The awesome guys at the tourist board know there are stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events every week. So here are their top 10 exciting things taking place this week (13-19 November)

  1. Atlantic Sessions, Causeway Coast, 16- 19 November. A high quality musical feast showcasing original music. From traditional to contemporary and electric to acoustic, Atlantic Sessions has emerged as a permanent feature on the cultural calendar creating an energetic, vibrant atmosphere in the pubs, hotels, coffee shops and town halls across Portrush, Portstewart and Portballintrae. For line up visit atlanticsessions.com.
  2. Belfast Christmas Lights Switch-On , 18 November. Join the Lord Mayor, Councillor Nuala McAllister, the Cool FM Breakfast crew, Bing and Flop, The Twirlywoos, Milkshake Live’s Derek and Jen and Cavehill Primary School choir as they kick off the festive season with the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On at Belfast City Hall. This event is free but tickets are required, available from visitbelfast.com.
  3. Belfast Christmas Market, City Hall, 18 November- 23 December. Find an exciting selection of hand-painted pottery, continental food, decorations, and a wide range of festive arts and crafts from across Europe and beyond. A record 1.3million visitors attended the market last year, to avail of the wonderful products on offer from over 100 chalets. With even more variety for all Christmas market lovers, this year’s market is set to be the best yet.
  4. Causeway Coast and Glens Restaurant Week, 11-19 November. A 9-day culinary celebration showcasing the vibrant restaurant scene across the entire Causeway Coast and Glens area. With a growing reputation for food experiences, enjoy themed nights, food tours and taster menus, using the very best of fresh local and seasonal produce, complemented by fine wines and artisan ales. From Limavady to Ballycastle, there is a restaurant ready to offer you a memorable dining experience. For further details visit visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/restaurantweek.
  5. Belfast Beer and Cider Festival, Ulster Hall, 16-18 November. Celebrate the art of brewing from around the British Isles, at this festival featuring over 100 real ales and ciders from local and UK breweries. Enjoy pub games, tutored beer tastings, Champion Beer and Champion Cider of Festival competitions and check out the local food stall. For more information visit ulsterhall.co.uk.
  6. CS Lewis Festival, Belfast, 18-22 November. The CS Lewis Festival celebrates the legacy of Lewis through themes of storytelling, imagination and spirituality with events including talks, lectures and tours, exhibitions, workshops, theatre, poetry and spoken word events and film screenings. This year, expect to see some firm favourites, new ideas and some quirky events, across five days of the festival.
  7. Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement, Derry~Londonderry, 7-18 November. An outstanding programme of dance, movement and physical theatre performances. Enjoy everything from groove ensembles, Irish dancing to multi-media performance projects across various venues in Derry~Londonderry.
  8. The William Kennedy Piping Festival, Armagh, 16-19 November. Taking place in various venues across Armagh city centre, the 24th William Kennedy Piping Festival hosts a number of unique pipe performances. For more information and full event programme visit visitarmagh.com.
  9. Gems of the Mournes Hike, Newcastle, 18 November. Tackle Slieve Bearnagh whilst passing the feet of Slieve Meelmore and Meelbeg, eventually heading South into the heart of the Mournes, Doan. Taking in the 360 degree views from Doan and overlooking Lough Shannagh, you will then proceed north west picking up the Mourne Way which takes you past Fofanny Dam and back to the starting point, Meelmore Lodge, to catch-up and have some refreshments. Distance: 15km.
  10. Richie Remo, Strabane, 18 November. The incredibly talented Ritchie Remo is coming to the Alley Arts and Conference Centre. Known for his catchy take on ‘Hit the Diff’, with over 4 million hits on Youtube, Ritchie Remo is sure to delight country fans of all ages. This tour is promoting integration across NI so expect a few surprise guests. To book tickets visit alley-theatre.com.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

Chris Caldwell

Author: Chris Caldwell

Chris Caldwell at your service! My favourite things are eating and Theatre, I have 2 small sons called Alex and Max who are more mustard than Hellmann's. I spend my days trying to wrangle them and exploring my favourite city - BELFAST! My favourite films are horror, my fav music is metal and my favourite Beatle is Ringo, mainly his work on Thomas the Tank.