9 things to look forward to in Northern Ireland in 2019
There's lots happening in our wee country
Last updated 7th Jan 2019
If you're struggling with a touch of the back-to-work blues today, fear not, there are plenty of things to look forward to coming up this year.
Whether it's music, sport or festivals celebrating some of our most well-known landmarks - there's lots going on in Northern Ireland this year.
NINE THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN NORTHERN IRELAND IN 2019
9. Derry City 400th anniversary of the completion of the Walls - June, July, August
March will mark the 400th anniversary of the completion of the Walls, and to celebrate there is a full and vibrant programme of events taking place throughout the city. Ranging from musical ensembles, dance audio plays, historical and contemporary exhibitions, living archaelogy demonstrations and symposiums, there's lots to choose from. A full animation programme will run throughout June, July & August 2019 and more information can be found on the walledcity400 website.
8. Balmoral Show - 15th to 18th May
The biggest agricultural and equestrian event in Northern Ireland draws huge crowds every year to the lovely Balmoral Showgrounds. As well as show jumping and showing classes for horses, there are cattle, sheep, pig and poultry shows and a huge exhibition and trade show of agricultural machinery. The four day event always draws huge crowds and attracts a lot of interest. See Balmoral Show website for more info.
7. Game of Thrones touring exhibition - April (dates tbc)
Step into Westeros and the lands beyond when GAME OF THRONES™: The Touring Exhibition comes to Belfast. Featuring a mix of immersive environments, interactive exhibitions and multimedia content this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to get up close with props, costumes and set decorations from the hit HBO® series Game of Thrones®. Arriving in April, this is one not to be missed for fans of the show. Find out more about the exhibition.
6. Northern Ireland potato festival Bushmills - 9th March
The NI Potato Festival celebrates the legacy of local man John Clarke OBE, a world renowned pioneer in potato breeding. The Festival line-up boasts a variety of attractions including Naturally North Coast and Glens artisan market with food and craft producers, cookery demonstrations and talks, bouncy castles, exhibitions and displays, potato inspired games.
The festival takes place on the grounds of the Causeway Hotel in close proximity to The Giants Causeway. See Northern Ireland potato festival website for more info.
5. We Are Vertigo new attractions
Launching in 2019, We Are Vertigo are set to host Ireland's first indoor Ninja Warrior Assault Course and Inflatable Action Course. Perfect for families seeking a fun day out and centrally located in venues located in South Belfast and the Titanic Quarter, this is definitely one not to miss!
4. Belfast Marathon - 5th May
Save the date! The largest single participatory sporting event in Northern Ireland is set for a massive year of change with a brand new, flatter and faster route for participants, a new start location and history will be made by moving the event to a Sunday for the first time ever.
Celebrating its 38th year the marathon returns with a full line up of events to suit all levels of fitness including the Wheelchair Race, Team Relay, 8 Mile Walk and Fun Run. All events will start at Stormont except for the Fun Run which will start and finish at Ormeau Park. Registration is now open.
3. Westlife reunion - 22nd, 23rd, 25th, 26th & 27th May
Irish pop group, Westlife have announced they are getting back together after a split of six years for a major 2019 tour and new album. This spring they return to Belfast for an incredible FIVE sold out shows at the SSE Arena.
2. Summer of festivals - June, July, August
Summer festival fever will hit Northern Ireland again.
Begining in May, Snow Patrol will return to Bangor for Ward Park 3 next year to celebrate 25 years since the formation of the band.
Picture this will headline a brand new festival 'Live at the Botanic Gardens' for two nights in June.
Live At The Botanic Gardens will be a series of outdoor concerts held in the picturesque setting of Belfast city’s famous gardens.
Also in June, Belsonic returns to Ormeau Park with a list of huge international headlining acts to include Stormzy, George Ezra, Hozier, Tiesto and more.
CHSq returns to Belfast's iconic Custom House in August with Gerry Cinnamon. Ryan McMullan, Madness, MK, Human League plus guests.
1. The 148th Open - Portrush
The Open is one of the largest golf Championships in the world and in 2019 it's coming to Royal Portush, where it was last staged back in 1951. For only the second time in the Championship's 150 year history, The Open will take place outside of England and Scotland. Championship Days are now completely sold out, however tickets for the Practice Days are still available.