The North –

Festivals & Events 2008

Many events in the North feature traditional music

Armagh & Down St. Patrick’s Festival
When: 10th – 19th March
Where: Armagh, Co. Armagh, and Downpatrick, Do Down
What: Celebration of Ireland’s patron saint including parades, concerts and walking tours.
More Info: Down: Tel. (028) 4372 2222; Armagh: Tel. (028) 3752 1800; Web: www.st-patricksdayfestival.com

Belfast Film Festival
When: 10th - 19th March
Where: Belfast City
What: A host of international cinema and world-class directors converge on Belfast for screenings, workshops and master classes.
More Info: Tel: (028) 9032 5913; Web: www.belfastfilmfestival.org

Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival
When: 1st - 11th May
Where: Belfast
What: An 11 day feast of music, theatre, literature, comedy, circus and the visual arts.
More Info: Tel: (028) 9023 2403; Web: www.cqaf.com

Armagh Apple Blossom Festival
When: End of April.
Where: Armagh.
What: A celebration of the beautiful apple blossom season including guided tours of the apple orchard region, live music and specialty food market.
More Info: Tel: 028 3752 1800; Web: www.visitarmagh.com

Belfast Marathon
When: 5th May.
Where: Belfast City.
What: The 26th annual run of this marathon, starting at Belfast City Hall and finishing at Ormeau Park.
More Info: Tel. (028) 9027 0345; www.belfastcitymarathon.com

Ulster Derby
When: 21st June.
Where: Down Royal Racecourse, Lisburn, Co. Down.
What: Northern Ireland’s richest flat race, the Kentucky Derby of Ulster.
More Info: Tel. (028) 9262 1258; Web: www.downroyal.com

Maiden of the Mournes International Festival
When: 3rd – 10th August.
Where: Warrenpoint.
What: A parade, musical entertainment in the square, sports events and children’s events.
More Info: Tel: 028 4177 2346; Web: www.maidenofthemournes.com

Oul' Lammas Fair
When: Last Week of August.
Where: Ballycastle, Co. Antrim.
What: Ireland's oldest traditional market fair, with horse trading, street entertainment and market stalls.
More Info: Tel: (028) 2076 2024. Web: www.northantrim.com/Thelammasfair.htm

Annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival
When: Last Weekend of August.
Where: Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone
What: Showcase of some of the finest exponents of bluegrass musicians.
More Info: Tel: (028) 8224 3292; Web: www.bluegrassomagh.com

Hillsborough International Oyster Festival
When: Last week of August.
Where: Hillsborough, Co. Down.
What: A celebration of seafood and music in an historic setting.
More Info: Tel: (028) 9266 0038; Web: www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com

Belfast Festival at Queen's
When: 17th October - 1st November.
Where: Belfast City.
What: The largest festival of its kind in Ireland, combining the best of Irish, UK and international culture each year.
More Info: Tel: (028) 9097 1034; Web: www.belfastfestival.com

Armagh Apple Harvest Festival
When: 25th - 26th October.
Where: Armagh.
What: Fireworks display, outdoor concert, fancy dress parade, childrens entertainment and lots more.
More Info: Tel: 028 3752 1800; Web: www.visitarmagh.com

Foyle Film Festival 2008
When: Second week of November.
Where: Derry City.
What: Established in 1987, this festival combines an international film competition of features, shorts, animation and documentary screenings, with presentations by leading experts.
More Info: Tel: (028) 7126 7432; Web: www.foylefilmfestival.com