Everything worth getting out for across Northern Ireland this weekend — 24 events on Saturday 12 September and Sunday 13 September. This page rebuilds every hour, so it is current.
Best first, not soonest first. These are ranked by how much of a moment they actually are — one-off festivals, markets and shows come above things that happen to be open anyway.
Spread across the country on purpose. We cap how many listings any one town can take, so this is not just twenty things in Belfast. If nothing here is near you, the map will find what is.
Always check the organiser’s page before you travel. We list what has been published, but times change, tickets sell out and outdoor events get cancelled for weather. Every listing links straight to the source.
Free is marked. Anything showing “Free” costs nothing to attend. Northern Ireland has a lot of these — markets, trails, park events and council days out — and they are usually the best of a weekend with children.
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European Heritage Weekend (EHOD) 2026
Mount Stewart, Newtownards · Sat 12 Sep & Sun 13 Sep, 10:00
Join us this EHOD and explore Mount Stewart, with free entry for all visitors on 12 and 13 September 2026.
Come and meet our staff and volunteers, and learn more about the amazing places we look after.
Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and stories of Ireland’s railway heritage at Whitehead Railway Museum for European Heritage Open Day! Enjoy free entry to the m See more Carrickfergus
Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Limavady · Sat 12 Sep, 20:00
An evening tribute concert where Ireland's Stephen Butler and a live band perform Garth Brooks hits like Friends in Low Places, The Dance and Unanswered Prayers across a two-hour show. It's a late-starting live music night (doors 7:30pm) aimed at country music fans rather than a children's activity.
Walk and Sketch Session with Sarah Carrington | Downhill Demesne
Mussenden Road, Castlerock · Sat 12 Sep
Join Local Landscape Artist, Sarah Carrington for a vibrant walk-and-sketch session at the iconic Downhill Demesne, where dramatic clifftop views and historic buildings bring endless inspiration for your canvas.
Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, Castlerock · Sun 13 Sep, 11:00
National Trust open day at the clifftop Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, where visitors can explore the historic temple, ruined mansion and coastal parkland with free heritage access.
English Is iad Na Leanaí clann agus garchlann Mhuintir Sands, teaghlach atá á lua le ceol tíre na hÉireann leis na glúnta. I ndiaidh a n-óige a chaitheamh ag leanstan a dtuismit See more Music and audio Maghera
The Wee Binnian Walkers, the Social Club that walks, warmly invites you to join us for our 2026 hillwalking festival. Throughout the weekend you will have the opportunity to hike in the Mourne and Cooley mountains, both areas of outstanding…
Mount Stewart, Newtownards · On now, until Sun 27 Sep, 11:30
The Temple of the Winds is one of the historic features to explore at Mount Stewart, a National Trust estate on the Portaferry Road near Newtownards, opening from 11:30 with last entry at 3pm. A visit also takes in the mansion house, formal gardens and woodland trails, with a tea-room, second-hand bookshop, gift shop and baby-changing and accessible toilets across the site. With under 5s going free and family tickets available, it suits families wanting an outdoor day out with plenty of walking and things to see.
Castle Ward, Strangford · On now, until Sun 27 Sep, 13:30
Watch the lovingly restored water-powered cornmill at Castle Ward fired up as it turns wheat into edible grains, with the massive grindstones in action and the machinery clunking and whirring. Volunteers are on hand to demonstrate and answer questions, bringing everyday 18th and 19th century mill life to life. Children are very welcome, and both floors of the building can be reached without steps.
Join us for guided nature walks at Creggan Country Park exploring the importance of protecting and reconnecting with our natural heritage at a time when many landscapes, traditions, and native species are increasingly at risk.
The Enormous Crocodile Craft Time for Roald Dahl Day — Greystone Library
Greystone Library, Antrim · On now, until Sat 12 Sep, 14:00
The Enormous Crocodile Craft Time Get ready for a snappy, chompy and giggle-filled craft session as we celebrate Roald Dahl Day! Inspired by the mischievous crocodile from The Enormous Crocodile novel, children can create their very own enormous crocodiles using plenty of imagination.Children aged 6-12 years; children aged 8 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.Booking Essential. t: 028 9446 3891 e: [email protected]
Sensory Sessions with Crindle Stables - Autism & SEN Friendly
Limavady · Sat 12 Sep
B.R.I.D.L.E – Bringing Riding Into Disabled Lives Equally. Join Crindle Stables for Autism-Friendly Sensory Horse Riding Sessions, catering to children and adults. Experience engaging horseback games, obstacle courses, and scenic trails in a…
Various Locations, Enniskillen · Sat 12 Sep & Sun 13 Sep
Hi Everyone We have a special guest coming to visit Maginn's Cornmill for the European Heritage Open Days #EHOD2026 . Sebastian Graham from Mills of Northern Ireland is coming to See more
The iconic Dunluce Castle was built by the MacQuillan family around 1500 and seized by the MacDonnell’s in the 1550s during an era of violence and rebellion. The dramatic history is matched by tales of a banshee and how the castle kitchens fell into…
AADE Teachers Art & Design Exhibition — Holywood Library
Holywood Library · On now, until Sat 19 Sep, 10:00
A unique exhibition featuring original work by over 50 art and design teachers and lecturers. Discover over 100 pieces of original art that will include paintings, sculpture, jewellery and ceramics while supporting a children's mental health charity.
National Trust Castle Ward, Strangford · Sat 12 Sep
Castle Ward is considered one of the National Trust’s most eccentric properties. Historically the family seat of the Viscounts Bangor, it is notable for its breath-taking landscape and celebration of 18th century theatricality and playfulness.
Ormeau Park, Belfast · Sat 12 Sep & Sun 13 Sep, 09:00
"My Belfast Window", a workshop delivered by local artist Shauna Fox which is designed for children and families from multicultural backgrounds.The session welcomes all those who wish to celebrate and learn about the cultural diversity that shapes Belfast.Suitable for ages 5 – 12. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.Booking essential. t: 028 9050 9150e: [email protected]
Castle Ward, Strangford · Sat 12 Sep & Sun 13 Sep, 10:00
The Argory will be celebrating European Heritage Open Day (EHOD) on 12 September 2026 with FREE ENTRY into the estate. Come and meet our staff and volunteers, and learn more about the amazing places we look after.
Larne Museum & Arts Centre, Antrim · Sat 12 Sep, 10:00
Larne Museum & Arts Centre opens on Saturday, with the John Clifford Gallery hosting "Retrospective and Some New Inspirations", an art exhibition by Margaret Mathews. You can also take, borrow or donate a book at the on-site Little Free Library, and explore the permanent gallery covering the area's agricultural, industrial, military and maritime history. Suitable for all ages, with disabled access available.
Enjoy a free tour and explore the historic Hill of The O’Neill and the interactive exhibition in Ranfurly House. Visitors will learn about a period in history that dates back over 2,000 years to the Iron Age.
Weekly, every Saturday from 12:30pm to 1:00pm. Suitable for ages 4-8 years.Storytime sessions help children develop a love of books, improve their listening skills, inspire creativity and feeds their imagination. Join our friendly staff as they read popular books and introduce children to a whole range of different authors. Please contact the library for more information.t: 028 7082 3718 · Recurring 02/05/2026 12:30pm – 26/06/2027 1:00pm
Every Saturday from 11:00am - 11:30am.Rhythm and Rhyme sessions introduce parents and children aged 0 - 4 years to the wonder of rhymes, songs and stories.Each session offers an entertaining opportunity for children to engage with others, provides a good foundation to develop their reading, listening and language skills and of course to have lots of fun! · Recurring 02/05/2026 11:00am – 26/06/2027 11:30am
This page lists 24 events happening on Saturday 12 September and Sunday 13 September across Northern Ireland, ranked best first. It is rebuilt every hour from our live events feed, so it reflects what has been published right now.
Are there free things on this weekend?
Yes — 8 of the events listed here are free to attend. Free events are marked with the word “Free” on the ticket line.
How often is this page updated?
Every hour. The site rebuilds itself from our live events feed on an hourly schedule, so new listings appear and finished ones drop off without anyone having to edit the page.
What if nothing here is near me?
Use the map — it has around 2,000 family days out across Northern Ireland with a near-me search, so you can find something close even on a weekend with nothing big on locally.
Not sure where to start?
Pick your weekend in one line
Weather looking bad? See the best rainy-day days out — museums, soft play, pools and indoor adventure across NI.
Spending nothing? Anything marked Free above, plus fifty more free days out that run all year round.
Looking further ahead? Browse all our Northern Ireland guides. Everything here comes from our live events feed. About 2,000 more family days out across Northern Ireland are on our free map, with full guides and what’s on near you.
