10 Things To Do In Northern Ireland This Week: 1st – 7th May 2017

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland (May 1 – May 7)

1. Kid’s “Mini-beasts” Nature Trail, Co. Down, Monday 01^st May. Join local naturalist “Woody” for a creative exploration of Nugent’s Wood, Portaferry. Look out for “Mini Beasts” that make the park their home and find out about the flora and fauna of the area. You and your family can enjoy exploring and finding out all about the little creatures who live there. Tour departs on foot from Portaferry Visitor Information Centre. £2.50 per child.
   
2. Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon, Belfast, Monday 01^st May. The 36^th Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon will take place on May Day Bank Holiday. The marathon is the biggest single participatory sporting event in Northern Ireland and over 17,500 runners are expected to hit the streets of north, south, east and west of the city. The race will start at Belfast City Hall and finish at Ormeau Park. For more information and to register visit www.belfastcitymarathon.com. £13.00 – £100.00

   

3. Stand up Paddleboard River Trail, Derry~Londonderry. Monday 01^st May. Want to try something unique, chilled out and super fun? Then Stand Up Paddleboarding is for you! Paddleboarding is an ancient form of surfing with a Hawaiian heritage, which is emerging as a popular and competitive sport. After a quick change and safety briefing you’ll be off for 1.5 hours of exhilarating yet peaceful Stand Up Paddleboarding, meandering down the river alongside your instructor. From £30.00
4. Handmade Craft Fair and Exhibition, Co Tyrone. Monday 1^st May. Inspired by the simple principle that people are fascinated when artists and craftsmen openly demonstrate their skills and discuss their work. Learn, buy and enjoy exhibitions, classes and performances by local artists. For further information visit www.ancreagan.com. 12-4pm. Free admission.
5. Preparing for Bealtime, Co Armagh, Monday 1^st May 2017. This May Bank Holiday join our Celtic characters as they prepare for the important feast of Bealtime, a time to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of summer. Join in with the characters as they prepare for the celebrations and get involved with the bealtime preparations. Visit www.armagh.co.uk/bealtimefor further information. 11-5pm. Normal admission charges apply.
6. Hop and Rocket, Belfast, Thursday 4^th May. Like vegetables? Love beer? Then this is the event for you! Take a seat at the Taylor & Clay counter as the chefs serve up a delicious six-course vegetarian tasting menu made with organic vegetables from David Love Cameron’s Walled Garden at Helen’s Bay. The dishes will be paired with four beers from the Clearsky Brewing Co. Contact events@bullitthotel.com or info@bullitthotel.com to book your ticket. £44.00

   

7. Allianz Garden Show Ireland, Co. Antrim, 5^th May – 7^th May. Antrim Castle Gardens will be transformed into a festival of flowers, food and fun as Allianz Garden Show Ireland takes over the magnificent venue bringing gardening inspiration, foodie treats and family fun to the thousands of visitors who flock to the event each year. 10- 6pm, Admission: Adults £10.00; Concessions £8; Children under 16 FREE. Reduced rate if booking online.

   

8. Ballycastle Food Tour, Co. Antrim, 5^th – 6^th May. Described as ‘A gem of a tour’ according to those who have been on it. Take a wander around Ballycastle, noticing odd little nooks and corners, learning how important this place once was and discovering through food and creativity that it is now the Best Place to Live in Northern Ireland according to the Sunday Times. Tour departs at 10.00am from Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre. £30 per person (max of 10 people).
9. Tony Villiers and the Villians at Crusoes, Derry~Londonderry, 6 May. Tony Villiers and the Villains are making their first appearance at Crusoes. The Armagh born singer-songwriter will be backed by his lean mean barroom band “The Villians” with a folk-blues sound carved from the music legends such as Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Muddy Waters and Hank Williams. 19.30pm. Tickets £35.00.
10. Florence Court, Co Fermanagh. Explore the sustainable estate at Florence Court this May Day. You can discover the blacksmith forge, woodworking demonstrations, the walled garden and of course the mansion which lies at the heart of the estate.  For more information visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/florence-court.