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 (18-24 June)
- Specialist Plant Fair at Mount Stewart, Newtownards, 23-24 June. Come and see the many visiting nurseries at Mount Stewart. Ask advice and buy some plants to add magic to your own garden. View the garden diaries of Edith, Lady Londonderry and enjoy special tours of Mount Stewart’s fabulous formal gardens and pleasure grounds.
- Hard as Oak, Derry~Londonderry, 23 June. This 10km obstacle course challenge features over 50 man-made and natural tests for those willing souls ready to give it their all. Located in the picturesque Faughan Valley and incorporating all its finest features this really is a challenge like no other including swamps, rope climbs and much more.
- Q-Con XXV Gaming and Anime Convention, Belfast, 22-24 June. Northern Ireland’s largest and longest running video gaming and anime related convention, Q-Con is home to a full weekend of events in Belfast’s University Quarter.
- Midsummer Music at Mussenden-National Trust Summer Concert, Castlerock, 22-24 June. A trio of local musicians – soprano Helen Aiken, flautist Ross Houston and harpist Aisleagh McConnell – will perform a varied programme of light classical music in the atmospheric surroundings of the Mussenden Temple.
- Comber Earlies Food Festival, Co. Down, 23 June. Join the celebrations and have a relaxing hay bale picnic while listening to a brass band. With amazing potato-based traditional dishes to try, children’s activities and street theatre to enjoy this is going to be a great family day out. This year’s food demonstrations will be hosted by star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, holder of multiple Michelin stars.
- Summer Solstice at Beaghmore Stone Circles, Co. Tyrone, 21 June. Come along and welcome the first day of summer as the sun reaches the most northern point in the sky. Enjoy the Summer Solstice at Beaghmore Stone Circles and learn about their fascinating history and significance.
- Mourne International Walking Festival 2018, Co. Down, 22-24 June. The Mourne International Walking Festival celebrates two decades of discovery over this award-winning three-day event.This year’s event features a range of routes carefully planned to impress at both low and higher levels.
- Irish Game Fair & Fine Food Festival, Co. Antrim, 23-24 June. The Irish Game Fair is a comprehensive, family-focused celebration of country life in Ireland, bringing together country sports with traditional crafts, fabulous food and drink, living history and entertainment.
- Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend, 16 – 17 June. Farms across Northern Ireland open their gates during this weekend to give an insight into farming life. Each farm event is unique and will help you to not only learn how food is produced but also give you the opportunity to taste some of Northern Ireland’s fantastic produce.
- The Summer Solstice Sunset, Co. Armagh, 22 June. Join The Navan Centre and Fort for a Celtic celebration on the eve of Midsummer, when the Celts said goodbye to the longest day in the year. Why did they do this? How did they celebrate? Join the camp and celebrate in style with food, music and dance.
