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: 74

, currently showing 21 to 40.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

The Enchanted Easter Egg Factory

Armagh

Address

Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh, County Armagh, BT60 4LD

Telephone
02837529644

navan@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Price
Price £11.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Easter Events

Step into the magical world of The Enchanted Easter Egg Factory at Navan Centre & Fort this Easter! Discover the fantastical factory of Mrs. Grumpalot in our spellbinding stage show, followed by a fun-filled Easter trail and themed craft activity.…

Related

Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh

Dates

From:

19 Apr 2025to22 Apr 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Price £11.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Castlewood Open Weekend

Antrim

Address

Castlewood Holiday Park, 10 Castle Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4NA

Telephone
028 7082 3537

reception@castlewoodholidaypark.com

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Castlewood Open Weekend is where all the family fun is at this Easter! From kids activities to Crumb & Beyond to Tree Top Adventure, we have it all at Castlewood Holiday Park!

Dates

From:

19 Apr 2025to20 Apr 2025Open 09:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Easter Steam @ Whitehead Railway Museum

Whitehead

Address

Whiitehead Railway Museum, Excursion Station, Castleview Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9358 6200

info@steamtrainsireland.com

Price
Price £8.00 to £12.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Easter Events

Visit Whitehead Railway Museum this Easter for a fun filled day! Enjoy a short steam train ride hauled by locomotive 3BG ‘Guinness’, meet our special guest – the Easter Bunny, then explore our 5-gallery museum. Suitable for all ages. Tickets must…

Related

Whitehead Railway Museum, Whitehead

Dates

From:
19 Apr 2025
From:
21 Apr 2025

Price
Price £8.00 to £12.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
The Easter Eggspress

Downpatrick

Address

Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Market Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6LZ

Telephone
02844615779

info@downrail.co.uk

Price
Price £13.00 to £48.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Easter Events

Enjoy an Easter heritage train ride, with an Easter-themed word hunt, the Easter Bunny, face painting and CHOCOLATE!

Related

Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Downpatrick

Dates

From:

20 Apr 2025to21 Apr 2025Open 12:00 - 15:00

Price
Price £13.00 to £48.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Easter at the Ulster Folk Museum

Holywood

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Type

Type:

Easter Events

Celebrate Easter at the Ulster Folk Museum with traditional activities, heritage craft demonstrations, and music for the entire family to enjoy!

Related

Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood

Dates

From:

20 Apr 2025to22 Apr 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Info
Easter at the Ulster American Folk Park

Omagh

Address

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

Telephone
028 8224 3292

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Type

Type:

Easter Events

Celebrate Easter with live music, traditional games and Easter themed craft activities at the Ulster American Folk Park from Sunday 20th to Tuesday 22nd April.

Related

Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh

Dates

From:

20 Apr 2025to22 Apr 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Info
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 Apr 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00
From:
11 May 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00
From:
22 June 2025Open 11:00 - 17:00
From:
6 July 2025Open 11:00 - 17:00
From:
20 July 2025Open 11:00 - 17:00
From:
3 Aug 2025Open 11:00 - 17:00
From:
17 Aug 2025Open 11:00 - 17:00
From:
21 Sept 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00

Price
Free

More Info
Easter Egg Trail & Crafts

Bellaghy

Address

Seamus Heaney HomePlace, 45 Main Street, Bellaghy, County Derry, BT45 8HT

Telephone
02879387444

seamusheaneyhome@midulstercouncil.org

Price
Price £7.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Easter Events

Hop into Easter fun at Seamus Heaney HomePlace!

Related

Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy

Dates

From:

21 Apr 2025to22 Apr 2025Open 10:00 - 11:00

Price
Price £7.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Easter Monday at Montalto

Ballynahinch

Address

Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8PT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9756 6100

info@montaltoestate.com

Price
Price £25.20 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Easter Events

Join us for an Easter Monday Extravaganza at Montalto Estate - an exciting day out for the family.

Related

Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch

Dates

From:
21 Apr 2025Open 10:00 - 15:00

Price
Price £25.20 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Easter At Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre

Belleek

Address

Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre, 3 Main Street, Belleek, County Fermanagh, BT93 3FY

Telephone
02868658501

takethetour@belleek.ie

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Easter Events

Easter Fun at Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre with Betsy the Easter Bunny and Daisy the Cow

Related

Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre, Belleek

Dates

From:
21 Apr 2025

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Day at the Stables

Limavady

Address

6 Carrowclare Road, Myroe, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 9ED

Telephone
07843461785

crindlestables@outlook.com

Price
Price £50.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. Learn stopping, steering, and trotting or advance your skills in cantering and jumping. Enjoy a leisurely pony trek or competitive horseback games, depending on the season and…

Related

Crindle Stables, Limavady

Dates

From:
22 Apr 2025Open 11:00 - 13:00

Price
Price £50.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Pet Nose Day 2025

Newtownards

Address

Mount Stewart - National Trust, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
028 4278 8387

mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Family Fun

The award-winning event returns. Come along with your four legged friend and enter County Down's cutest Dog Show and more. Meet local animal charities and learn about their valuable work.

Related

Mount Stewart, Newtownards

Dates

From:
27 Apr 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Epic Journey to The 153rd Open

Belfast/Portush/Derry~Londonderry

Address

Belfast/Portush/Derry~Londonderry

Type

Type:

Family Fun

An exciting celebration to mark the momentous return of #TheOpen to Northern Ireland, with events taking place in Belfast (28th April), Portrush (2nd May), and Derry City (7th May).

Dates

From:
28 Apr 2025Open 11:00 - 13:00
From:
2 May 2025Various Opening Times
From:
7 May 2025Open 11:00 - 13:00

More Info
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

info@visitderry.com

Type

Type:

Festival

The longer days are fast approaching, and that can only mean one thing, it’s almost time for the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival, which this year runs from May 1st - 5th.

Dates

From:

1 May 2025to5 May 2025

More Info
Festival of Fools

Belfast

Address

23/25 Gordon Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LG

Telephone
028 9023 6007

jenna@foolsfestival.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Festival

Festival of Fools is a jam-packed weekend of circus performances, featuring breathtaking acrobatics, gut-busting comedy and jaw-dropping juggling.

Dates

From:

3 May 2025to5 May 2025

Price
Free

More Info
Magnificent May Weekend

Ballynahinch

Address

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

Telephone
02897566100

info@montaltoestate.com

Price
Price £8.40 to £25.20 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Join us at Montalto Estate for our Magnificent May Weekend – the perfect family day out filled with exciting activities for all ages.

Related

Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch

Dates

From:

4 May 2025to5 May 2025Open 10:00 - 15:00

Price
Price £8.40 to £25.20 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Spring Wild Food Foraging Walk

Ballycastle

Address

Broughgammon Farm, 50 Straid Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6NP

Telephone
07435765845

becky@broughgammon.com

Price
Price £29.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Join a Wild Food Foraging Walk at Broughgammon Farm

Related

Broughgammon Farm - Économusée Artisans, Ballycastle

Dates

From:
4 May 2025Open 11:00 - 13:00

Price
Price £29.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Moy Park Belfast City Marathon

Belfast

Address

Stormont Estate (Prince of Wales Avenue), Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 3SH

Telephone
02890605922

info@belfastcitymarathon.org

Type

Type:

Sporting Event

The Moy Park Belfast City Marathon will take place in Northern Ireland's vibrant historic capital on Sunday 5th May, 2024.

Dates

From:
4 May 2025

More Info
May Day Trains

Downpatrick

Address

Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Market Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6LZ

Telephone
02844615779

info@downrail.co.uk

Price
Price £10.50 to £38.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Heritage trains are back for May Day, Monday 5th May

Related

Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Downpatrick

Dates

From:
5 May 2025Open 13:00 - 16:00

Price
Price £10.50 to £38.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Merry May Day

Holywood

Address

Holywood Town Centre, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AB

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Family Fun

A day of celebration featuring traditional maypole dancing, live music, entertainment, and bric-a-brac and food stalls creating a carnival atmosphere in this charming town.

Dates

From:
5 May 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

Price
Free

More Info