Unsettled week ahead for NI
Easter could be a washout this weekend 😢
Last updated 25th Mar 2024
Unsettled conditions are on the way this week...just in time for Easter weekend.
The Met Office has advised that we'll see "a typical mix of spring weather in the run-up to Easter, with periods of showers, rain and winds, as well as some sunny spells at times."
Down and Antrim will be hit with heavy rain on Tuesday, with drier weather in the west. Meanwhile on Wednesday most areas will see cloudy weather with rain and showers during the day.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway said: “It’s another very unsettled week for much of the UK, with heavy, blustery showers, longer spells of rain and also some strong winds.”
“In terms of hazards in the current forecast, we’re continuing to keep an eye on some of the expected rainfall totals as they build up through the week, with some places in the south still quite sensitive to rainfall amounts due to the wet winter many have experienced.
"We will also need to monitor the winds with the potential for gales to develop around some coastal areas of the north at first, then later some southwestern areas, especially as these may coincide with some high tides.”
Northern Ireland's five-day forecast 👇
This Evening and Tonight: It will continue cloudy with outbreaks of rain. Some heavier outbreaks are likely this evening and at first tonight, becoming light and patchy later. Fresh northeasterly winds, easing later tonight. Minimum temperature 3 °C.
Tuesday: Another cloudy day with further outbreaks of rain, heavier at times over Down and Antrim. Some drier weather in the west and a little brighter at times too. Maximum temperature 8 °C.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: Overcast with rain or showers, heavy in the east at first Wednesday becoming drier from the afternoon. Dry with bright spells Thursday, a few showers north. Cloudy, widespread showers Friday.
Check out some of the exciting Easter events taking place this weekend across 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