Discover NI’s Offers of the Week

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The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Belfast

 

Add value to your winter city stay with The Harrison Chambers of Distinction in Belfast. Starting from £195, guests booking any two nights during February will receive the second night free when staying in one of the hotel’s individually themed luxury suites. Each suite is inspired by creatives, thinkers and cultural figures associated with Belfast. Located within walking distance to Belfast’s vibrant cultural scene, enjoy the Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Lyric Theatre, Grand Opera House, as well as Belfast’s buzzing nightlife. Visit https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/offers for more details.

 

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Belfast

 

The Harrison is launching a St Patrick’s Day Long Weekend Break offer. Starting from £249 for two nights, guests staying two nights on Sunday 15 and Monday 16 or Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 over the St Patrick’s Day long weekend will receive 25% off room rates, a traditional Irish cocktail served in Napoleon’s Nose Bar, and live music in-house, creating an authentic celebratory atmosphere. Visit https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/offers for more details.

 

For more inspiration or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.

Offers are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability and change without notice. Terms and Conditions apply to each offer and can be viewed on the individual provider’s websites. Tourism NI acts as a promoter of third-party offers and accepts no responsibility for any changes, withdrawals, or inaccuracies made by providers. 

whatsonni’s Pick of the Week

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Antrim

Valentine’s Dinner at The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat. Begin with a cocktail on arrival before easing into a beautifully crafted five course menu. Starting with an amuse bouche, moving through thoughtful starters and a main designed to impress. And if sharing is your thing, the Chateaubriand is the perfect centrepiece.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

How to Train Your Dragon, Dog Friendly Screening, Market Place Theatre. On the isle of Berk, Vikings and dragons have battled for generations, but that won’t stop Hiccup, the son of Chief Stoick the Vast, from building an unlikely bond with the feared dragon, Toothless.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Experience Romance in Timeless Elegance with Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea at the Titanic Belfast.  Step into a world of luxury and indulgence this Valentine’s Day with our Afternoon Tea, set against the opulent backdrop of the Titanic Suite. Admire the stunning Grand Staircase, soak up the ambiance, and enjoy live music as you celebrate love in style

Find out more HERE

Down

Celebrate friendship, laughter and lifelong friendships in the timeless setting of The Old Inn this Galentine’s Day.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Valentine’s Steak Night at Corrick House – make an evening of it with a relaxed yet indulgent dining experience. Available Thursday 12th, Friday 13th and Saturday 14th from 5pm, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s with great food and even better company.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Step into the Creative Zone at Heaney Home Place Bellaghy this Valentine’s Day and make Love HeARTs to take home and share!

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Straight off the back of 2025’s smash hit, ‘Maggie’ – all 4 plays in one hilarious show, the Muffsta’s story continues with ‘Maggie’s Menopause!’ at the Burnavon, Cookstown.

Find out more HERE

Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair to Return to Belfast This Spring

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Northern Ireland’s only dedicated Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair is set to return to Belfast this spring, marking its third year since launching in 2024.

The Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair will take place on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, bringing charities, community organisations and social enterprises together with people interested in building a career or volunteering with purpose.

The Fair is organised by Charity Jobs NI, a sister company to Happy Jobs NI, and was created to provide a dedicated space for the charity and voluntary sector to connect directly with people who want to make a difference. Free to attend for jobseekers and volunteers, it is now firmly established as a key date in the third sector calendar and focuses on face-to-face conversations that help attendees explore opportunities and leave with clearer next steps.

At the most recent Fair, more than 270 employment opportunities and 335 volunteer roles were showcased, generating over 465 applications on the day and leading to real hires and volunteer placements across Northern Ireland.

Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, Chris Bunce, said the event continues to reflect growing interest in purpose-led work across the region.

“Now in its third year and heading into our fourth event, the Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair has really established itself as a key moment in the calendar for Northern Ireland’s third sector. Each fair shows just how much appetite there is for purpose-led work, whether that is people taking their first step into the sector, changing careers, or finding meaningful ways to volunteer.

“What makes this event special is the face-to-face connection. It gives people the chance to explore real opportunities, ask honest questions and leave with a clearer sense of where they can make a difference.”

Open to people at all stages of their journey, the Fair offers the opportunity to meet a wide range of charities and sector organisations in person, learn more about the work they do and explore different ways of getting involved across the charity and voluntary sector.

Previous events have sparked hundreds of meaningful conversations, with past exhibitors including Positive Futures, NOW Group, NI Hospice, NSPCC, Inspire, Barnardos, Simon Community, Autism Initiatives and Cancer Focus NI, alongside new organisations joining each year.

Charities and not-for-profits interested in exhibiting are now invited to sign up, with early bird exhibitor rates available until 20 February.

Richard Cherry, Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, said the Fair continues to deliver clear value for organisations taking part.

“We have seen first-hand how valuable this event is for charities and not-for-profits looking to reach the right people. Exhibitors consistently tell us the quality of conversations makes the day worthwhile, and many go on to recruit staff or volunteers directly as a result. With early bird exhibitor rates available until 20 February, this is a great opportunity for organisations to secure their place early and be part of an event that continues to grow in impact and reach each year.”

Bookings for exhibitors are now open, with space for around 30 stands available on the day. Allocation will be managed on a first come, first served basis.

To find out more about how your organisation can exhibit, or to register to attend, visit charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair. 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 9 – 16 February

 

  1. Ye Big Ride – Pedal & Picnic – Valentines Day, Killinchy, County Down, 14 February. Join us this Valentine’s Day for an electric bike tour and artisan picnic. Take a guided electric bike tour with Strangford Lough Activity Centre’s brand-new fleet of e-bikes. Leaving from their base on Sketrick Island, near Whiterock, explore the back roads with guided commentary throughout. Knowledgeable guides will put you at ease before setting off on a two-hour tour.
  2. Astrofest at Ulster Museum, Belfast, 15 February. Join the Ulster Museum science curator and experts from the Irish Astronomical Association for a full day of talks, demonstrations and interactive activities. Learn how to capture your own astrophotography, handle real meteorites from the Moon and Mars, and ask astronomers anything you’ve ever wondered about space.
  3. Mudfest 2026 at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber, County Down, 7 – 15 February. Grab your wellies and head to WWT Castle Espie this February half term and get stuck in with Mudfest – where messy means fun. Get ready to dive into the muddy magic of our wetlands. Mud isn’t just messy – it’s marvellous. It’s the stuff our super-powered wetlands and great family adventures are made of.
  4. Behind the Scenes: Science of the Corn Mill at the Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, County Down, 11 February. Discover the remarkable science and engineering behind this centuries-old mill and see first-hand how it transformed grain into flour. A mill is a marvel of early technology – a massive machine crafted from wood, iron, and stone. Powered by renewable energy, it uses cogwheels, pulleys, and massive millstones to grind grain with surprising efficiency. Come and see the inner workers of this amazing building and hear about its history.
  5. NI Science Festival 2026, various locations across Northern Ireland, 11 – 22 February. Over the years NISF has striven to bring the very best of science communication to Northern Ireland. The festival offers a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. These events present some of the best scientists from NI and beyond to discuss their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold.
  6. Bogland: Past, Present, Future at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 13 February. Hidden behind the farmhouses and thatched houses, you’ll find the last remaining plot of raised bog at the Folk Park. Their curator will tell you about the social history of the bog in Ireland and how essential it was for livelihoods and home heating. Then, hear from Ulster Wildlife and The Conservation Volunteers about bog restoration and how this plot is slowly being transformed into a carbon sink to help fight climate change.
  7. Fall in love with Rathlin Island Slemish Market Supper Club, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, 14 February. Northern Ireland’s ‘island of love’ is calling on Valentine’s weekend. Escape the everyday and journey to Rathlin Island for a truly unforgettable romantic experience. Valentine’s Slemish Market Supper Club at the Manor House. Indulge in an intimate six-course island-inspired tasting menu by chef Rob Curley, celebrating Rathlin’s land, sea, and ancient traditions
  8. Stargazing Evening at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, 13 February (more dates available). Join in a magical stargazing evening at Armagh Planetarium. Experience the wonders of the night sky with guided observations through telescopes and explore stars and the constellations (weather dependent). This event offers a unique opportunity to learn about the cosmos from expert astronomers and whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or new to astronomy, it’s a night not to be missed
  9. Dart Mountain Cheese Experience, Claudy, County Londonderry, until 27 February. A cheese tasting experience that captures the essence of a landscape set in the majestic Sperrin Mountains in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
  10. The Doodle Den at Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, until 28 February. Enjoy the Saturday morning Doodle Den at Enniskillen Castle. Come along to draw, giggle, paint and create in a safe and fun space. Ticket includes admission to Enniskillen Castle Museums. Suitable for children aged 5-11 years.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Subject to availabilities with select dates.

 

Children’s cancer charity launch fundraising initiative for schools

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Cancer Fund for Children have recently launched their ReadOn initiative which encourages primary and secondary school students to explore the joy of reading while raising vital funds in support of children and young people impacted by cancer.

ReadOn can take place anytime throughout the school year but the charity is encouraging schools to embrace this challenge in time for World Book Day on Thursday 5th March.

During ReadOn, children are sponsored to read more for fun, at home or in school. The money raised through their efforts fund emotional, social and therapeutic support services for children and families navigating childhood cancer across Northern Ireland.

Speaking on this, Schools and Youth Fundraising Officer with the charity, Rebecca Oates said:

“We are so excited to launch another year of ReadOn and can’t wait to work closely with schools to bring this challenge to life with their pupils. Every week, approximately three children and young people (aged 0-24) are diagnosed with cancer. By taking part in ReadOn, schools will be teaching their students to embrace reading while also helping other children of a similar age to them.”

ReadOn is being sponsored by EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA in Northern Ireland, who have supported Cancer Fund for Children through a range of initiatives.

Speaking on their support, Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate Marketing with Henderson Group said: “We are thrilled to help bring the ReadOn initiative to life for another year. Reading is a fantastic way of escapism and learning, vital for children to discover different worlds and cultures, while encouraging focus and mindfulness.

“We are very proud of our continued support of Cancer Fund for Children, fundraising throughout EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA stores has raised over £2.2 million since 2011, helping support children and their families impacted by cancer.

This year, schools that register for ReadOn can also enter a special competition with Cool FM for the chance to win a school visit from breakfast presenter Rebecca McKinney or Paulo Ross.

To find out more, visit www.cancerfundforchidlren.com/readon.

Ballywillan Drama Group brings a glittering night of musical theatre to Portrush with Broadway Three

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Get ready for a feel-good night out on the North Coast as Ballywillan Drama Group returns to Portrush Town Hall this April with Broadway Three — a fast-paced celebration of musical theatre packed with big numbers, bold harmonies and plenty of surprises.

Running Tuesday 14th – Saturday 18th April 2026, Broadway Three is a chance for audiences to experience the thrill of live performance right on their doorstep, with a volunteer community cast bringing the magic of the stage to Portrush for one week only.

Expect an evening of toe-tapping favourites, uplifting anthems and classic show moments — perfect for theatre lovers, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a memorable night out.

Performances take place at 7:45pm each evening, with an additional 2:15pm matinee on Saturday 18th April.

Tickets are £16 and are available to book now via www.ballywillan.com.

Event details

  • What: Broadway Three – Ballywillan Drama Group
  • Where: Portrush Town Hall
  • When: 14–18 April 2026
    • Evenings: 7:45pm
    • Matinee: 2:15pm on Saturday 18 April
  • Tickets: £16

Exciting programme of half-term fun awaits at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre

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 Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre is gearing up to offer an action-packed half-term programme designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and fun for children and families.

From imaginative workshops to interactive science shows and live performances, there is something to spark every young mind this February.
Children aged 6–12 can immerse themselves in creative adventures, designing characters and worlds inspired by K-pop and mythical demon hunters (Tuesday 10th February), or exploring the colourful and fizzy wonders of art-meets-science with Mini Professors in Colour Magic (Friday 13th February).
For budding scientists and thrill-seekers, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre is hosting interactive shows vas part of Northern Ireland Science Festival, that bring learning to life. Families can join W5 on Tour: The Hunt – Extreme Existence for an action-packed exploration of survival and adventure (Friday 13th February), or enjoy the hilariously messy, hands-on science antics of Nick Arnold in Horrible Science, packed with experiments, quizzes, and outrageous facts (Saturday 14th February).
Younger children and families are invited to experience sensory-rich dance and music performances with Moonlight Dream (Tuesday 10th February).
Celebrate the return of spring at Awakening | A Celebration of Light, Together, a free family-friendly event open to all, packed with craft, storytelling, music, and spectacular fire performance (Thursday 12th February, 3–5pm). Inspired in part by Chinese New Year alongside the Celtic festival of Imbolc, this event celebrates how cultures around the world mark the awakening from winter into springtime. This event has received financial support from The Executive Office through Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council’s Good Relations Programme.
Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre’s half-term programme brings families together through creativity, play, and unforgettable experiences, offering something for every child and young person to enjoy.
For more information or to book please visit: https://www.roevalleyarts.com.

Where We Bury the Bones Comes to the Lyric Theatre for One Night Only

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A unique, contemporary music theatre performance created by some of Ireland’s most acclaimed artists will come to Belfast, as ‘Where We Bury the Bones’ arrives at the Lyric Theatre for a one-night-only performance on Wednesday 11 March 2026.

Presented by Dumbworld, Where We Bury the Bones is an inventive live performance that blends music, movement, projection and storytelling – exploring how places accumulate history, memory and meaning over time.

On stage, the performance brings together some of the finest musicians from across Ireland, alongside dancers, performers and a soprano singer. A scale model of the site forms part of the visual world of the piece, combining with live movement and projection to create a richly layered and visually compelling experience.

Musically, the work is created by renowned Irish composer Brian Irvine – an Olivier Award nominee, four time Ivor Novello and British Composer Award Winner – whose score blends classical composition with traditional and folk influences, as well as song. The music moves fluidly between styles, creating a sound world that is contemporary, expressive and deeply rooted.

The piece was commissioned by Kilkenny Arts Festival and takes inspiration from a small stretch of land on the bend of a river; a place shaped and reshaped over thousands of years. Once home to ancient trees, later an abbey and a brewery, and now a public space, it carries the traces of the people who lived there, worked there, loved there and died there. From this starting point, Where We Bury the Bones explores how humans continually write themselves into the landscape, and how those layered histories shape the present.

Speaking about the work, composer Brian Irvine said:

“This piece grew out of a fascination with how places hold stories, whether we’re aware of them or not. The music draws on a wide range of influences – classical, folk, song – because the place itself contains so many layers. It’s about listening closely to what’s already there, and allowing those histories to speak in new ways.”

Directed by John McIlduff, Where We Bury the Bones avoids traditional theatrical form, instead offering audiences something playful, thoughtful and open-ended.

John McIlduff said:

“This isn’t a conventional play, and it’s not a traditional concert either. It’s something in between; a shared experience that invites the audience to look, listen and think differently about place and time. It’s designed to be welcoming and engaging, whether you’re deeply familiar with contemporary performance or completely new to it.”

Since its premiere at Kilkenny Arts Festival in August 2025, the work has received strong critical response and went on to play two nights at Project Arts Centre in Dublin. Reviewing the premiere, the Journal of Music praised Irvine’s score as “consistently excellent… full of colour and widely expressive, from sections of patient piano passagework or arresting pathos to the cataclysmic climax.”

The Belfast performance at the Lyric Theatre offers a rare opportunity to experience this acclaimed work for a single night only, bringing together an exceptional group of artists in one room to create something genuinely distinctive and alive.

Where We Bury the Bones will be performed at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, on Wednesday 11 March 2026. Tickets are available via the Lyric Theatre website.

Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival 2026 showcases scenery, history, heritage and spectacular trails

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Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has launched the 2026 Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival, inviting walking enthusiasts to enjoy a range of inspiring guided walks, through dramatic landscapes from 13th – 15th March.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, pictured alongside Clare Quinn, Trade Engagement Officer; and Lorcan McBride, Far and Wild, to launch the 2026 Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival.

Participants can explore unique forest, mountain and coastal paths while learning more about the area’s rich history, heritage and outstanding natural beauty.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan said: “The Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival is a great opportunity for our residents and visitors to get out and get active while exploring the beauty of our trails and paths.
“This year’s programme includes popular walking routes along with some lesser-known paths and showcases some very special sites.”
Destination Manager Kerrie McGonigle explained more: “The Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival is growing in popularity, cementing its place as a highlight in the annual walking calendar.
“Showcasing a stunning range of routes, the festival attracts visitors eager to explore the destination’s dramatic landscapes on foot. The event is a strong motivator for hiking enthusiasts to visit the area, delivering economic benefits to local communities while celebrating the natural beauty of the Causeway Coast and Glens.
“Working with local provider Far and Wild, expert guides will lead each walk to ensure a safe, memorable and immersive experience for all participants.”
The festival commences on Friday 13th March at 1pm with a moderate 6 – 8 km afternoon walk along a section of the Lough Foyle Trail.
‘Tarraingt an Taisce – The Lure of Treasure’ will focus on the fascinating tale of the Broighter Hoard and reflect on the maritime connections between the local community and the history of Lough Foyle.
The second day of the Festival on Saturday 14th March beginning at 9.30am is an 8km exploration of Banagher Glen on hilly trails and minor roads.
‘Lig na Péist – The Last Dragon in Ireland’ explores the relationship between early pre-Christian and Christian traditions as a basis for understanding Irish myths and legends and their meaning.
Beginning at Banagher Old Church, leading to Altnaheglish and back through the native woodlands of the Glen, the walk will investigate the importance of water in modern-day and traditional communities.
The Festival concludes with a challenging 12km multi-terrain walk in the Glenshane area on Sunday 15th March at 9am, encompassing Glenshane Forest, The Priest’s Chair and nearby waterfall before it loops back to Benedy across open mountain.
‘An Buachaill Bréige – The Lying Boy’ highlights the history of penal laws in Ireland in the 18th and 19th Centuries and the impact and legacy upon rural communities in Ulster through the story of the ‘Buachaill Bréige’ or Lying Boy.
For further information and to book, please see Causeway Coast & Glens Walking Festival | What’s On 2026.

Come Glide With Me Brings Music and Meaning On Board Belfast’s Glider

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Passengers aboard a Translink Glider travelling across Belfast became part of a moving cultural experience as the 4 Corners Festival staged Come Glide With Me, a live journey across the city that combined music, spoken word and conversation.

Beginning with a journey from west to east, and later repeated in the opposite direction from east to west, the event invited people to step out of their own corners of the city and share the journey with others.

Starting at St John’s Church on the Falls Road and travelling together to Stormont Presbyterian Church, the Glider itself became a performance space, with singer and poet Jim Deeds providing live music on board alongside contributions from festival participants, while readings and reflections were shared between stops.

Committee members Martin Magill and Maggie Matheson, who respectively live and work in the west and east of the city, offered commentary on the places and buildings passing outside the windows, linking the physical journey across the city with the wider theme of journey that underpins the 2026 4 Corners Festival programme.

Maggie Matheson said: It was such a great opportunity to share some stories of East Belfast with our enthusiastic passengers! There is such a deep and rich history there, sometimes well known, but often hidden. It was a privilege to be a part of the Glider event. 

On arrival at Stormont Presbyterian Church, participants received a warm welcome in the church hall, where refreshments and conversation helped carry forward the spirit of the shared journey.

David Robinson from Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Unit joined the west-to-east journey, outlining the council’s work to build good relations across the city. At Stormont Presbyterian Church hall he then led “Games with Aims”, an interactive session designed to help people connect across difference, before also joining the return journey from east to west back to St John’s Church.

Members of the public were joined by representatives from Translink as well as festival committee volunteers. Some participants were experiencing the Glider, or this part of the city, for the first time.

The event also highlighted the festival’s encouragement of public transport use, aligning with its commitment to environmental responsibility and accessibility.

Photographs from the day capture Jim Deeds performing between seated passengers, volunteers coordinating the journey in high visibility jackets, and festival members gathering at stops along the route, reflecting the sense of connection and shared experience that defines the festival.

Come Glide With Me formed part of a wider programme of events taking place across Belfast as the 4 Corners Festival continues its focus on encounter, understanding and bringing people together across communities.

The 4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund, St Anne’s Cathedral Sitout and Linen Quarter BID.

All events are free to attend. To find out the full lineup of the festival and to book your tickets go to 4cornersfestival.com

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