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!
