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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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Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market at Ballycastle Sea Front

Ballycastle

Address

Ballycastle Seafront Green, 1-3 North Street, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6BN

Telephone
+44(0)7723622008

info@naturallynorthcoastandglens.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Markets / Fairs

The flagship artisan market by Naturally North Coast & Glens on the beautiful Ballycastle Seafront. This is an excellent showcase of local food, culture, heritage, and traditions, and it is an ideal destination for anyone looking for an authentic…

Dates

From:
21 Sept 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00

Price
Free

More Info
National Poetry Day

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:

Literature

Celebrate National Poetry Day in the Discovery Centres at the Ulster Museum.

Related

Ulster Museum, Belfast

Dates

From:
2 Oct 2025Open 14:00 - 16:30

Price
Free

More Info
Autumn Fair at The Ballance House

Glenavy

Address

The Ballance House, 118a Lisburn Road, Glenavy, County Antrim, BT29 4NY

Telephone
028 9264 8492

info@theballancehouse.com

Type

Type:

Fete / Fair

Autumn Fair, Sat 4 October, 12 - 4 pm. A fun family outing with live music.

Related

Ballance House, Glenavy

Dates

From:
4 Oct 2025Open 12:00 - 16:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Shorelife Celebration - Mount Stewart and Castle Espie

Newtownards & Comber

Address

Mount Stewart & Castle Espie, Newtownards & Comber, County Down

Type

Type:

Nature

The Shorelife Celebration event offers a rare chance to experience the wonders of the Ards and North Down Shoreline. The day will be filled with fun activities, engaging talks and tours, live music, and delicious local food and drink. Lots of extra…

Related

Mount Stewart, Newtownards

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber

Dates

From:
4 Oct 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

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 20th - Sunday 26th October 2025

Related

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

Dates

From:

20 Oct 2025to26 Oct 2025

More Info
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 £11.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

Embark on the Trail of Tiny Terrors this Halloween at Montalto. Something strange is happening at Montalto Estate ... the moon has vanished from the night sky! Set off on a magical quest through mysterious realms and whispering woods, where you'll…

Related

Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch

Dates

From:

25 Oct 2025to30 Oct 2025Various Opening Times

From:

26 Oct 2025to27 Oct 2025Open 09:30 - 10:30

Price
Price £11.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
Pumpkin Patch and Halloween Spook Event

Ballynahinch

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9581 6650

info@ballyburren.com

Price
Price £15.00 to £55.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

Get ready for Northern Ireland’s most thrilling Family Halloween Event of 2025! Join us at Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes, for a spooktacular adventure filled with frightful fun, pumpkin picking, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re here to…

Related

Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes, Ballynahinch

Dates

From:

25 Oct 2025to31 Oct 2025Open 10:00 - 20:00

Price
Price £15.00 to £55.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
Belfast Christmas Market

Belfast

Address

Belfast City Hall, Donegal Square, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5GS

generalenquiries@belfastcity.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

The Belfast Christmas Market will be returning to City Hall Gardens in November 2025, bringing with it a traditional taste of Christmas.

Related

Belfast City Hall, Belfast

Dates

From:

15 Nov 2025to22 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Armagh Georgian Weekend

Armagh

Address

Venues across Armagh City Centre, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7BA

Telephone
0300 0300 900

georgianarmagh@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Festival

Step back in time as the Georgian Festival returns to Armagh. Delve into the Georgian history of Armagh through the buildings, characters and customs of the latter half of the 18th Century.

Dates

From:

27 Nov 2025to30 Nov 2025

More Info
Mission Santa

Armagh

Address

Armagh Planetarium, College Hill, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 9DB

Telephone
(028) 3752 3689

reception@armagh.ac.uk

Price
Price £20.00 to £25.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Mission Santa: An Immersive Christmas Experience
It's a real Code Red! Join our E.L.F. crew on Mission Santa and blast off on a Christmas adventure like never before around the Planetarium. Your mission includes a dome show, meeting Santa, a gift…

Related

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh

Dates

From:

29 Nov 2025to23 Dec 2025

Price
Price £20.00 to £25.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Various venues across the city, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6RG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7137 7577

jazz@derrystrabane.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Celebrate 25years of Derry Jazz Fest from 30th April - 4th May 2026!

Dates

From:

30 Apr 2026to4 May 2026

More Info
Foyle Maritime Festival

Derry~Londonderry

Address

98 Strand Road, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 7NN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7125 3253

foylemaritime@derrystrabane.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Foyle Maritime Festival, a celebration of all things nautical on the beautiful River Foyle. Our festival brings together the very best in local and international maritime culture with a thrilling array of events and activities for all ages.

Dates

From:

25 June 2026to28 June 2026

More Info
O'Neills Foyle Cup 2026

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:

20 July 2026to25 July 2026

More Info