When it comes to finding things to do over the year, often there are annual events that we can rely upon to provide fun, entertainment, and experiences like no other. Whether you want to involve the family or do something with friends or as a couple, there will be events that take place throughout the year that will help you do that. But what annual events can you enjoy in Northern Ireland? Here are the ones to look out for.
What annual events can you enjoy in Northern Ireland?
The International North West 200
The International North West 200 is a Northern Ireland Motorsport event. This is a triangular circuit where you will get to experience some incredible racing between the town of Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush in Causeway Coast and glens. It really is a thrill to watch and there are usually localised events while the main event takes place.
Ballyclare May Fair
This is a horse fair that takes place each year in May. The whole event lasts a whopping seven days with lots of things to experience and witness throughout the week. There are horse shows and stalls, as well as places to eat and drink. There is a schedule of events so you can pick and choose the day you attend, or plan the whole week and experience one of the most historical horse fairs in Northern Ireland.
Belfast International Arts Festival
This is an ongoing event that takes place from July through to November where you can get the opportunity to experience various different exhibits. The best advice is to check out the website online to find out what exhibit is showing and when so you don’t miss out. From visual arts, performances, music, comedy and live theatre there is something for everyone.
Let’s Rock
Taking place in Bangor in August, this live music event is one that is guaranteed to impress. Usually showcasing some of the best music acts from years gone by you can dance the night away to some utter classics. Like any festival, you can enjoy lots of opportunities to enjoy the good weather, food and drink on offer.
Christmas Markets
Christmas is a magical time, and each year there are an array of Christmas markets that you can enjoy. The Christmas markets usually have various different stalls selling anything from candles and foot items to Christmas decorations and trinkets. You can also enjoy a great selection of food and drink. In Scotland, there are many different Christmas markets that take place. These include:
- Belfast Christmas Market
- Ballymena Christmas Market
- Flowerfiel Christmas Craft Market
- Christmas Artisan Market at Castle Ward
- Walled City Markets
Beer Festivals
Sometimes you can’t beat a good old-fashioned beer festival and with plenty of tourist locations perfect for holidays, you can imagine there are many to choose from. However, you can find some of the best offerings below where you can sample craft beers and enjoy different options from all over the world.
- The Deers Head Beer Festival – Belfast – Usually takes place at the end of July.
- Hidden beer and music festival – County Antrim – Usually takes place in August.
- Belfast Beer and Cider Festival – This usually takes place in November.
Family Festivals
There has been a huge rise when it comes to events that are family-friendly and while festivals used to only be something that you might have attended in your late teens and early twenties, you can now bring the kids along and enjoy live music and entertainment while keeping in mind that it is something the kids will enjoy. Here are a couple of ones that you could attend in Northern Ireland.
- Heart of the Glens Festival – County Antrim – This festival usually takes place at the beginning of August. There is a lot of family fun and entertainment to be had here and it offers a week-long of festivities in the heart of the summer.
- Stendhal – Londonderry – This is one of the best small festivals that you can attend, and is in fact, award-winning. Taking place in August festival goes can enjoy it just for the day or experience everything by camping. Here you will find live comedy entertainment and international food.
- Red Sails Festival – Portstewart – A week-long festival offering lots of fun and family entertainment and the best thing is, this event is free. Families can enjoy a schedule of events and activities that will provide something for everyone. This festival usually takes place towards the end of July.
Hopefully, this has given you plenty of inspiration for some of the annual events in Northern Ireland.
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