10 things to do in Northern Ireland
Here are ten exciting things to do 7 – 13 October
1. Belfast Restaurant Week, 7 – 13 October. Diners will get the opportunity to indulge in dining out and choosing fromover 50 restaurants during Belfast Restaurant Week. Hundreds of mouthwatering menus catered for a variety of tastes and requirements, serving a diverse range of dishes to tickle your taste buds whether you’re seeking scrumptious steaks, vegan feasts or delicious dining experiences with Asian, Italian and Mediterranean influences.
2. Drawing Support: Murals, Memory and Identity at the Ulster Museum, Belfast, until February 2025. Bill Rolston has been photographing political murals in Northern Ireland since 1981 and has become a leading authority on the subject. This temporary exhibition will be based on his photographs, many of which have been published through five volumes entitled Drawing Support between 1991 and 2022.
3. Shane Todd - Full House at the Millennium Forum, Derry~Londonderry, 11 and 18 October. Shane Todd is about to hit the road with his biggest ever tour. The host of Tea With Me podcast is fresh off the back of a world tour and a record-breaking run of 16 shows at Belfast’s Grand Opera House. Northern Ireland’s (self-titled) prince of comedy is returning with a brand new laughter packed show.
4. Shades of Autumn Guided Walk around Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down, 9 October. Discover the enchanting beauty of National Trust’s Mount Stewart this autumn. Immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of colours from all corners of the world, nestled within the picturesque woodland gardens and tranquil lake. Also available on 19 October.
5. Taste AND at Clandeboye, Bangor, County Down, 12 – 13 October. Enjoy the delicious tastes of the Borough at Taste AND at Clandeboye, a two-day speciality food and drink market organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council (11am – 5pm). Based in the exquisite Courtyard at Clandeboye Estate, the free two-day family friendly market will showcase the best artisan produce from Ards and North Down.
6. Cranfield Alpaca Beach Treks - Autumn Dates, Kilkeel, County Down, check website for dates and times. Enjoy walking your alpaca along country lanes and along the beautiful beach, then meet the rest of the gang, feed them and enjoy some refreshments while taking in the stunning panoramic views of Carlingford Lough and the Mournes.
7. A Dander through Davagh, Davagh Forest, County Tyrone, 11 October. Join the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory for a guided walk through the lush green, almost fluorescent woodland that is Davagh Forest. Improve your mood, reduce stress and follow their lead through the many forest paths. This will be a moderate walk up to 8km. More dates available.
8. Dark Sky and Moon Observation on Geodiversity Day Killykeegan Nature Reserve, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 12 October. Join amateur astronomer Terry Mosley from the Irish Astronomical Association to experience the pristine dark skies of the Geopark and the abundance of stars and planets that are visible to the naked eye. A presentation on the universe will be delivered in the event of cloudy skies or rain.
9. Adult Halloween Besom Broom Workshop at Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, County Armagh, 13 October. Join Heather McDermott Willow Craft for a very special day crafting your own adult sized Besom Broom using beautiful materials sourced sustainably from small native forests including coppiced Silver Birch and Hazel from Navan Fort.
10. Sunday Sessions at Killeavy Castle, Killeavy, County Armagh, 13 October. You’re invited to the original kitchen at Killeavy Castle. Fáinne Music will transport you with the lively beats of a ballad and the customary rhythms of a fiddle, all while savouring a drop of Irish whiskey, a refreshing pint of Guinness, or a comforting cup of tea.
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.