Northern Ireland to experience sunshine & blue skies this week ☀️

You love to see it!

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 22nd May 2023

Have you been dreaming of the grand stretch in the evenings, ditching the winter coat and walks that aren't interrupted by rain?

Well according to the Met Office, we don't have to wait too long!

Northern Ireland can expect a week filled with 'dry and fine' conditions with 'sunny spells.'

How does a max temperature of 17 °C sound and even 19 °C at the weekend...YES PLEASE!

Northern Ireland's Weekend Weather Report:

Monday: It will be dry and fine with sunny spells increasing in the afternoon, and feeling pleasantly warm. Light northwesterly winds will freshen from the morning. Maximum temperature 16 °C.

Tuesday: Most places stay dry with sunny spells, cloud and possibly some patchy light rain will build across the west later. Maximum temperature 17 °C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: It will be cloudy at times through Wednesday with outbreaks of light rain, best of the brightness in the southeast. Drier and brighter on Thursday with prolonged sunny spells Friday.

Check out some of Northern Ireland's top rated parks and family-friendly walks 👇

Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch

Get back to nature this summer at Montalto Estate. Inside sits a privately-owned demesne steeped in history dating back to the 1600s. With a range of captivating gardens, trails and even a café on site, their all-new adventure zone is worth a visit.

Cave Hill Country Park, Belfast

Towering above looms Cave Hill, otherwise known as Napoleon's Nose. From up here you can take take in 360 degree views of Belfast. They're recently refurbished adventure park includes eco-trails, orienteering routes and picnic benches for the ultimate day out.

Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Newry

Children's imaginations will run wild as they explore the Giant's Lair children's story trail and adventure play park here. Their woodland trail takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through intertwined fairy village filled with mystery, dragons, giants, witches and fairies.

Pickie Fun Park, Bangor

What's not to love about Pickie Park? They've got mini-golf, giant pedal swan and a quirky children's play area. With picturesque harbour views, don't let the sometimes-miserable weather out you off. Come rain or shine, kids will have a ball here!

Mo Mowlam Play Park, Stormont

The Mo Mowlam Play Park at Stormont Estate in Belfast is an all-inclusive play park, specially designed so children of all abilities can play together and has over 40 separate pieces of equipment. With a castle themes area, multi-sensory section and wheelchair friendly swing and roundabout everyone can take part!

Carrickfergus Marine Gardens

Alongside the waterfront in Carrickfergus with the historical castle in the backdrop, sits the superb Marine Gardens play park. Complete with old-school pirate ship and monstrous climbing frames, you could easily while away an afternoon here.

Hillsborough Forest Park

With the redevelopment of Hillsborough Forest underway and the first phase complete, visitors can now enjoy upgraded pathways throughout, stunning lakeside viewpoints with seating, additional picnic benches, extra car-parking facilities, and a state-of-the-art woodland-themed outdoor children's play area.

Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh

One of Co. Down's hidden gems, Delamont has everything you need! A first class play park complete with zip-line and mega slide, hidden woodland trails, coastal paths and even a STEAM TRAIN! There's even a handy caravan park on the grounds so you can make a full weekend out of it

Carnfunnock Country Park, Larne

You'll also find everything from a walled garden with unique sundials to a children's activity centre with outdoor adventure playground. You gotta check out their manicured maze in the shape of Northern Ireland, it's awesome!

Gosford Forest Park

Gosford Forest Park's visitor facilities was recently transformed with better walking, cycling and horse riding trails. You can find a fun children's play area beside the visitor car park and is open each day when the main forest park is open, with a sand area and wooden huts enclosed within a willow hedge.

Read more:

7 family-friendly cycling routes to try in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s ‘most instagrammed’ tourist attractions

Secret beaches in Northern Ireland you’ll practically have to yourself

How to listen to Downtown Country:

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for Country music, Downtown Country on online, on the Rayo app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Downtown Country’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the best Irish and American country music, from Victoria Quinn in the morning, to Big T’s legendary evening Country show.