We hope you have a great time over the bank holiday weekend. Let’s hope the weather is good too! Check out some of the events happening in Northern Ireland.

Belfast Mela Festival, Botanic Gardens, Belfast

Belfast Mela Festival is a weeklong festival taking place in Belfast City’s Botanic Gardens during 20th-28th August. It’s the city’s annual celebration of global cultures where tens of thousands of visitors come together to celebrate our people and diversity.

If you haven’t visited the Belfast Mela festival before, expect colour, music and dance as global diversity takes over Belfast’s iconic botanical gardens.

A date for the diary is Mela Day, which takes place on 28th August and celebrates the end of the festival.

Elmer’s Big Belfast Trail, Belfast City Centre

Working in collaboration with local artists and the NI Children’s Hospice, the much-loved character has been brought to life in many forms across Belfast, taking the people of Northern Ireland on a worthwhile journey of exploration, art and community; and we are delighted to be a part of it!

Elmer’s Big Belfast Trail is a free event that is fun for all.

Ould Lammas Fair, Ballycastle

The Ould Lammas Fair returns to Ballycastle once again, and it’s set to be a wonderful fair full of trading, history and plenty of entertainment.

Whilst you’re there, taste the famous local favourite Yellow Man or Dulce and wonder around the Naturally North Coast and Glen’s Artisan Market. Expect local fresh produce, handmade gifts and fine art along with fun fair rides and a thrilling atmosphere.

Oakfire Adventures – Derry/Londonderry

Looking for a thrilling day of fun to end summer? You can be sure to experience a thrill at Oakfire Adventures in County Derry/Londonderry. With treetop treks, and a full aerial challenge available, it’s a great location to try something different before summer finishes near the west coast.

Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills

The Giant’s Causeway is an iconic tourist attraction in Northern Ireland, but you don’t have to be a tourist to enjoy it. Listen to tales of Finn McCool and find out fascinating details about the famous stones that form a dramatic landscape along the coast of the Wild Atlantic Ocean.

You can park nearby and walk to the stones for free, or go for the full visitor experience and learn how the Causeway was formed with one of our award-winning storytellers by booking Visitor Experience tickets.

Visitor Experience tickets include reserved on-site parking, guided tours with our award-winning storytelling team, use of hand-held audio guides, access to the Visitor Centre's exhibition and interpretation area, the shop, cafe and all facilities.

Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, Coleraine

Visit the one-of-a-kind landscape and beautiful garden at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne. On your visit, you will find magnificent clifftop walks, affording rugged headland views across the awe-inspiring North Coast.

Discover the striking 18th-century mansion of the eccentric Earl Bishop that now lies in ruin, then explore Mussenden Temple, perched on the cliff edge.

Also, whilst visiting Mussenden Temple, don’t forget to visit the beautiful beach that it overlooks!

Oxford Island Nature Reserve, Craigavon

On the edge of the Lough Neagh lies Oxford Island Nature Reserve, which is home to Lough Neagh Discovery Centre.

The Discovery Centre opened its doors in June 1993. It offers a wide range of facilities for all including a café, educational information and a chance to spot local wildlife. It’s perfect for a family day out.

Todd’s Leap, Dungannon

Todd’s Leap has been voted the best activity centre in Northern Ireland for thrill seeking experiences! Enjoy an action-packed day out with family and friends, with a great range of activities.

Have a round of paint ball, go blindfold driving, scale the climbing wall, glide through the air on the action-packed zip-line adventure or explore much more.

Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, Armagh

In the Planetarium’s Digital Full Dome Theatre you can sit back, relax and experience the wonders of our Universe, through a tour of the night sky. You can even touch Ireland’s largest meteorite! Relax and discover the wonders of space in the Sensory Space.

Take a stroll around the Astropark, which is 14 acres of attractive, landscaped grounds and discover the scale models of the Solar System and the Universe.

You might be in luck this bank holiday weekend as they also have planned a LIVE screening of NASA’s Artemis launch. The screening is planned on Monday 29th August between 1.33pm-3.33pm, and you can book now!

Cuilcagh Boardwalk, Co. Fermanagh

Cuilcagh Boardwalk, which is known as the ‘stairway to heaven’ is a walking spot that has recently rose to fame in Northern Ireland. A trip to Cuilcagh Boardwalk is on many people’s wish lists, and it’s popular for a reason.

If the weather is clear this bank holiday weekend, grab the opportunity to catch a magnificent view from the viewing platform on Cuilcagh Mountain. And, if you do end up going, you’ll be sure to get your steps in!

Murlough Beach, Newcastle, Co. Down

Murlough Beach which falls under the Murlough National Nature reserve is a 6,000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust. It’s managed as Ireland’s first Nature Reserve since 1967.

Enjoy bird watching and walking at this spectacular location at the edge of Dundrum Bay and take in the stunning views of the neighbouring Mourne Mountains.

Seaforde Gardens & Butterfly House, Seaforde, Co. Down

Seaforde Gardens, Maze and Tropical Butterfly House allows you to be at one with nature in County Down. This location is full of breathtaking plants and beautiful butterfly species that will leave you feeling zen.

The butterfly house is situated in the historic Demesne of Seaforde in County Down, in a family home that dates back over 400 years.It’s a relaxing yet fun location for all the family and allows everyone to get up close and personal with nature. You can end the day with a trip around the maze that will lead to laughter and excitement.

Content sourced from Power NI (powerni.co.uk).