Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Irish Game Fair and Fine Food Festival
Antrim, County Antrim

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What's On in Antrim

Antrim, or the land of the ‘lone-ridge’, is a land steeped in legend and myth. Fairies and giants have pranced and pounded their ways through the famous Nine Glens and along the rugged coastline. All the while they’ve existed alongside the residents of towns like Ballymena and Cushendall who honour and celebrate them in their annual fairs and festivals. Just like the fairies and giants, the people of County Antrim are always up to something fun and fantastical!

Get your heart racing with North West 200 (May)

Did you know that Northern Ireland is the home to a number of world class motorcycle racing events? The biggest of all, the NW 200, is in fact Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event. 90 years since its introduction, this world-famous motorcycle road race has gone from strength to strength; producing decades worth of iconic Northern Ireland racing heritage. Nestled within the coastal towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine, the relaxed access of the NW200 paddock will allow you to experience close proximity to the world’s best racers, personalities and race teams, a unique opportunity in comparison to the usual segregated & corporate world of modern sport. The NW 200 is valued around the world as being unique to the Causeway Coast area of Northern Ireland but why not see for yourself?

Step into garden heaven at Antrim Castle (May)

Just one giant’s stride down the road is another stunning citadel. Antrim Castle in Randalstown is the backdrop to the annual Garden Show Ireland. This is one of the most popular festivals of its kind on the island and attracts well over 30,000 visitors over three days in May. Green fingered gardeners and budding enthusiasts gather to admire the floral displays and catch expert advice. There is plenty for the more passive gardener to enjoy too with tips on outdoor cooking, growing your own and ongoing music performances at the castle bandstand.

All aboard for the May Day Steam Rally (May)

Shanes Castle on the banks of beautiful Lough Neagh, plays host to two of Antrim’s best-loved country festivals. The May Day Steam Rally attracts families and lovers of steam power to a grand exhibition of vintage tractors, cars and steam engines. You can enjoy a jolly on a steam train or seek more thrills at the huge fairground. Bargain hunters will delight in rummaging through the jungle of jumble and bric-a-brac for sale and when it’s time to eat that means it’s time for traditional fish and chips.

Vikings, pirates, seadogs and more at Ballycastle (June)

The Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival celebrates this mystical body of water between Rathlin Island and Ballycastle. As well as a colourful sailing regatta and an ‘invasion’ by a Viking ship, you can expect to experience what will surely be your first currach race. If your sea legs aren’t up to it, then you might prefer the guided walks and tours of the scenic coastline. Of course, no festival in Northern Ireland would be complete without food so keep your eyes, ears and noses peeled for cooking demos and food markets packed with local produce.

Whiskey and fish in Bushmills (June)

Set your taste buds alight during the Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival which celebrates the local heritage and fine produce of the area. Enjoy celebrity and local chef demonstrations and whiskey tastings at the world-famous Bushmills Distillery. Other highlights include Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market, tours of Bushmills Salmon Station as well as live music and dance performances. Even if you aren’t a fan of fish or a drop of the gold stuff, you’ll still be thoroughly entertained.

A Race of Legends in Armoy (July)

July brings motorcycle racing to the fore again with the Armoy Road Races.

The club event which started off as a bit of craic and a £20 bet down the local pub, went on to spark the idea of an annual tribute race to the Armoy Armada, Legends of Road Racing. If you’re a racing enthusiast this is certainly one not to be missed. Find the perfect perch along the 3.03 miles long race circuit and make some legendary memories.

Are you game for the game fair? (August)

Towards the end of August the very same spot is home to the Irish Game Fair and Fine Food Festival. Though it has changed much in its forty plus years, the essentials of this weekend hooley remain the same - promoting the importance of country sports and the rural way of life. Expect to see lots of events around shooting, fishing and all matters equine as well as displays of medieval jousting, archery and falconry. Of course, you won’t want to miss the curious Northern Ireland Stick Making Championship or the much-anticipated Ireland’s Fastest Ferret Race.

Music to your ears in the heart of the glens (August)

Those with music in their souls would do well to visit the beating heart of Antrim during The Heart of the Glens Festival. This nine-day extravaganza takes place in the town of Cushendall under the shadow of the dramatic Lurigethan Mountain. A highlight of the event is the Dalriada Sounds concert showcasing local talent in music, singing, poetry and dance. Other events include the Lurig Challenge Run, Food Fest night and the Grand Finale Ceili with displays of Irish Dancing and music and Ireland’s longest Waves of Tory!

A golfing Open in Galgorm (August)

Previously known as the Northern Ireland Open and an important stop on the challenge tour, the ISPS Handa World Invitational played at the Galgorm Castle Golf Club in Ballymena is one of the most innovative events in world golf where men and women compete together. The event is the first of its kind event in NI and with the introduction of the competition’s new format, adopted in 2019, it is garnering significant interest globally and looks to see major development from 2020 onwards.

Ould Lammas Fair (August)

Every year thousands flock to Ballycastle for Ireland’s oldest Fair. Traditionally held on the last weekend of the summer, the Old Lammas fair sees the seaside town bustling with street trading, bargaining, traditional music, dancing, horse trading, amusements, artisan markets and much more. The streets are lined with more than 400 stalls selling a wide variety of goods, from livestock to painted scrolls. Visit and sample famous local favourites Dulse and Yellow Man or wander around the Naturally North Coast and Glens artisan market featuring fresh produce, handmade crafts and fine art.

Antrim might be home to Northern Ireland’s capital Belfast, but its market towns, villages and country castles offer lots to see, lots to eat and even more to experience especially in Summer. As they might say in these parts, get stuck in.

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Number of results: 49

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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
Drawing Support: Murals, Memory and Identity

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
02890440000

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

See political mural photography by Bill Rolston in the ‘Drawing Support: Murals, Memory & Identity’ exhibition, now on display at the Ulster Museum.

Dates

From:

29 Apr 2024to1 Feb 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
A Causeway Safari Tale Exhibition

Ballymoney

Address

Ballymoney Museum, Ballymoney Town Hall, 1 Townhead Street, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 6BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2766 0230

museums@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Once one of the biggest and much-loved attractions on the Causeway Coast, this exhibition looks at the history of the park and those who both worked in it and visited it, reflecting the joy the Park gave to all.

Dates

From:

16 Aug 2024to1 Mar 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

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.

Dates

From:

19 Sept 2024to29 Nov 2024Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Oktoberfest Belfast

Belfast

Address

Custom House Square, 1 Ulster street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3ES

Telephone
01665570160

oktoberfestbelfast@hotmail.co.uk

Price
Price £8.50 to £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Oktoberfest Belfast - Back Bigger Than Ever

Dates

From:

26 Sept 2024to26 Oct 2024Various Opening Times

Price
Price £8.50 to £10.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Antechamber: Mary McIntyre

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 0000

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

See new intervention by Northern Irish Artist Mary McIntyre in the Spotlight Gallery at Ulster Museum.

Dates

From:

27 Sept 2024to26 Jan 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Cinemagic International Film & Television Festival for Young People

Belfast

Address

49 Botanic Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1JL

Telephone
028 9031 1900

info@cinemagic.org.uk

Type

Type:

Cinema / Film

Events programme for 4-25 year olds, showcasing the best of world cinema, Talent Lab and Creativity Corner masterclasses with creative industry professionals.

Dates

From:

28 Sept 2024to3 Nov 2024

More Info
Creepy Campfire Tales

Belfast

Address

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

media@w5online.co.uk

Type

Type:

Halloween

W5 is conjuring up an experience like no other this Halloween season, transforming our state-of-the-art AMAZE space into a spine-chilling campsite deep within an ancient forest. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world where every shadow holds a…

Dates

From:

12 Oct 2024to3 Nov 2024Open 10:00 - 18:00

More Info
Belfast International Arts Festival

Belfast

Address

Various locations, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1FF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9033 2261

enquiries@belfastinternationalartsfestival.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Northern Ireland's largest contemporary arts festival promises a compelling programme of drama and dance, topical talks with the authors behind the latest literary releases, classical music, toe-tapping folk and roots, independent film and…

Dates

From:

16 Oct 2024to26 Nov 2024

More Info
RUA Annual Exhibition

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 0000

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

The 143rd Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition of Art is taking place at Ulster Museum.

Dates

From:

18 Oct 2024to5 Jan 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
PILOT! Lecture with Shaun Leane

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 0000

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Talks/Lectures

Hear from Shaun Leane, one of the most influential figures in contemporary jewellery design, at the Ulster Museum on Thursday 24th October.

Dates

From:
24 Oct 2024Open 14:00 - 15:30

Price
Free

More Info
Screams and Tricks at V36

Newtownabbey

Address

V36, Church Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 7LJ

Telephone
0300 123 4568

culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Halloween

Whether you want a thrill on the more daring rides or a fright through the haunted house, there is something for everyone including the kiddies at Screams and Trickets at V36 Park, Newtownabbey.

Dates

From:

25 Oct 2024to3 Nov 2024Open 17:00 - 21:00

Price
Free

More Info
Carrick-a-Rede Halloween Fun Fest

Ballintoy

Address

119a Whitepark Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT546LS

Telephone
02820731855

carrick-a-rede@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Halloween

At Carrick-a-Rede, visitors with a fear of heights are often scared, but the team are taking frights to a whole new level this Halloween...

Dates

From:

26 Oct 2024to27 Oct 2024Open 11:00 - 16:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Halloween Happenings in Ballymoney

Ballymoney

Address

The Showgrounds, North Road, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 6BW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2766 0230

events@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Halloween

Ballymoney's the place to be on Saturday 26th October. Join us at the Showgrounds for a spooktacular night of family fun, including live entertainment, amusements and scary characters, completing the evening with a spectacular fireworks display!

Dates

From:
26 Oct 2024

More Info
Spooked Out at V36

Newtownabbey

Address

V36 at The Valley, Church Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT367LJ

Telephone
0300 123 1580

culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Price
Price £2.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

Grab your best fancy dress and join us for a fantastic time at this year's Spooked Out at V36! We have lots of tricks and treats for you to enjoy!

Dates

From:
26 Oct 2024Open 18:00 - 20:00

Price
Price £2.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Castlewood Pumpkin Dash & Carve

Antrim

Address

Castlewood Holiday Park, 10 Castle Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4NA

Telephone
028 7082 3537

reception@castlewoodholidaypark.com

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

A woodland dash to pick a pumpkin & carving workshops in our Castlewood Tee Pee

Dates

From:

26 Oct 2024to27 Oct 2024Various Opening Times

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
RSPBNI's Spooky Pumpkin Patch

Belfast

Address

RSPB Belfast's Window on Wildlife, 100 Airport Road West, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9ED

Telephone
028 9046 1458

rspb.nireland@rspb.org.uk

Price
Price £12.00 to £50.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

Join us at RSPB NI's Window on Wildlife this Halloween as we lay on a host of activities at our Spooky Pumpkin Patch as part of our Big Wild Halloween celebrations.

Dates

From:

26 Oct 2024to27 Oct 2024Open 12:00 - 18:00

Price
Price £12.00 to £50.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Mossley Mill Pumpkin Patch

Newtownabbey

Address

Mossley Mill, Carnmoney Road North, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT365QA

Telephone
0300 123 4568

culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Price
Price £7.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

Enter the spooky maze, search for your perfect pumpkin, and convert it into a Halloween masterpiece at Antrim & Newtownabbey's indoor Pumpkin Patch at Mossley Mill.

Dates

From:

26 Oct 2024to30 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 15:00

Price
Price £7.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Causeway Coast Afternoon Tea

Armoy

Address

Ballykenver Farm Shop & Kitchen, 77 Ballykenver Road, Armoy, County Antrim, BT53 8RP

Telephone
+44 (0) 7880 593 492

jamatthedoorstep@gmail.com

Price
Price £42.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

A foodie experience. Full lemon curd demonstration, the recipe, a free pot of curd. Afternoon tea, stories, history, fun and a visit to our farmshop.

Dates

From:
26 Oct 2024

Price
Price £42.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Halloween Steam Sunday

Whitehead

Address

Castleview Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9358 6200

gm@steamtrainsireland.com

Price
Price £8.00 to £12.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

Steam Train Ride, spooky activities including ghost stories, and admission to our 5 galleries at Whitehead Railway Museum .

Dates

From:
27 Oct 2024Open 11:00 - 16:00

Price
Price £8.00 to £12.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking