The Twelfth may be looming, but it’s not the only ting happening in NI this week! Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 awesome things to do in Northern Ireland next week (July 11 – 17).
- Soma Festival, Castlewellan, Co. Down, July 13 – 17. Now in its 4th year the Soma festival is bigger and better than ever. SOMA means ‘Food of the Gods’ and this year music is a core theme of the festival and there are some extraordinary musicians coming to Castlewellan such as Lisa Hannigan, Eddi Reader and Declan O’Rourke.
- Castlewellan Agricultural Show, Castlewellan, Co. Down, July 16. Set across 50 acres in the beautiful surroundings of Castlewellan Forest Park, the show will feature classes for cattle, sheep, goats, horses and many more animals. There will also be a wide range of trade stands, food and craft producers showcase their wares alongside live music, vintage tractors, carriage driving and demonstrations of countryside pursuits.
- Foyle Maritime Festival, various locations, Co. Londonderry, until July 17. The Foyle Maritime Festival will host the stopover of the Clipper Race 2015-16 as they near the end of their Round the World Journey. The city will be transformed into an international marina to welcome the yachts and their crews once again. Queens Quay will once again be transformed into a maritime wonderland full of fun, activities, music, arts and crafts as we prepare to Welcome Team Derry~Londonderry for a special homecoming party!
- Lough Erne Paddlers Open Day, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, July 16. Discover the beauty of Fermanagh from the water on a fab fun day out with the family. Come along and try the many different types of kayaks and canoes and enjoy an afternoon on Lough Erne. To book call 028 66 387010
- Scarva Sham Fight, Scarva Village, Co. Down, July 13. The Sham Fight is firmly established as one of the major events on the Northern Ireland cultural and tourism calendar. It will be an amazing occasion packed with music and pageantry, a day the whole family can enjoy. Video screens and other stage equipment will be provided for people to enjoy the day and a special marquee will be set up to allow visitors understand the history of the Royal Black Institution and the Sham Fight.
- Rock the Castle, Glenarm Castle & Walled Garden, Co. Antrim, July 17. See Dolly’s Rockin Country Club performing songs from Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers, Carrie Underwood and Elvis before being transported to the 70s and 80s with Glamslam and Q the Quo. This is a night country music fans will not want to miss! To book call 028 28 841203
- Ship Shape Sculpture, HMS Caroline, Belfast, July 16 – 17. Join artist Jim Russell aboard the HMS Caroline and try your hand at a spot of ship building on this historic First World War ship and help create a unique sculpture of the ship. This is a drop in activity, so you can stay for as long as you would like.
- Benone Artisan Market, Benone Tourist Complex, Co. Londonderry, July 17. Fresh aromas, vivid colours, eclectic treasures, buzzing crowds – a mere stroll amongst the many stalls of a Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market is enough to invigorate the senses and whet the appetite.
- Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme, Lyric Theatre, Belfast, until July 16. Written by Frank McGuinness, this mesmerising production focuses on the extraordinary circumstances of the World War 1 and the lives of eight young men whose lives are utterly changed. This iconic play is a powerful portrayal of mortality, love and loss.
- Dining in the Dome, Victoria Square, Belfast, until July 23. Experience an evening like no other by Dining in the Dome at Victoria Square. Enjoy food, drinks and the best views in a special intimate setting high above the Belfast skyline. victoriasquare.com 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.
