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Family Events

What’s on and things to do for families visiting Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is bursting at the seams with things to do for families. While you’re here on holidays, you might just catch one of these great family events going on. Or maybe you’d like to book your holiday to coincide with one. So, here are just a few to whet your appetite.

It’s all happening in County Armagh

The Armagh Georgian Weekend is a much-loved festival that gives Armagh the chance to show off its rich Georgian heritage. Celebrations include The Great Georgian Banquet, Children’s Christmas market plus a sparkling Christmas Light Show to end the festivities.

And during Springtime, March is a wonderful month to visit Armagh, not least because of St Patrick and this is his homeplace. Armagh is at the heart of celebrating the life of Saint Patrick and promises a lively showcase of the best in culture, music, song and dance, as well as a spectacular parade on St Patrick’s feast day, March 17th. Time to get the green facepaint ready.

Amazing things happen in County Antrim

The award-winning Irish Game Fair celebrates country sports and all things rural in the stunning natural setting of Shane’s Castle in the last weekend of August. Alongside country pursuits demonstrations, there’s a heap of family entertainment and food, heritage and craft displays. The same venue also hosts Shane’s Castle Steam Rally - a festival of vintage steam engines, tractors and agricultural machinery that’s a great family day out.

Antrim Castle Gardens hosts its Enchanted Winter Garden event at Christmas, a magical seasonal experience like no other for all the family! And in Cushendall in Autumn you’ll find the Glens Storytelling Festival, a 5-day community event celebrating the storytelling cultural heritage of the Glens of Antrim.

Celebrations galore the Causeway Coastal Route

The Causeway Coast is reason enough to celebrate, but there’s also a whole host of festivals and events to keep you and your family entertained.

Taste Causeway is a month-long summer celebration of the area’s world-renowned food and drink. The quaint village of Bushmills plays host to the Salmon & Whiskey Festival where you can bring all the family, try some new local food as well as live music and dance performances.

All along the coast are the wrecks of the vainglorious Spanish Armada of 1588 and one of the best-known wrecks is that of La Girona, whose story is celebrated at the Girona Gold Maritime Festival. Enjoy a swimming relay race, interactive taster sessions with local water-based activity providers, plus lots more.

Other seafarers are celebrated in more comic style at Pirates Off Portrush, a two-day family festival with dance, drama, kids pirate parade, music, markets fun have-a-go games.

Big, bold and beautiful – family fun in Belfast

As its most famous ship will attest, Belfast likes to do things big-style. Which is why you’ll find tonnes of entertainment options for both kids and grown-ups all year-round.

The Belfast Children’s Festival takes place each March for children of all ages and their families and is spread across a number of Belfast’s theatres and arts centres. Expect and enjoy a hectic mix of theatre, visual art, music, dance, literature, workshops and talks all of which are designed to inspire and entertain everyone who gets involved.

And don't miss out on Belfast's Christmas Market which arrives in late November on the grounds of the City Hall, bringing a traditional taste of Christmas.

Derry-Londonderry has it all going on

The walled city of Derry-Londonderry regularly throws open its gates for families and everyone to get inside and get involved in its eclectic mix of events and festival big and small - for visitors big and small.

A massive highlight of the year here is a the Foyle Maritime Festival. This 9-day maritime extravaganza features a range of live performances, visiting ships and boats, water activities and food trails plus the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Or join Europe’s biggest Halloween Festival in Derry-Londonderry for a welcome like no other, packed with ghoulish events and frightful fun for all the family.

Families come first in County Fermanagh

Late September each year sees the arrival of Festival Lough Erne, a two-day celebration of the best of local food, with cookery demonstrations from guest chefs, local artisan food and drink producers and live entertainment, as well as a range of water based activities for young and old, all taking place at Enniskillen Castle, in the heart of Enniskillen town itself.

It's County Down for family fun

From outdoor adventures to magical festivals, there's lots to look forward to in County Down, with a packed calendar of events year-round. Don't miss August's Wake the Giant in the seaside town of Warrenpoint, a vibrant festival celebrating the stunning scenery, rich heritage and local legends across a weekend of activites. In September, as Summer fades into Autumn, the Eats and Beats festival returns to light up Newcastle as a foodie and music lovers paradise, with a eclectic mix of delicious food and live performances. These and more, make it a great location for your next short break or day out with the kids!

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The Derry Girls Experience

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Tower Museum, Union Hall Place, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6LU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7137 2411

tower@derrystrabane.com

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Visit the home of Derry Girls and discover where it all began! See original memorabilia from the hit show, like Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s famous pyjamas and Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater, not to mention the infamous Spice Girls costumes!

Related

Tower Museum, Londonderry/Derry

68 Clooney Restaurant - White Horse Hotel, Londonderry/Derry

Dates

From:

4 July 2023to1 July 2025Open 09:00 - 17:30

More Info
Belfast 2024

Belfast

Address

Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5GS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 0202

belfast2024@belfastcity.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Culture & Heritage

Crafted by the people of Belfast, for the people of Belfast, this year-long celebration brings together a diverse range of local projects, events, and initiatives. We invite everyone to join us in envisioning a future where creativity thrives,…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024

More Info
The Wiggle Room

Belfast

Address

The MAC, 10 Exchange Street West, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2NJ

Telephone
028 9023 5053

tickets@themaclive.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Family Fun

The Wiggle Room is where Belfast's kids are taking charge! Picture this: a digital ball pit that springs to life with every wiggle, hop, and twirl - created by kids, for kids.

Related

The MAC, Belfast

Dates

From:

19 Sept 2024to5 Jan 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Experience Ards and North Down

Address

Various Locations, Ards & North Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Entertainment

Discover what Ards and North Down has to offer with a selection of fantastic experiences that allow you to explore fascinating places, enjoy delicious food and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Borough.

Dates

From:

30 Oct 2024to1 Jan 2025

More Info
Mission Santa

Armagh

Address

Armagh Planetarium, College Hill, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 9DB

Telephone
(028) 3752 3689

reception@armagh.ac.uk

Price
Price £20.00 to £22.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Mission Santa: An Immersive Christmas Experience
It's a real Code Red! Join our E.L.F. crew on Mission Santa and blast off on a Christmas adventure like never before around the Planetarium. Your mission includes a dome show, meeting Santa, a gift…

Related

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh

Dates

From:

23 Nov 2024to23 Dec 2024

Price
Price £20.00 to £22.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Royal Hillsborough

Address

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Government House, The Square, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AG

Telephone
0333 320 6000

info@hrp.org.uk

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Explore the gardens adorned with dazzling decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas! Families will love discovering hidden gems, from a secret grotto to a garden trail. Continue your journey inside the beautiful Castle, where twinkling lights…

Related

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Royal Hillsborough

Dates

From:

23 Nov 2024to23 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

From:

27 Dec 2024to5 Jan 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
47 reviews
LUX Beginners Jewellery Making Workshop

Holywood

Address

Holywood, County Down, BT180NJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7879 698 286

ruth@nisilver.com

Type

Type:

Workshop

LUX Beginners Jewellery Making Workshops in our Holywood Northern Ireland working Goldsmiths studio. No experience is required for this fun and relaxing experience, so come with friends or by yourself for some quality 'me time'. Challenge…

Dates

From:

25 Nov 2024to30 Jan 2025

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking - Parking Free on public pavement between two drives. Please do not park outside neighbours properties or on our private drive as this needs to be kept clear at all times. Thanks
A Magical Christmas Experience

Belfast

Address

1 Olympic Way, Queens Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9EP

Telephone
02890766386

welcome@titanicbelfast.com

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

A Magical Christmas Experience is back! Watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his Elves count down to their favourite night of the year on a guided tour of our Magical Christmas Experience from 27th November - 23rd December!

Related

Titanic Belfast, Belfast

Dates

From:

27 Nov 2024to23 Dec 2024Open 10:00 - 19:30

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Christmas at Mount Stewart

Newtownards

Address

Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
02842788387

mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Step into the magic of Christmas at Mount Stewart, where a season of festive delights awaits!

Related

Mount Stewart, Newtownards

Dates

From:

28 Nov 2024to5 Jan 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Santa's Elf Academy

Belfast

Address

W5, The Odyssey, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9QQ

Telephone
00000000000

media@w5online.co.uk

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Join Santa and his elf-bot Bud-E for an all-new live-action show, Elf Academy! Children and adults are invited to participate in fun games and activities to prove they have what it takes to become one of Santa's helpers.

Related

W5, Belfast

Dates

From:

30 Nov 2024to23 Dec 2024Open 10:00 - 18:00

More Info
Christmas at W5

Belfast

Address

W5, The Odyssey, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9QQ

media@w5online.co.uk

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Magical Christmas experiences for the whole family at W5!

Related

W5, Belfast

Dates

From:

30 Nov 2024to23 Dec 2024Open 10:00 - 18:00

More Info
Wild Welly Walks

Comber

Address

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EA

Telephone
02891874146

info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Pull on your welly boots and get exploring the wetlands to complete all of the adventures in your checklist.

Related

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber

Dates

From:

1 Dec 2024to7 Feb 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Christmas at Marble Arch Caves

Florencecourt

Address

Marble Arch Caves, 43 Marlbank Road, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, BT92 1EW

Telephone
+44 (0)28 6632 1815

Mac@fermanaghomagh.com

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Whether you’re looking for a festive adventure with your loved ones or home for the holidays, Christmas at Marble Arch Caves has something special for everyone!

Related

Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen

Dates

From:

1 Dec 2024to5 Jan 2025

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Visit Father Christmas and his Elves at Ulster American Folk Park

Omagh

Address

Ulster American Folk Park, 2 Mellon Rd, Omagh, County Tyrone, BT78 5QU

Telephone
028 8224 3292

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price £13.50 to £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Experience the magic of Christmas and meet Father Christmas and Mrs Claus at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh.

Related

Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh

Dates

From:

6 Dec 2024to23 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

Price
Price £13.50 to £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Christmas at Ulster American Folk Park

Omagh

Address

Ulster American Folk Park, 2 Mellon Rd, Omagh, County Tyrone, BT78 5QU

Telephone
028 8224 3292

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Step into Christmas past, full of nostalgia and traditions as you wander the wintery scenes of the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh.

Related

Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh

Dates

From:

6 Dec 2024to3 Jan 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Santa at Montalto

Ballynahinch

Address

Spa Road, Ballynahinch, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT248PT

Telephone
+44(0)28 9756 6100

info@montaltoestate.com

Price
Price £25.95 to £29.95 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Experience Montalto's Magical Christmas with Santa Claus & Helpers…
Wrap up warm as you prepare to arrive at M.O.N.T.A.L.T.O. (Main Office of North Pole Traditions And Licensed Toy Operations).

Related

Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch

Dates

From:

7 Dec 2024to23 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

Price
Price £25.95 to £29.95 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Christmas Wonderland

Moneymore

Address

The Jungle, 60 Desertmartin Road, Moneymore, County Derry, BT45 7RB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8674 8881

bookings@thejungleni.com

Price
Price £17.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Get ready to experience the magic of Christmas like never before! Join us this December, for one of the most unique Christmas experiences in Ireland. Christmas Wonderland at The Jungle is the ultimate festive day out for families, where colourfully…

Related

The Jungle NI, Moneymore

Dates

From:

17 Dec 2024to23 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

Price
Price £17.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Christmas Afternoon Tea

Downpatrick

Address

Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Market Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6LZ

Telephone
02844615779

info@downrail.co.uk

Price
Price £40.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Christmas afternoon tea onboard a heritage train

Related

Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Downpatrick

Dates

From:
29 Dec 2024Open 15:30 -

Price
Price £40.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Think Deep

Florencecourt

Address

43 Marlbank Road, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, BT92 1EW

Telephone
02866321815

mac@fermanaghomagh.com

Price
Price £8.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Learning

The Marble Arch Caves provide a glimpse into a fascinating underground world of rivers, passages and chambers sculpted by natural processes over many thousands of years. Join us for the day and learn about the hydrology of the caves whilst watching…

Related

Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen

Dates

From:
15 Feb 2025Open 10:00 - 13:00

Price
Price £8.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Home of St Patrick Festival 2025

Armagh

Address

Armagh City Centre, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7ED

Telephone
0300 0300 900

stpatricksfestival@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Festival

Armagh's Home of St Patrick's Festival returns with an exciting programme of music, art, theatre, film and dance from 9th- 17th March 2025. This is a chance to reflect on the legacy of St Patrick and have fun celebrating his influence on history and…

Dates

From:

9 Mar 2025to17 Mar 2025

More Info