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 July)

 

1. Portaferry Gala Festival, Co. Down, 14-20 July. The 51st Annual Portaferry Gala Festival offers something for everyone. Enjoy fancy dress, pitching the sheaf, live music, treasure trails and much more. The annual float parade will be held on Friday 20 July.
2. Parklife, Lisburn, 7 – 28 July. Parklife brings heaps of family fun to Wallace Park, including drama, dance, crafts and sporting activities for everyone to enjoy. All events are free and encourage people to reclaim their open spaces and celebrate their shared cultural heritage and identity.
3. Dalriada Festival, Glenarm, 14 – 21 July.  The Dalriada Festival has a varied programme of events including Europe’s Strongest Man, live wrestling and pipe band championships. The festival offers numerous music and dance stages including performances from Bay City Rollers, Ronan Keating and Nathan Carter. Craft and food stalls, exhibitions and children’s entertainment will also be available.
4. Castlewellan Agricultural Show, Co. Down, 14 July. Set across 50 acres in the beautiful surroundings of Castlewellan Forest Park, the show features classes for a variety of farm animals along with dog agility and home industries. Food and craft producers showcase their wares on a wide range of trade stands alongside live music, vintage tractors, young farmers competitions and children’s amusements.
5. MK, KC Lights, Will Clarke & more, Belfast, 14 July.  MK (Marc Kinchen) is set for a return to Belfast this summer, touching down at Northern Ireland’s acclaimed warehouse events space, The Telegraph Building. This house music superstar will be joined by a range of support acts including Bangor’s Themm and Coach regular Tommy McCoy.
6. Foyle Maritime Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 14-22 July. The Foyle Maritime Festival returns and will host the stopover of the Clipper Race 2017-18 as it near the end of their its the world journey.  Queens Quay will once again be transformed into a maritime wonderland full of fun, activities, music, arts and crafts as the city prepares to welcome the Clipper Race yachts back.
7. Shark Awareness Day at Exploris Aquarium, Co. Down, 14 July. Swim down to Exploris and develop your knowledge of this amazing species. Learn all about their blacktip reef sharks and have lots of fun with some shark themed activities, as well as open pool demonstrations.
8. Babcock & Bobbins on the Prom, Newcastle, 14 July. Performing their fairly traditional circus show at Newcastle Promenade, Babcock & Bobbins provide a good mix of slapstick comedy and circus skills including fire juggling, giraffe unicycle, stilt walking, rola bola and fire breathing.
9. Orangefest – Twelfth of July Celebrations, Belfast, 12 July. The Twelfth celebrations showcase aspects of Ulster’s rich heritage and culture such as marching bands, fife and drums, flute music and the resonant sound of Ulster’s unique Lambeg drum.
10. Open-Air Theatre – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Enniskillen, 14 July. Take a trip down the rabbit hole with Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer as they present the classic tale of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Enniskillen Castle. Presented in beautiful Victorian costume and alive with song, dance and original music, this is a production to delight the entire family.

 

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 (9 – 15 July)

 

1. Portaferry Gala Festival, Co. Down, 14-20 July. The 51st Annual Portaferry Gala Festival offers something for everyone. Enjoy fancy dress, pitching the sheaf, live music, treasure trails and much more. The annual float parade will be held on Friday 20 July.
2. Parklife, Lisburn, 7 – 28 July. Parklife brings heaps of family fun to Wallace Park, including drama, dance, crafts and sporting activities for everyone to enjoy. All events are free and encourage people to reclaim their open spaces and celebrate their shared cultural heritage and identity.
3. Dalriada Festival, Glenarm, 14 – 21 July.  The Dalriada Festival has a varied programme of events including Europe’s Strongest Man, live wrestling and pipe band championships. The festival offers numerous music and dance stages including performances from Bay City Rollers, Ronan Keating and Nathan Carter. Craft and food stalls, exhibitions and children’s entertainment will also be available.
4. Castlewellan Agricultural Show, Co. Down, 14 July. Set across 50 acres in the beautiful surroundings of Castlewellan Forest Park, the show features classes for a variety of farm animals along with dog agility and home industries. Food and craft producers showcase their wares on a wide range of trade stands alongside live music, vintage tractors, young farmers competitions and children’s amusements.
5. MK, KC Lights, Will Clarke & more, Belfast, 14 July.  MK (Marc Kinchen) is set for a return to Belfast this summer, touching down at Northern Ireland’s acclaimed warehouse events space, The Telegraph Building. This house music superstar will be joined by a range of support acts including Bangor’s Themm and Coach regular Tommy McCoy.
6. Foyle Maritime Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 14-22 July. The Foyle Maritime Festival returns and will host the stopover of the Clipper Race 2017-18 as it near the end of their its the world journey.  Queens Quay will once again be transformed into a maritime wonderland full of fun, activities, music, arts and crafts as the city prepares to welcome the Clipper Race yachts back.
7. Shark Awareness Day at Exploris Aquarium, Co. Down, 14 July. Swim down to Exploris and develop your knowledge of this amazing species. Learn all about their blacktip reef sharks and have lots of fun with some shark themed activities, as well as open pool demonstrations.
8. Babcock & Bobbins on the Prom, Newcastle, 14 July. Performing their fairly traditional circus show at Newcastle Promenade, Babcock & Bobbins provide a good mix of slapstick comedy and circus skills including fire juggling, giraffe unicycle, stilt walking, rola bola and fire breathing.
9. Orangefest – Twelfth of July Celebrations, Belfast, 12 July. The Twelfth celebrations showcase aspects of Ulster’s rich heritage and culture such as marching bands, fife and drums, flute music and the resonant sound of Ulster’s unique Lambeg drum.
10. Open-Air Theatre – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Enniskillen, 14 July. Take a trip down the rabbit hole with Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer as they present the classic tale of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Enniskillen Castle. Presented in beautiful Victorian costume and alive with song, dance and original music, this is a production to delight the entire family.

 

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 July)

 

1. Grandslam 2018: Summer of Steps Tour, Belfast, 8 July. The iconic pop group Steps reunite to perform their Grandslam tour at The Pavilion, Stormont Estate with support acts Aqua and Blue.
2. Downy Duckling Week, Newtownards, 2-8 July. Get behind-the-scenes access to Castle Espie’s newly renovated Duckery and witness the whole egg-to-duckling process, alongside experts who will guide you through their duckling nursery and incubation areas.
3. Mini Pony Camp, Limavady, 2-5 July. An opportunity for younger riders to experience a mini camp at Crindle Stables, perfect for the summer holidays. Learn to look after your pony with help from more advanced riders including riding lessons, stable management, pony games and fun whilst improving skills and confidence.
4. Gardens and Gin Tour, Newtownards, 7 July. Explore the botanicals, combining a guided walk through the beautiful gardens at Mount Stewart Estate with a fascinating visit to the Echlinville Distillery to experience the fine art of gin making and taste an aromatic drop.
5. Bing Live!, Belfast, 7-8 July. Calling all Bingsters! Bing and his friends are coming to Belfast’s Waterfront Hall for their first ever Bing stage show. Full of fun, laughter and music, ‘Bing Live!’ is the perfect first theatre trip for pre-schoolers and their families.
6. Dr Nick on the Prom, Newcastle, 7 July. Dr. Nick’s solo street show is a brilliant mix of high-energy unicycling, tantalisingly dangerous fire-juggling, awe-inspiring plate spinning, and masses of audience participation – all stuck together with Dr Nick’s own brand of comedy, coming to Newcastle’s promenade.
7. Sink or Slim, Newcastle, 6-7 July. Sink or Slim is a classic Sam Cree comedy coming to the Newcastle Community Cinema. This comedy is set in the 1960s on a health farm run by the owner Mrs. Babbington, who rules with a rod of iron and feeds her pet poodle better than her paying guests.
8. Lunchtime Recital with the Allegra Singers Canada, Armagh, 7 July. An intergenerational community choir with members from all over the Victoria area in British Columbia, Canada. The Allegra Singers performance at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland will feature a diverse repertoire ranging from classical to jazz, gospel to musical theatre, world music, pop, rock and folk.
9. Discover Maghera’s Hidden Heritage, Cookstown, 7 July. Join Mid-Ulster Council on a journey to discover Maghera’s Hidden Heritage, in a town full of significant sites from ancient times. Your visit will include a stop at Maghera Walled Garden, following with a refreshing high-tea at Walsh’s Hotel, before commencing to the foot Carntogher mountain and Siopa An Carn.
10. Lazy Sundays, Dungannon, 8 July. Every Sunday in July The Argory hosts “Lazy Sundays.” Enjoy laid back tunes and relaxation as you chill in the Courtyard. Meanwhile the kids are entertained and feast on a summer BBQ.

 

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 (25 June – 1 July)

 

1. Ballykelly Bank Walk, Derry~Londonderry, 1 July. Join Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust for a Sunday stroll along Ballykelly Bank. This is an inspiring off-road level walk, for most of its length alongside a freshwater pond.
2. Home National Deaf Bowls Championships, Bangor, 29 June – 1 July. After the successful British Championships, a request was made that the Home National Championships be held in Bangor. This four-day event attracts bowlers from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
3. Pirates Off Portrush & Heritage Fair, 30 June – 1 July. Portrush Heritage Group will stage the sixth adventure of the notorious Pirates Off Portrush. This two-day fair includes the dramatic play, a treasure hunt, fancy dress competitions, storytelling and a parade plus much more.
4. Celtronic Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 27 June- July. Ireland’s leading electronic music festival brings five days and nights of music events, film screenings, workshops, seminars, recording projects and much more at venues across the city of Derry.
5. Portaferry Sails and Sounds, Portaferry, 28 June – 1 July. Boats from all over the UK and Ireland will converge on the loughshore town of Portaferry for a weekend of traditional Irish and Scottish music and dance. The event features workshops, children’s entertainment, land-based activities and music throughout the town.
6. Belsonic 2018, Belfast, 15-30 June. Belsonic returns to Ormeau Park, as it brings a host of international headline acts to the heart of Belfast including Eric Prydz and The Script.
7. The Wonder Tales – Portico, Portaferry, 29 June. Join spectacular duo Jane Talbot and Noel Harron for a rambunctious evening of storytelling and song. The stories in the show are original, dark fairytales or quirky, radical re-tellings and are all set locally.
8. Sunday Band Concert, Newcastle, 1 July. Enjoy this free concert outside the Newcastle Centre by Ballylone Concert Flute Band as they perform a wide range of popular tunes. Bring a blanket or deckchair and enjoy some delightful entertainment on the promenade.
9. Ballydougan Pottery Exhibition, Armagh, 1 July – 31 July. Craftswirl at Armagh Visitor Information Centre is delighted to be showcasing the award winning “Ballydougan Pottery” for its July exhibition.
10. Maggie’s Yer Ma, Coleraine, 27 June. Loveable rogue Maggie Muff is back to the Riverside Theatre with a bang in this highly anticipated sequel to Leesa Harker’s smash hit trilogy.

 

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 (11-17 June)

 

1. Rathlin Puffin Patrol, Ballycastle, 15 June.  Join Causeway Lass and Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust for a pleasant wildlife spotting boat trip travelling from Ballintoy Harbour via Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge to Rathlin Island’s West Lighthouse.
2. Orchid Walk, Portstewart Strand, 16 June. Walk through the dunes with National Trust Rangers and volunteers to learn more about the flora and fauna at Portstewart Strand. The beach is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an Area of Special Scientific Interest.
3. Exploring the Cliffs of Magho, Enniskillen, 17 June. Guided walk along the Magho Cliffs pathway leading from the Shore Road to the Magho Viewpoint. Booking is essential 028 6634 8855.
4. Titanic Taster Photography Tour, Belfast, 16 June. Become a Titanic inspired photographer for the day, learning all about the science behind photography while having the opportunity to explore Titanic Quarter’s industrial and maritime heritage.
5. Craft in the Country, Ballymena, 16 June. Enjoy a day of crafts in a rustic 18^th century barn. Participants will be taught himmeli, allowing them to create a unique planter which can be taken home and lino cut printmaking. Refreshments and homemade food are provided throughout the day.
6. Belsonic 2018, Belfast, 15-30 June. Belsonic returns to Ormeau Park, bringing a host of international headline acts to the heart of Belfast. Headline acts include Timmy Trumpet, Liam Gallagher and The Script.
7. Kilbroney Vintage Show, Co. Down, 16 June. Now in its 33rd year, the Kilbroney Vintage Show has become one of Europe’s largest gathering of classic vehicles from cars, tractors, motorcycles and much more. Activities and facilities on the day include threshing displays, a funfair, face painting, trade stands, food stands, live music and children’s entertainment.
8. Father’s Day – Hamper Sunday, Lisburn, 17 June. Collect your hamper filled with locally sourced produce and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with family and friends, listening to the sweet sound of jazz in a tranquil setting surrounded by four acres of mature walled gardens at Larchfield Estate.
9. The Eva Cassidy Story, Coleraine, 16 June. Using video, story and song, Elsa Jean McTaggart channels Eva Cassidy’s musical voice through her own at the Riverside Theatre. Elsa has devised this very special show to pay homage to this true interpreter of song.
10. Open Art at Project 24, Bangor, 17 June. This afternoon will be an art lover’s dream, with the chance to relax and listen to live music, participate in workshops, watch demonstrations, browse and buy original artwork.

 

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 (4 – 10 June)

 

1. Castlerock Clydesdale Horse Show & Fun Day, Coleraine, 9 June. The annual Clydesdale horse show and fun day in Castlerock is an excellent day out for all the family at the seaside. The day includes the horse show followed by a parade of the Clydesdales, craft stalls, a BBQ, bouncy castle, a penalty kick competition and much more.
2. Salmon & Whiskey Festival, Bushmills, 9-10 June. A two-day festival showcasing local music, food and arts. The festival includes whiskey-tasting, demonstrations, live music, dance troupes, street performers and much more.
3. O-Bon Japanese Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 9 June. The Playtrail will be transformed into ‘Little Tokyo’ where there will be Japanese games, Manga martial arts, Japanese dance and Taiko drumming. As the darkness falls, the evening will culminate in the spectacular Toro Nagashi Lantern Ceremony.
4. Armagh County Agricultural Show, Armagh, June. The Armagh County Agricultural Show and Country Festival offers a great day out for all the family. Come along and enjoy equestrian events, home industries, food village, vintage displays, trade stands and much more.
5. Mourne Way Marathon, Newry, 9 June. In the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty participants take part in a variety of races, from the staggering 52 mile long Ultra Marathon to the more relaxing but still rigorous challenge walk in aid of Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke.
6. Belfast Book Festival, Belfast, 6-16 June. The 8th Belfast Book Festival returns and is growing from strength to strength feathering authors, workshops, music, comedy, poetry, theatre and discussions. Festival-goers will be treated to the best international and local talent at the Crescent Arts Centre and partner venues across the city.
7. Sea Bangor Festival, Bangor, 9-10 June. The popular maritime festival returns with a host of activities including live music, food stalls, street theatre and impressive displays that the event is known and loved for.
8. Cloughmills June Fair, Cloughmills,  9-10 June. Enjoy live music, market stalls, dancing exhibitions and craft activities at this fair. This fair also features interactive workshops on bushcraft, archery, blacksmithing, willow sculpturing, cooking and bread making demonstrations.
9. Fun Run of the Glens, Glenravel, 9 June. Join hundreds of cyclists and runners taking on the Glens in this fantastic annual event in aid of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.
10. Avenged Sevenfold, Belfast, 6 June. Recently described as the one metal band of their generation with genuine stadium-filling ability on both sides of the Atlantic, heavyweight US metal legends Avenged Sevenfold headline the SSE Arena.

 

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 (28 May- 3 June)

 

1. Causeway Coast Ford Fair, Portrush, 3 June. The 14th Annual Causeway Coast Ford Fair takes place on the West Strand.  The fair showcases a wide range of classic and vintage Ford vehicles and hosts a trade village selling car-related merchandise, a food village and a children’s entertainment area, offering a fabulous family day out for everyone.
2. Ballymoney Show, Ballymoney, 1-2 June. One of the oldest and largest agricultural shows in Northern Ireland, offering two days of fun for all the family. In addition to livestock judging the show offers equestrian events, home industries and school competitions, dog shows, live musical entertainment, tug of war games and football competitions and more. There are over 100 trade stands showcasing artisan food, rural crafts and agricultural products.
3. Michael McIntyre, Belfast, 2 June. Britain’s biggest comedian Michael McIntyre is going global with his Big World Tour coming to the SSE Arena. With his trademark quick fire style, he shares humorous anecdotes of his life, jokes and much more to create a night full of laughs.
4. Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, Ballycastle, 25 May-3 June. The festival celebrates culture, cuisine and coastal treasures with exciting sea-focused events such as curraghs, have-a-go kayaking, cookery demonstrations, classes and traditional music. Naturally North Coast, the Glens Artisan Market and an ‘Ulster Chowder Cook off’ only give a flavour of what is on offer to see and do.
5. Walled City Marathon, Derry~Londonderry, 3 June. From the Everglades Hotel to the historic Guildhall Square, the SSE Walled City Marathon sees athletes from Ireland, Britain and across the world arrive in Derry~Londonderry to compete over a stunning 26.2 mile course that takes in all the sights and sounds of the city.
6. Otter MAYhem at Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry, 28 May. Combining the Spring Bank Holiday and World Otter Day, Exploris is hosting an Otter MAYhem event. Take part in animal talks and feeding demos as well as some ‘otter madness’ themed crafts and lots more entertainment for all the family.
7. Mid Ulster Vintage Rally, Moneymore, 2 June. Hosted by the Mid Ulster Vintage Vehicle Club you can enjoy the largest vintage vehicle rally in Mid Ulster. Hundreds of vehicles and items of machinery will be on display with fun for all the family.
8. Ulster Orchestra Season Grand Finale: Shostakovich Symphony No.5, Belfast, 1 June. Sweeping Romantic and epic national treasures come together in the season finale; three poetry-inspired pieces that reflect the concerns of the soul and ultimately end in the triumph of the human spirit will be performed at the Ulster Hall.
9. RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq The World Tour 2018, Belfast, 1 June. Enjoy a fabulous evening at the Waterfront Hall hosted by celebrity judge Michelle Visage, with sickening performances by Kim Chi, Latrice Royale, Shangela, Sharon Needles, Violet Chachki, Valentina and a surprise guest from the all new 10th season.
10. ForM Sculpture Exhibition, Bangor, 2-14 June. The exhibition showcases works from an array of artists in the beautiful surroundings of Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden. The sculptures, inspired by the garden, will give visitors a unique experience and the opportunity to see art in a different context.

 

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 (21-27 May)

 

1. Armagh Craft Fair, Armagh, 26 May. Meet the makers and buy beautiful high quality handcrafted goods as 45 handpicked designers, artists and craftspeople nationwide are showcased at the Armagh Craft Fair. The event is held at the Market Place Theatre and includes workshops, demonstrations and live music.
2. BBC Music: The Biggest Weekend, Belfast, 25-26 May. BBC’s Biggest Weekend ever comes to the Titanic slipways. Included in the line-up are Manic Street Preachers, Franz Ferdinand and Beck, amongst many other great acts.
3. Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience, Belfast, 25 May. The critically acclaimed Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience will bring the world of Westeros to Belfast, giving fans the opportunity to watch in wonder as famed composer Ramin Djawadi leads an orchestra and choir performing music from all seven seasons of the iconic HBO series.
4. Portrush Raft Race Weekend, Portrush, 26-27 May.  The Portrush Raft Race, in aid of RNLI, is one of the most popular family fun days on the North Coast. Large crowds of spectators gather to watch as the ‘home-made’ rafts race from the West Strand beach to the finishing line in the harbour.
5. Annual Country Fair, Enniskillen, 27 May. Florence Court hosts its annual Country Fair, which is one of the most popular family-fun days in Fermanagh throughout the year. The fair includes live music, craft stalls, outdoor activities, face painting, house tours, forge demonstrations and much more.
6. Festiv’Ards, Portaferry, 25-28 May. Portico’s annual four-day festival celebrates the best in classical music with a range of international artists. Line-up includes pianist Michael McHale, violinist Patrick Rafter, guitarist Thibauld Garcia and many more.
7. Race for Life, Belfast, 27 May. Meeting at the Stormont Parliament Buildings the Race for Life is a sponsored race for Cancer Research UK where participants are encouraged to wear pink. Take on the 5K race or the muddy obstacle course in the name of beating cancer.
8. Puppet Festival, Newtownards, 26-28 May. Coming to Conway Square, the Puppet Festival brings a programme jam-packed with fun and antics. With performances, workshops and plenty of quirky characters to meet, there’s something for everyone. For more information visit ArdsArts.com
9. Belfast Parkland International Golf Tournament, Belfast, 23-25 May. This three day tournament is open to individual players and pairs, playing across Shandon Park Golf Club, Belvoir Park Golf Club and Royal Belfast Golf Club. Programme includes the tournament, a welcome reception evening and a prize-giving.
10. Centenary Celebration Weekend, Lisnarick, 26-27 May. Celebrate the centenary of the RAF by taking a trip down memory lane back to the Second World War and the excitement in town when American and Canadian Airmen were stationed at RAF Castle Archdale. Weekend includes Spitfire displays, military vehicle displays and craft stalls.

 

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 10 exciting things taking place this week (14-20 May)

 

1. Balmoral Show, Lisburn, 16-19 May. Tens of thousands of people will flock to Ireland’s largest agri-food festival to enjoy everything the countryside has to offer. It is a superb family day out serving up a festival of food and farming alongside a jam packed entertainment schedule including show jumping, livestock exhibitions and much more.
2. Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, Belfast, 19-20 May. Climb aboard the magnificent visiting tall ships and naval vessels, which will be docked in Belfast for the festival. A bumper-packed weekend full of maritime-themed family fun, food and frolics.
3. Vauxhall International 2018 North West 200 Race Festival Week, Portstewart, 13-19 May. With three days of racing, 100 riders, 100k spectators and speeds of up to 209mph, the NW200 is one of Northern Ireland’s top sporting events and one of the world’s fastest road races. The event includes exhibitions, charity cycles, mini moto cycling, car boot sales and displays of veteran, vintage and classic vehicles, as well as special guests and music entertainment.
4. Opry le Daniel, Derry~Londonderry, 13-19 May.  TG4’s hit series Opry le Daniel returns to the Millennium Forum with seven nights of concerts featuring the best of country music.  Hosted live by Ireland’s ‘King of Country’ Daniel O’Donnell, Opry brings you all of your favourites plus the up and coming future generation of country music.
5. Twilight at the Trust, Newtownards, 18-19 May. Mount Stewart is delighted to host a new production presented by Peter Corry. Enjoy a wonderful evening of music in the magical grounds with a drinks and canapé reception.
6. Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, Newtownabbey, 17-19 May. Three nights of exhilarating adventure at Theatre at the Mill with two unique film programmes. Through the big screen, join fearless explorers and intrepid filmmakers as they venture deep into the world’s most isolated and spectacular landscapes. For more details and to book tickets visit BANFF-UK.com
7. Exclusive Carleton Wine Dinner, Clogher, 18 May. An exclusive Carleton wine dinner at Corick House Hotel and Spa with guest speaker Jamie Pike, the son of winemaker Neil Pike and export director for Pike’s Wines based in Clare Valley.
8. Guided walk of Tully Castle and the Shores of Lough Erne, Enniskillen, 19 May. Nestled on the shores of Lower Lough Erne is Tully Castle, the impressive remains of a fortified house and bawn built during the plantation era in the early 17th century. On this walk a geopark guide brings you through hundreds of years of history at Tully Castle.
9. Biodiversity Day 2018 at Castle Espie, Newtownards, 20 May. Visitors are offered the chance to explore Spring wildlife around the castle’s reserve. Learn more about birds nesting and see new spring wildflowers, which will be in full bloom, on this special afternoon dedicated to the biodiversity of Castle Espie.
10. Mindreader David Meade – Wizard of Odds, Newry, 19 May. In his funniest and most impossible show yet, mindreader David Meade – the first mentalist to win a million dollars in Las Vegas – will blow your mind as he beats the odds and predicts the impossible at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre.

 

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 10 exciting things taking place this week (7-13 May)

 

1. Shanes Castle Steam Rally, Antrim, 6-7 May. Over forty steam engines and working steam models are expected at Shanes Castle along with living vans and machinery, demonstrating how they worked in bygone times. Entertainment for the day includes a mobile farm, Punch & Judy shows, car displays, demonstration rescues and much more.
2. Beltaine Festival of Fire, Armagh, 5-7 May.  Immerse yourself in life as an ancient Celt at the Navan Centre & Fort during the Beltaine Festival of Fire; a time of purification and transition. Help build a fire arch, try your hand at making a traditional Celtic crown and join in the preparation of handfasting cakes.
3. Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival 2018, Belfast, 3-13 May. The 19th Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival boasts a staggering programme of live music, comedy, spoken word, theatre, literature, film and art with over 150 events for all ages taking place across 20 venues in the city. For full event programme, visit CQAF.com.
4. The O’Neills Story, Tullaghoge Fort and Hill of the O’Neill, Cookstown, 12 May.  The story of the O’Neill clan has caught the imagination of visitors and locals alike. Join this historic walking tour, which follows in the clan’s footsteps.
5. Vauxhall International 2018 North West 200 Race Festival Week, Portstewart, 13-17 May. With three days of racing, 100 riders, 100k spectators and speeds of up to 209mph, the NW200 is one of Northern Ireland’s top sporting events and one of the world’s fastest road races. The event includes exhibitions, charity cycles, mini moto cycling, car boot sales and displays of veteran, vintage and classic vehicles, as well as special guests and music entertainment.
6. Portadown Viking Experience 2018, Craigavon, 11 May. A celebration of heritage on the banks of the River Bann, the Portadown Viking Experience aims to bring 200 Viking re-enactors, artisans and craftspeople together at the original Viking site. With rowing and sailing sessions for families, authentic Viking village history talks, warrior weapon training, and mock Viking battles for children, this day is sure to get everyone into the Viking spirit.
7. Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon 2018, Belfast, 7 May. Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is the largest participatory sporting event in Northern Ireland. Launched in 1982 with 3025 entrants, the event takes place on May Day each year, now bringing over 17,000 people to Belfast.
8. Pipe Band Championships, Bangor, 12 May.  Castle Park will be hosting the Pipe Band Championships. With over 40 bands and 50 Drum Majors competing at this event, it makes an impressive spectacle and a fantastic day out for all the family.
9. Launch of Downhill Tree Trail, Coleraine, 12 May. Springtime is a great time to visit the Downhill Demesne. This guided tour offers not only a chance to discover exotic trees and a secret arboretum but also the chance to see well-tended gardens in full bloom and woodland areas around the lake ablaze with wild flowers such as bluebells celandine and wild garlic.
10. Snow Patrol, Derry~Londonderry, 11 May. The Millennium Forum welcomes the globally acclaimed Northern Irish band Snow Patrol, for an intimate gig in the Walled City.

 

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