Preview // 10 Awesome Things To Do In Northern Ireland This Week / 8 – 14 April 2019

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 (8 – 14 April 2019)

1. Game Of Thrones – The Touring Exhibition, Belfast, 11 April –1 September. Fans around the world will have the opportunity to step inside Westeros and the lands beyond at Game of Thrones: The Touring Exhibition. This all-new exhibition drops fans into the centre of the Seven Kingdoms with an up-close look at authentic props, costumes and decorations from the hit series. Visitors to the exhibition will experience the mystical lands of Westeros and Essos and re-live the struggles faced by the show’s characters.
2. Belfast Film Festival 2019, Belfast, 11-20 April. Presenting a huge range of films from across the globe, the festival’s tantalising line-up includes new international cinema and documentaries, critically acclaimed television, features and shorts from local filmmakers, and plenty of post-screening discussions in venues throughout the city.
3. Hidden Gems Tour, Dungannon, 13-14 April. Explore the ancient roads and lanes with local tour guide, James Walshe, to undercover tales of Vikings, healing sites and holy wells where St Patrick walked, battle sites, castles and fortresses, incorporated with the scenic views along the way. Join the Hidden Gems Tour for an adventure into the secrets of our wild and beautiful landscape.
4. Troubles Art, Derry-Londonderry, 8-28 April. This powerful exhibition provides a broad representation of responses to the Troubles by a range of artists from Northern Ireland and beyond. The subjects, themes and meanings of the works are diverse, offering the artists’ individual perspectives. Together they evoke a variety of experiences and emotions that reflect the complexity and impacts of this period of history.
5. Kids Surf Camp, Limavady, 13-14 April. Visitors to the Causeway Coast and Glens region can bring the kids along to surf camp and ride the waves. This is a fantastic opportunity for children between the ages of 6 and 12 years to learn an exciting new sport in a safe environment, with a qualified surf coach and lifeguards. A great experience for children who want to get out into nature and appreciate the quality of beach life in Northern Ireland.
6. Spring into Rowallane this Easter Ballynahinch, 13-28 April. This Easter hop along for some fun and spend a wonderful day out exploring one of the most beautiful gardens in Northern Ireland. Discover the many hidden gems within Rowallane Gardens, make egg box creatures, learn natural crafts or produce your own Easter card. Test your balancing skills with classic egg and spoon races and skip to victory. Don’t get too competitive; it’s all just good family fun!
7. Ballymoney Spring Fair 2019, Ballymoney, 12–13 April. Enjoy a fantastic day of festival fun as Ballymoney transforms into a cascade of colours, live music and artisan markets! This year Fuse FM brings an afternoon of outdoor entertainment featuring Ulster-Scots yarns, traditional music, balloon modellers and plenty of photo opportunities with themed characters.
8. Causeway Coast Foodie Tours – Coast and Country Coleraine, 13 April. Relax and savour the flavours that make the Causeway Coast so unique. The five stops along the beautiful Causeway Coastal route each offer a delicious and surprising taste. These include sample tasting at the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, ‘meeting the makers’ at a local farmers’ market and a farm stop to meet award-winning producers and hear the unique stories behind their produce. Eat, discover and take home foodie goodies and see for yourself why this area is food heaven.
9. Midweek Magic Belfast, 10 April. Feast your eyes on some modern day magic from four local magicians with all sorts of tricks up their sleeve. Enjoy a night of spectacle in the intimate surrounds of the Black Box’s Green Room, with performers showing off their tricks in close up surroundings. Witness some true local talents with favourites like Caolan McBride alongside ambitious newcomers who will showcase new and innovative material. Be prepared for an interactive and fun filled night.
10. Titanic Menu, Holywood, 13 April. Prepare for a unique dining experience, served in a period dining room with views of Belfast Lough from where Titanic first set sail. Rayanne House’s award-winning Chef Conor meticulously re-creates the first class dining menu which was served on the iconic ship to renowned passengers such as Benjamin Guggenheim and the ‘unsinkable’ Molly Brown. The sumptuous menu boasts nine lavish courses of gourmet delights from the Edwardian era.