Ten things to do in Northern Ireland over the holidays

Here is a run-down of some of the best.

· Dalriada Festival, Glenarm Castle, Co. Antrim, July 18 - 23. Enjoy one of Northern Ireland’s biggest cultural family events. The festival has something for everyone from Highland Games, fine foods, celebrity chef demonstrations, arts and crafts, live music and children’s entertainment. www.dalriadafestival.co.uk

· Rose Week, Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park, Belfast, July 18 – 24. The international rose garden at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is one of the world’s leading rose gardens attracting thousands of visitors each year. Rose Week, with its full programme of activities is a celebration of this spectacular rose garden and is now one of Belfast’s most popular annual events.

· Ulster Fleadh, Various locations, Bangor, Co. Down, until July 24. With an impressive combination of literary events, workshops, street entertainment, dancing and singing, this year’s Ulster Fleadh is not to be missed! Throughout the festival there will be performances from Beoga, The Sands Family and many more. Everyone is invited to enjoy the craic as well as the countless family amenities Bangor has to offer!

· Foyle Cup, Various locations, Co Londonderry, July 18 – 24. Join almost 3000 footballers in Derry City and surrounding areas this month and participate in Ireland’s premier festival of football Camaraderie, friendly rivalry and superb hospitality from the local population will make your visit to the 2016 tournament one to remember.

· Hats off to the Hill, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, July 22. Celebrate the beauty of Enniskillen’s Victorian park, The Forthill, overlooking the picturesque island town. With music from the Bandstand, face painting, balloon modelling, animal handling, butterfly & biodiversity trails and a show by Jo-Jingles, the whole family will enjoy this free day out.

· The Whistlin’ Donkeys Live, Alley Theatre, Co. Tyrone, July 22. An extravaganza of traditional Irish rock/folk music with Ireland’s best loved and home grown folk rock band – The Whistlin’ Donkeys. Throughout the evening the Donkeys will perform some of their tops hits and for the first time play a number of tracks from their forthcoming album. Tickets £15. To book call (028) 71 384444

· Food and Drink Exhibition, Armagh Public Library, Co. Armagh, until Aug 6. To coincide with the NI Year of Food and Drink 2016, Armagh Public Library has launched a temporary exhibition exploring the history of food and drink and its cultural importance. The exhibition highlights what the Armagh Public Library holds on eighteenth century food and drink in Ireland, from production to consumption.

· Dine around Deanes at the Races, Belfast, July 22. Place your bets on a great day out and join a culinary experience you won’t forget. Your day will begin with a glass of bubbles on arrival at Deanes Meat Locker, followed by a two-course lunch before you are transported to Down Royal for an afternoon of racing. Return to Deans Love & Fish and finish the evening with Fish and Chips. Cost £50. To book call (028) 90 329080

· Carrowmena Summer Camp, Carrowmena Activity Centre, Co Londonderry, July 18 – 22. Do your kids want to have the best summer ever? Carrowmena’s annual 5 Day Summer Camp for all 8 – 17 year olds promises action packed activities form zip line to canoeing to archery to orienteering. Booking essential. To book call (028) 777 63431

· Butterfly Safari, Portstewart Strand, Co Londonderry, July 23. Join the National Trust Rangers on the hunt to catch and identify the dunes’ fluttering residents. The sand dunes are always full of adventure, but this safari is a timely one as it is butterfly and moth season, so the kids will have a ball.