10 Things to Do Over Easter Weekend 2017 in Belfast

Explore the Ulster Museum with a spring twist – be on the lookout for mysterious items while you follow an Easter Trail. You’ll have to race against other visitors, and when you complete the trail, your reward will be a special surprise! With five floors and amazing exhibits, including an Egyptian mummy and special fluorescent rock exhibit, this will be one of the most historic and interactive Easter trails in the entire city.

The Easter Trail takes place from Apr 15–18, 2017.

Springtime brings new life, and you can see it all at Streamvale Farm. Their Easter celebration is truly something, from a petting zoo and feeding programme to tractor rides, role playing farms and special Q&As with the vets responsible for the farm. There’s even an Easter Egg Trail during Easter Weekend to top it all off. If you love all things fluffy and new, be sure to make the trip to this farm.

The Easter Animal Fun event takes place from April 8–23, 2017.

Streamvale Open Farm, 38 Ballyhanwood Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, +44 28 9048 3244

This delicious event is sponsored by Cadbury; an afternoon Easter Trail will take place from 12 p.m.–5 p.m. through the grounds of The Argory, a 130-hectare estate that includes its own river walk and lime tree walk, which are brimming with Northern Irish wildlife year-round. This estate is protected by the National Trust and showcases one of the best Easter trails each year, which is only £1 for each child to participate.

The Easter Egg Trail takes place from Apr 10–23, 2017.

The Argory, 144 Derrycaw Rd, Dungannon, Northern Ireland, UK, +44 28 8778 4753

Spring at The Argory | © Geoff McHugh / Flickr

Renowned theatre company ‘Theatre Without Walls’ will break the fourth wall this Easter with an interactive performance in Hillsborough Castle, just outside Belfast city via the M1 motorway. Skilled costumed actors will lead you through the castle estate and gardens while they explore the story of those who travelled far and wide to bring the exotic plants of the world to Northern Ireland. They’ll take you through secret paths and gardens, and craft materials are available all day in the general admissions office.

The Wild and Wonderful Easter Explorers event will run from Apr 15–17, 2017.

Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, Main Street, Hillsborough, Northern Ireland, UK, +44 28 9268 1308

Want to do something a little different this Easter? Why not visit Belfast Zoo, where the staff will be giving the animals special feeding demonstrations and discussing the ongoing conservation efforts to protect the world’s most endangered and vulnerable classed animals. You can also find hidden clues around the Zoological gardens, as you discover more about the residents, to win Easter prizes throughout the event period.

The Easter Extravagan-zoo takes place from Apr 14–18, 2017.

Belfast Zoo, Antrim Rd, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, +44 28 9077 6277

Belfast Zoo | © Ken Witherow / Flickr

Fresh from the release of Warner Bros’ hit movie, The LEGO® Batman Movie, Lisburn city, just 15 minutes outside Northern Ireland’s capital, will be holding a special LEGO® event. There’ll be workshops running in Market Square from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., with special mascot appearances from LEGO® Batman and Emmett (Chris Pratt’s savvy plastic figurine in The LEGO® Movie) and LEGO® racing championships.

The Easter LEGO® Extravaganza will take place on Apr 15, 2017.

Lisburn Visitor Centre, 15 Lisburn Square, Lisburn, Northern Ireland, UK, +44 28 9244 7622

You need to try an afternoon tea in Europe’s number one attraction – awarded the title in 2016 – below the recognisable Grand Staircase (which featured in the 1997 Titanic movie). With five-star service, endless choices of sandwiches, patisserie platters and savoury treats, this is the luxury Easter experience you deserve.

Afternoon tea will cost £26 per person and £31 per person, with the addition of Prosecco. The Easter Afternoon Tea event will take place on Apr 16, 2017. You can book a place here.

Titanic Belfast, 1 Olympic Way, Queens Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, +44 28 9076 6386

Afternoon Tea at the Titanic Quarter | © Titanic Belfast / Flickr

This family-friendly event will take place in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter arts venue, The MAC theatre, where you’ll run around looking for clues, treats and Easter fun. A few days later, come back in to make a traditional Easter bonnet or spring hat with the little ones.

The Great MAC Easter Egg Hunt will take place from Apr 15–16, 2017. You can access the Hats Off To Spring workshops from Apr 17–18, 2017.

The MAC, 10 Exchange Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, +44 28 9023 5053

Most people will never live their dreams and ride the Hogwarts Express, but they can head to Belfast centre during Easter and hop on a real steam train, run by Steam Trains Ireland. The train will take you outside Belfast to Whitehead, the lively seaside town located in County Antrim where coloured houses line the rocky shore. As a bonus with your ticket, you’ll get an Easter egg to enjoy during the ride!

The Easter Eggspress Steam Train will take place on Apr 17–18, 2017.

Steam Trains Ireland, Central Station, East Bridge Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, +44 28 9066 6630

Steam Trains Ireland | © William Murphy / Flickr

Near the capital, Bangor town will host an amazing street carnival in the McKee Clock Arena, including an appearance from famed biker Adam Raga, who will perform for the crowd in the town Trial Bikes Show. The Spanish Supremo will also appear, joined by world-renowned street acts, comedians, stunt artists and wonderful food from 12 p.m.–5 p.m., Easter Monday.

This event will take place on Easter Monday, which is on Apr 17, 2017.

Bangor Tourist Centre, Tower House, 34 Quay St, Bangor, Northern Ireland, UK, +44 28 9127 0069