A trip to the Mourne County is sure to leave you feeling upbeat and positive, with everything that it has to offer.
Festival of Flight, Newcastle
More than 100,000 people descend on Newcastle each summer to see a range of new and vintage, civilian and military aircraft ascend into the skies over the seaside town. The festival was founded to commemorate the very first official powered flight that took place in Ireland in 1910, when Harry Ferguson, engineer and inventor, took to the skies over the stunning backdrop of where the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea.
Not all the action is in the air though. There’s a lot going on at ground level too with a programme of family fun in store right across Newcastle including a Food and Entertainment Village, a Market in Castle Park, live music, entertainment and children’s arts and craft workshops. There’s enough to keep everyone happy, from plane-spotters to ice cream lovers.
Wake the Giant, Warrenpoint
Finn the friendly giant lives in Warrenpoint, near his sidekick the Point Man. Every August they go for a stroll through the town, all 32-feet tall of them. As you’d expect, over the years this has caused quite the stir in these parts and now thousands come to witness the giants’ walk.
Finn’s walk begins with a big awakening. Each year more and more crazy and creative ways are dreamt up by locals and visitors to ensure that Finn wakes in good time for his walk. The story of Finn and his folklore friends is brought to life through theatre, music, character performances and storytelling throughout the town, culminating in a colourful, interactive moving theatre.
It’s great family fun based around local legends that helps bring this wonderful place to colourful life for everyone.
Blues on the Bay, Warrenpoint
The sea isn’t the only thing that’s blue in Warrenpoint. Every May the sound of blues and jazz music fills the bars, cafes, public spaces and streets of this picturesque waterside town. More than 90 gigs take place during just six days of live music, themed cuisine and music workshops. That’s 15 gigs a day if you’re counting, but you’re allowed to miss one or two.
Fiddlers Green Festival, Rostrevor
One of the longest-running festivals of its type, the Fiddler’s Green Festival in beautiful Rostrevor is far more than just a music performance festival. It’s jam-packed with dozens of music-related events and happenings and makes for a friendly focal point for any visit to the area in high summer.
Lovers of folk, traditional, blues, country and classical music are all well catered-for. This easy going festival can be enjoyed by everyone, even those happy just to soak up the free music, culture and atmosphere.
Narnia Festival, Rostrevor
It might be a small place, but Rostrevor sure has a grip on the popular imagination. This short Autumn festival is based around the stories and myths brought to life by the writing of CS Lewis. Through interactive story-telling, guided walks, themed literature, food tastings, singing, music and poetry the world of Narnia is reimagined and retold. There’s even plenty of free activities for the kids including face painting, jumping clay, falconry, and puppet shows. But you’re going to want to do so much more!
St Patrick's Day, Downpatrick
Where else would you want to be on St Patrick’s Day? Downpatrick is the place that hosts the cathedral and 1,100 year old holy cross to which Ireland’s patron saint gave his name. It’s also where he was laid to rest.
This is where you want to be to watch the annual parade on the feast day. It’s also the perfect spot for getting involved in one or all of the many associated events like pilgrimages, readings, recitals and performances. The Saint Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade is unmissable for families who can enjoy a range of free activities including music, face painting, and stalls.
Whilst there, it only seems fitting that you should pay a visit to the state-of-the-art visitor’s centre located in the heart of Downpatrick. The modern museum houses some of the most treasured relics relating to Patrick’s life. Here, you will be guided through a chronological tour of Patrick’s journey from slavery to sainthood.
Sunflower Festival, Hillsborough
This is Northern Ireland’s only three-day camping music and lifestyle festival for all ages. It’s set on a picturesque farm on the outskirts of historic Hillsborough. It features up to five music stages showcasing the best local and Irish acts and big names from further afield. Alongside this is an extensive lifestyle and family crafts village, host to lively debates, spoken word, poetry, workshops, comedy and more. There’s a lot more to it than music.
