10 things to do in Northern Ireland
Here are ten exciting things to do 23-29 October
1. Derry Halloween Festival, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry 28-29 October. Be part of Europe’s largest Halloween Festival. The Walled city welcomes the spirits for this four-day spectacular like no other. Arguably the official home of Halloween, there are ghastly offerings galore for big and small! The little horrors can be spellbound with stories in the Witch’s Lair and a junior disco, there really is fantastic fun for everyone.
2. Hallowe'een Ghost Tour of Armagh, Armagh, County Armagh, 27-29 October. This one-hour walking trail will be a mix of gruesome tales from bygones days with a few up-to-date surprises! This tour is suitable for 13+ years of age but those up to age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
3. Electric Escape, Belcoo, County Fermanagh,throughout October. Saddle-up at Corralea Adventure Centre and get off the beaten track on a top your top-of-the range electric mountain bike. This guided exploration of the unspoilt wilderness of West Fermanagh will include crossing old bog roads and forest tracks, discovering hidden megalithic tombs as you go. Stop for some traditional boxty before the trip home. Check website for availability.
4. Legends from Lecale's Spectacular Coast, Ardglass,County Down, 28 October. Explore this landscape rich in folklore and its connections with Saint Patrick in a guided cliff top walk. Listen to tales of Vikings, shipwrecks, and smuggling. Visit a holy well and enjoy a homemade picnic lunch from Margaret’s Cottage. Check website for availability.
5. Castlederg Apple Fair, Castlederg, County Tyrone, 27October. This event has been running on the last Friday of October in County Tyrone’s town for the past 100 years.Traditional apple sellers will be in town from early morning along with a range of stalls full of scrumptious Halloween delights. A nice day out for all the family!
6. Ballyburren Halloween Spook & Pumpkin Pick Event, Ballynahinch, County Down, 28-29 October. Prepare to be mesmerised by a journey through this sinister woodland trail, cloaked in the darkness of the night. But beware! Amidst the eerie mist and haunting shadows, there’ll be surprises! Delve into the art of potion making, unleash your inner sorcerer as you craft your very own magical wand. Then it’s time to find your perfect pumpkin, as goblins and ghosts will play their tricks, trying to distract you from your mission.
7. Death, Tragedy & Betrayal: The Darker Side of Clifton Street Cemetery, Belfast, County Antrim, 28-29October. Opened in 1797 Death, Tragedy & Betrayal focuses on the 'darker side' of the cemetery's history. Hear all about everything from the infamous body snatchers which plagued the cemetery in its opening decades and the drastic actions taken to curb this lucrative trade, to the burial of murder victims, hangings, and other tragic deaths!
8. Harvest Festival of Colour, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 28-29 October. Come along to the historic Florence Court Estate and be part of this fun filled festival of food and folklore. There’ll be traditional crafts, storytelling sessions, cooking demonstrations and a new Food Fair. Enjoy live music from the Fermanagh Concert Band and local traditional group, Blue Orchard.
9. All Hallows' Eve at Castle Ward, Downpatrick, County Down, 28 October. There is a spook-tacular array of treats on offer for the whole family. Add an extra touch of magic to your All Hallows Eve experience with a horse and carriage ride along the mystical shore. Head into the theatre for a creative session of Halloween crafts and dress up, where you can fashion your own witch's wand. For an extra dose of Halloween wonder, make your way to Hawks NI, where an enthralling live hawk handling demonstration awaits, adding a feathered flair to this unforgettable day of ancient Irish mythology and festive family fun.
10. Stargazing Evening, Armagh, County Armagh, 27 October. Come join a team of experts who will help you navigate the night sky using the Planetarium’s telescopes (weather depending) along with a dome show in the digital theatre and an astronomer talk running from 6pm - 9pm.
Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.
