Author: Brian Ogle

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BRITISH holidaymakers face a summer travel lottery amid the global jet fuel crisis – with some airlines better placed than others to dodge anticipated flight chaos.

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MORE than a third of Northern Irish holidaymakers say they have delayed making travel plans this summer due to recent global events, according to new research.

KEFLAVIK (KEF) Airport, Reykjavik, has launched the world’s first on-site airport tour programme – its very own series of guided tours designed to offer visitors another view of Iceland before departing.

1. Ballyscullion Park Book Festival, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 16 – 17 May. Nestled in the heart of the Northern Irish countryside, Ballyscullion Park Book Festival offers a truly unforgettable literary experience. Set within the beautifully Walled Garden of Ballyscullion Park, the festival blends world-class literary talent with the warmth and intimacy of a family-run venue, creating an atmosphere that is as inspiring as it is welcoming.
   
2. Balmoral Show, Lisburn, County Antrim, 13-16 May. The 157th Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank will kick off at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn with something for everyone. From competitive livestock classes to award-winning local produce, sensational show-jumping competitions and live stunt displays, there’s never a dull moment across the showgrounds.
   
3. Garden History Tour at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down, 16 May. Explore the stories behind the landscape, historic features and the dynasties that have shaped the estate over the years. This is a fascinating guided walk led by Ken Dawson, for anyone who loves gardens, history and the beauty of the past brought to life.
   
4. National Drawing Day at Ulster Museum, Belfast, 16 May. Embrace your creativity and pick up a pencil. There’ll be many opportunities to draw objects relating to their exhibitions, or head to one of their Discovery Centres on Level 1, 3 and 5 to focus on an item from the museum collections. This event is free and open to all.
   
5. Roe Valley Speciality Market, Limavady, County Londonderry, 16 May. If you love local fresh food, quirky handmade crafts, fine art, and speciality products, visit a speciality market day at Drumceatt Square, Limavady’s only communal public square. This small, friendly outdoor market features speciality food, art and handmade craft.
   
6. UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship 2026, Belfast, Larne & Coleraine, 4 –17 May. Northern Ireland’s hosting of the 2026 UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship finals has kicked off. Northern Ireland, who make their debut in the eight-team tournament, will take on England, Germany and Norway in Group A. Group B includes France, Finland, Spain and Poland.
   
7. Golden Hour Alpaca Trekking Experience in Ballynahinch, County Down, select dates in May. Discover the ultimate blend of adventure and indulgence with a brand-new activity: Golden Hour Alpaca Trekking & Luxury Charcuterie Board. Exclusively designed for adults, this unique experience combines the serene beauty of a guided alpaca trek along their purpose-built scenic alpaca trekking trail with the gourmet delight of a specially curated charcuterie board, all set against the enchanting backdrop of the golden hour.
8. Enniskillen International Spring Market, County Fermanagh, 15-17 May. The Enniskillen International Spring Market returns to Enniskillen Castle, on the shores of the River Erne. Food and crafts from around the world can be enjoyed in the historic grounds of the Castle.
   
9. Visit Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, County Armagh, visit website for open dates and times. Navan Centre & Fort, located just two miles from Armagh City, is a place where myth and reality meet. As the ancient seat of Kings and the earliest capital of Ulster, there is plenty to explore.
   
10. Coalisland Summer Bash, Coalisland, County Tyrone, 17 May. The free family event, organised by Mid Ulster District Council, will take place at the Shared Space, Lineside from 10.30am – 1pm to coincide with the annual Newell Stores 10k and 5k run. During the event, visitors, runners and supporters can enjoy a host of free family friendly activities including face painting, walkabout characters, large games and the return of the very popular bubble bike with hundreds of bubbles a minute.

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.

Subject to availabilities with select dates.

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UK consumer champion Jet2 has published data showing how consumers are increasingly seeking the assurance of a package holiday.

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WITH reports in the media speculating about fuel supplies and cancellations, ABTA has provided the following clarification and reassurance for customers:

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JET2HOLIDAYS has expanded its Eurocamp portfolio for Summer 2026 to now include parks across Mainland Spain, providing families with even more choice when it comes to booking a Eurocamp holiday with the UK’s largest tour operator.

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 UK consumer champion Jet2 has geared up for a bumper May Day Bank Holiday weekend, when it will take more customers on their well-deserved holidays over the period than ever before.

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EASYJET has announced two new routes from Belfast to Rome Fiumicino and Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt.