10 things to do in Northern Ireland this weekend

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (17-23 June)

1. Giant's Causeway Coast Sportive 2019, Ballycastle, 22 June. A unique road cycling event held on the iconic North Coast of Ireland and Glens of Antrim, offering participants an unforgettable cycling experience through one of Europe’s most famous coastlines.

2. Festival of Flight 2019, Newcastle, 22 June. This year’s Festival of Flight comprises an afternoon of magnificent airborne displays, complemented by events for the whole family including an aviation and food village.

3. Down County Fleadh, Kilkeel, 22 June. The county Fleadhanna presents excellent opportunities for musicians of all ages to participate and showcase their unique musical talent with a colourful itinerary that will be enjoyable for visitors far and wide.

4. Marriages and Mansions, Bangor, 18 June. On this tour visit some of the distinctive “big houses” which endure to this day. Learn more about famous aristocratic figures associated with these estates, such as Sir James Hamilton, 1st Viscount Clandeboye, Robert Stewart Kennedy and Frederick Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood. The tour includes visits to Bangor Castle, Clandeboye Courtyard and Cultra Manor.

5. JLF Belfast, Belfast, 21-23 June. Working in partnership with the British Council and producers of the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival in India, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland brings the magnificent energy and atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest and most spectacular literary festivals to Belfast with this landmark event in June.

6. The Rapparees, Strabane, 22 June. The Rapparees proudly present their fourth album Recharged with a launch night at the Alley Arts Centre, which is sure to have that special hometown electricity associated with this dynamic folk outfit.

7. Belfast Gin Festival, Belfast, 21-23 June. The Gin Festival is back at Elmwood Hall and filling it with even better gin, events and all sorts of shenanigans. Meet the makers, enjoy music, talks, demonstrations and, of course, gin.

8. Rock Of Ages, Belfast, 18-22 June. Strictly Come Dancing Champion Kevin Clifton plays the lead role of Stacee Jaxx. The internationally renowned dancer swaps the Ballroom for the Bourbon Club when he plays in the ultimate 80s rock’n’roll musical at the Grand Opera House.

9. Midsummer Music at Mussenden Temple, Castlerock, 21-23 June. The midsummer musical event held in the iconic venue of the Mussenden Temple, part of the Downhill Demense, is always a popular one. This year the Ulster Orchestra returns with an ensemble, playing a variety of light and popular music.

10. The Priests in Concert, Belfast, 21 June. One of the most recognisable musical groups anywhere in the world will perform at St. Bernadette's Church. Fathers David Delargy, Eugene O’Hagan and Martin O’Hagan all hail from Northern Ireland and have been singing together since they were at school.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.