Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations
Belfast

You are here: Home > What's On > Family Events

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!

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

What's On Search

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Food & Drink Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Shopping Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Number of results: 56

, currently showing 41 to 56.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Bluegrass Omagh Family Day

Omagh

Address

Ulster American Folk Park, 2 Mellon Road, Omagh, County Tyrone, BT78 5QU

Telephone
028 8224 3292

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price £13.50 to £39.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Keep the Bluegrass Omagh magic going with our fun filled family day on the last May Bank Holiday at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh.

Related

Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh

Dates

From:
26 May 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

Price
Price £13.50 to £39.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Wild Caving (Family Event)

Florencecourt

Address

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

Telephone
02866321815

mac@fermanaghomagh.com

Price
Price £30.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Adventure

Delve off the beaten track with our experienced and qualified Cave Leader to explore “wild caving” in the depths of the Marble Arch Caves system.

Related

Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen

Dates

From:
1 June 2025Open 10:00 - 13:00

Price
Price £30.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Garden Show Ireland

Antrim

Address

Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4LH

Telephone
028 9448 1338

culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Price
Price £14.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Nature

Garden Show Ireland is set to bloom again as it returns this year to Antrim Castle Gardens for a three-day extravaganza, promising a vibrant celebration of flowers, food, and fun for the whole family.

Related

Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy House, Antrim

Dates

From:

13 June 2025to15 June 2025Open 10:00 - 18:00

Price
Price £14.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Buskfest

Banbridge

Address

Banbridge Town Centre, The Old Townhall, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 3DA

Telephone
0300 030 0900

buskfest@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Live Music

Buskfest is an annual outdoor busking competition held in Banbridge and is an excellent opportunity for musicians from near and far to showcase their talents and is a great free day out for all the family to enjoy.

Dates

From:
14 June 2025Open 14:00 - 17:00

Price
Free

More Info
Causeway Mummers

Portrush

Address

Portrush Town Hall, Mark Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8DX

Telephone
07786084069

causewaymummers@gmail.com

Price
Price £40.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Live Music

Experience an unforgettable mumming experience with the Causeway Mummers on the stunning Causeway Coast next to the Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland. You will meet our traditionally masked mummers who will bring you on a journey of music, song,…

Dates

From:
21 June 2025Open 18:00 - 19:15
From:
18 July 2025Open 18:00 - 19:15
From:
22 Aug 2025Open 18:00 - 19:15

Price
Price £40.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Wake The Giant

Warrenpoint

Address

Warrenpoint, County Down, BT34 3HW

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

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

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
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
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
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
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
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
Ould Lammas Fair

Ballycastle

Address

Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6BT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 2024

Visitor.Information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Festival

Ireland’s oldest traditional fair returns to the seaside town of Ballycastle, as thousands of people are set to celebrate its culture, heritage, music and agricultural traditions over a four-day event not to be missed.

Dates

From:

23 Aug 2025to26 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 22:00

Price
Free

More Info
Eats and Beats Festival

Newcastle

Address

Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Festival

The Eats and Beats Festival offers the best in local and world food, where visitors can enjoy delicious fare at the homegrown and world food villages. With unique and locally produced food and drink outlets and free music performances on offer…

Dates

From:

6 Sept 2025to7 Sept 2025

More Info
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:

20 Oct 2025to26 Oct 2025

More Info
Derry Halloween 2025

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Derry~Londonderry, County Derry~Londonderry, BT48 7NN

Telephone
(028) 7125 3253

halloween@derrystrabane.com

Type

Type:

Halloween

The worlds of past and present collide to bring you a dazzling street celebration of all things spooky in the official home of Halloween.

Dates

From:

28 Oct 2025to31 Oct 2025

More Info