June 2015 Lough Neagh Events
In the heart of Northern Ireland you will find Lough Neagh, the largest lake in Britain & Ireland. Lough Neagh captivates visitors with its tranquil atmosphere, un-spoilt scenery, secluded bays and skyward views. Lough Neagh is a haven for wildlife with many viewpoints around the shoreline.
There is so much to see and do from history and heritage, visitor attractions and crafts to land and water based activities. Boating on Lough Neagh is now accessible to all with two secluded islands steeped in history, flora and fauna……..paradise just waiting to be discovered!
June Events
4th – 6th June 2015
Cookstown Comedy Festival
The Burnavon & Town Centre, Cookstown
Prepare to be amused as the comedy festival brings humour and laughter to Cookstown over 3 days. Patrick Kielty tops the bill this year. The Dundrum-born stand up star, is bringing the first run of his new show ‘Help!’ to the stage of the Burnavon Theatre on Saturday 6th June, asking his audience to assist as he attempts to rewrite his rules for love, life and happiness. Also confirmed on the programme (Friday 5th June) is the award winning comedian, actor and writer, Ardal O’Hanlon, best known still for playing the hapless Father Dougal in the hit series, Father Ted, and whose TV credits also include Doctor Who, Skins and Live At The Apollo. Up and coming comedian, David O’Doherty, kicks off the 3 nights of laughter at the Burnavon on Thursday 4th June, with his unique blend of talking and songs. Free street entertainment, including puppet shows and live comedy shows on the Cookstown Comedy Carpet outside the theatre is also part of the programme. Telephone: 028 8676 9949 Website: www.burnavon.com
Saturday 6th June
Straw Festival
Magherafelt town centre & Meadowbank Sports Arena
The Straw’s the draw once again in Magherafelt when the annual straw festival, including a carnival parade through the town, takes place. The parade begins at 1pm at Magherafelt High School and makes its way to Meadowbank Sports Arena for an afternoon of family fun. Up to a dozen ‘straw people’ – all designed by local community-based groups – are expected to be on show during the parade, with an exhibition of all the straw creations, afterwards at the sports arena. There’ll be prizes for the best straw creations and entertainment, including food and crafts stalls, until 5pm. Entry £1 per child. For further details Telephone: 028 7963 1510
Sunday: 7th, June, 11am – 4pm
Family Fun Day
The Jungle NI, Moneymore
The Jungle’s Family Fun Day offers an exciting range of outdoor adventure activities at the discounted rate of £3 each or 6 activities for £15. Available on selected Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 11am to 4pm, The Jungle’s Family Fun Day is suitable for ages 3+. With over 15 unique adventure activities to choose from including Archery, Boat Rides, Body Zorbs, Fun Zorbs, Climbing Wall, the Crazy Golf Kart Challenge, Llama Trekking and much more, in addition to Arts and Crafts and Hot Food Stalls all available onsite there is a little something for everyone. The Family Fun Day offers the best activities at the best value and must be booked in advance online at thejungleni.com. Booking essential.
For more information, visit www.thejungleni.com or, call 028 8674 8881.
Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th June
NI Countrysports Fair
Scarvagh House, Scarva, Co Armagh
The NI Countrysports Fair will take place over the weekend of 6 & 7 June 2015 in Scarvagh House, Scarva, Co. Armagh. This is a new event but the team behind it is very much experienced in running game and country fairs. This event will be a two-day extravaganza of all that is great about country sports and country pursuits in Ireland. It is also a celebration of our rural heritage and culture and creates a great family day out for all ages. There will be all the usual country sports competitions, rural life demonstrations, full action packed main arena programme, participation activities and a variety of shopping villages including crafts, artisan food, country clothing and accessories and country lifestyle. With its great atmosphere and value for money ethos, this showcase event is definitely one for the whole family this summer! More information at www.countrysportsfairs.com/
Email: derek@countrysportsfairs.com Tel: 07730678701
Friday 12 June
Active Antrim Road Race
Antrim Stadium, Lough Road, Antrim
This years Road Race features a 5 mile officially measured route in addition to a 1 mile Children’s fun run. The event is great for recreational and competitive runners and includes chip timing.
Registrations are available online at www.athleticsni.org/Fixtures or on the night from 6pm.
For more information contact: Anna Boyle, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council: T: 028 944 63113 E. anna.boyle@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
Saturday 13 June
Family Fun Day and Dragon Boat Race
Antrim Lough Shore Park
For a fantastic family fun day out by the water’s edge, Antrim Lough Shore Park is the place to be on Saturday 13th June from 12 Noon – 3pm. The event is being organised by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, in partnership with Eye Feel Good, whose aim is to raise money through organised events to donate to those living with cancer within the community. The Six Mile Water River will come alive with teams competing in Dragon Boats. The aim of the race is to beat the other competitors and win the coveted title of ‘Antrim Dragon Boat Champions’ and of course to raise money for a very good cause. As well as the river race, spectators can enjoy a Chinese dragon dance display at 2pm and Jump, Jiggle and Jive workshops. There will also be an opportunity to meet animals from Clementsmount mobile farm and World of Owls. Join in the free dragon themed arts and crafts workshops, Build a Brick workshop and visit the W5 stand where you can carry out some of your favourite science tricks. Children are encouraged to enter into the spirit of the day and come along in Dragon costume. Judging will take place at 2.30pm and prizes will be awarded for the most imaginative dragon costume. For further information contact Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on T: 028 9446 3113 or to enter a team contact Richard Fee at Eye Feel Good T: 07877 857220.
13 June, 10am-2pm
Summer Bird Identification
Antrim Castle Gardens
Join our Park Rangers on a fun-filled and informative day as you are guided through the steps of bird identification. The day will comprise a theoretical presentation on bird ID and general information, with an emphasis on summertime bird watching. You will also enjoy a guided walk around the gardens to identify some of our feathered friends. Free of charge. For further details contact: Antrim Castle Gardens, Clotworthy House
Tel: 028 9448 1338
Saturday 13th June 11am – 4pm
Bee Curious
Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island
Fly over to the Discovery Centre and join the Conservation Service as we celebrate the importance of pollinating insects in our local environment.
The session will include a presentation on bees and other pollinators, as well as tours of the vegetable and herb growing areas, wildlife garden, pollinator’s paradise and our very own on site bee hives. This event is sure to create a buzz as you will learn about how to protect and encourage these vital little creatures in your own gardens.
Please contact the Discovery Centre for further details – 028 3832 2205
17th June, 6.45pm
Lisburn Half Marathon
Get your running shoes out and register for the Lisburn Half Marathon, 10k or Fun Run. The events will start from Warren Park. To enter please visit www.lisburnhalfmarathon.com
20 June, 11am – 6pm
Craigavon & district Pipe Band Championships
Lurgan Park
Enjoy the spectacle and sound of World Champion Pipe bands showcasing their extraordinary talent in the beautiful setting of Lurgan Park. Participants include: Battlehill, Bleary and District, the Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band, St Mary’s Derrytrasna, Ballybriest, St Laurance O’Toole, Dublin, Ravara and Cullybackey. There will also be a cultural music stage, kids fairground zone and cuisine court! So don’t miss out on an amazing experience for all the family! Admission for adults is £5 per person with anyone aged 18 years or under admitted for FREE.
For further details check the Website: http://www.lurganpark.com Email: leanne.mcshane@craigavon.gov.uk
Sunday 21st June
Father’s Freebee Day
The Jungle NI, Moneymore, Magherafelt
To celebrate Father’s day, The Jungle are offering Dads a FREE space when their family book either the Mogwli (Kids) Tree Top Adventure Course OR the Taster Tarzan (Adults) Tree Top Adventure Course. Both Tree Top Adventure Courses offer a one hour experience in the canopy of The Jungle’s enchanting forest where participants will enjoy conquering a host of exciting obstacles from cargo nets to swinging ropes and everything in between. Limited spaces available so early booking is recommended. To book call Lee or Oliver on 028 8674 8881.
For more information, visit www.thejungleni.com or, call 028 8674 8881.
Saturday 27th June: 10.00 am – 12 noon
MARVELLOUS MOTHS
Oxford Island
Come along and discover these wonderful creatures. Examine the contents of a moth trap left out overnight to capture these nocturnal creatures. We are sure to be treated to a great diversity of colourful and fascinating creatures.
£4.00 for adults, £2.00 for children. Booking is essential for this event.
