Sunshine and showers continue this Easter weekend across NI
This Easter weekend is set to bring a mix of sunshine and showers across Northern Ireland.
According to the Met Office; "The unsettled weather will continue on Good Friday, with low pressure continuing to feed showers and longer spells of rain across the UK, although drier spells will develop later in the day from the east."
Sunday looks to be the best day of the week, with highs in NI of 12 °C.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Helen Caughey said: “Showers will continue into the weekend, especially for southern and western areas.
"However, it is likely that we will see something of an improvement for most areas, with showers tending to become less frequent, and a better chance of longer spells of sunshine for eastern and northern areas, especially on Sunday.
“It will also become less windy, and temperatures should start to trend upwards, feeling quite warm in any sunshine."
Northern Ireland's five-day weather forecast 👇
Today:
Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.
Tonight:
Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
Saturday:
Dry, bright first part of the morning. Clouds building later in the morning with scattered showers in the afternoon, a few on the heavy side. Maximum temperature 12 °C.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Scattered showers and some warm sunshine on Sunday. Mainly dry with sunny spells on Monday then some showers returning on Tuesday along with strengthening easterly winds.
Check out some of the local events and activities taking places this Easter weekend in NI 👇
Easter at Let’s Go Hydro
From 23rd March, Let's Go Hydro Resort Water Park reopens with a giant Easter Egg Hunt & Funday! With 10,000 Easter Eggs, for chocolate loves across the Easter weekend, they've got plenty to see and do including water tractors, the Easter bunny, plant your own seeds and plenty of photo opportunities. Each session lasts two hours, so be sure to check out their website and book your time slot.
Lindt Gold Bunny hops to Hillsborough for Easter fun
From Saturday 23rd March until Sunday 7th April, families can embark on a captivating adventure as they explore the gardens of the Hillsborough Castle, dandering through the daffodils and bounding through the bluebells to find the elusive Lindt GOLD BUNNY statues peeking out from the beautiful blooms.
Easter at The Jungle
This Easter sees the return of The Jungle's Family Fun Day, which is Funfair style, with a range of activities from Archery to Zorb Football, Llama Trekking to Pedal Boats & more! They also have a fantastic Easter Trail on offer and on Easter Tuesday a Dog Show. You won't get bored at The Jungle that's for sure.
Easter Dino Days at The Ark Open Farm
Meet this 'roooaaarsome duo' and visit the Easter Bunny himself at The Ark Open Farm's all new beautiful Easter garden. From fluffy bunnies and cute little lambs to tasty chocolate treats and mighty dinosaurs! If the weather is good, be sure to check out their multiple play areas including the brand new Dragon's Den and fun Jumping Pillow.
Curry's Funfair at McKee Clock Arena, Bangor
Curry's Swingtime Amusements returns to the sunny seaside town of Bangor, from Saturday 23 March to Sunday 7 April, next to the McKee Clock. Alongside the funfair, you can check out the Market Fresh event nearby.
Easter weekend in Belfast city centre
Families can enjoy a host of 'egg-citing' activities in the heart of Belfast city centre at 2 Royal Avenue including a pop-up petting farm, face-painting, craft workshops, planting workshops and even a visit from a few Easter characters.
It all kicks off Friday 28 & Saturday 30 March from 12pm-4pm, no booking is required.
Princess Shows at CastleCourt
On Saturday 6 April, CastleCourt's marvellous Disney Princess Shows return for Easter celebrations. There are two showtimes, 12pm and 1.30pm. Located on the first floor, everyone is welcome to sing and dance along with the princesses.
On Friday 29March, little chicks can decorate chocolate Easter eggs with edible goodies, exclusively at their Easter egg workshop on the first floor.
Swing into Spring at Belfast Zoo
Celebrating 90 years, Belfast Zoo is set to host an exciting Spring celebration this Easter. There will be free activities between 10.30am to 4.30pm from Sunday 31 March to Tuesday 2 April. Walkabout characters will pop up around the zoo to pose for photographs on Easter Monday and Easter Tuesday, where kids can complete their Easter trail competition and enter to win a great prize.
Easter season at the Ulster American Folk Park
Discover Easter traditions like cross-roads dancing, learn about the history of the Easter egg, and leave a message on the Easter Tree. There'll be live music in rural Ulster and traditional games including the classic egg and spoon race! Little ones can take part in the Easter Card Trail and Easter themed craft activities. There'll also be food samples to try like barnbrack and hot-cross buns!
Fun-filled weekend at Colin Glen
Experience a land of storytelling and a state-of-the-art sports park with world class attractions. From Alpine Coasteering to laser tag, golfing to the Gruffalo Trail, Colin Glen has adventure for everyone!
Easter Egg Hunts & Trails with the National Trust
You can't beat a traditional outdoor Easter hunt/trail, and this year the National Trust have nine to choose from across Northern Ireland…Mount Stewart, Rowallane Garden, Castle Ward, The Argory, Florence Court, Crom, Castle Coole, Springhill and Castle Ward. Times and events differ per location, so be sure to check their website before you go.
Easter Steam in Whitehead
Why not hop on over to Whitehead Railway Museum this Easter to see if you can help them find their special Easter guest. Collect a map of the site, take part in their Easter bunny treasure hunt, and enjoy a short train ride, hauled by a steam engine. Find out more at steamtrainsireland.ticketsolve.com
Easter Lunch and Jazz Live with Van Morrison
Van Morrison will be playing two intimate Easter shows at the Culloden Estate and Spa on Sunday 31st March & Monday 1st April 2024. Experience the Culloden's world-famous cuisine with a 4-course meal followed by Van Morrison and his band playing live jazz. This is one you don't want to miss!
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Egg'cellent Easter events across Northern Ireland the whole family can enjoy