Here are ten exciting things to do 23 – 29 September
1. Shadowdock, Belfast, 25 – 29 September. Shadowdock, an immersive light and sound outdoor theatre experience, will take place 40 feet below sea level in the Thompson Dry Dock, famous as the location where the Titanic spent almost a year for fit out work ahead of her maiden voyage. Soak in the sights along Belfast’s historic waterfront and enjoy performers and sunset illuminations on the Maritime Mile from the Titanic walkway, the Great Light and HMS Caroline, right down to the breathtaking show at Thompson Dock.
2. Oktoberfest Belfast, 26 September – 26 October. Head over to Custom House Square for Oktoberfest filled fun. Oktoberfest Belfast has a full range of beers to meet your palate. As is tradition in Bavaria the beer will be served in 1 litre glasses (steins). There will also be a German grill which serves Bratwurst to hungry customers. It's an atmosphere like no other and walk-ins welcome, booking is not required.
3. Orchard/Cider Tour Experience with Tastings, Tea/Coffee, Apple Tart & Fresh Cream and Orchard/Cider Tour Experience and Cooking Demo with Granny’s Traditional Griddle Breads, Portadown, County Armagh, 26 and 28 September. Enjoy a fully immersive orchard/cider experience in the company of the McKeever family with Long Meadow Farm. Enjoy an orchard walk explaining the various orchard plantations in place. This will change with the seasons. Visitors can experience the trees laden with fruit from June-October. The tastings experience takes place on the 26th and the cooking demo takes place on the 28th.
4. Far and Wild Walking Tours – Mid Ulster Walking Festival, 28 and 29 September, various locations, Magherafelt, County Londonderry. Enjoy moderate or challenging walks with Far and Wild. On 28 September, choose from their Neo- Lithic- Ismwalk option, a moderate 8km walk, or Wonders of the Bogoption, a challenging 12km walk. On 29 September, start off at Seamus Heaney HomePlace for their Spirit of the Lough option, a moderate 8km walk.
5. An Evening with Brockmans Gin at Galgorm, Ballymena, County Antrim, 24 September. Immerse yourself in an extraordinary experience at An Evening with Brockmans Gin at the Galgorm. Arrive at 7pm with a welcome drink and an array of delightful canapés before the evening unfolds. You will be treated to a four-course meal, each dish thoughtfully paired with a unique gin-based beverage. These include a selection of expertly crafted serves and innovative cocktails designed to complement and enhance each course. Check the website for ticket prices.
6. Legends of the Stormy Seas, Ballintoy, County Antrim, 28 September. Did you know some of the roughest waters in theregion lie just offshore Carrick-a-Rede island? Join Carrick-a-Rede's Programming & Partnerships Officer, Keith, on their 'Legends of the Stormy Seas' Tour, to hear tales of wrecks, monsters, storms, and much more that's associated with this part of the coast.
7. Ramblings in the Glen, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 28 September. Join an exclusive guided walk through CladaghGlen, led by their knowledgeable Ranger Kate in collaboration with the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership. Explore the rich biodiversity and natural heritage of this unique Geopark site, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn along the way. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature in a relaxed and immersive experience.
8. Lough Erne Heritage Festival, various venues, County Fermanagh, 28 September – 5 October 2024. The Lough Erne Landscape Partnership (LELP) is excited to announce the Lough Erne Heritage Festival – a week-long celebration of the rich cultural, natural, and built heritage of the Lough Erne region with a vibrant lineup of events, activities, exhibitions, and workshops. This year’s festival will also feature Fermanagh Live, FEARmanagh and the Enniskillen Plein Air Weekend to name a few, adding even more opportunities to explore and engage with the area’s diverse heritage.
9. Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, 28 September. Set in the heart of Royal Hillsborough amongst the old walls and tree lined 'The Dark Walk' at Hillsborough Fort, it makes for a lovely day out especially when combined with a browse of the eclectic mix of independent shops and eateries in the village. Enjoy browsing the 50 stalls of the finest local and seasonal farm-to-market produce and artisan food from across Northern Ireland. Aselection of designer craft, art, organic skincare and sustainable living products to complement the food and drink offering can also be found.
10. The Hill of The O'Neill & Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre, Dungannon, County Tyrone, check website for dates and times. Visit the Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House for some interesting activities taking place. On 28 September, the Hill of The O'Neill & Ranfurly House invites you to explore the oldest form of fabric making which predates weaving and knitting with their Heritage Crafts: Felt Making event. Spaces are filling up fast, but there are more arts classes to explore in the months ahead.
For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland this autumn, visit discovernorthernireland.com.
