Explore Northern Ireland's Heritage and Arts this September

Northern Ireland has a rich cultural heritage and a thriving arts scene.  With some top events taking place this September, it's the perfect opportunity to soak up some culture. 

The European Heritage Open Days take place over the weekend of 11th – 12th September, offering a unique opportunity to visit some of Northern Ireland’s most intriguing buildings and historic sites.  Many of these are not normally open to the public so it’s your chance to see inside cottages and castles, mills and mansions, public and private properties and much more – and all for free.

2010 promises to be the biggest year yet for this European-wide celebration of built heritage, now celebrating its 25th year.  There will be over 260 places to see and things to do across each of the six counties, including around 70 attractions in Belfast including Stormont Parliament Buildings and Castle, City Hall and the Grand Opera House. 

A number of sites are also holding special 'Bringing History Alive' events, where children (and big kids, too) can meet colourful characters and enjoy historical re-enactments.  These include Carrickfergus Castle and Dunluce Castle in County Antrim, Devenish Island Monastic Site in County Fermanagh, Inch Abbey in County Down, Newtownstewart Castle in County Tyrone and the Power House at Roe Valley Country Park in County Londonderry.

Northern Ireland boasts an impressive number and range of historic buildings and locations, from megalithic arrangements, Christian heritage sites and defensive forts to stately homes, old lock-keepers’ houses and charming museums and libraries.  For ideas of places to explore at any time of year see Attractions in Northern Ireland. 

Flourishing Arts Scene

The arts are going through something of a renaissance in Northern Ireland, which is home to an impressive number of visual artists, sculptors, craftspeople, musicians and drama groups.  You can see this new-found creative energy for yourself at a number of exciting events this September. 

Festival of the Peninsula, taking place along the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down from 15th - 19th September, is a celebration of the arts and heritage of the local area and beyond.  Highlights this year include prolific Newry-born singer/songwriter Kieran Goss, an evening of 'Music, Memory and Mirth' presented by Ards Writers, arts and crafts demonstrations by local artists and a classical music evening at Mount Stewart House and Gardens. 

Belfast will show off its cultured side once again as Culture Night (24th September) lights up the cobbled streets of the trendy Cathedral Quarter.  Highlights include the city's largest drumming circle, choirs by candlelight at St. Patrick’s Church, carnival workshops at Buoy’s Park and storytelling, readings, dancing and musical performances late into the evening at Central Library.  Meanwhile, Enniskillen Arts Festival in County Fermanagh (30th September - 3rd October) promises fun for all the family with visual art, drama, literature, live music, street theatre and free creative workshops for young people from BBC Blast on Tour.

Leading Light in literature

With two top literature festivals taking place, September is also the ideal time to explore our remarkable literary heritage.  Northern Ireland is the birthplace of Seamus Heaney, arguably the world's greatest living poet and Nobel Laureate.  Other top literary exports have included C.S. Lewis (who credited the Mourne Mountains as the inspiration for the magical world of Narnia), Louis MacNeice, John Hewitt, Brian Friel, Michael Longley and more recently, poet Leontia Flynn and writer/illustrator Oliver Jeffers. 

The ninth Benedict Kiely Literary Weekend takes place in Omagh, County Tyrone from 9th - 12th September, commemorating one of the most distinguished figures in twentieth century Irish literature, born in nearby Dromore.  This year the theme is 'The Shortest Way Home' and includes discussions, readings, writing workshops, an art exhibition and a bus tour. 

In Bangor, County Down the Aspects Literature Festival returns for its 23rd year from 22nd - 26th September.  A host of visiting writers will include Fergal Keane, Chris Binchy and a rare public appearance from Seamus Heaney.  Emerging writers can learn tips on getting published from Northern Ireland's only full-time literary agency or present their new work at an 'Over to You' session.  There will also be live music and an appearence by comedian Ardal O'Hanlon. 

For ideas of other upcoming events, see Events in Northern Ireland.