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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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Sundays on the Maritime Mile

Belfast

Address

Maritime Mile, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9DT

Telephone
02890730490

hello@maritimebelfast.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Live Music

This summer, Belfast’s Waterfront comes to life every Sunday from June to August with free pop-up music and animation for all ages. Enjoy toe-tapping traditional music, jazz and DJ sessions, pop-up science demonstrations, mini-golf and more.

Related

The Maritime Mile, Belfast

Dates

From:

15 June 2025to31 Aug 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Dragonfly Festival

Comber

Address

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

Telephone
028 9187 4146

claire.conway@wwt.org.uk

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Make special memories this summer. Dart down to WWT's first-ever Dragonfly Festival this summer.

Related

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber

Dates

From:

21 June 2025to21 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Hunt

Royal Hillsborough

Address

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

Telephone
0333 320 6000

hillsboroughcastle@hrp.org.uk

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Embark on an adventure this summer with Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Hunt. Help Pooh find his missing hunny and on the way find Rabbit's Garden, Eeyore's Cabin and Piglet's Burrow, inspired by Disney Winnie the Pooh.

Dates

From:

28 June 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 18:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Summer Dome Show at Armagh Planetarium

Armagh

Address

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

Telephone
+442837523689

reception@armagh.ac.uk

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Book into a 360-degree amazing fulldome show. Be inspired at the "Place for Space". All dome show tickets include access to the Stellar Science Lab exhibition and water rocket workshop.

Related

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh

Dates

From:

1 July 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Sensory Nature Walk

Holywood

Address

Ulster Folk Museum, 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Type

Type:

Nature

Take in the sights, sounds and smells of the natural world on a relaxing walk with the Ulster Folk Museum Education Officer on most Wednesdays throughout Summer.

Related

Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood

Dates

From:

2 July 2025to20 Aug 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Puffin Rock Summer

Belfast

Address

W5 Belfast, 2 Queen's Quay, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9QQ

Telephone
00000000000

hello@w5online.co.uk

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Calling all little explorers and grown-ups! Puffin Rock is BACK at W5 for a summer of family-fun activities.

Related

W5, Belfast

Dates

From:

5 July 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 18:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Summer of Play at Castle Ward

Downpatrick

Address

Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down, BT307BA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4488 1204

castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Experience a summer of medieval adventure at Castle Ward! This summer, we've set aside the lawn games! From 5 July - 31 August, enjoy thrilling challenges, interactive quests, and fantasy fun!

Related

Castle Ward, Strangford

Dates

From:

5 July 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Wild Woods and WatersTrail - Marble Arch Caves

Florencecourt

Address

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

Telephone
+442866321815

mac@fermanaghomagh.com

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Nature

Slow down and reconnect with nature on this guided walk through the breathtaking Cladagh Glen Nature Reserve. Hidden in the landscape above the Marble Arch Caves, this peaceful trail leads you through a narrow, steep-sided limestone gorge, thickly…

Related

Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen

Dates

From:

5 July 2025to27 July 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Summer at the Discovery Centres

Belfast

Address

Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 5AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 0000

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Get creative in the Discovery Centres at the Ulster Museum this summer!

Related

Ulster Museum, Belfast

Dates

From:

8 July 2025to31 Aug 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Telescope Tuesdays at Armagh Planetarium

Armagh

Address

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

Telephone
+442837523689

reception@armagh.ac.uk

Type

Type:

Talks/Lectures

Join Dr Rok and our PhD students this summer. Our historic Calver Telescope will be on full display for all to see and interact with. Experience the human orrery and find out how planets and comets move around the Sun.

Related

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh

Dates

From:

8 July 2025to26 Aug 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Summer of Play at Mount Stewart

Newtownards

Address

Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
02842788387

mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Summer of Play is on its way! This summer, play takes over the lawns at Mount Stewart.

Related

Mount Stewart, Newtownards

Dates

From:

12 July 2025to25 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Dinosaurs Survive!

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
00000000000

media@w5online.co.uk

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Step into a world where dinosaurs roam again!

Related

W5, Belfast

Dates

From:

13 July 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 11:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Belfast Pride Festival

Belfast

Address

Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3ES

info@belfastpride.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Belfast Pride Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Belfast with over 150 events across 10 days. The festival runs from Friday 18th July to Sunday 27th July with Pride Day and the centrepiece Pride Parade on Saturday 26th July.

Dates

From:

18 July 2025to27 July 2025

More Info
Portstewart Red Sails Festival

Portstewart

Address

Various locations across Portstewart, Portstewart, County Londonderry, BT55 7AB

Telephone
+44(0)7769706140

portstewartca@gmail.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Family Fun

The Red Sails Festival is a week-long festival full of fun, free events for all!

Dates

From:

20 July 2025to26 July 2025Open 12:00 - 21:00

Price
Free

More Info
Ulster Fleadh

Warrenpoint

Address

Multiple locations in Warrenpoint, Warrenpoint, County Down, BT34 3JY

pr@dunuladh.ie

Type

Type:

Festival

Fleadh Uladh is a provincial cultural festival for traditional music, song, dance and language for Ulster. Fleadh Cheoil, which literally means "feast of music", is a magnificent mix of competitions and cultural events which showcase each element of…

Dates

From:

20 July 2025to27 July 2025

More Info
O'Neills Foyle Cup 2025

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Various locations, Derry~Londonderry, Derry~Londonderry

Telephone
+44 (0) 7506 578 225

jimmccafferty1@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Sporting Event

The O'Neills Foyle Cup is a highly successful youth soccer tournament held mainly in the City of Derry, but also branches out with matches played in neighbouring counties throughout Northern Ireland.

Dates

From:

21 July 2025to26 July 2025

More Info
Blue Sky Birds

Belfast

Address

Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 5AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 0000

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art & Design

Make model birds in creative sessions at the Ulster Museum, inspired by 'The Enemy is Time' and 'Wild Ireland: Past, Present and Future' exhibitions.

Related

Ulster Museum, Belfast

Dates

From:

22 July 2025to23 July 2025Open 11:00 - 12:00

From:
23 July 2025
From:

29 July 2025to30 July 2025Open 11:00 - 12:00

From:

6 Aug 2025to7 Aug 2025Open 11:00 - 12:00

Price
Free

More Info
The Fifteens Experience

Dundrum

Address

56 Dromara Road, Dundrum, County Down, BT33 0NS

Telephone
+44 (0)79 5404 9307

Hello@mrscshomekitchen.com

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Join Mrs C in her cosy country kitchen just outside the village of Dundrum, County Down, with breath-taking views of the Mourne Mountains. This warm and welcoming hands-on session celebrates the beloved Northern Irish tradition of tray…

Related

Mrs C's Home Kitchen, Dundrum

Dates

From:
23 July 2025Open 11:00 - 13:00

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Summer Craft Activities

Holywood

Address

Ulster Folk Museum, 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Enjoy drop-in craft activities as part of your visit to the Ulster Folk Museum on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays in July and August.

Related

Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood

Dates

From:

24 July 2025to26 July 2025Open 10:00 - 16:30

From:

31 July 2025to2 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 16:30

From:

7 Aug 2025to9 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 16:30

From:

14 Aug 2025to16 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

From:

21 Aug 2025to23 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 16:30

More Info
EastSide Arts Festival

Belfast

Address

East Belfast, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 1HE

eastsidearts@eastsidepartnership.com

Type

Type:

Festival

EastSide Arts Festival, 24 July – 2 August 2025, returns with a spectacular and exhilarating celebration of the arts this summer. Over 11 days, festival-goers will have the opportunity to enjoy unique events that showcase east Belfast’s vibrant…

Related

EastSide Visitor Centre, Belfast

Dates

From:

24 July 2025to2 Aug 2025

More Info