Now that spring is here, I thought it would be fun to share the lists I’m compiling of fun things to do in Northern Ireland in April With Kids, rather than just have them sit around indoors. So if you’re in the area, or planning a future trip, here are some of the things you’ll find in the North of Ireland.
I can’t believe April is almost upon us! So as I sit wondering how I’m going to fit all that I need to do into the weekend, and realising it is an impossibility, I am trying to relax and just take things one at a time and do what I can.
Because I like to feel like a tourist and try new things, I haven’t done most of the things on this list, but I hope to cross a couple of them off before the end of the month. If you’ve been to any of these events, or have others to add, share them in the contents below.
March 30 – April 3 get out for some fresh air and fun for the Cadbury’s Easter Egg Hunts across the country. They look to be a lot of fun. We will be leaving these for other sto do this year as we’ve had our own fun with Cadbury’s eggs this year.
Tayto Castle is a place that’s been on my wish list for the past 14 years. If you’ve ever been to Norn Iron, you’ll know that Tayto is THE brand of potato chip over here. Tayto crisps are manufactured in a castle in Tandragee! How cool is that? There are day trips out with Ulster Bus occasionally, or you can find your own way there by car or public transport. You can tour the factory and try a sample. Just note that you must be over 5 years of age, and must not wear open-toed shoes or jewellery. If you can’t make it to the castle, you can also order the crisps for delivery around the world.
April 7th head up to Larne and celebrate the 112th anniversary of the Carnegie Free Library, which now houses the Larne Museum & Arts Centre. There will be a magician, Edwardian dress-up opportunities and Edwardian games, plus more.
Get out into nature and visit one of Northern Ireland’s Nature Reserves. There’s a lot to see anytime of the year, so take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and ground yourself with the sounds of tranquility.
Until April 8th, you can travel to Castlerock and have some Easter fun at Downhill Demesne. It’s most well-known for the iconic Mussenden Temple, so take your camera and create some memories.
If you’re youngsters have an interest in archaeology, head on out to Carrickfergus (easily accessed by train from Belfast), and watch the current dig outside of Carrickfergus Castle. We wrote about the dig inside the castle walls in 2014, and we’ll certainly be going down to see what’s been unearthed this year.
Titanic Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, April 15th at Belfast’s Titanic Memorial Garden, located at the east entrance of Belfast City Hall. This is the only memorial in the world that lists names of all the died during that fateful night 106 years ago.
April 12-21 will the the Belfast Film Festival ‘s 18th year. There will be 178 films representing 30 countries, in several venues around Belfast. You’ll be sure to find something for every age and genre preference.
Lord Mayor’s Day is April 28 at the Belfast City Hall. You’ll find entertainment for all ages, walking tours, crafts, stories, animation, music, and street performers from noon until 5pm. This year’s theme is Global Belfast.
The Whitehead Railway Museum is within tooting distance of us, so we’ll be checking it out soon as we have our family ticket already purchased. It’s been open for a year now, after years of upgrades and additions. In years past we have had the opportunity to go on free tours of the workshops, but it’s now bigger and better than ever. There is also an Edwardian Tea Room which I have heard positive things from several reliable sources. This is a working museum, with volunteers rebuilding steam trains from across Ireland, the UK, and further afield, so there will always be something new to see. I’ll be sure to write more about it after we visit, so be sure to watch this space.
What are you planning this April? Will you be staying close to home, or going further afield? There’s always something to do nearby, wherever you are, so get out and about, and have an adventure!
