Here are ten exciting things to do 8-14 July
1. Dockers & Dolls - The Art of Terry Bradley at Titanic Belfast, until 31 August. The Dockers and Dolls exhibition honours the hardworking men and women of Belfast. The exhibition will showcase Bradley's long tradition of painting the dockers, while also incorporating some of the rich maritime history of the city, his iconic female pieces and his work relating to mental health awareness. For the first time, visitors also have the chance to enjoy an exclusive immersive experience designed to delve into Bradley's life and artistic journey.
2. The Peter Rabbit Adventure at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, until 1 September. The Peter Rabbit™️ Adventure allows visitors to discover 100 acres of family fun with Peter Rabbit and friends this summer holiday. See Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters brought to life for the first time at Northern Ireland’s royal residence. Let your imagination roam as you follow a trail alongside meandering waterways, through enchanting woodland, and into a walled garden with gardeners much friendlier than Mr McGregor. This summer, the spacious gardens of Hillsborough Castle are open for children of all ages – completely free of charge, Ts and Cs apply.
3. Summer of Play at Castle Ward, Strangford, County Down, 6 July - 26 August. Escape to Castle Ward National Trust this summer. This event features five dedicated activity zones: Performance Play, Loose Parts Play, Creative Play, Active Play, and Toddler + Soft Play. Each zone is designed to ignite imagination and foster creativity. Additionally, a quiet space is available for those who need a peaceful retreat. Create cherished memories with a variety of engaging activities and educational workshops.
4. Sunrise SUP & Island Yoga, Killinchy, County Down, 14 July. Connect with nature and enjoy the physical & mental benefits of yoga in the outdoors. The basics of SUP will be covered in each class. The aim of each session is to paddle to an island and perform a yoga flow to maximise your connection with the outdoors. Enjoy a light breakfast / lunch on the island before returning to shore. Suitable for: Ages 16+, Beginners – Advanced.
5. Todds Leap Activity Centre, Ballygawley, County Tyrone, check website for opening times. With an extensive range of family-friendly activities and a steadfast commitment to safety and accessibility, Todds Leap is the ultimate place for an unforgettable day out. There are tons of action-packedactivities available at Todds Leap Activity Centre including Off Road Driving, Clay Pigeon Shooting, a 500m ZipLine, a Giant Swing, a Free Fall Drop Zone, Paintballing, Splat Master, Woodland Trails, Air Rifles, Archery, Climbing Wall and the Big Yella Slide, all spread across a purpose built off road track, so getting around is really fun.
6. Lady of The Lake Festival, Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, 11 – 21 July. The Lady of the Lake Festival is an annual Summer Festival which takes place every July in Irvinestown, providing 11 days of fun for all. Folklore has it that the legendary Lady of the Lake walked amongst the mists & islands of Lough Erne bringing a sign of good times ahead.
7. Pilgrim Pass at Castle Museum Jetty, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, until 31 August. For hundreds of years, pilgrims stopped in Enniskillen and Devenish Island en route to the famous pilgrimage destination of St Patrick's Purgatory on Lough Derg. The Pilgrim Pass gives you the opportunity to experience this section of the pilgrim journey. Pilgrim Pass includes - Admission to Enniskillen Castle (self-guided tour), Tea/Coffee & Scone in Castle Café (children’s option available), Guided Boat Tour around the Island Town & onward to stop at Devenish Island (Boat Journey Duration: approx. 1.5 hour)
8. Orchard/Cider Experience and Cooking Demo with Granny's Traditional Griddle Bread, Portadown, County Armagh, 13 July. Enjoy a fully immersive orchard/cider experience in the company of the McKeever family at Long Meadow Farm. Hear about their family traditions, enjoy an orchard walk and witness first-hand how their apple farming business has evolved and changed over the generations.Limited availability, next available date is on 10 August.
9. Limitless Adventure Centre, Limavady, County Londonderry, check website for opening times. If you’re up for a challenge, then Limitless Adventure Centre is definitely for you. Adrenalin junkies and thrill seekers will love the array of experiences on offer. Set a few miles off the Causeway Coastal Route and close to the River Foyle, this is one of our most beautiful rural locations.
10. InterAct Youth Arts Festival, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 8-20 July. The annual Youth Arts Festival, InterAct, is back and bigger than ever. Hosted by the Millennium Forum alongside the enthusiastic Youth Forum, this year's event is hitting the road, bringing a burst of creative energy to local community centres, St Mary's Youth Club, Lincoln Courts Youth & Community Association, CulmoreCommunity Centre, Newbuildings Community Centre, Learning Pool and also in-house at the Millennium Forum.Don’t miss a whirlwind of creativity, laughter and unforgettable memories.
For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Keep a look out for additional dates of the above events throughout the year.
