It’s going to be an epic month in the Causeway Coast & Glens! May is here and with it comes a month of excitement and celebration, when some of the biggest events of the year take place.

The world-famous North West 200 will see sporting fans flocking in their thousands to cheer on their favourite sporting legends from 6th-11th May. Towards the end of the month, family-favourite, the Rathlin Sound Festival, returns to the seaside town of Ballycastle and the island of Rathlin, bringing with it a ten-day celebration of music, heritage and culture. If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, there are plenty of intimate workshops to take part in with our independent businesses across area.

Ready for one of the biggest months in the calendar year for Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast & Glens? Here’s what on in May 2024:

May Events in the Causeway Coast & Glens

Cushendun Big Arts Weekend

4th-6th May, Cushendun

Get ready for three days of music, drama, art and poetry for all the family in the Glens of Antrim. This year’s Cushendun Big Arts Weekend will focus on celebrating the village's unique cultural and natural heritage and further explore the theme of myths and legends associated within. This event has become a highlight of the community's calendar, with a programme that includes music, drama, poetry, art, workshops, history, walks, and family activities.

Bank Holiday Weekend Extravaganza at Carrowmena Activity Centre

4th-6th May & 25th-27th May, Limavady

Experience an adrenaline pumping Bank Holiday package at Carrowmena Activity Centre, based outside the market town of Limavady, where you’ll take on the climbing wall, the zipline and try your hand at archery during this three-hour non-stop challenge! Embrace what the water has to offer in an exciting canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding session. The Coffee Pod is the perfect place for the adults to sit back and relax, where they can enjoy a coffee whilst keeping an eye on the kids. Complete the experience with a stay at one of Carrowmena’s luxurious on-site glamping pods, and wake up to early-morning views of Binevenagh Mountain, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Causeway Coast and Glens.

Taste Causeway Chocolate Making Experience at The Chocolate Manor

4th May, Castlerock

Handcraft a delectable collection of chocolate truffles under the guidance of Chief Chocolatier at The Chocolate Manor, Geri Martin, who will guide you through making ganaches with a stunning selection of local artisan products. You will be introduced to a selection of produce from around the Causeway Coast & Glens that can be paired with The Chocolate Manor's superior chocolate, including locally made coffee, gin, rum, sea salt and much more. Savour a hot chocolate drink while your creations set and take home a tempering guide so that you can recreate the chocolate magic at home.

The Spirit of the Bann Whiskey Tasting Tour

4th May, Coleraine

Slowly savour distinctive flavours and the stunning surroundings of the River Bann with White River Charters, on their vintage vessel, 'MV Kingfisher', in collaboration with Causeway Coast Foodie Tours. Their onboard Bushmills whiskey guide will introduce you to a selection of whiskies produced by Old Bushmills Distillery, accompanied by a hand-picked selection of award-winning local produce including charcuterie, cheeses, dipping oils & home-made chutneys from around the Causeway Coast. This is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with those who share your outdoor spirit.

The North West 200

6th-11th May

Northern Ireland’s biggest sporting event of the year takes place this May with the return of the legendary North West 200. Beginning on 6th May, you’ll have the chance to be part of the action with a fantastic programme of road-racing and family-friendly festivities. Meet the Riders on Friday 10th May, before enjoying a special outdoor concert in Portstewart followed by a spectacular fireworks display, the perfect way to celebrate the evening before the big final on Saturday!

Causeway Speciality Market

11th & 25th May, Coleraine

The Causeway Speciality Market, an award-winning outdoor market in Coleraine, is a bustling hub for local produce and crafts. Surrounding the historic Town Hall, it’s a place where artisans and food producers showcase their goods at up to fifty different stalls. From handmade jewellery to artisan breads and sweet treats, it’s a celebration of Northern Ireland’s finest, supporting the ‘shop local’ ethos. Join the community from 9 am to 4 pm for a taste of local life and craftsmanship.

The Edible Flower Bealtaine Workshop

24th May, Limavady

As featured in Vogue and The Irish Times, The Edible Flower hosts a hands-on biscuit decorating workshop with edible flowers, merging culinary skills with cultural history at the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre this May. The session will explore floral flavours in classic bakes and delves into the influence of Celtic festivals like Bealtaine on modern cuisine. Participants gain insight into baking with edible plants, as well as pressing flowers and creating natural dyes. Learn how to make plant infused lemonade to enjoy with your newly created decorated biscuits, and you'll make plenty of extras to take home and share.

Rathlin Sound Festival

2th May - 2nd June, Ballycastle and Rathlin Island

This ten-day celebration of history and culture will have a packed programme full of family festivities in Rathlin Island and Ballycastle this May, with plenty of live music, activities, crafting and cookery demonstrations. Take a stroll through artisan markets, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery around in one of the most picturesque locations in Northern Ireland.

Coast & Country Food Tour

25th May, departs from Coleraine

Indulge in the exceptional food culture of the Causeway Coast with a six-hour tour with Causeway Coast Foodie Tours that will take you on a culinary journey through the heritage and culture of the region. Wendy, your guide, will invite you to relax and savor the unique flavors that make the area famous. You'll travel by a luxurious small coach to five planned stops, where you'll sample locally sourced artisan foods that have won many international awards.

Paella Cookery Class at Ocho Bistro

25th May, Coleraine

Experience the vibrant flavours of Spain with Ocho Bistro’s Paella Cookery Class on the 25th May. Begin with a welcoming breadboard featuring homemade sourdough and dips, complemented by a glass of sparkling cava. Dive into the art of paella-making, followed by a Sangria masterclass to expand your skills. Relax by the water in this tasteful riverside restaurant and enjoy an evening of culinary delight and scenic tranquillity. It’s an ideal way to learn, indulge, and unwind.

Making Your Mark on the Causeway Coast Art Experience

25th May, Portrush

‘Making Your Mark on the Causeway Coast’ is an intuitive art experience which takes place in Frankie Creith's Portrush Art Studio. The popular sessions combine artistic techniques, local landscapes and heritage to create a unique, immersive experience. The experience includes time spent outdoors drawing inspiration from the Causeway Coast scenery. Frankie talks through the landmarks along with some local heritage before the group returns to the studio to create their very own artwork to take home as a tangible memory of time spent on the beautiful Causeway Coast.

Ballymoney Show

31st May - 1st June, Ballymoney

The annual Ballymoney Show is an enjoyable agricultural event offering a fabulous weekend of family fun. On Friday afternoon, there are classes for ponies and light horses, and for dog lovers, there is a Dog Show on Friday evening, as well as YFC football competitions and tug of war. Saturday is the main judging day, where more than a thousand animals will be judged including Clydesdale horses, cattle, sheep, and goats. There will be floral and cookery demonstrations in the Food Village, alongside artisan food and craft stands selling local produce. Enjoy live music over the two days, as well as plenty to keep the kids entertained, with face painting and bouncy castles.

View all upcoming events in the Causeway Coast and Glens here >>>

Will you be joining us for any of these events this month? Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about upcoming events or if you need any assistance planning your trip. Our Visitor Information Team are always happy to help!