There's so much happening in the region this month that will leave you in awe! From stunning landscapes to thrilling outdoor activities, there's something for everyone. Lets dive into what's on!
The month of May
Art Exhibition, The Saint Patrick's Centre, Downpatrick
Downpatrick Art Society invite you to come along and enjoy some great art on display 9am - 5pm daily.
1 - 29 May
Cranfield Alpaca Beach Treks, Kilkeel
Meet your friendly alpaca and take them for a leisurely stroll down country lanes, enjoying the stunning views as you head down to our beautiful, golden beach. Our Alpacas absolutely adore being walked on the beach. Join them for some fun in the sand and have an experience unlike any other.
1 May - 28 September
`The Story of Newry' Walking Tour, Newry
Join storyteller and tour guide Sinead Rice McAleavey to explore Newry city. Newry’s heritage and colourful history will be brought to life on this imaginative stroll, which tells the stories of our famous and infamous people, waterways, public spaces and fine buildings.
4 - 25 May
Alpaca Adventure Trail, Cranfield, Kilkeel
Meet, mingle, feed and herd our charming Alpacas surrounded by panoramic views of the Mournes and Carlingford Lough. Our alpaca adventure trail experience lets you get up close to our family of Alpacas whilst enjoying tales of Vikings, Knights, Emigration, Greencastle Aerodrome and learning about the Mourne Mountains, Carlingford Lough and Greencastle Castle. Children will love our treasure hunt and adults are awarded their alpaca adventure herding certificate – to frame when you get home!
4 - 25 May
Alpaca Field Walk Experience, Cranfield, Kilkeel
Enjoy a Cranfield Alpaca Field Walk, which are absolutely perfect for families with children of all ages. Take one of our gorgeous alpacas for a walk around the paddocks in our field with stunning views of the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough.
4 May - 10 August
Saint Patrick's Camino, Newcastle
Saint Patrick's Camino, Newcastle. Take a scenic coach journey to Trassey Car Park in the shadow of Meelmore Mountain and walk Saint Patrick's Camino through Tollymore Forest Park. Cross the Shimna River and onward to Newcastle for a well- deserved ice cream by the sea in the afternoon.
6 May - 30 May
'Family Trees & Six Degrees' - Downpatrick - Visit Mourne Mountains
An exhibition and Participatory Art Event.
10 May - 6 September
Patrick and The Pagan Hills, Downpatrick
Half Day, 6 miles including guide, lunch & transfer.
13 May - 27 May
Nature Through My Autistic Eyes Photography Exhibition, Newcastle
This exhibition will exhibit the brillant work of an inspiration and amazing landscape and nature photographer with Autism and Verbal Dyspraxia called Nathan " Nat " Pierson (myself), I travelled all around everywhere in search of amazing photography opportunities and I learn photography all by myself. So call and visit my photography exhibition to view my amazing work, say hello and have a chat with myself and support your local photographer with Autism and Verbal Dyspraxia.
14 May
Newcastle Community Cinema - "On the Adamant"
15 May
Supper Club, Scoper's, Dundrum
17 May
Abba Sensations at Canal Court Hotel & Spa, Newry
17 May
Pots, Petals & Pizza Evening, Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch
Come and join us in The Café at Montalto for a fun and interactive evening with arguably two of the best combinations - petals and pizzas! On this evening, you will discover how to pick and design a beautiful floral plant pot to match the upcoming summer season. Select your own plants from a wide variety available and with the creative assistance of our head gardener, you will put together a floral pot to adorn your garden. Rewind and relax with a fresh artisan pizza from our pizza oven and a choice of a glass of Montalto Wine or bottled beer to compliment your evening.
17 & 18 May
Donard Theatre Group present `Dying To Meet You', Annesley Hall, Newcastle
Donard Theatre Group, a drama group now in their 42nd year, present "Dying To Meet You" – a slapstick comedy with twists and turns till the very end...
18 May
Whitewater Brewery Tour & Taste, Castlewellan
Tour & Tasting at the Multi award winning Whitewater Brewery.
Visit Whitewater Brewery in Castlewellan and hear about how it all started, get to see into the heart of the brewery and get to taste some of their multi award winning beers.
Settle down in the taproom after the tour and enjoy one of their amazing sourdough pizzas.
18 May
Hot House Flowers at Newry Town Hall
18 May
Newcastle Community Cinema - "That They May Face The Rising Sun"
18 May
Take That - Rule The World Tribute Show, Skylite Room, Warrenpoint
18 May
Teddy Bear's Picnic at Rowallane Gardens, Saintfield
19 May
Summer Market at NCC, Newcastle
20 May
Liam Ó Maonlaí in Concert, The Rostrevor Inn, Rostrevor
Best known as the Hothouse Flowers' frontman, Liam O'Maonlai has more recently carved out a successful solo career as a musician, songwriter, and artist. Liam grew up surrounded by music, learning to play piano and to sing in his native Irish at an early age. In 1981 he won an all-Ireland award for under 18 bodhran playing, and has received many awards as a tin whistle and piano player, dancer, and singer over the years.
21 May
Newcastle Community Cinema - "The Snail and the Whale"
22 - 28 May
Guiness 25th Annual International Blues on the Bay Festival, Warrenpoint
23 May
Wonky Donkey Beer & Cheese Night, Kinedale Donkeys, Ballynahinch
24 May
Downpatrick Racecourse - (evening meeting)
Downpatrick Race Course has a long and interesting history. The first race meeting was originally held over 300 years ago in 1685 at the old grounds a few miles down the road from where it is situated today. Racing has continued to take place throughout the years with few interruptions since the first race. The current Racecourse is situated one mile away from the centre of the historic town of Downpatrick and racing has been held on the present course for more than 150 years. Enjoy a fun day out with live racing followed by live music.
24 May
Al Porter Comedy Show, The Bank, Newry
25 May
Beeswax Workshop, Ballynahinch
Join us for a delightful and eco-conscious workshop at Kinedale Donkeys in Ballynahinch, where under the expert guidance of Amanda, you'll create beeswax rolled candles. These sustainable creations will not only enhance your daily life but also make your evenings warm and inviting.
25 May
Wild River Dipping, Newcastle
Hike to the secret spots and immerse in the rivers of the Mourne Mountains. An activity that explores the trending cold water and wild swimming craze. Including hiking, wild dipping, forest bathing and cold water therapy. Our trained and highly experienced Mountain Leaders and cold water specialists guide you into the hidden landscapes of the Mourne Mountains to the spots we love the most. Visitors will experience how to safely and enjoyable enter the world of cold water therapy and wild swimming, whilst we take you through the fundamentals.
25 May
Celtic Kindness at Castle Ward, Strangford
Step into an original, historical, musical experience with the Celtic Grace trio in Castle Ward Mansion.
25 May
Historic Chimney Rock Hike, Newcastle
Hike up Chimney Rock a walk through history. Hike Begins at Carrick Little Glamping (parking cost £3). From here we take a short walk down the road before heading up the mountain trail towards long Seefin and following the wall we then head up as far as the Bloody Bridge trail before heading up the old railway track to Carrs face, this is one of the last 3 rail rail system in Ireland. From here we head up on to Chimney rock summit seeing the aircrash monument from World war 2 before heading into the valley seeing parts of the plane crash site, then heading back to the cars.
26 May
Newry Half Marathon, Newry
26 May
Wee Binnian Walkers - Spelga Dam (Spelga Skyline)
27 May
Alpaca-palooza & Donkey Delight at Castle Ward, Strangford
27 May
Alfi Concert, The Rostrevor Inn
Alfi 'The album captures the organic, full-bodied spirit of their live shows, as well as the distinctive personalities of the players – and marks Alfi as a vital force in Ireland's ever-diversifying folk scene' (Hot Press).
29 May
Supper Club, Scoper's, Dundrum
29 May
Montalto House, Guided Tour, Ballynahinch
Your visit will begin with a warm welcome while you enjoy tea, coffee and homemade shortbread in the beautiful Montalto House. Following this, your guided tour will commence. This will enable you to explore the grandeur of this 18th century Georgian mansion along with its wonderful collection of original art and antiques.
29 May
Castlewellan Yarnspinners with Anne Harper, Castlewellan Library.
31 May
