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 (10 – 16 September)

  1. Winterfell Festival, Downpatrick, 16 September. Game of Thrones® fans can step into the world of Westeros for the day at Castle Ward and join the residents of House of Stark at Winterfell. Meet the dire wolves, experience Kind Robert’s return with actor Mark Addy and face an ancient foe in the form of the White Walkers.
  2. Autumn Fair 2018, Belfast, 15 – 16 September. Sit back and relax in the Botanic Gardens, with live music, an array of children’s activities, local food, award winning prize blooms, must-see street performers and more.
  3. Finnebrogue Artisan Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Festival, Downpatrick, 14 – 16 September.  Held at Killyleagh Castle, thousands of chocoholics and enthusiastic foodies from Northern Ireland and beyond arrive to celebrate the best of local food and drink. The festival includes chocolatiers’ displays, market stalls, local artisan produce, family-friendly activities and entertainment.
  4. Eco Creative Getaway, Omagh, 14 -16 September. Come and join An Creggan for an Autumnal craft retreat. The weekend combines natural dyeing, eco printing, wild foraging and local tours.
  5. Mourne Mountain Marathon, Co. Down, 15 – 16 September. The Mourne Mountain Marathon is Ireland’s only two day endurance and navigation event held each year in the beautiful mountains of Mourne. A competitive event for teams of two, who can enter one of four categories, covering between 35km and 55km over two days, from walkers to elite runners.
  6. Neon Night Maize Maze, Limavady, 15 September. Locals and visitors alike will be pleased to hear that the Neon Night Maize Maze is back by popular demand. Missed this unique event last year? This is your chance to experience a night out with a difference – fun for the whole family or with friends.
  7. Foraging Sunday, Armagh, 16 September. Under expert guidance, learn to forage for food as the Celts did. Explore the wealth of edible delights in our countryside and sample dishes made with foraged foods like berries, apples, cherries and even nettles.
  8. The Producers, Belfast, 11 – 15 September. This runaway hit was given the Broadway treatment in 2001 and is now coming to The Waterfront. Producers Max and Leo attempt to stage the worst show ever written and run away with their investors’ money, but their plan goes ridiculously awry. With toe-tapping tunes, loads of hilarious jokes and sharp satire, this big-time Broadway musical is pure side-splitting fun.
  9. Who lives in a house like this?, Fivemiletown, 15 September. Enjoy this guided tour around Blessingbourne Estate. An historic 550 acre country estate, nestled in the heart of the woodlands and wildlife on the edge of the Clogher Valley and Fermanagh Lakelands – one of Northern Ireland’s most tranquil and magical locations.
  10. Jersey Boys,  Belfast, 11 – 22 September. This smash hit musical comes to the Grand Opera House, having won 57 major awards worldwide, including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Jersey Boys tells the true life story of four boys from the wrong side of the tracks who wrote their own songs, invented their own unique sound, and sold 100 million records worldwide.

 

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.