classical country houses in Ireland. Built to impress by the first Earl of Belmore 1789-97, it still has the ability to leave people in awe. As part of Museums’ Night, experience a candlelit walk through the upstairs and basement rooms and enjoy a glass of wine in the basement kitchen.

2.       Balmoral Show, Lisburn, 15-18 May. Come along and sample fantastic local food, browse over 650 trade stands, visit the funfair and be entertained by top names on the Downtown Show Stage. The show attracts more than 115,000 people over four days and takes place at Balmoral Park, Lisburn.  Local agriculture is very much at the heart of the event, and with livestock competitions, show jumping and the latest advances in agriculture on display, there is much to be enjoyed and the show offers something for everyone.

3.       Genealogy Conference, Armagh, 17-19 May. This three-day Genealogy Conference is the perfect opportunity to guide you in your family history research. Talks  include topics such as Tracing Armagh/Irish Ancestors, Emigration Records, Church & Civil Records, Researching Eighteenth Century Ancestors in Ulster, Research Convict Ancestors and History from Headstones.

4.       International North West 200 Race Week Festival, Coleraine, 11-18 May. The International North West 200 races have graced the roads since 1929 and celebrate their 90th anniversary this year. Taking place in Causeway Coast and Glens towns including Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine, you are guaranteed the warmest welcome as you experience world-class road racing whilst being part of the theatre and drama of the International North West 200.

5.       Hungarian Spice, Belfast, 16 May. This concert, at the Ulster Hall, may start in Baghdad (the setting for Weber’s Oberon), but is definitely flavoured with Hungarian spice. Bartók’s Divertimento is shot through with melody and rhythms derived from the Hungarian folk music he loved, while Brahms’s lively dances are settings of Hungarian themes.

6.       Wire Sculpture and Ceramics in the Mournes, Newcastle, 18-19 May. Join this Mourne Creative experience in the stunning setting of Gorse Hill Farm Bryansford, County Down. Learn how to create wire sculptures and your own porcelain range of trinket ware. The weekend also includes walks, dinner around the campfire and glamping.

7.       Apple Blossom Sundays at Ardress House, Armagh, 12 & 19 May. The Orchard County of Armagh is widely known for its apple growing tradition and the National Trust Ardress House is celebrating this heritage. Visitors can enjoy country teas in the historic threshing barn and relax in the rustic surroundings overlooking the orchards and the farmyard, along with tasting fresh baking and listening to traditional tunes.

8.       Enniskillen Continental Market, Enniskillen, 17-19 May. Food lovers and families can experience the very best international flavours and crafts as the award-winning Continental Market makes its first visit to Enniskillen. Traders will be located in the Courtyard within the grounds of Enniskillen Castle and will be offering a great selection of products from across the globe during the three-day market.

9.       Trouble Songs, Downpatrick, 18 May. Based on Stuart Bailie’s book, this sell-out show at the Down Arts Centre comes to life with songs, visuals and readings. Trouble Songs is about music and stories from contemporary Belfast.

10.   Stewart Francis: Into the Punset, Belfast, 16 May. Stewart Francis performs live at the Ulster Hall in the only Belfast date in his new tour, make sure that you catch him before he heads off… into the Punset.

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