ANTRIM
Experience the steam train which will be operating at Whitehead Excursion Station on St Patrick's weekend; enjoy a visit to the Edwardian Tea Room; or explore the Whitehead Railway Museum. Train rides will be running from midday to 4pm, every 15 minutes or so. Adult £2.50, Child £2, payable on the day.
ARMAGH
Celtic Footsteps, St Patrick’s Saints of Oriel is a unique guided tour celebrating the connections between St Patrick and two of Ireland’s first female Irish Saints, Bridget and Moninne of Oriel. Ring of Gullion ambassadors Ann Ward and Venora Hovelt will lead this special tour. Venora is a guide and storyteller. Ann is also a guide and meditation coach. The tour includes lunch at Ann’s Second World War hut in Meigh.
BELFAST
Make your way to St George's Market to experience an authentic St Patrick’s Day. Lots of entertainment including live traditional music, Irish dancing and workshops
DERRY
This year’s Derry Spring Carnival takes place on March 16 and 17. This year’s carnival parade will be a celebration of children and young people, showcasing myths and legends from both Celtic traditions and the many diverse cultures across the world. See derrystrabane.com/springcarnivalparade
DOWN
On St Patrick’s Day have a day filled with fun at Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry. Join the craic and banter with underwater and reptilian friends. Enjoy snake demonstrations led by a team of Aquarists, daily animal demonstrations, themed arts and crafts and a mer-mazing face painter. Normal admission charges apply – pre-book online for discount. Last admission 4pm
FERMANAGH
This year’s St Patrick’s Day festival in Enniskillen will start at 1:30pm on the Broadmeadow with a host of traditional and modern entertainment acts. There will be free activities including bouncy castles, balloon modellers, face painting and wandering mascots for all your selfie needs. On Lough Erne will host the Wakeboarding Leprechauns and St Patrick will be making his spectacular arrival via Castle Island before doing a meet and greet. The parade itself will start from the Lakeland Forum at 3.30pm.
TYRONE
The Blackwater Céilí Band hail from the Clogher Valley area of Co Tyrone and were crowned All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band Champions last year. See them perform live as part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations at Ranfurly House, Dungannon.
:: For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.
