Discover Northern Ireland has put together a full list of entertaining activities for the entire family to enjoy over the Bank Holiday, better yet, you can support local businesses while doing so.
So, if you’re in need of some relaxation, want some ideas to get creative, or simply wish to bring the excitement to the front room, here are some Northern Ireland inspired things to do.
Have fun in the kitchen making these Easter recipes
- Make the most of Northern Ireland’s fantastic produce and ingredients this weekend with some cooking tips from Mary Anne Mackle, Wee Buns Cookery School, Co. Tyrone. Whether you fancy a taste of freshly home-baked soda farls, or if you are more in the mood for a sweet treat, there are plenty of recipes to choose from to satisfy everyone. All recipes can be found at https://www.weebuns.com/recipes-and-tips/.
- Or, if you’re looking to create the perfect Easter roast dinner, check out this Glens of Antrim Lamb recipe video and follow along with Chef/Patron Gary of Tartine at Distillers Arms to cook up a mouth-watering meal! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO5UIaHmVvY&feature=youtu.be
Make someone happy with a hamper
- Spend your weekend making the ultimate personalised Easter hamper filled with lots of local goodies for someone special. You’ll help to support local businesses, too.
- Derry~Londonderry based food and drink brand, Legenderry, hosts a bundle of information on accredited food and drink businesses within the area. You can find out more about what is on offer by visiting, https://legenderryfood.com/local-produce/.
- Alternatively, from artisan jams and chutneys to ethically sourced coffee beans, Taste Causeway Northern Ireland, has plenty of options available, also. Check them out here, https://www.tastecauseway.com/buy-online/.
- Independent deli and online store, Indie Fude is renowned for showcasing some of Northern Ireland’s freshest produce and tasty treats. With a store in Comber, Co. Down, Indie Fude also just opened a second location on the Ormeau Road in Belfast with all your favourite local goodies. Available for home delivery and collection, more information can be found online, https://www.indiefude.com/.
- With expertise in local food, experienced family business Sawers Belfast is the perfect place to purchase a one-of-a-kind gift to complement your hamper. Browse what’s available to order here,https://www.sawersbelfast.com/order.
Order your favourite takeaway/delivery from a local restaurant
- Give yourself a break from cooking and celebrate Northern Ireland’s amazing produce. Put your feet up and help support local businesses by ordering some wonderful food of your choosing, no need to lift a finger in the kitchen. For some inspiration on where to order some delicious food, check out our list on Discover Northern Ireland, https://discovernorthernireland.com/food-and-drink/restaurants-offering-takeaway-and-delivery.
Listen to Soothing Stories by Discover Northern Ireland
- Whether you are on your daily walk, tucking the children into bed or relaxing in a much-needed bubble bath, Soothing Stories by Discover Northern Ireland is the perfect meditative soundtrack to your weekend. You can listen to the four-part original audio-series, voiced by renowned actors Bronagh Waugh and Conleth Hill via Spotify. Just follow this link, http://bit.ly/SoothingStoriesNI.
- Ours is getting longer every day! Write down all the things you want to do and the places you can’t wait to visit when it’s safe to travel. You can get some inspiration here, https://discovernorthernireland.com/blog/read/2021/01/the-northern-ireland-bucket-list-b203.
Host a virtual cocktail party with friends
- Enjoy a tipple with friends online with some of Northern Ireland’s finest drinks producers.
- Killowen Distillery, seated in the heart of the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down, presents a range of seasonal botanicals in their gin and whiskey offerings. View the Killowen Distillery website for more, https://www.killowendistillery.com/.
- The Boatyard Distillery is situated on the banks of Lough Erne, Co. Fermanagh. This setting of true natural beauty gives their operation an extra strong reminder of how important sustainability is. The distillery celebrates the local land with the addition of sweet gale which is used as a botanical in their Double Gin recipe. All other ingredients are 100% organic. In their vodka production, only organic wheat grown in Ireland is used in this farm to bottle product. More information and drinks can be found on their website, https://www.boatyarddistillery.com.
- Fancy something sweet? Armagh Cider Company, Co. Armagh produce award-winning cider ‘from blossom to bottle’ on their home farm. They also produce Troughtons Raising Spirits premium fresh tonic water in an array of fruity flavours that can be added to any spirit to make the perfect spritzer.See what else they have to offer here, https://armaghcider.com/ and https://www.troughtonspremium.com/.
- Alternatively, if you are looking to plan ahead, Shortcross will be hosting a series of online cocktail classes. You’ll also receive an introduction to Shortcross Gin and Rademon Estate Distillery, Co. Down by their resident gin expert. Find out what dates they have coming up and book your place on their website, https://rademonestatedistilleryshop.com/products/virtual-cocktail-evenings-with-shortcross.
- Please remember to drink responsibly.
Bring nature to your home
- Become an indoor gardener and brighten up your home by bringing nature inside with these tops tips from gardeners at Northern Ireland’s National Trust locations Castle Ward and Mount Stewart. You could even expand your culinary skills in growing your very own herb garden. Visit here for more information, https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/gardening-indoors.
Watch some of NI’s most famous film & TV shows
- Embarrassed to admit you’ve never seen Line of Duty? With the much-anticipated show back for a sixth series, maybe now is the time to get caught up on what you have been missing out on. Put the kettle on and nestle down on the sofa for a few hours of binge worthy TV viewing and take note of all the familiar places in Belfast that you can spot!
Spot the stars at night
- Every year the International Dark-Sky Association hosts International Dark Sky Week (5-12 April 2021) to help raise awareness about the negative effects of light pollution and to celebrate the night sky. Join OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Co. Tyrone, from 5th April as they are encouraging everyone to discover the wonders of the night sky and will be posting a series of videos throughout the week. Stay tuned via their Facebook page, OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory.
Share your most memorable moments
- We love to see your awesome snaps of Northern Ireland. Share your best photos from previous staycations or day trips in Northern Ireland. Upload a photo, video (or even a Tik Tok!) with #MyGiantAdventure.
For more inspirational places to visit in Northern Ireland, when it is safe to do so, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.
