The North –

Festivals & Events 2009

Many events in the North feature traditional music

World Rally Championship in the North & Northwest

When: 29 January – 1 February

Where: Counties Donegal, Sligo, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Leitrim, Roscommon, Cavan and Antrim.

What: A world-class car rally traversing six counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland. TV coverage will beam the action to millions of viewers in over 180 countries and at least 250,000 spectators are expected to see it first-hand.

More Info: www.rallyireland.org

Armagh & Down St. Patrick’s Festival
When: 11 – 18 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.saintpatrickscountry.com

Belfast Film Festival
When: 10 - 19 April
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: 30 April - 10 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: First Week of May
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: 4 May.
Where: Belfast City.
What: An annual mid-city run, starting at Belfast City Hall and finishing at Ormeau Park.
More Info: Tel. (028) 9027 0345; www.belfastcitymarathon.com

Ulster Derby
When: 20 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: 2 – 9 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: 24 & 25 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: 6 - 8 September
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: 3 - 7 September
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: 18 October - 2 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: Last Weekend of 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
When: 20 - 28 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