10 things to do in Northern Ireland
Here are ten exciting things to do 15th – 21 May.
1. C.S. Lewis & the Land of his birth, Coleraine, CountyLondonderry, 17 May. C.S. Lewis is known and loved throughout the world as a writer of children's stories, popular apologetics, science fiction, and literary criticism. This intimate lecture in Coleraine will explore his deep roots in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, that he called home.
2. Drawn to Water, Comber, County Down, 19 May - 3 Sept. Reimagine the wonder of wetlands and nature through the eyes of the UK's best loved illustrator,Quentin Blake. Collect an illustrated guide full of Quentin Blake's drawings and journey around thewonderful wetland world this summer. This event offers a range of art and illustration activities aimed at all ages and abilities, including making your own binoculars and much more.
3. On Your Doorstep - The Ulster Orchestra, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 20 May. The Ulster Orchestra returns once again to the Seamus Heaney Home Place, in the orchestra's 50th anniversary season. Enjoy players from the strings and brass sections of the Orchestra performing rediscovered work by female composers. The orchestra is striving to celebrate female composers in classical music as they should have been throughout history. The programme will contain pieces by Doreen Carwithen, Dorothy Gates, Rebecca Clarke and Ethel Smyth. This event features wonderful music that everyone will know and enjoy.
4. Spring Fair at The Ballance House, Glenavy, County Antrim, 20 May. Visit The Balance House Spring Fair for a family fun day out with something for everyone. Come and experience a flavour of New Zealand with their Kiwi sausage sizzle. This event features free crafting activities for the kids, face-painting, bouncy castle and outdoor games. Unwind to the music from Baillies Mills Accordion Band or take part in the annual Kiwi gumboot-throwing competition!
5. Earth Yoga - In The Heart Of The Cave,Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 20 May. Get in touch with your inner yogi in a beginner-friendly 60 minutes yoga session in the depths of the Marble Arch Caves. Relax your body and mind in this unique experience as you connect to nature inside a cave 50 metres underground. This inspiring yoga class iswelcome to all levels. This yoga session will indulge in restorative poses with a restful sound accompaniment. The yoga space will be lit with lanterns creating a warm and inviting feeling.
6. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, see website for opening hours. Visit Northern Ireland's leading astronomical research and education facility. Explore the constellations in the special guided Legendary Telescopes Tour of the Observatory and its Grubb 10″ and Calver 18″ telescopes. This tour is available to book at weekends at 1:00pm and 3:00pm and is suitable for adults and children over the age of 10. Sit back and relax in the Planetarium’s Digital Full Dome Theatre and experience the wonders of our Universe.
7. Sperrins Cycle Breaks, Omagh, Co Tyrone, see website for opening hours. Experience some of the best cycling in Northern Ireland. Relax at An Creagán self-catering cottages with free use of mountain bikes throughout your stay. Cycle tour maps are provided to direct you to the many fascinating archaeological sites in the area. On site you can enjoy eight self-catering cottages, licensed restaurant, craft shop, interpretative exhibition, conference facilities, 5km forest walks and children’s play areas.
8. Bee the Change! World Bee Celebrations, Bushmills, County Antrim, 20 May. Get the buzz on how best to take care of these pollinators at Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. There will be a range of activities, such as making your own bee nesting box to take home, learning about beekeeping from the resident beekeeper, Dr Cliff, who will be sharing insights on how he takes care of his 80000 bees and much more exciting bee related activities.
9. Sundays on the Maritime Mile, Belfast,21 May. The Sundays on the Maritime Mile are back! Experience great local music along the scenic Maritime Mile. This programme features some of Northern Ireland's finest artists, including opera, singer songwriters, jazz, trad, folk, indie and electronic, there is something for everyone to enjoy. You can enjoy performances fromDavid Browne Murray at the Abercorn Marina, Bernadette Morris at Hamilton Dock and Finnian at the SoundYard.
10. Ramble on Rathlin, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, 20 May. Enjoy a leisurely ramble up to the oldest lighthouse on Rathlin Island. Built in 1847, the East Light offers fantastic views across the Rathlin Sound to Ireland, Scotland and the Western Isles. This walk will consist of minor roads, grassy paths and rolling headlands. Beginning in the picturesque Church Bay, it is a circular walk reaching the beautiful lighthouse destination before descending back down to the harbour.An afternoon full of shipwreck stories, golden hares and adventure.
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/blog/read/2023/04/bank-holiday-ideas-for-families-b262
