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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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The Derry Girls Experience

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Tower Museum, Union Hall Place, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6LU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7137 2411

tower@derrystrabane.com

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Visit the home of Derry Girls and discover where it all began! See original memorabilia from the hit show, like Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s famous pyjamas and Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater, not to mention the infamous Spice Girls costumes!

Related

Tower Museum, Londonderry/Derry

68 Clooney Restaurant - White Horse Hotel, Londonderry/Derry

Dates

From:

4 July 2023to1 July 2025Open 09:00 - 17:30

More Info
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
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.

Related

The MAC, Belfast

Dates

From:

19 Sept 2024to29 Nov 2024Various 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
Granda Ben's BOO Trail

Ballygawley

Address

Todds leap Activity Centre, Todds Leap Road, Ballygawley, County Tyrone, BT702BW

Telephone
02885567170

enquiries@toddsleap.com

Price
Price £7.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

Granda Bens BOO Trail running the whole month of October!

Related

Todds Leap Activity Centre, Ballygawley

Dates

From:

1 Oct 2024to31 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00

Price
Price £7.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
47 reviews
LUX Beginners Jewellery Making Workshop

Holywood

Address

Holywood, County Down, BT180NJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7879 698 286

ruth@nisilver.com

Type

Type:

Workshop

LUX Beginners Jewellery Making Workshops in our Holywood Northern Ireland working Goldsmiths studio. No experience is required for this fun and relaxing experience, so come with friends or by yourself for some quality 'me time'. Challenge…

Dates

From:
9 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 14:00
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14 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 14:00
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15 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 14:00
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25 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 14:00
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12 Nov 2024Open 10:00 - 14:00
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13 Nov 2024Open 10:00 - 14:00
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18 Nov 2024Open 10:00 - 14:00
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19 Nov 2024Open 10:00 - 14:00
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25 Nov 2024Open 10:00 - 14:00
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3 Dec 2024Open 10:00 - 14:00

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking - Parking Free on public pavement between two drives. Please do not park outside neighbours properties or on our private drive as this needs to be kept clear at all times. Thanks
Halloween at Montalto

Ballynahinch

Address

Montalto Estate, Spa Road, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8PT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9756 6100

info@montaltoestate.com

Price
Price £10.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

This Halloween, Montalto Estate has been overtaken by dark forces, transforming the landscape with eerie sounds and sights, creating an unforgettable experience for all who dare to explore.

Related

Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch

Dates

From:

12 Oct 2024to28 Oct 2024Various Opening Times

From:
20 Oct 2024Open 09:30 - 11:00

Price
Price £10.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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…

Related

W5, Belfast

Dates

From:

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

More Info
Family Focus Sessions

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:

Family Fun

Enjoy free object handling in the Discovery Centres

Related

Ulster Museum, Belfast

Dates

From:

12 Oct 2024to13 Oct 2024Open 14:00 - 15:00

Price
Free

More Info
Apple Sundays at Ardress House

Annaghmore

Address

Ardress House, 64 Ardress Road, Annaghmore, County Armagh, BT71 6NA

Telephone
02887784753

ardress@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Apple Sundays at Ardress House

Related

Ardress House, Portadown

Dates

From:
13 Oct 2024Open 11:00 - 17:00
From:
20 Oct 2024Open 11:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
Hallowee'uns

Moneymore

Address

The Jungle NI, 60 Desertmartin Road, Moneymore, County Londonderry, BT45 7RB

Telephone
02886748881

bookings@thejungleni.com

Price
Price £8.00 to £12.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

Gather your little goblins and ghouls for a Halloween adventure like no other!

Related

The Jungle NI, Moneymore

Dates

From:
19 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 15:00
From:
20 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 15:00
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26 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 15:00
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27 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 15:00
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28 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 15:00
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29 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 15:00
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30 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 15:00
From:
31 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 15:00

Price
Price £8.00 to £12.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Pumpkin Patch and Halloween Spook Event

Ballynahinch

Address

Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes, 143 Dromore Road, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8HZ

Telephone
07828309740

info@ballyburren.com

Price
Price £12.50 to £55.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

Join us for a spooktacular family Halloween adventure at Ballyburren with pumpkin picking, carving, face painting, crafts, a scare trail, and treats by the undead!

Related

Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes, Ballynahinch

Dates

From:

19 Oct 2024to20 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 19:30

From:

26 Oct 2024to31 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 19:30

Price
Price £12.50 to £55.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Demon Head Gardener's Ghoulish Gathering: Halloween trail at Rowallane Garden

Saintfield

Address

Rowallane Garden, Crossgar Road, Saintfield, Saintfield, County Down, BT24 7LH

Telephone
02897510131

rowallane@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Halloween

Strange creatures have taken over Rowallane Garden—dare you walk the haunted trails this Halloween and face the nightmares that await? Join us from 19 October to 3 November everyday for a Halloween trail.

Related

Rowallane Garden, Saintfield

Dates

From:

19 Oct 2024to3 Nov 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Martel's Candlelight Tour

Florencecourt

Address

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

Telephone
02866321815

mac.development@fermanaghomagh.com

Price
Price £16.00 to £23.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Discover first-hand what this exploration of the cave system would have felt like when you accompany Edouard Martel on his authentic re-enactment of the discovery of the show cave in its natural darkness (with the electric lights switched off) over…

Related

Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen

Dates

From:
19 Oct 2024Open 17:00 - 19:30

Price
Price £16.00 to £23.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Footsteps in the Forest

Killeavy

Address

Slieve Gullion Forest Park, 89 Drumintee Road, Killeavy, County Armagh, BT35 8SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Halloween

Footsteps in the Forest, a magical Halloween experience in Slieve Gullion Forest Park from Monday 21 - Tuesday 29 October 2024 ~ FULLY BOOKED ~.

Related

Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Adventure Playpark and Fionn's Giant Adventure, Killeavy

Dates

From:

21 Oct 2024to29 Oct 2024

More Info
Monsters & Magic - Marble Arch Caves

Florencecourt

Address

43 Marlbank Road, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, BT92 1EW

Telephone
02866321815

mac@fermanaghomagh.com

Price
Price £8.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

Join us for an enchanting outdoor Halloween adventure where monsters meet magic! Wander through the enchanted woodland on an interactive guided quest, encounter magical creatures, and uncover hidden treasures. Build your inventory and craft magical…

Related

Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen

Dates

From:

26 Oct 2024to27 Oct 2024Open 11:00 - 15:00

From:

30 Oct 2024to31 Oct 2024Open 11:00 - 15:00

Price
Price £8.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Halloween Bazaar at Montalto

Ballynahinch

Address

Montalto Estate, Spa Road, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8PT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9756 6100

info@montaltoestate.com

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

Immerse yourself in a realm of magic at the Halloween Bazaar at Montalto on Saturday 26th October, from 6pm to 9pm. This evening of spellbinding delights is packed with fun activities for all ages.

Related

Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch

Dates

From:
26 Oct 2024Open 18:00 - 21:00

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Halloween at Mount Stewart

Newtownards

Address

Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
02842788387

mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Halloween

Join us this Halloween for a walk on the eerie side.

Related

Mount Stewart, Newtownards

Dates

From:

26 Oct 2024to3 Nov 2024Open 10:00 - 17:00

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

Make your Halloween night go with a fright at Ballymoney Halloween Happenings!

Dates

From:
26 Oct 2024

More Info