13 things to do on the North Coast over the bank holiday weekend

By CLAIRE SAVAGE 10 May, 2016

From scenic coastal walks and artisan food markets, to theatre, music, surfing and more, there’s plenty to do on the North Coast this bank holiday weekend. Whether you want to enjoy great food and drink, get active, or simply soak up the atmosphere, there’s something for all the family. Claire Savage takes at look at 13 things to do in Northern Ireland

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  1. Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival: Ballycastle, May 27 – June 5

Celebrate the rich maritime heritage of the Rathlin Sound (the water between Rathlin Island and Ballycastle) and enjoy fresh local food and a host of activities for all the family. With a Sailing Regatta, talks, tours, exhibitions and demonstrations, visitors can also enjoy a ride in a powerboat or a mini cookery class.

Learn how to hot smoke fish at home with Ruairidh Morrison of North Coast Smokehouse, or bake bread with Dara OhArtghaile from Ursa Minor Bakehouse. There’s also a sushi class hosted by Eimear Mullin of Thyme & Co. Visit www.naturallynorthcoastandglens.co.uk for details on how to book. Meanwhile, NI chef Paula McIntyre will take part in the cookery theatre on Sunday, May 29 in the Marquee at the Seafront. Visit www.rathlinsoundmaritimefestival.com for more details.

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  1. Visit artisan food markets

Foodie fans can pick up delicious local produce at the Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market in Ballycastle over the bank holiday weekend. From handcrafted sourdough bread from Ursa Minor Bakehouse, to smoke-roasted organic salmon from the North Coast Smokehouse, this is a fine feast for the senses. Whether you want blended herbal teas, chocolate, fish, jam or anything else, you’re sure to find it here.

Ballycastle Seafront Artisan Market, Maritime Festival times: Saturday, May 28 from 11am – 5pm; Sunday, May 29 from 11am – 5pm; Monday, May 30 from 11am – 4pm.

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  1. RNLI Portrush Raft Race: Portrush, Saturday May 28 – Sunday May 29

Head down to Portrush Harbour to enjoy a weekend of free entertainment, courtesy of the famous Raft Race. A great family day out, the Raft Race has lots of fun events for everyone to enjoy, not least the race itself, when you can watch the groups compete on their various aquatic creations. Visit http://portrushraftrace.co.uk/

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  1. Spike Milligan’s Puckoon at the Riverside Theatre, Coleraine: Saturday, May 28

Portstewart’s Big Telly Theatre Company stages Puckoon at the Riverside Theatre as part of their all-Ireland and UK tour for Spring/Summer 2016. This popular production has already entertained audiences around the country in previous showings, so don’t miss the opportunity to see it over the bank holiday. Based on the book by Spike Milligan, Puckoon sees a town divided with hilarious results when the Ulster Boundary Commission creates a new border in the town in 1922. Visit www.riversidetheatre.org.uk to book.

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  1. Lisa McHugh at the Marine Hotel: Ballycastle, Sunday, May 29

As part of the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, country singer Lisa McHugh will perform in the Marine Hotel in Ballycastle over the bank holiday weekend. Whether you’re a true country fan or simply enjoy a tune or two, this is sure to be a popular evening, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment. Now living in Enniskillen, the multi-award-winning Glaswegian ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’ always draws a crowd and is currently working on her next album.

Tickets cost £15 from Ballycastle Visitor Centre: 028 2076 2024 or the Marine Hotel: 028 2076 2222.

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  1. Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Ballintoy

A trip to the North Coast wouldn’t be complete without visiting the world-renowned Giant’s Causeway – the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland – or the nearby Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Enjoy the Giant’s Causeway walk for free by using the local park and ride facility in Bushmills and soak up the impressive scenery at your leisure. Alternatively, you can pay to park at the Visitor’s Centre and access the National Trust gift shop, with guided tours also available.

Alternatively, why not drive 10 minutes along the coast to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and brave the crossing for sweeping coastal views and an exhilarating experience. Walking to the bridge is free, but visitors who wish to cross the bridge should purchase their tickets at the kiosk at the start of the walk. Visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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  1. Portstewart Strand and the Barmouth

Home to Harry’s Shack, Portstewart Strand is the perfect place to soak up the sun over the bank holiday weekend – or enjoy a bracing walk, depending on the weather. Why not take the family for a stroll along the sand to the Barmouth and look over to neighbouring Castlerock, then head to Harry’s Shack for a light lunch or dinner? An area of natural beauty and scientific interest, this National Trust managed beach has plenty to offer, with gorgeous views, delicious food and fun for all the family.

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  1. Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, Castlerock

Visit the historic Mussenden Temple in Downhill Demesne near Castlerock and explore these impressive 18th-century ruins, which once housed the Earl Bishop, Frederick Augustus Hervey. Perched on the cliff-edge, Mussenden Temple offers stunning views of the coastline and there are also beautiful gardens to stroll around, with Frederick Augustus Hervey Frederick Augustus Hervey Frederick Augustus Hervey Frederick Augustus Hervey Frederick Augustus Herveyevents on throughout the year. Visit http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Mussenden-Temple-and-Downhill-Demesne-Castlerock-Coleraine-P2928

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  1. Hezlett House, Castlerock, Coleraine

Enjoy guided tours of Hezlett House and gardens in Castlerock, one of Northern Ireland’s oldest vernacular domestic buildings. Dating from 1690, the thatched cottage is the perfect place to bring the family for an interesting day out, with Downhill beach and Mussenden Temple just a stone’s throw away. Why not make a day of it and explore all the area has to offer? Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/downhill-demesne-and-hezlett-house

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  1. Surfing with Alive Surf School, Portrush

Watersport enthusiasts and first-timers alike can sign up to surfing lessons with Alive Surf School’s expert team in Portrush for two-hour sessions which are a whole lot of fun. Northern Ireland’s longest-running surf school has everything you need to take to the waves, providing all the necessary equipment as well as a free drink and snack afterwards. Safety is paramount at all times and the surf school has an impeccable track record, so why not give it a go. All the family can join in and there are free hot showers and changing rooms at the beach. Visit http://alivesurfschool.com/

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  1. Ramore Restaurants, Portrush

After a busy day on the North Coast, why not pop into the Wine Bar or The Mermaid Kitchen & Bar in Portrush for fresh fish dishes and a whole lot more. There’s also the Coast Pizzeria, or Neptune & Prawn with its Asian-inspired dishes, as well as the popular Harbour Bistro and Harbour Bar, where you can enjoy a pint of the strong stuff. A big draw on the North Coast with locals and visitors alike, the Ramore Restaurants serves up a wide range of delicious dishes, so you’ll always find something to suit all the family. Visit http://www.ramorerestaurant.com/ to book.

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  1. Kiwi’s Brew Bar, Portrush

If you’re a fan of artisan beer, like music and good food, then Kiwi’s Brew Bar in Portrush is the perfect place to visit. Stocking a range of quality domestic, individual and artisan brewers, Kiwi’s also hosts a monthly ‘Meet the Brewer’ night, as well as serving local craft cider, gin, wine and Prosecco. There’s also acoustic music sessions on throughout the week and at weekends, with the ‘Brews and Blues’ Sundays always a popular night.

Sporting events and independent films can also be watched in the bar’s in-house cinema, while their new pub grub menu features dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Visit www.kiwisbrewbar.com/

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  1. RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre

The recently reopened and refurbished Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre is a must-see for any bird-watchers or for anyone who enjoys a good walk and some stunning scenery. Boasting one of the UK’s largest seabird colonies, Rathlin Island is home to a wide range of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes, with seals also populating the coastline. Meanwhile, Rathlin West Light is one of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland, and visitors can now tour the ‘upside down’ lighthouse built on Rathlin’s cliffs.

The Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre is open from 10am – 5pm every day until the end of September. Admission is free for RSPB members, £5 for adults and £2.50 for children and other concessions. Please note that while the main visitor centre is accessible, there is an 89 step descent to the viewing platform and a similar number of steps down through the lighthouse. Visit www.rspb.org.uk/

Live It Experience It’ is a group of journalists and travel writers who tell the story of our members. We work  collaboratively with our members, which are tourism businesses, to promote Northern Ireland through water, air and land based activities, food and drink and great places to stay. Together we let our visitors know of all of the amazing things Northern Ireland has to offer.  To become a member business in of ‘Live It Experience It’ call our office on 028 3756 8436 or please submit your information through our online form. T&Cs apply –  Sign Up Here Let us tell your story! Live It Experience It is the NW200 tourism partner for 2018. 

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Claire Savage

About Claire Savage

Claire is a lover of the written word so blogging, journalism and writing books and prose comes so naturally to her. She lives on our stunning North Coast so she's lucky to have the playground she does. Things she enjoys includes playing the violin and walking with her beautiful cocker spaniel around the north coast. She has also recently taken up ballet, tap dancing and juggling. She also loves vintage boutiques, books, baking and unexpected encounters.