Preview // 10 Awesome Things To Do In Northern Ireland This Week (22 -28 October)

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 (22 -28 October)

1. The Dark Tower, Derry~Londonderry, 26 October. Ascend the Dark Tower for an adults-only night of music, drink, and scares. Come to the darkest reaches of the Tower Museum and meet the ghosts and ghouls of the city’s past. Prepare to be scared witless and afterwards pull yourself together, grab a drink at the bar and explore the upper levels of the Tower.
2. Belfast Horror Con, 27 October. Taking place at the Clayton Hotel, this event will feature eight media guests including David Warner (The Omen), Barbara Nedeljakova (Hostel), Shauna MacDonald (The Descent) and Belfast’s own Patricia Quinn who played Magenta in the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Other attractions include a gaming lounge where attendees can test PlayStation 4 VR games, film screening with Q&A sessions, traders, novelists, independent comic creators and a SFX make-up artist.
3. Beach Races 2018, Portrush, 27 – 28 October. Organised by Foyle District Motor Club at East Strand Beach. Based on the success of last year’s beach races which was the first of its kind to be staged in Northern Ireland, this event returns for a second year. It is expected to attract more than 100 competitors. With free admission for spectators, this event is set to be a unique racing weekend at a spectacular and beautiful location.
4. Purple Turnip Festival, Lisburn, 27 October. Enjoy kids’ entertainment including animal encounters, creative craft workshops, fancy dress competitions, face painting and outdoor games. Join in the hunt, find the turnips and be in with a chance of winning a great prize or visit the “enchanted” autumn market where you will find fresh produce from local suppliers and hand-crafted goods.
5. Little Spooks, Armagh, 27 – 31 October. Little Spooks is the perfect Halloween experience at Navan Centre and Fort for boys and girls who aren’t afraid of enjoying some spooky surprises.  From storytelling to making their own witches brew there’s plenty of activities to send a shiver up your little ones spine.
6. Hogwarts Halloween Cruise, Lisnaskea, 27 – 30 October. This unique Harry Potter theme cruise leaves Platform 9 3/4 at the Share Discovery Centre. During the cruise expect to be sorted into your house, cast some spells and sample some fascinating foods from the professors, as well as other fun games and crafts. This cruise must be pre-booked, as all witches and wizards must be accounted for.
7. City of Derry International Choir Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 24 – 28 October. Created as a joyous celebration of choral music-making, this festival provides opportunities for competitive and non-competitive participation of singers across a wide range of styles, ensembles and ages.
8. Maguire’s House Party, Enniskillen, 26 October. Leave daylight behind as you join a 15th century adults-only party in Enniskillen Castle. The castle doors will swing open for one night only, with live music, an on-site bar, and medieval-inspired food. The Maguire Clan have invited you to experience their legendary medieval parties. If your family name is Maguire, then you’ll get in free!
9. Boo at The Zoo, Newtownabbey, 27 – 28 October. Enjoy eerie activities for all the family including creepy crafts and fiendish face painting. Meet barn owls, reptiles and enjoy spooky story-telling with Mr Hullabaloo. You can even bring along your own pumpkin and watch as the animals tuck into them at the ‘trick or treat’ feeding times!
10. Ghosts in the Glens Storytelling Festival, Co. Antrim, 25 – 28 October. The Ghosts in the Glens Storytelling Festival offers a four-day celebration of the rich traditions of storytelling and music in the Glens of Antrim. Sessions will be held from Ballycastle and Rathlin Island to Carnlough, Cushendun, Cushendall and Glenariff, including workshops for those looking to develop their storytelling skills along with special children’s activities such as quizzes, crafts and fancy dress.