10 Awesome Things To Do In Northern Ireland This Week (12- 18 March)

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 (12- 18 March)

1. LegenDerry Food Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 17-18 March. The three-day food festival returns as part of the St Patrick’s Spring Carnival celebrating our finest chefs, restaurateurs and producers along with musical performances, street theatre and LegenDerry themed activities.
2. Mussenden Lights, Coleraine, 17 March. The National Trust are lighting the Mussenden Temple green for St. Patrick’s Day. Great photo opportunities from near and far. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see this iconic landmark in a different light. Starting at 7pm.
3. Féile an Earraigh, Belfast, 12-18 March. Féile an Earraigh presents a wide variety of arts and cultural events in the week leading up to and including St Patrick’s Day. It animates Belfast city with activities such as Irish traditional music sessions and dancing, master-classes, school workshops, concerts, tours and walks, debates and discussions, dramas, exhibitions, literary events, youth and sporting events and family based activities. For full line-up visit visitbelfast.com
4. Home of Saint Patrick Festival, Armagh & Down, 8-19 March. Immerse yourself in St Patrick’s Country. Promising a lively and varied showcase of the best culture, music, song and dance hosting many exciting Irish and international artists who come together to celebrate the Spiritual Father of Ireland with specially curated events amidst a bumper programme suitable for all tastes.  For full line-up visit VisitArmagh.com/Festivals/St-Patricks
5. Saint Patrick’s Lecture, Armagh, 16 March. On the eve of Saint Patrick’s Day, the primates of the two principal Churches in Ireland, Archbishop Richard Clarke and Archbishop Eamon Martin, will speak about what Saint Patrick means to them in a modern world at the Market Place Theatre. Examining how Saint Patrick’s words still resonate for many of the challenges we face today.
6. St Patrick’s Day Festival, Ballycastle, 17 March.  This St. Patrick’s Day festival features lots of events including a parade followed by music, Irish dancing, a display from Kelly Neil Dance Co, market stalls, family activities and entertainment. Alongside this the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market, selling a range of handmade art, craft and local food produce will be located outside Ramoan Parish Centre from 12:00 – 16.00.
7. Saint Patrick’s Day at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, 17 March. Visit the Ulster American Folk Park for vibrant music, crafts and festivities this St Patrick’s day. Costumed guides will be re-enacting the emotive send-off which was carried out by countless thousands of people before their voyage from Ireland to America in the 1700s and 1800s. For more information or advance booking visit NMNI.com.
8. The Rapparees, Belfast, 17 March. One of Ireland’s best regarded folk-bands play in The Empire this St Patrick’s Day. With their own tunes, classic Irish songs, and the staples thrown in for good measure this is set to be great entertainment as part of the days celebrations. To book tickets visit TheBelfastEmpire.com.
9. Ballycastle & District Horse Ploughing Championship, 17 March. Ballycastle and District Horse Ploughing Society hold their annual Horse Ploughing Match and Heavy Horse Show on St. Patrick’s Day. This is one of the oldest surviving annual competitions in the whole of Ireland and was formed over 130 years ago.
10. St Patrick’s Day at Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Holywood, 17 March. Experience a range of traditional farming activities, crafts and skills as well as performances from musicians and Irish dancers throughout the day as the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum celebrates St Patrick’s Day.