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 (7-13 May)

  1. Shanes Castle Steam Rally, Antrim, 6-7 May. Over forty steam engines and working steam models are expected at Shanes Castle along with living vans and machinery, demonstrating how they worked in bygone times. Entertainment for the day includes a mobile farm, Punch & Judy shows, car displays, demonstration rescues and much more. 
  2. Beltaine Festival of Fire, Armagh, 5-7 May.  Immerse yourself in life as an ancient Celt at the Navan Centre & Fort during the Beltaine Festival of Fire; a time of purification and transition. Help build a fire arch, try your hand at making a traditional Celtic crown and join in the preparation of handfasting cakes.
  3. Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival 2018, Belfast, 3-13 May. The 19th Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival boasts a staggering programme of live music, comedy, spoken word, theatre, literature, film and art with over 150 events for all ages taking place across 20 venues in the city. For full event programme, visit CQAF.com.
  4. The O’Neills Story, Tullaghoge Fort and Hill of the O’Neill, Cookstown, 12 May.  The story of the O’Neill clan has caught the imagination of visitors and locals alike. Join this historic walking tour, which follows in the clan’s footsteps.
  5. Vauxhall International 2018 North West 200 Race Festival Week, Portstewart, 13-17 May. With three days of racing, 100 riders, 100k spectators and speeds of up to 209mph, the NW200 is one of Northern Ireland’s top sporting events and one of the world’s fastest road races. The event includes exhibitions, charity cycles, mini moto cycling, car boot sales and displays of veteran, vintage and classic vehicles, as well as special guests and music entertainment.
  6. Portadown Viking Experience 2018, Craigavon, 11 May. A celebration of heritage on the banks of the River Bann, the Portadown Viking Experience aims to bring 200 Viking re-enactors, artisans and craftspeople together at the original Viking site. With rowing and sailing sessions for families, authentic Viking village history talks, warrior weapon training, and mock Viking battles for children, this day is sure to get everyone into the Viking spirit.
  7. Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon 2018, Belfast, 7 May. Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is the largest participatory sporting event in Northern Ireland. Launched in 1982 with 3025 entrants, the event takes place on May Day each year, now bringing over 17,000 people to Belfast.
  8. Pipe Band Championships, Bangor, 12 May.  Castle Park will be hosting the Pipe Band Championships. With over 40 bands and 50 Drum Majors competing at this event, it makes an impressive spectacle and a fantastic day out for all the family.
  9. Launch of Downhill Tree Trail, Coleraine, 12 May. Springtime is a great time to visit the Downhill Demesne. This guided tour offers not only a chance to discover exotic trees and a secret arboretum but also the chance to see well-tended gardens in full bloom and woodland areas around the lake ablaze with wild flowers such as bluebells celandine and wild garlic.
  10. Snow Patrol, Derry~Londonderry, 11 May. The Millennium Forum welcomes the globally acclaimed Northern Irish band Snow Patrol, for an intimate gig in the Walled City.
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.