Top Five Things To Do This Spring

Spring is our favourite time of the year. It's warmer, brighter, and serves as a friendly reminder that Summer is just around the corner. Besides, it's a nice change of pace from the rainy, dull weather that we're all too familiar with in Northern Ireland. Below is a list of fun things to do as the Spring season starts to kick into full gear.

An Encounter With Dinosaurs – The Augmented Reality Experience

Ever wish you could stand next to a dinosaur? W5 at the Odyssey is now turning Jurassic Park into reality. An Encounter with Dinosaurs – The Augmented Reality Experience uses modern technology to bring dinosaurs back from extinction and into our world. Stand and view 3D computer-generated creatures roam about the environment as the prehistoric era comes roaring back into life. W5 Belfast said: "Watch yourself on the big screen as you get up close and personal with a T-Rex, get approached by a pack of curious raptors or try not to get trampled by a passing Diplodocus!" The exhibition is free with admission to W5.
www.w5online.co.uk

High Tea at Sea – Strangford Sea Safari

If you fancy an afternoon tea with a difference, the High Tea at Sea voyage is definitely the experience for you. Explore the sights of Strangford Lough before stopping off for tea and scones at either the Angus Rock Island Lighthouse or Salt Island. Other highlights include Audley's Castle and Sea Gen, the first electricity generating tidal turbine in Europe. Wildlife lovers can also view Seal Colonies at Cloghy Rocks Nature Reserve, along with a multitude of other animals on the Lough. Overall, this unique experience is ideal for sea lovers and tea enthusiasts alike.
Prices: £35 per adult, £29 per child under 16. To book, call 028 437 23933 or visit www.strangford-seasafari.com.

Game of Thrones Winterfell Archery Movie Set Experience

Game of Thrones is arguably one of television's greatest modern phenomenons. Now you can launch yourself into the world of Westeros with the Winterfell Movie Set Archery Experience. Based at the Winterfell Castle courtyard where the show was filmed, let yourself become immersed in fantasy and fire live arrows at White Walkers on the recreated archery range movie set. Dressing up in authentic costume, you'll be greeted by Winterfell's Master-at-Arms while 'Jon Snow' gives you instructions during your archery session. In addition, tour guides will share gossip and what went on 'behind-the-scenes' during film days with the shows' cast. Two packages are available; the Bran package at £29 per person lasting 50 minutes, or the private Ned package at £95 per person for up to three people. If you're a big Game of Thrones fan, this is definitely an award-winning experience you should check out.
www.gameofthrones-winterfelltours.com

Bangor Sea Festival

Bangor's popular maritime event returns this year with a host of features and events to keep visitors entertained. Located in a tented village at Quay Street car park, highlights will include the Big Bangor BBQ competition hosted by SERC, demonstrations by celebrity chefs, sausage making challenges, a gourmet food tent and lots more food-related fun. Children should visit the "Tiddlers" tent where Cahoots NI will be performing a special illusion show, while the Dockside Emporium will feature demonstrations and crafts from local artists. Sailing into Bangor during the festival is "The Mercedes", an impressive tall ship that will moor alongside Eisenhower Pier. While you can board and explore the vessels grand features, tickets are available to purchase for morning/evening sailings during the two-day event. In addition to an aerial display from the Twister Aerobatic Team, Jet Lev demonstrations and so much more, this year's Sea Bangor is not to be missed.
Times: Saturday, 04 June, 10am – 6pm Sunday, 05 June, 12pm – 6pm www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

Granshaw Country Fair

Last year, around 1,700 people visited the Granshaw Country Fair. This year's event promises to be bigger and better than before. Taking place in the Church Grounds close to the La Mon Country Hotel, organisers have provided a packed programme promising fun for all the family. Over the course of the day there will be loads of exciting things to see, including a Birds of Prey exhibition, Highland Dancing events and an Indoor Arts and Craft village. If you're into your motors, stick around to see military vehicle displays, Harley Davidson Motorcycles, trucks and more. There's plenty of activities for children too, including the Climbing Wall, Go Karts, a range of Fabulous Inflatables, traditional sideshows and the Community Circus. A football tournament will also be hosted by the Glentoran Football Academy, providing lots of energy-sapping fun for your kids. Tired from all that running around? The Granshaw Catering Team will provide a selection of food stuffs to get those taste buds tingling, varying from burgers to sit down teas. Music lovers are also in for a treat, with musicians and local talent performing on the outdoor stage throughout the afternoon. You can even get your hands on some sports memorabilia at the Speciality Auction, including a signed NI Shirt from the team who've qualified for this year's Euro 2016 in France, a Rory McIlroy cap, and loads more. With a multitude of things to do, see, explore and experience, it's safe to say organisers are pulling out all the stops to match last year's success.
Price: Adults – £1, Children – Free Time: 11am – 4pm Date: Saturday, 21 May www.granshaw.org