Whilst the 4th of July might be a big deal for the yanks, for us it’s just 8 days before our annual Twelfth shenanigans begins. So to keep you busy Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (July 4 – 10).
• Race To The End Of The Earth, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, Aug 28. Travel back in time and follow in the footsteps of Norwegian Roald Amundsen and Britain’s Robert Falcon Scott as they embark on a 1,800 mile journey to be the first to reach the South Pole. Booking essential.
• Birthday/Anniversary Celebrations, Ulster American Folk Park, Co. Tyrone, Jul 6. Celebrate the 40th birthday of the Folk Park in style and only pay 1976 admission charges. There will be special costumed tours of the museum site, food tasting, historical re-enactments, traditional games, exhibitions, displays, informative talks and live music sessions all jammed into this one special day.
• Wild Cookery, St. Patrick’s Church, Cushendun, Co. Antrim, Jul 9. Discover a multitude of edible goodies and learn how to make wild garlic pesto, nettle soup and a whole variety of wild salad and greens with Rachel Craig, whilst exploring the beautiful surroundings of Creagagh Woodland in Cushendun. Booking essential. To book call (028) 2075 2100.
• The Knotty Pine String Band, Ardhowen Theatre, Co. Fermanagh, Jul 9. With a strong country roots influence with songs from the likes of John Pine and Kris Kristofferson, The Knotty Pine String Band have been bringing bluegrass and American roots music to audiences for the past twenty years.
• Causeway Coast and Foodie Tour, Coleraine Visitor Information Centre, Co. Londonderry, Jul 9. Stopping at five stops along the Causeway Coastal Route, this guided tour will showcase some of the best local produce and hidden gems the North Coast has to offer including samples at the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery to feasting on local fish prepared by fabulous chefs. To book call (0)7912 408 256.
• Armagh City Walking Tour, Armagh Visitor Information Centre, Co. Armagh, Jul 6. For those who want to explore everything the city has to offer, a guided walking tour is a must. You’ll walk through Armagh’s rich history as you hear stories and anecdotes about the area, learn about the city’s renowned Georgian architecture and stroll along the distinct cobbled streets as you unearth some of the city’s hidden gems along the way.
• Go Mountain Biking, Life Adventure Centre, Co. Down, Jul 9. Whether you’re an adrenalin junkie or easy rider, get out and see what it’s all about in this fun Mountain Biking introduction session. The intro is a 90 minute session on the national MTB trails set within the stunning surroundings of Castlewellan Forest Park. To book call (028) 43 770714.
• La Bayadère, Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast, Jul 8. Second Chance Adult Ballet presents a classical ballet charity performance in aid of Alzheimer’s Society. Join the dancers on a journey to a world of love, magic and jealousy, and be transfixed as they prove that it’s never too late to be a ballet dancer.
• Portaferry Fun Days, Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, Co. Down, until Aug 27. Don’t miss the free family fun day at Portaferry Visitor Information Centre every Saturday, each week there will be something different for everyone to enjoy, from children’s craft activities, a super science show, amazing animals with Tales from the Wild, Aldo the Magician or Princess Else and characters from the Minions.
• Big Houses, Green Lane Museum, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, until Sept 24. Taken from the ‘Big Houses, Hidden Gems of the Causeway Coast’ exhibition, this selection of photographs represents various Big Houses of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough, from Drenagh to Dundarave. Free admission.
Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.
