festivals and fairs down

Saint Patrick himself is buried at Downpatrick, so where better to celebrate his national day. A cross-community programme of entertainments, church services and activities climaxed on the Big day with a cavalcade of floats and fancy dress....

Opera Fringe is an electric mix of opera and opera related events from the UK, Ireland and Europe. The festival runs each June alongside the annual Castleward Opera season at Castleward Estate, providing audience with top quality experiences of opera....

The festival is for the whole community and entrance to all events is free! The festival programme has been developed with people of all ages in mind. It will cover a variety of Ulster-Scots traditions, including language, poetry, music, singing, history, re-enactment and cookery demonstrations. In addition to this, there will be children’s entertainment, competitions, tug of war, parades, a fireworks display and a bonfire; so without a doubt something for all the family!
The festiva...

Rural community festival incorporating family entertainment, sports, drama, song and dance....

Enjoy this festival of a traditional high-country sheep fair, shearing demonstrations, show of sheep, traditional rope making, street stalls, dog racing and much more....

The event will include activity both on and off the water with lots to entertain the kids and adults alike including interactive attractions. Food, music and for the first time it will include a Sailing Regatta orgainised by the Royal Ulster Yacht Club....

A mock or 'Sham Fight' commemorating the Battle of the Boyne - a decisive battle between King James II and William III(William of Orange) for the control of Ireland.
This event always takes place on the 13th of July....

This is a literary festival that attract writers and readers from all over the world. In 2008 the festival will enter its 17th year. The featival has attracted big writers down through the years, which includes Seamus Heaney and Jack Higgins.
There are plenty of book reading, debates and work shops to attend. At this festival you can even pick up tips on how to start writing you own novel.

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