Those super guys at Tourism NI have put together a list of 10 awesome things to do in Northern Ireland this week. We are sharing that list below, keep up the good work guys!

  1. Gunpowder Irish Gin Evening, Co. Antrim, 9 May. Join in on the journey of Drumshambo Gunpowder Irish Gin… Galgorm Resort and Spa are proud to introduce the latest in their Gin evenings. Hear about the curious mind of PJ Rigney and how he got to work over signature serves paired with a mouth-watering menu from Galgorm’s 3AA Rosette River Room kitchen. £40.00 per person. To book email mmcclure@galgorm.com
  2. Spring Picnic Twilight Market, Belfast, 9-10 May. Back by popular demand, the Twilight Market is set to return to St George’s Market on 9 and 10 May, from 4pm-11pm. Now an award-winning market, the Twilight Market is an established highlight in Belfast’s calendar of events. Please note, the Twilight Market is strictly over 18s after 9pm due to licensing laws. Entry to the market is free. For more information, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/markets
  3. Balmoral Show, Co. Antrim, 10-13 May. Ireland’s largest agri-food event, the Balmoral Show, is back at Eikon and Balmoral Park and this time it will be for four days. The show will be bigger and better than before with fantastic arena and livestock attractions including family fun for all the family. A complimentary shuttle service to the venue will operate from Lisburn Train station. Opening hours and ticket prices vary. Please visit www.balmoralshow.co.uk for more information.
  4. The Guitar Artistry of Hugh Buckley, Belfast, 11 May. Hugh Buckley, one of Ireland’s most accomplished jazz guitarists brings a stellar guitar and piano trio to Belfast comprising the exceptionally gifted pianist Myles Drennan and legendary bassist Dave Fleming. McHugh’s Bar. Ticket prices £8-£12
  5. April Verch Band, Co.Down, 11th May. Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to present the incredibly talented Canadian fiddler, singer and step dancer April Verch with her band to Portico, Portaferry as part of a Moving On Music tour. Portico, Portaferry. Tickets £12.
  6. Slieve Donard Moonlit Walk, Co Down, 12 May. Get your torch ready for this must-do challenge. Starting at 19.30 you will plan to make it for the summit around midnight, where you will be able to stargaze and marvel at the lights of Newcastle and beyond before returning to Donard car park for a well- earned hot cuppa. This walk will be taken along the well-known Brandy Pad Route – the main track up and down alongside the River Glen. The time taken depends on the pace of the group but on average it takes approximately 6 hours. Early Registration: £25.00. To register online visit www.cancerfocusni.org/moonlit
  7. Walled City Tattoo, Derry~Londonderry, 12-13 May. The Walled City Tattoo returns to the Millennium Forum stage. Audiences can expect an array of local and international talent that will include all the traditional aspects of a Tattoo including marching bands, theatrics and musical performances. The Walled City Tattoo will also tell local stories, contemporising and embellishing the show with a rich local theme. 8pm, £18-£22.00.
  8. Dawn Chorus – Cladagh Glen, Co. Fermanagh, 13 May. The early bird catches the worm! Head to Marble Arch Caves for 05.00am to join Geopark staff to hear the dawn chorus of birdsong welcoming the new day. Geopark staff will help you to identify which birds you can hear. Please note Cladagh Glen is not wheelchair accessible; wear warm waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear. Booking essential – contact Marble Arch Caves (028) 6634 8855 to book. Free Event.
  9. Ardress House, Co. Armagh. Nestled in the apple orchards of Co. Armagh, Ardress House offers afternoons of fun and relaxation for everyone. Why not visit the farmyard and let your imagination take you on a journey… as a Dairy Maid perhaps milking the cows in the Byre followed by butter making in the Dairy or imagine yourself as a Blacksmith shoeing horses and making tools in the smithy. Admission prices £2.27 – £13.50. For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ardree-house.
  10. Ulster American Folk Park, Co.Tyrone. Immerse yourself in the world famous story of Irish emigration at this dedicated museum that brings the story back to life! Follow the emigrant trail as you journey from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale emigrant sailing ship leading to the log cabins of the American frontier. You can meet and chat with an array of richly costumed characters on your way, often with traditional crafts to show, exciting tales to tell and unusual food to share! Open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Admission from £5.50 (children under 4 free) For more information visit www.nmni.com/uafp
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.