May bank holiday north of the border

A Viking boat race. A Vintage Rally. The quest for Ulster’s strongest man. The May bank holiday is a good excuse to go north of the border. Here’s what’s going on in the North’s hotspots.

Co Tyrone

If you fancy making yourself feel self-conscious about the size of your biceps, then a visit to the Burnavon Arts & Cultural Centre in Cookstown for the Ulster’s Strongest man 2011 competition is a must-do. 14 competitors will be on-site to battle it out for the magnificently titled Culcullen Warrior Prince trophy and a place in the Ireland’s Strongest Man finals.

Co Armagh

The big one in Armagh over the weekend is the gathering of tribes at The Navan Centre in Armagh for Beltaine: A Festival of Fire from 30 April to 2 May. The traditional Beltaine Fires will be sparked up before the celebrations get underway. Meanwhile, The Argory will be holding a massive Vintage Rally.

Co Fermanagh

The Share Centre in Lisnaskea is hosting what it has described as a May Day Extravaganza. This translates as a chance to have a go at a range of outdoor activities including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, banana skiing, archery, climbing and orienteering.

If you’re breaking into a cold sweat at the thought, then a leisurely cruise around the Lough with Cot Trips at Crom in Newtownbutler in the 100 year old traditional craft might be more up your street.

Belfast

One notable event to kick off over the May bank holiday in the North’s biggest city is the 1 May NSPCC annual Viking Boat Race at the city’s Cutters Wharf. Teams will battle it out along the River Lagan with the fastest being crowned champs. There is also a prize for the best dressed team.

This is followed up by the 30th Belfast City Marathon on 2 May which breaks tape at City Hall before heading through the North, East, South and West of the city before finishing at Ormeau Park.

The Festival of Fools runs until May Day and finishes up with a host of activity including an individual called Fatt Matt giving a masterclass in control, balance, suspense and dexterity. There will also be comedy and stunts from Captain ID Wales.

Co Down

Reckless abuse at the hands of Marty McFly means time machines are hard to come by these days. However, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Cultra is close enough. Bring the youngsters along for a crack at stripping the willow, buttermaking or to Holywood town centre for the planned Medieval May Day with traditional Maypole dancing, live shows, a food fair and street entertainment.

Co Derry

The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival marks its tenth birthday from 28 April to 1 May. Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will be knocking around the place, as will the strangely monikered King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys.

Co Antrim

If you have a little one in tow, then you could do worse than stopping off at the May Day in the Park at Carnfunnock Country Park in Larne. As well as the standard selection of family activities, there will also be bird of prey and magic shows.

Steamvale Farm in Dundonald, meanwhile, there is a wide range of lambs, pups, chicks, calves, piglets and bunnies waiting to be terrorised by the groping fingers of your kid.

Antrim is also playing host to the 33rd Annual Causeway Coast Challenge Walk – which is a lot tougher than it sounds. The 30km trek follows the coastal path eastwards via the Causeway Headlands to Portbraddan and returns from Portbraddan to Portballintrae.

Accommodation

We’ve happened across some criminally cheap accommodation options for the bank holiday weekend – the Tourist Information Centre offers a string of reduced rate hotel deals.

These include a two-night break including breakfast and one evening meal in Ramada Encore in Belfast from £59.50 pps, £75 pps in The Dunadry in Co Antrim, £99 pps in The Armagh City Hotel in Co Armagh, £89 pps in The Tower Hotel in Co Derry, £150 pps in the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle Co Down, £69 pps in Mahon’s Hotel in Irvinestown Co Fermanagh and £95 pps in Corick House Hotel in Clogher Co Tyrone.

Click here for more information.