From mountain climbing to traditional music sessions, there's something for everyone to enjoy around St Patrick’s Day this year.

Take a look at our list of events in the wider Mid and East Antrim area, along with the neighbouring borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey.

Antrim and Newtownabbey

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is to host a packed programme of events over St Patrick’s Weekend, with celebrations taking place from March 14-15.

placeholder image — Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is hosting a trio of events over St Patrick's weekend. Photo: ANBC

The main event will be a free family fun day at Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday, March 14 from 12pm-5pm, featuring live music, Irish and Ulster-Scots dancing, as well as activities for children. No tickets are necessary.

Also on March 14, Mr Hullabaloo will host a St Patrick’s themed show at The Courtyard Theatre in Ballyearl. The lively 50-minute show promises magical tales of leprechauns and fairies, plenty of music, and a post show meet-and-greet; tickets are £11.50.

Celebrations continue on Sunday, March 15 at Theatre at The Mill, where The Rapparees will headline an evening concert from 7.45pm. Supported by Glengormley School of Traditional Music, tickets for the performance are £14.

To find out more or to book tickets, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/stpatricksday.

Carrickfergus

Positive Carrickfergus is presenting a St Patrick’s Day celebration Saturday, March 14 from 11am-3pm in Carrickfergus Town Hall.

The community group, alongside their friends in the trad music and craft community are hosting the day of events for everyone to take part in.

There will be a pop up café open for the whole event, for which entry is free, as well as:

Megan Stevenson, Madison Dubois, Maisie Long and Lucy Crumley from Ballyclare on Slemish Mountain during the St Patrick's Day climb. The annual event returns this year. Photo: STEPHEN DAVISON/PACEMAKER

- 11am-1pm: Trad Music from Barleyhill Trad;

- 11am-1pm: Trad crafts with the Tipsy Typist;

- 1:30pm-3pm: Inclusive Ceilidh.

The celebration is part of their monthly events programme, which aims to bring music and entertainment to the town centre while supporting musicians and entertainers working together to build music scene in the town.

Cushendun

The Old Church Centre in Cushendun is to host a St Patrick’s Day Céile on Saturday, March 14.

Featuring music with Ciaran Mulholland, Pat Black and Co, doors open at 7:30pm for 8pm.

Tickets cost £12 including a light supper; the event is BYOB.

Visit https://theoldchurchcentre.com/event/st-patricks-day-ceile/ to book.

Ballymena

Pack your waterproofs and lace up your walking shoes to join the hundreds of visitors at Slemish Mountain this St Patrick’s Day for the annual uphill trek.

Activities at the site are not just for the hillwalkers - there will be entertainment for the whole family with a petting farm, face painting and walkabout characters, along with traditional Irish music and Irish dancing in the marquee.

The 1.5km walk at Slemish takes approximately one hour and it is strongly advised that appropriate warm, waterproof clothing and strong footwear are worn (boots are recommended - no soft trainers).

Sections of the short climb can be steep and slippery and might not be suitable for all.

Access to Slemish will be by Park and Ride only; this will run from Silverwood/Michelin at Broughshane, just off the M2 from 9am until the last departure at 3.30pm.

No parking will be allowed anywhere near Slemish; isitors should follow the yellow and black event signs on all approaches.

Parking for blue badge holders will also be at the Silverwood/Michelin site.

Only service and assistance dogs are permitted at the event.