What's On
For such a small corner of the world, you’ll find there’s very rarely a dull moment in Northern Ireland. That’s all part and parcel of our giant spirit, and for you the visitor, it makes taking part in the life, and soul, of the place so much more fun.
Belfast is brimming with brilliance
Belfast is buzzing throughout the year. The city is full of life and takes every opportunity to celebrate with a schedule of festivals and events that are the envy of many bigger cities around the world. One of the biggest of the lot is the Belfast International Arts Festival which puts on over 100 events in October featuring Irish premieres and a host of top acts from across the world. On the go since 1962, this event is the grand old dame of the Belfast Arts scene and every year it gets bigger and better.
Catch the beats at Belsonic
Each June sees the beautiful Ormeau Park transformed into an idyllic festival venue for Belsonic. The annual music festival, which was launched in 2008, continues to draw in some of the biggest international music acts around. Highlights in recent years have included Stormzy, Arcade Fire, Liam Gallagher, The 1975, The Chemical Brothers, Foals, Hozier and Ellie Goulding. Belsonic has something for everyone and offers visitors the perfect chance to soak up big sounds while basking in the summer sunshine.
Local literary luminaries are celebrated too
In Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, the annual Samuel Beckett Festival draws in lovers of literature from all over the country to celebrate the writer’s life and work. Beckett went to secondary school in the county as did local favourite, actor Adrian Dunbar. Don’t be surprised to bump into him if you come along.
Applaud the apple in the Orchard Country
Just up the road in County Armagh is a hum-dinger of a little festival that is led from the front by local artisan food producers and leading chefs. The Armagh Food and Cider Festival is perfectly timed to take place in September just as autumn dons its rusty red jacket. Highlights include a pop-up restaurant at a local cidery, dining under the cover of tepees, foraging for your own lunch and a cider versus wine face-off.
That same town is rightly proud of its Georgian architecture and heritage. Over four days in November the Armagh Georgian Festival dresses up to celebrate. With a Georgian market, Children’s Christmas market, horse and carriage rides, live music, talks and tours from experts in all things Georgian you can expect to travel back to the town’s golden era. We recommend you sign up for The Great Georgian Banquet to experience an evening like no other.
Rhythm and blues and beats in Omagh and beyond
If all that eatin’ has seen you put on a few pounds then it might be time for some toe-tappin’ and knee-slappin’. Bluegrass Omagh, at the Ulster American Folk Park in County Tyrone, is the largest bluegrass festival outside of North America. This jam-packed weekend of music in May offers the best in bluegrass and old-time music. Since starting in 1991 it has become one of the most-respected festivals of its kind in the world.
You’re likely to come across even more bluegrass at the Stendhal Music Festival in Limavady, County Londonderry. This event takes place every August on Ballymully Cottage Farm and since starting in 2010, it has really put Limavady on the cultural map. Some of the best musicians in the world have featured at this grooviest of groovy festivals. But there is a whole lot more on show including art, magic and science workshops - all put on with a nod to the Northern Irish hipster.
Pick a fair day for Auld Lammas Fair
Ireland’s oldest country fair, the Auld Lammas Fair, is one of the great traditional events in Northern Ireland. It takes place in the town of Ballycastle on the Causeway Coastal Route. For two days, traditionally the last Monday and Tuesday in August, this sleepy coastal town turns into a carnival of bargain hunters and food fanatics.
Finally, a festival on the Foyle
Derry-Londonderry plays host to several festivals throughout the course of the year. One of the biggest is the world-famous Hallowe'en Festival which attracts hordes of visitors and has gone from strength to strength each year.
Nobody quite does Hallowe'en like Derry-Londonderry, and you better be prepared to step up your costume game as locals pull out all of the stops, donning otherworldly designs. A Hallowe'en night out in Derry-Londonderry is like nothing else and the festival celebrations are extended throughout the final week of October with a packed list of spooktacular events.
