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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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Number of results: 51

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Taste Summer Ards and North Down

Newtownards

Address

Various Locations, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4AD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

A showcase of local food and drink with a series of seasonal foodie-themed events over a two-week period with Comber Earlies Food Festival on Saturday 28 June, a celebration of the local PGI status Comber Earlies potatoes and the delicious local…

Dates

From:

26 June 2025to6 July 2025

More Info
DownTime SummerFest

Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

philip@downcommunityarts.org

Type

Type:

Festival

Downtime Summer Festival and family friendly festival in beautiful, historic Downpatrick

Dates

From:
28 June 2025

More Info
Ferguson Tractor Day

Holywood

Address

Ulster Folk Museum, 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, Down, BT18 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Type

Type:

Culture & Heritage

Celebrate the heritage of the Ferguson Tractor on Saturday 28th June at the Ulster Folk Museum, with ploughing and cultivating demonstrations using vintage Ferguson tractors.

Related

Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood

Dates

From:
28 June 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Info
Ferguson Tractor Day

Holywood

Address

Ulster Folk Museum, 153 Bangor Road, Holywood, County Down, BT180EU

Telephone
+44(0)28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price £13.50 to £33.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Celebrate the heritage of the Ferguson Tractor at the Ulster Folk Museum, with ploughing and cultivating demonstrations using vintage Ferguson tractors.

Related

Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood

Dates

From:
28 June 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

Price
Price £13.50 to £33.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Wake The Giant

Warrenpoint

Address

Warrenpoint, County Down, BT34 3HW

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Festival

The return of the Wake the Giant Festival, the perfect reason to visit the charming town of Warrenpoint.

Dates

From:

28 June 2025to29 June 2025Open 10:00 - 21:00

Price
Free

More Info
Comber Earlies Food Festival

Comber

Address

Comber Town Centre, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DU

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Festival

The annual Comber Earlies Food Festival, is always a wonderful day out filled with family fun, cookery demos in the Festival Kitchen and activities that celebrate the Comber Earlies potato which holds PGI Status.

Dates

From:
28 June 2025Open 11:00 - 17:00

More Info
Cushendall Artisan Market

Cushendall

Address

Cushendcall Boat Club Carpark, 68 Coast Road, Cushendall, County Antrim, BT44 0QW

Telephone
+44(0)7723622008

info@naturallynorthcoastandglens.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Markets / Fairs

Visit the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market at the Boat Club Car Park in Cushendall this Summer.
Located on the Coast Road, Cushendall, this market is nestled in a picturesque setting with views of the stunning coastline and the…

Dates

From:
29 June 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00
From:
27 July 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00
From:
10 Aug 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Rebarkable Day Out at Montalto

Ballynahinch

Address

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

Telephone
02897566100

info@montaltoestate.com

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Calling all dog lovers! The Bark Park is turning ONE! Bring your four-legged friends and join us for a Rebarkable Day Out at Montalto — a tail-wagging celebration packed with fun, games, and plenty of treats for both pups and their humans!

Related

Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch

Dates

From:
29 June 2025Open 10:00 - 15:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Stendhal Festival

Limavady

Address

Ballymully Cottage Farm, 61 Ballyavelin Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0NQ

Telephone
+44 (0)7936 783 420

info@stendhalfestival.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Stendhal Festival is Northern Ireland's leading independent festival, celebrating all aspects of the arts. The event combines the best talents from the UK & Ireland with international performers in one of Northern Ireland's most scenic settings.

Dates

From:

4 July 2025to6 July 2025

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Lough & Lighthouse Cruise on Carlingford Lough

Greencastle

Address

Carlingford Lough Cruises, Greencastle Pier Road, Greencastle, County Down, BT3 4LR

Telephone
+44 (0) 80 0471 4665

info@carlingfordferry.com

Type

Type:

Tour

Our Lough & Lighthouse Cruise takes you within four hundred meters of the iconic Haulbowline Lighthouse, guarding the entrance to Carlingford Lough.

Related

Carlingford Lough Cruises, Kilkeel

Dates

From:
5 July 2025

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Summer of Play at Castle Ward

Downpatrick

Address

Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down, BT307BA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4488 1204

castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Experience a summer of medieval adventure at Castle Ward! This summer, we've set aside the lawn games! From 5 July - 31 August, enjoy thrilling challenges, interactive quests, and fantasy fun!

Related

Castle Ward, Strangford

Dates

From:

5 July 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ards and North Down Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships

Newtownards

Address

Regent House Playing Fields, Circular Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4QA

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Free Event

Enjoy an impressive display of sight and sound. Enjoy an impressive display of sight and sound, as talented pipe bands and drum major groups come together competing for coveted awards.

Dates

From:
19 July 2025Open 11:00 - 18:00

Price
Free

More Info
Ulster Fleadh

Warrenpoint

Address

Multiple locations in Warrenpoint, Warrenpoint, County Down, BT34 3JY

pr@dunuladh.ie

Type

Type:

Festival

Fleadh Uladh is a provincial cultural festival for traditional music, song, dance and language for Ulster. Fleadh Cheoil, which literally means "feast of music", is a magnificent mix of competitions and cultural events which showcase each element of…

Dates

From:

20 July 2025to27 July 2025

More Info
O'Neills Foyle Cup 2025

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Various locations, Derry~Londonderry, Derry~Londonderry

Telephone
+44 (0) 7506 578 225

jimmccafferty1@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Sporting Event

The O'Neills Foyle Cup is a highly successful youth soccer tournament held mainly in the City of Derry, but also branches out with matches played in neighbouring counties throughout Northern Ireland.

Dates

From:

21 July 2025to26 July 2025

More Info
SuperCupNI

Coleraine

Address

Unit 31 Loughanhill Industrial Estate, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 2NR

Telephone
+44(0) 7841 906 869

jimsandford@supercupni.com

Type

Type:

Sporting Event

SuperCupNI is Northern Ireland's premier international youth football tournament for both boys and girls.

Dates

From:

27 July 2025to1 Aug 2025

More Info
Belfast TradFest

Belfast

Address

Various locations across Belfast, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 1ED

Telephone
028 9031 4981

info@belfasttradfest.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Belfast TradFest, the pinnacle of world-class traditional music concerts, fiery pub sessions and Ireland's fastest growing summer school of traditional music, is set to celebrate its 7th edition this 27 July - 3 August across Belfast UNESCO City of…

Dates

From:

27 July 2025to3 Aug 2025

More Info
Féile An Phobail

Belfast

Address

141-143 Falls Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 6AF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9560 9984

info@feilebelfast.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Féile an Phobail is Ireland’s Biggest Community Arts Festival. Féile provides a programme of arts, cultural and community-based activities throughout the year, with its flagship festival, the August Féile being the highlight of Ireland’s festival…

Dates

From:

31 July 2025to10 Aug 2025

More Info
Belfast Mela

Belfast

Address

Botanic Gardens, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1LP

Telephone
028 9023 1381

admin@artsekta.org.uk

Type

Type:

Festival

Experience the wonder of Belfast's diversity with a spectacular 9 day programme of world music, dance, food and art across the city.

Related

Belfast Botanic Gardens and Palm House, Belfast

Dates

From:

16 Aug 2025to24 Aug 2025

More Info
Lumarina

Ballyronan

Address

Ballyronan Marina, 135a Shore Road, Ballyronan, County Londonderry, BT45 6JA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7963 1510

tourism@midulstercouncil.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Family Fun

This annual spectacular illumination has gained a reputation for amazing entertainment, with the picturesque backdrop of the Lough providing a unique atmosphere at this family themed event, which makes a welcome return for 2025.

Related

Ballyronan Marina, Magherafelt

Dates

From:
16 Aug 2025Open 16:00 - 22:00

Price
Free

More Info
Iúr Cinn Fleadh

Newry

Address

10 Barrack Street, Newry, County Down, BT35 6DA

Telephone
+44 (0) 77 5417 1130

info@newry2020.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Iúr Cinn Fleadh is a citywide festival promoting music, culture and the arts

Dates

From:

21 Aug 2025to25 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 23:00

More Info