10 things to do in Northern Ireland
Here are ten exciting things to do 29 April - 5 May
1. Hit the North Street Art Festival, Belfast, County Antrim, 2-5 May. Celebrate ‘Hit The North’ Street Art Festival’s 12thbirthday and enjoy fantastic entertainment from over 60international and local artists. Culminating in a ‘paint jam’ on Kent Street on Sunday, spectators can soak up the party atmosphere and enjoy entertainment, food trucks and refreshments as they watch murals come to life.
2. The Spirit of the Bann, Coleraine, County Londonderry, 4 May. Don’t miss the unique opportunity to slowly savour distinctive colours and flavours, enjoy a warm glow and celebrate the beautiful blend of natural & man-made wonders our stunning Causeway Coast has to offer! Onboard the 'MV Kingfisher', your Bushmills whiskey guide will introduce you to a selection of whiskies produced by Old Bushmills Distillery – the oldest, licensed, whiskey distillery in the world.
3. Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, Belfast, County Antrim, 2- 12 May. Visit one of Northern Ireland's longest running and most-loved festivals for 11 days of live music, comedy, film, literature, visual art and more! Celebrate the 24th annualCathedral Quarter Arts Festival featuring over 100 acts – big, small and everything in-between, in dozens of venues across Belfast's historic cultural quarter and beyond.
4. Bluegrass Omagh, Omagh, County Tyrone, 4 - 5 May. Join an unforgettable weekend of foot-stompin' rhythms, toe-tappin' tunes and the heart-warming spirit of bluegrass. Thismusic festival is for everyone - families, kids and grown-ups alike! Listen to a first class line-up of bluegrass musicians from near and far including Nothin' Fancy, Milkeaters, Thomas Cassell and Rookie Riot. Expect toe-tappin tunes and knee slappin' rhythms that will have you dancing through the night.
5. Festival of Fools, Belfast, County Antrim, 4 - 9 May. Watch Belfast city centre come alive with the return of the largest free comedy, circus and outdoor arts festival on the island! With over 70 performances taking place on the streets of Belfast and Cathedral Quarter there is something for everyone.
6. Celebrating Bealtine - Forest-bathing Immersion, Killeavy, County Armagh, 4 May. Celebrate the Celtic Festival of Bealtaine and the beginning of the summer season with a special nature immersion. Your guide Ann will support your forest immersion through guided mindfulness meditation and offer you creative invitations to deepen your connection with nature. You will begin to gently slow down and switch off, while awakening your senses. This is the perfect opportunityto relieve tech-stress and embrace a digital detox.
7. Mourne Wall - Two Day Guided Walk, Annalong, County Down, 3 - 4 May. Embark on a two day gudied walk andconquer 15 peaks of the Mourne Mountains. Connect with nature and enjoy one night of wild camping. Your guide will not only help you to complete this challenge safely but will also give an insight into the history and geology of the Mournes. Rucksacks, tents, sleeping mats and cooking equipment are provided while your guide will also give youadvice on any other items that will be needed.
8. Alpaca Adventure Trail, Kilkeel, County Down, throughout May. Meet, mingle, feed and herd charming Alpacas surrounded by the panoramic views of the Mournes and Carlingford Lough. The alpaca adventure trail experience invites you to get up close to Alpacas while enjoying tales of Vikings, Knights, Emigration, Greencastle Aerodrome and learning about the Mourne Mountains, Carlingford Lough and Greencastle Castle. Children can take part in a treasure hunt, whilst adults are awarded their alpaca adventure herding certificate to frame when they get home!
9. Derry Jazz Festival - Jazz Al Fresco, Derry-Londonderry, County Londonderry, 2 - 5 May. Northern Ireland’s biggest Jazz Festival returns this May Bank Holiday weekend. Visit the vibrant walled city and listen to an array of talented jazz musicans dotted across the city! Now on it’s 23rd year, the festival will see tens of thousands of people, from all over the world, flock to Belfast to celebrate live music.
10. Moy Park Belfast City Marathon, Belfast, County Antrim, 5 May. Don’t miss one of the leading marathons in the UK and Ireland! This AIMS certified race will start at Stormont at 9am and finish in Ormeau Park on Sunday, 5th May 2024. This event is renowned for the incredible local support and crowds to cheer you on throughout your 26.2 miles!
For more information on what’s on, or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com.
