1. Bluegrass Omagh, Omagh, County Tyrone, 26 – 28 May. Time to dust off your Stetson and get your dancin' shoes on. The Bluegrass festival returns to Ulster American Folk Park. Enjoy a stellar weekend with world-class musicians from around the globe. This will be a toe-tappin', knee-slappin' weekend to remember!
2. Portrush Tasty, Portrush, County Antrim, 26 May. This evening foodie tour is the perfect opener for your weekend. Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to Portrush's only craft brewery for a private tasting, a delicious main course on Main Street, and finish off with a delicious cocktail. Guided by local food & drink ambassador Wendy, you will be introduced to the unique people, flavours and character this coastal gem has to offer.
3. Orchard/Cider Experience, Portadown, County Armagh, 27 May. 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. Learn about the craft cider and apple juice production from start to finish, enjoy tastings of their award-winningproducts and relax in their new glass fronted Bramley Barn with a hot cuppa while you tuck into granny's traditional griddle breads.
4. Poems and Paintings Creative Writing and Art Retreat, Stewartstown, County Tyrone, 27 -28 May.Join a weekend of creative writing, painting, music, good food and fun with bestselling novelist Emma Heatherington and renowned Irish artist Jim McKee in the spectacular surroundings of Rosehill House. In this two-day visit to the heart of Mid Ulster, you will be immersed in creativity as you learn from experts all you want to know about painting masterpieces and conjuring up magnificent stories and poems, as well as tips on how to get published.
5. Tracing Your Mourne Roots Exhibition, Kilkeel, County Down, see website for opening times.Overlooking Kilkeel’s busy and picturesque fishing port, the Nautilus Centre is the ideal place to become a time traveller and explore your heritage. The exhibition aims to showcase the history and heritage of Kilkeel and the wider Mourne area from 1800 to present day. The project is also currently gathering information on local graveyards within Kilkeel to create an online database which will allow you the chance to access the information to find out if your relatives are buried in the area.
6. May Bank Holiday Weekend at HMS Caroline, Belfast, County Antrim, 27 - 29 May. There is no better way to spend the May Bank Holiday weekend than exploring the HMS Caroline. Bring the children to HMS Caroline to enjoy specially themed activities all included with HMS Caroline tour tickets. Drop-in, family-led activities including crafts, dress ups, puzzles, games, and colouring-in activities are also available in the Learning Room onboard the ship.
7. Mundy in Concert, Bellaghy, County Londonderry,27 May. Seamus Heaney Home Place in Bellaghy is delighted to welcome Mundy to the Helicon for what promises to be an unmissable performance. Mundy's music has allowed him to travel the world supporting some of the greats; Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, R.E.M, Oasis and The Pogues to name but a few. Mundy was invited to perform for perhaps his most prestigious audience to date, in the White House for President Barack Obama as part of their St. Patricks Day celebrations. Don’t miss out on this special performance!
8. Creels in the Cave, Tullyholvin Lower, County Fermanagh, 26 May- 18 August. Visit this popular local spot to unwind and enjoy a pint. The Linnet Inn is the perfect setting for those interested in learning a little more about the ancient art of Creel Making and Basket Weaving. Dessie, owner of the Linnet Inn, part-time undertaker and full-time shopkeeper will share stories from his community and the links it has with the extensive cave network that lies beneath the pub.
9. Spring Mindfulness at Rowallane Garden, Saintfield,County Down, 22-28 May. Through the hustle and bustle of daily life, there are multiple pockets of peace to be found in places all around us. This spring, come and experience the garden by having a go at practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness can be practised anywhere, at any time of day. Created as a form of meditation, it asks you to take notice of each of the five senses in your body, including your own breathing, bringing your complete attention into the current moment.
10. Armagh Craft Fair, Armagh, County Armagh, 27May. Come celebrate contemporary and traditional craft at the Armagh Craft Fair. The hugely successful Armagh Craft Fair is back for the 11th year at The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre with the largest number of fantastic artists and makers to date.
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
