10 things to do in Northern Ireland
Here are ten exciting things to do 27 March – 2 April 2023
1. Belfast City of Song - Walking Tour, Belfast, 31 March. Two of Belfast's leading folk-singers, Maurice Leyden and Jane Cassidy, draw on Maurice's acclaimed song collection 'Belfast City of Song' to tell the story of Belfast as it grew from a small town to an industrial city. The tour will finish in the beautiful old traditional McHugh's Bar with a complimentary bowl of stew & pint or glass of wine andguides will open the floor for participants to engage in a sing song.
2. Spring Discovery Morning, Barnett Demesne, Belfast, 31 March. A seasonal walk enjoying the splendour of theRegional Park. These walks give you the opportunity for an informal and informative walk with rangers to learn about the park. Meet outside Malone House at 11am. This is a free event, but booking is essential. To book, contact the Park Office on 028 90491922 or email: admin@laganvalley.co.uk
3. Rathlin Paddle, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, 1 April – 24 September. This is an introduction for those new to paddle boarding, giving you a quality, two-hour session with one of their qualified instructors. The lesson provides you with the foundations of stand-up paddle boarding including some knowledge and technical skills which will help you on your SUP journey. It's a fun session which will leave you wanting to get out there to practice and perfect your new skills.
4. Easter Egg hunt at Castle Ward, Strangford, County Down, 1 – 17 April. Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. Explore the estate just as the Ward's did as you discover some of the exotic plants, animals, foods, and collections from all around the world. Find and complete the 10 nature-inspired activities that are hiding along the way; run like a squirrel, feed Bertha the bear and learn how your Easter eggs are made in their Chocolate Forest barn.
5. Orchard/Cider Experience and Cooking Demo with Granny's Traditional Griddle Bread at Long Meadow Farm, Portadown, County Armagh, 1 April (more dates available). Enjoy a fully immersive orchard/cider experience in the company of the McKeever Family. Walk through their various orchard plantations and witness first-hand the beautiful apple blossom in May or the laden apple trees at harvest.
6. Meteor Showers & Fireballs with Martin McKenna at OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory, Cookstown, County Tyrone, 1 April. Learn about the origins of meteor showers and how to spot magnificent fireballs in the sky. In this informative talk from Martin McKenna also known as Night Sky Hunter, you'll learn how to take advantage of clear night skies to observe upcoming meteor showers. Meteor observing is a wonderful pastime which can be undertaken by a single observer or with family and friends. And with a little knowledge, you will be armed with the celestial 'know how' to help document and report significant events which might add to meteor science.
7. Fossil Discovery Paddle with Blue Green Yonder, Boa Island, County Fermanagh, 2 April. Watch the light bounce off the rippling water. Feel the power of the paddle as you gently propel your kayak or rafted canoe past many of the islands on Lower Lough Erne. Find fossils and ancient history and unearth the stories from long ago.
8. Crindle Stables, Limavady, County Londonderry, check website for details on booking. Enjoy a family day atCrindle Stables. They provide a safe, fun learning environment with a great team of friendly, helpful staff. They have a range wonderful horses and ponies to suit all riders and abilities. Check out their bespoke equestrian experiences.
9. Montalto Estate – The Lost Garden Trail Opens, Ballynahinch, County Down, from 31 March. The Lost Garden Trail, located within the 400-acre Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch, was discovered during the 2018 opening preparations. They’ve restored this historic setting, whilst adding sympathetic, contemporary elements. The Lost Garden Trail experience provides an understanding of what the area would have looked like back in 1912, when the Estate was owned by Lord & Lady Clanwilliam. The winding pathways, and diverse planting and features, will tell stories of days gone by which will help visitors step back in time, and experience a little of the tranquillity from that period.
10. Two-Day Weaving Experience with Áine Dunne at Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, County Armagh, 1 – 2 April. This is the ideal opportunity to embrace the craft of handweaving in a friendly relaxed setting. With over 30 years of weaving experience on a professional level, Áine offers a two-day experience that includes: Preparation of looms, Design, Tapestry Knots and Bobbin Making, Tapestry Weaving and exploration of shapes, History of Tapestry Weaving and Finishing your woven tapestry.
Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.
For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/
