What’s on!
A guide to exciting events in Northern Ireland this spring and summer
BE INSPIRED
To mark 500 years since the death of the Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci, the Ulster Museum in Belfast, is hosting a special exhibition. ‘Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing’ will provide an unparalleled insight into the workings of this extraordinary artist’s mind.
The exhibition will include two of Leonardo’s most famous works: The Head of St Anne, made around 1510 in preparation for his famous masterpiece The Virgin and Child with St Anne, which hangs in the Louvre, and an anatomical drawing from 1489, The Skull Sectioned. The exhibition includes examples of all the drawing materials employed by the artist, including pen and ink, red and black chalks, watercolour and metalpoint. There are also a series of events including special tours, lectures, art sessions and sketching workshops. Admission to the exhibition is free, as is entry to the Ulster Museum itself.
Until 5th May. Visit www.rct.uk/collection/ themes/exhibitions/leonardo-da-vinci-alife-in-drawing/ulster-museum-belfast
SWING INTO ACTION
Lover of traditional Irish songs? Then, join the legends of Irish song and music, The Fureys, as they take to the stage in The Ardhowen, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. Renowned for their hit songs such ‘The Green Fields of France’ and ‘When You Were Sweet 16’, The Fureys will be playing on Saturday, 23rd February and tickets are £22.50. There are a variety of great shows taking place across spring and summer, including a show by comedian Neil Delamere on Saturday, March 30th and folk group, The Kilkennys on Saturday, 25th May.
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.ardhowen.com
SAINT PATRICK CELEBRATIONS
Co Armagh is at the heart of celebrating the life of Saint Patrick. It was in Armagh that he began his Christian mission in Ireland, establishing the city as the country’s spiritual capital. The ‘Home Of Saint Patrick Festival’ promises a lively and varied showcase of the best culture, music, song and dance, as well as family-friendly activities. During the Festival, visitors can explore Armagh County Museum and Armagh Robinson Library, which house artefacts, collections, rare books and illuminated manuscripts, that reflect the city’s leading role in early Christian Ireland.
From Friday 8th March until Monday 18th March. For more information, visit www. visitarmagh.com/festivals/st-patricks/
EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA
Join in on the Bunny Trail at the Easter Extravaganza at Ark Oak Farm in Newtownards, Co Down, and search for Easter eggs to win a special prize. There are adventures in the new Fairy Forest, tractor carriage rides and fun on the farm, with many spring-time animals such as little chicks, guinea pigs and ponies. As well as keeping the kids happy, this is an event which will keep the parents happy too, as they can enjoy home-baked treats at the Cottage Café (opened on weekends and during school holidays) and take in the idyllic surroundings. Prices are free for infants under three years old. A ticket for children aged three years and over is £8 (to include egg hunt and tractor ride), and an adult ticket costs £7.
From Friday 19th April until Tuesday 23rd April. For more information, visit www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/events/ www.thearkopenfarm.co.uk
RUN RAMPAGE!
Looking for a weekend getaway with a bit of adventure? Then, don’t miss the Rampage Weekender, hosted by The Jungle NI and taking place in Magherafelt, Co Derry. The weekend begins with an exhilarating and challenging 5k or 10k adventure run, loaded with more than 60 fun obstacles (including the Giant Water Side). The run is then followed by some hot food, live music, a themed after-party and camping out that night (over 18s only for camping). The Adult Rampage Run will take place on Saturday 27th April and there is also an Elite Run for the ultra-competitive, with cash prizes, meaning an incentive to keep motivated! For the younger runners, there are two races on Sunday 28th April – a 2k race for 6-10 year olds and a 5k race for 11-17 year olds. So, tie up your laces and get jogging!
27th – 28th April. For a breakdown of entry prices and more information, visit www. thejungleni.com/event/rampage/
LAPS AROUND NI
Northern Ireland’s largest cycle event, Lap the Lough, sees 2,000 cyclists pedalling around Lough Neagh, in Dungannon, on the last Sunday in August. This year, they are making a weekend out of it and there will be bike events suitable for the entire family on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th August too. Taking place in Moy and Charlemont on the Tyrone and Armagh border, registration costs are between £29.50 and £39. There is a limit entry to 2,500 bikes, so register as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
For more information, visit www.lapthelough.org