As the Easter break heralds the arrival of April, the Causeway Coast and Glens awaken with plenty of festive fun. This month, you can look forward to a series of events that capture the essence of spring’s renewal.
Embark on a journey through the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast and Glens, where each event is a chance to create new memories and traditions. Try your hand at a cookery class, or join us for a festival of carnival colour at the Ballymoney Spring Fair. Get creative on an artistic workshop by the coast, or treat the kids to an exciting chocolate-making workshop over the Easter Break. Here’s what’s on in the Causeway Coast and Glens this April:
April Events in the Causeway Coast and Glens
Ballycastle Artisan Market
1st April | Ballycastle
Step into the Marine Hotel in Ballycastle this Easter Monday and discover the Naturally North Coast and Glens Market. This market is not just a place to shop; it’s a vibrant community gathering where the air is rich with the aroma of good food and the buzz of local chatter. Here, dedicated artisans showcase their passion through their handmade creations, offering a piece of Northern Ireland’s culture, heritage, and traditions. Whether you’re a foodie, a lover of fine crafts, or simply in search of a genuine slice of local life, this market is the place to be.
Kids Easter Chocolate Making Experience
1st & 2nd April | Castlerock
Embark on an ‘eggs-traordinary’ adventure at The Chocolate Manor in Castlerock, where the sweetest Easter delights await. This one-hour, kids-only experience is a chocolate lover’s dream, offering a chance to create three unique chocolate masterpieces with the finest Belgian chocolate. As the little chocolatiers watch their creations take shape, they’ll enjoy refreshments, and once set, they’ll package their handcrafted treats to share or savour at home. Aprons are on hand to catch those chocolatey spills, but it’s wise to tie back long hair for this deliciously messy escapade!
Bishop’s Gate Garden and Forest Easter Walk
3rd April | Downhill
Take a gentle stroll with Head Gardener at Downhill Estate, Una, through the enchanting Bog Garden and Bishop’s Gate Arboretum. As you meander along the nature trail in the grounds of Downhill, maintained with care by Una and her team, you’ll be greeted by an array of blooms that herald the season. The walk offers a chance to admire not only the vibrant flowers but also the exotic and ornamental trees that add to the arboretum’s charm. It’s a morning of tranquillity and natural beauty, perfect for anyone looking to connect with nature and enjoy the artistry of expert gardening.
Thursday Movie Nights at The Bushmills Inn
Every Thursday | Bushmills
The Bushmills Inn transforms a night at the movies into an exquisite experience with its boutique cinema. Your evening begins with a delightful two-course meal from the Cinema Supper Menu, served at 6:00 pm, before the movie magic begins at 8:00 pm. Whether you’re a movie buff or just looking for a unique night out, this is an experience that promises to leave you with lasting memories.
Sunset Ramble at the Giant’s Causeway
5th April | Bushmills
Step into the awakening beauty of spring with Dr Cliff Henry, Nature Engagement Officer at the Giant’s Causeway, for a ‘Step into Spring’ Sunset Ramble. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Causeway cliffs, you’ll get a unique opportunity to witness the wild in its most enchanting hour. As the fulmars glide back to their nests and the skylarks serenade the dusk, you’ll be surrounded by the vivid hues of gorse and the delicate beauty of early wildflowers. Descend the Shepherd’s Steps into Port Noffer and be captivated by the sunset over Donegal, and engage in bat detecting on your journey back along the Blue Trail.
The Spirit of the Bann Whiskey-Tasting Experience
6th April | Coleraine
Embark on a voyage of taste and tradition with the ‘Spirit of the Bann’ whiskey tasting experience by Causeway Coast Foodie Tours. As you gently cruise along the River Bann, you’ll be enveloped by the stunning scenery of Mountsandel, Coleraine, hearing stories of our ancestors’ journeys from 9,000 years ago. Aboard White River Charters’ vintage vessel ‘MV Kingfisher’, a knowledgeable Bushmills whiskey guide will lead you through a curated selection of world-class whiskies from the Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in the world. This sensory journey is complemented by an array of award-winning local produce, including charcuterie, cheeses, dipping oils, and home-made chutneys, celebrating the Causeway Coast’s bountiful food and drink legacy.
Roe Valley Speciality Market
6th April | Limavady
The Roe Valley Speciality Market in Limavady opens its heart to all who cherish local fresh food, distinctive handmade crafts, fine art, and speciality products. Drumceatt Square, a communal public square adjacent to the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, becomes a bustling hub of creativity and flavour on market days. Take a stroll through the hustle and bustle where you’ll be greeted by friendly local traders offering a cornucopia of beautiful, locally-made goods.
Wine & Tasting Menu Experience at Elephant Rock Hotel
11th April | Portrush
The Elephant Rock Hotel invites you to an evening of culinary elegance on Thursday, 11th April. This exclusive event features a sophisticated food and wine pairing, hosted in collaboration with Max Sichel of Maison Sichel (Bordeaux) and Charles Robb of Robb Brothers Wine Merchants. The evening will begin with a sparkling Crémant reception at 19:30, setting the stage for a six-course tasting menu, each dish meticulously paired with a selection of fine wines.
Causeway Speciality Market
13th & 27th April | 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.
Foraging Walk at Broughgammon Farm
14th April | Ballycastle
Embark on a foraging journey at Broughgammon Farm, where the hedgerows and woodlands are a pantry of wild delicacies. Guided by Dermot of Forage Ireland and Becky Cole, the farm’s owner, gardener and herbalist, you’ll discover how to safely gather nature’s offerings. As you explore, you’ll not only fill your basket but also enrich your mind with the folklore and natural remedies associated with each plant. The experience begins at 11 am with tempting samples of wild food, and you can continue to enjoy the farm’s hospitality at the cafe and shop until 4 pm.
Ballymoney Spring Fair
19th-20th April | Ballymoney
The annual Ballymoney Spring Fair returns this year with even more colour and community spirit from 19th- 20th April. Promising an array of new attractions and venues in the town centre, expect a carnival atmosphere with vintage cars, live music, and dance displays, alongside a showcase of the finest artisan produce. The town’s boutiques and businesses add to the festivities with special offers, making it a shopper’s delight. With a petting farm for kids to enjoy and the Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market offering plenty of local produce and hand-crafted goods, the fair is set to be a highlight of the season.
Tapas Cookery Class at Ocho Tapas
20th April | Coleraine
Experience the vibrant flavours of Spain with Ocho Bistro’s Paella Cookery Class on the 20th of April. 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.
Immersive Art Experience at Frankie Creith Art Gallery & Studio
27th April | 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.
The Truffle Shuffle at The Chocolate Manor
27th April | Castlerock
The Truffle Shuffle Experience at The Chocolate Manor is a hands-on delight for chocolate enthusiasts. Guided by Chief Chocolatier Geri Martin, you’ll delve into the art of truffle making, from crafting rich ganache to mastering the tempering of chocolate. Personalise your truffles with a variety of flavours and decorations, and enjoy a warm hot chocolate as you work. Take home not just your creations, but also the recipes and a tempering guide to continue making sweet treats at home, plus a 10% discount voucher for the Chocolate Shop.
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!
