Author: Brian Ogle

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SET sail with Stena Line this September and savour, explore and enjoy an unforgettable oyster festival adventure in Scotland.

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Twenty percent of holidaymakers admit they would not know what to do or would take no action at all if they suffered an injury while on holiday abroad, according to research commissioned by Slater and Gordon, despite almost one in five holidaymakers (19 per cent) reporting they have experienced an injury during an overseas trip.

STEPHEN GORDON, travel injury lawyer and practice development leader at Slater and Gordon provides guidance on steps to take after an onboard cruising mishap

CRUISES are among the fastest-growing holiday types, with annual passenger numbers expected to exceed 40 million by 2028. Brits are among Europe’s biggest cruise holiday consumers, with around 2.4 million taking to the seas each year. 

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DISNEY has revealed a major wave of new attractions, experiences and entertainment coming to Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line.

1. 
   Lumarina, Ballyronan, County Londonderry, 15 August. This free family friendly event promises an unforgettable evening filled with something for everyone. Enjoy live music, funfair rides and a range of children’s performances that will delight audiences of all ages. Families can take advantage of the beautiful setting with a woodland walk, explore the playpark and soak up the relaxed festival atmosphere along the lough.

2. Moira Speciality Food Fair 2026, Moira, County Down, 15 and 16 August. Moira Speciality Food Fair returns to Moira Demesne this summer to showcase the rich food heritage and innovative producers of the village and wider region. You’ll get to meet food producers at the top of their game, making delicious creations and award-winning products.

3. Bluegrass BBQ: Cool Hand String Band & Ian Alexander at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 16 August. We’re so excited to have Omagh’s own Cool Hand String Band bringing the local energy and Bluegrass buzz to the Folk Park. Supported by Ian Alexander, you can expect stellar strings and unique sounds at this Bluegrass BBQ.

4. Carnlough Whiskey Festival, Carnlough, County Antrim, 16-23 August. The Carnlough Whiskey Festival promises a week of whiskey, music and craic. Enjoy whiskey tastings, cocktail sessions, boat trips and meet-and-greets with industry leaders and brand ambassadors.

5. The Princess Proms, Belfast, 17 August. We invite you to an enchanting concert, singing the most magical music in all of the land. Prepare for a show stopping performance as we pay tribute to the iconic, heartwarming and nostalgic songs from animations including; Frozen, Wicked, K-Pop Demon Hunters, Moana, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty & The Beast, Anastasia, Pocahontas, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and more.

6. The Stellar Science Show at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, 18-28 August. What does it take to make a star? At AOP labs, Professor Lux and their assistant Ray want to find out. With help from the AOP supercomputer Stellar, join them as they try the impossible. From simple demos that you can try at home to explosive experiments for only the bravest budding scientists, Lux and Ray will expand their minds and bring the fun in the first ever Live Science Show that’s written, directed, and performed by the AOP Team.

7. Ould Lammas Fair, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 22-25 August. The beautiful seaside town of Ballycastle welcomes you to another year of trading, bargaining and a programme packed with entertainment. Sample the famous local favourite, Yellow Man or Dulse, and wander around the Naturally North Coast and Glen’s Artisan Market, which features local fresh produce, quirky handmade crafts and fine art.

8. Ballymena Turns 400 … And We’re Going Super, Ballymena, County Antrim, until 25 August. This year our much-loved town celebrates an incredible milestone as Ballymena turns 400, and we’re marking the occasion in style with a summer packed full of fun, adventure, surprises and celebrations. Whether you’re a local, a regular visitor or planning a day out with the family, get ready to explore our amazing town centre, support our fabulous businesses and help us celebrate 400 years of Ballymena.

9. Clandeboye Festival 2026, Clandeboye Estate, County Down, 22-29 August. Founded in 2001 by acclaimed pianist Barry Douglas, the Clandeboye Festival has become a highlight of Northern Ireland’s cultural calendar. 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the festival, presented in the historic surroundings of the Clandeboye Estate in County Down.

10. Belfast Mela, Belfast, 22-30 August. Prepare to be inspired, delighted, and transported at Belfast Mela. Northern Ireland’s largest and most vibrant celebration of cultural diversity weaves a rich tapestry of music, dance, food, art, theatre, wellbeing, and interactive experiences, transforming iconic venues and public spaces across Belfast into windows to the world.

11. Twilight Tours at Castle Coole, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 28 August. Starting with a drinks reception in the entrance hall, you will take in the grand surroundings of the formal rooms before descending to the basement. There, you will meet the cook in the historic kitchen and conclude your tour with wine, cheese and time to relax and meet the team.

12. Summerfest 26 at Charlie’s Bar, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 30 August. Enjoy a fun filled day with live music, street dancing, delicious food, and festival fun for all ages. From the sounds of traditional Irish music to lively line dancing in the streets, there’s something everyone can enjoy.

13. Dragonfly Festival at WWT Castle Espie, Comber, County Down, until 30 August. Explore a summer of dragonfly themed events and activities with Castle Espie. Discover the magical world of dragonflies and dive into a summer full of wondrous new wetland experiences.

14. The Summer Finale at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down, 31 August. Soak up the beauty of summer as you explore our Trails & Gardens, enjoy a delicious seasonal barbecue, and tuck into a freshly grilled burger. Relax in the sunshine with a drink while enjoying live music in the stunning surroundings of Montalto Estate.

15. Hillsborough Castle Hijinks, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, until 31 August. This summer holiday, Dennis, Minnie, Harsha, Rubi and Gnasher are in trouble… again! Their bonkers go-kart time machine has gone haywire and scattered its pieces over Hillsborough Castle’s 100-acre gardens. Unless they find them, the Beano crew could be stuck in history forever! Gulp!

16. From Here to the White House: Presidential Portraits by Frank McKelvey at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, until 31 August. Discover the stories behind the eleven presidents’ ancestral journeys and how families who departed from Ulster went on to shape American history at the very highest level. Through McKelvey’s portraits, you’ll trace their paths from local townlands to the White House.

17. August Craft Month, various locations across Northern Ireland, August. August Craft Month is an all-island celebration of our unique craft sector. August Craft Month celebrates craft in all its forms, from traditional to contemporary, through workshops, to demonstrations, to exhibitions and lots more for all ages and all levels.

18. Celtic Grá Meal & Show, Derry~Londonderry, Thursdays in August. Experience an authentic night of live traditional Irish music, world-class dancers, and a lively atmosphere in The Gweedore Irish Bar. Settle in with Tradition Irish Beef Stew, raise a glass at the bar, and soak up the buzz.

19. Armagh City Summer Walking Tours, Armagh, County Armagh, until 5 September. One of the best ways to discover more about the story of this city and its citizens from the pre-Christian era up to modern times is to book a guided walking tour which will take you through the city centre at a leisurely pace, stopping off at various locations on a route of approx. 1 km.

20. Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail at Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, County Down, until 6 September. Calling Pokémon fans new and old! Get active outdoors on their Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Team up as a family to search the gardens for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers, and complete your own challenges.

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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IN THE second half of the year, the holiday hot spots of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera offer a more authentic glimpse into island life, where art, tradition, outdoor adventure and gastronomy take centre stage. It’s a time to explore the rich culture and standout calendar dates that define the islands in their truest form.

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NEW research from ABTA – The Travel Association shows that August is the busiest time of the year for young people going on holiday abroad, with 44 per cent of 18-24-year-olds having booked or considering an overseas holiday during the month, compared with a national average of 31 per cent.
 
August is more popular than both July (40 per cent) and June (29 per cent) among this age group and remains the standout month for overseas travel, despite young adults no longer being restricted to school holiday periods. For many, it offers the opportunity to travel with friends and make the most of destinations during the peak summer season, making it an ideal month to travel independently for the first time.
 
With nearly one in ten (nine per cent) of 18-24-year-olds planning holidays intending to book extremely late – less than two weeks before departure – the findings point to many young travellers still looking to book for August and an opportunity to capture this late-booking demand.
 
Graeme Buck, Director of Communications at ABTA – The Travel Association, said: “August is a particularly busy month for young people travelling abroad, and our research suggests there are still those who are planning to travel but haven’t yet made those final decisions, even as little as two weeks’ out from their departure date.
 
“Whether they are booking the trip themselves, or getting the help of their parents, travel professionals can play an important role in helping them find the right holiday, particularly for those who may be booking their first trip without parents or family.”
 
Read ABTA’s full advice for young travellers here: https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/staying-safe-on-holiday/advice-for-young-holidaymakers   

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A HOLIDAY getaway can quickly take a turn for the worse, and not for the reasons many may expect, as slips and trips are revealed as the leading cause for holiday accidents, in new research from law firm Slater and Gordon. 

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THE UK Civil Aviation Authority has published its annual Airport Accessibility Report for 2025/26, highlighting continued improvements in airport accessibility alongside record demand for assistance services.

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Jet2.com has great news for Northern Ireland skiers and snowboarders. Now customers can book flights from Belfast International Airport for Winter 2027/28 to the best slopes in the Austrian Alps.