Preview // 10 Things To Do In Northern Ireland This Week / 25 – 31 March

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (25 – 31 March):

1. Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas and Politics 2019, Belfast, 25-31 March.  This ground-breaking festival offers an eclectic programme of over 130 events in venues across the city, including author Lionel Shriver, columnist and environmental campaigner George Monbiot and one of Ireland’s most distinguished former politicians, Mary Harney.  The festival also hosts a major exhibition by leading local artist Rita Duffy and features talks, workshops, theatre, comedy, films, walking tours, exhibitions and lots more.
2. Birdwatch Morning at Castle Espie, Newtownards, 27 March.  One of Castle Espie’s experts will lead you on this expedition around the Wetland Centre’s reserve and woodland. There will also be time to see what’s on Strangford Lough!  Binoculars and sensible footwear are essential for the trek.  After your walk, pop into the Kingfisher Kitchen at Castle Espie and treat yourself to coffee and cake or a delicious lunch.
3. International King’s Cup 2019 Ulster Qualifier, Coleraine, 27 March.  One of the most anticipated amateur golf tournaments is here.  For the very first time Team Ireland will be travelling to the United States to take on the USA.  This is the Ulster Regional Qualifier for the tournament, and those who progress will play in the second round National Qualifier at Malone Golf Club.  The event is open to any two-person team with a verifiable GUI Handicap. Whether you are a scratch golfer or a 20-handicap golfer you have an opportunity to qualify and represent Team Ireland. 
4. Paul Clements – Rambles Around Ireland, Lisburn, 28 March.  Acclaimed travel writer Paul Clements visits the Island Arts Centre to delight audiences with tales from his ‘Rambles round Ireland’. Clements has published three books about travelling around Ireland – ‘Burren Country’, ‘The Height of Nonsense’ and ‘Irish Shores’ – and his wry wit and story-telling ability have seen copies flying off the shelves.   He will take the audience on a journey through his thirty years as a travel writer – the sights, the sounds and absurd challenges like finding the highest point in the lowest county!
5. Long Meadow Mother’s Day Workshop, Craigavon, 28 March.  Join professional florist, RHS Chelsea Gold Medal winner and National Teacher Yolanda Campbell for a unique day of creativity at Long Meadow Farm. Experience the magic and beauty of the orchard in early Spring.  Walking through the orchard, gathering fresh foliage and apple tree prunings, be inspired in the beautiful setting of Long Meadow.  Later you will be able to create a beautiful table arrangement using your gathered foliage and flowers as Yolanda guides you through designing your own gift to take home or give to Mum!
6. Dog Friendly Tours, Portrush, 30 March. Dog Friendly Tours are a new light hearted, fun walking experience for dog owners.  Get out and about with your four legged friendsand learn about the history of the places you will visit along the way.  Enjoy food and drink at a host of dog friendly venues with a special treat for your furry friends at the end of the tour and plenty of watering holes en route.
7. Cultra Manor Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, Holywood, 31 March.Enjoy a vintage afternoon tea experience at Cultra Manor, one of the last mansions of the landed gentry to be built in Ireland.  You will be greeted at the door of the splendid Edwardian manor house and shown to your table in the elegant Drawing Room. Here you will enjoy a feast of sweet and savoury treats, paired with a pot of the finest fresh tea. As a special treat, Mum will receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco on arrival. 
8. The Three Tenors, Belfast, 31 March.  Creating a storm around the country, Ireland’s favourite trio Shane, Dominic, and Derek – collectively The Three Tenors Ireland – promise a magical night to remember at the Lyric Theatre as they perform an exciting Celtic flavoured programme including Homes of Donegal and Caledonia and uplifting songs made famous by stars including Frank Sinatra, The Dubliners and Luciano Pavarotti.  Packed with a selection of songs from the shows as well as by artists as diverse as R.E.M. and the Bee Gees, there’s something for everyone!
9. Mother’s Day Dine and Dance, Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast, 31 March.  Spoil your mum with a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival followed by a delicious four-course lunch and entertainment from live band Conspiracy, covering everything from the swinging sixties right up to current chart hits. They’re sure to have you up on your feet dancing!  There’s no need to worry about the kids getting bored either, as there will be a magician and face painter to keep them entertained and provide plenty of laughs!
11. State of the House, State of the Nation, Enniskillen, to 30 June.  This ongoing exhibition looks at the Enniskillen and Fermanagh Workhouse during the turbulent years of the Irish Famine, 1845-1849 and beyond.  As the environs of the entrance block of the Enniskillen Workhouse undergo huge change, now is the time to stop and consider the life of the most important building on site so the exhibition also looks at the future of the workhouse buildings and their central role in revealing the past.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.