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.
