Action Ability Brings Soul to the Grand Opera House with a New Show Celebrating Talent, Heart and 15 Years of Theatre Magic

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Get your tickets fast before they are all Souled Out!

The stage of the Grand Opera House will once again come alive with energy as Action Ability Belfast, the Northern Ireland-based charity that champions social inclusion for people with disabilities, returns with its latest, one night only production, Souled Out!, a powerful celebration of creativity, inclusion and talent.

For more than 15 years, Action Ability and the Grand Opera House have shared a hugely successful partnership, bringing sell-out shows, standing ovations and “great craic” to audiences year after year. From their very first production, Oh Mummy Mia!, to today, these performances have become a much-anticipated highlight in the Theatre’s calendar, not just for audiences, but for the performers themselves, who relish the opportunity to take centre stage in one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic venues.

Action Ability Belfast has been championing inclusion since 1998, working to ensure people with learning, physical or sensory disabilities are supported to live full lives within their own communities. What began as a small, social drama activity has evolved into a respected drama production with this annual performance reflecting the true heart of the cast.

Each show is the culmination of a year-long process of rehearsals and training. With some performers their journey spans more than a decade and they step onto the Grand Opera House stage each year as confident, seasoned performers and professionals in every sense.

At its core, this annual production is about dispelling outdated myths around disability. This is not about limitations; it is about talent and the power of performance.

Grand Opera House Chief Executive, Ian Wilson said: “Action Ability’s shows are always among the most uplifting and memorable performances to grace our stage. The quality of the work, the commitment of the performers and the sheer joy they bring to the Theatre is exceptional. This is not simply a feel-good night out, it is outstanding live performance brought to you by a charity that continues to challenge perceptions and open doors to opportunity.

“We are incredibly proud of our long-standing relationship with Action Ability and delighted to welcome them back to the Grand Opera House.”

For Action Ability, the show means far more than a night in the spotlight. Joe McNally, Project Co-ordinator at Action Ability Belfast, said: “These performances mean so much to our drama group and to everyone at Action Ability. What audiences see on stage is the result of a full year of rehearsals, training, teamwork and personal growth. For some of our performers, this journey began with our first Grand Opera House production over 15 years ago, and today they are confident, accomplished performers who know this stage inside out.

“Standing in the Grand Opera House, doing what they love, is incredibly powerful. It reinforces everything we believe in as a charity, that disability should never define what someone can achieve, and that talent deserves to be celebrated.”

Audiences can expect laughter, emotion and memories that will last long after the curtain falls. With previous productions consistently receiving glowing reviews and packed houses, demand is high.

Tickets are on sale now from the Grand Opera House box office or online https://www.goh.co.uk/whats-on/action-ability-souled-out. Early booking is strongly recommended.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 13 – 19 April

 

  1. Ards International Guitar Festival 2026, Newtownards, County Down, 15 – 19 April. The Ards International Guitar Festival is back with a bang in April 2026 celebrating 30 years of guitar inspired gigs and free fringe events. Expect a jam-packed line-up of blues, folk, rock, bluegrass and classical and contemporary music for guitar aficionados across Newtownards.
  2. A Night to Remember at Titanic Belfast, Belfast, 14 April. Join this special commemorative evening and retrace Titanic’s story through the voices of those whose lives were forever changed by her journey. During this 90-minute experience, guests will be guided through key locations within Titanic Belfast. They will hear poignant monologues, stirring musical performances, and stories shared by the knowledgeable crew. Guests are welcome to stay for the duration of the event and take part in the candle-lighting ceremony at 11:40 PM on the slipways, marking the exact moment Titanic struck the iceberg.
  3. Garden Bites at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down, 19 April. Step a little deeper into the story of these gardens with a guided mini tour of either the Lost Garden or the Walled Garden, included with your standard Trails and Gardens admission ticket. These relaxed, informal tours invite you to look a little closer, uncovering hidden details, seasonal highlights and the unique character of each space.
  4. Golden Hour Alpaca Trekking Experience, Ballynahinch, County Down, check website for dates and times. This unique experience combines the serene beauty of a guided alpaca trek with the gourmet delight of a specially curated charcuterie board all set against the enchanting backdrop of golden hour. This is the perfect time to embark on a tranquil trek with the friendly alpacas in this experience that has been exclusively designed for adults.
  5. Art on Your Doorstep, various locations across Derry~Londonderry, until 30 September. The National Gallery: Art On Your Doorstep is a programme that shares masterpieces from the collection with communities. Derry City and Strabane District Council is one of twelve partners that will be exhibiting stunning reproductions from the National Gallery during 2026 and 2027. The Council’s museum team has selected eighteen artworks for six sites, from familiar pieces by artists such as Renoir and Van Gogh, alongside art that engages us with nature, food and times of celebration.
  6. Visit Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, visit website for open dates and times. On a guided cave tour their carefully constructed paths enable you to comfortably traverse the Marble Arch Caves whilst discrete lighting displays the cave features and delicate cave formations. Their enthusiastic guides will lead you through awe-inspiring passages and further enhance your experience by interpreting the stories of this wonderous show cave.
  7. Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, visit website for open dates and times. Wander well-trodden pathways and explore traditional farmhouses as you learn what life was like in rural Ulster. Step on board the full-scale emigrant ship, experience what the cramped quarters were like on the dangerous journey to America and find out how Ulster peoples’ emigration had a lasting impact through North America. To make the most of your visit they recommend you give yourself between two and three hours to explore all that the museum has to offer, including the ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’ exhibition.
  8. Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, County Armagh, visit website for open dates and times. Step back in time by 2,000 years with a visit to the Iron Age area (open April-September), here you’ll meet the Celts going about their daily routines and bringing our historic past to life. Discover how the clan survived and thrived as you engage with this highly interactive & unique experience. After meeting real life warriors, learn more about the stories of the bravest of them all – Cú Chulainn and the Red Branch Knights.
  9. Scarva Band Concerts, Scarva, County Down, until 27 September. Scarva Bandstand concerts will take place at the Bandstand, Scarva each Sunday from 3-4pm starting Sunday, 12 April, and running weekly until Sunday, 27 September. Admission is free and limited seating will be provided. It is advisable to bring your own fold up seat. Enjoy a varied programme of musical entertainment.
  10. The Truffle Shuffle at The Chocolate Manor, Castlerock, County Londonderry, 18 April. The Truffle Shuffle Experience with Chief Chocolatier at The Chocolate Manor, Geri Martin, will guide you through making moulded and hand-rolled truffles. You will craft ganache and flavour your own truffles with maybe even a nip of your favourite tipple, if you wish.

 

 

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.

 

What’s On This Weekend Across NI

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Antrim

Dubshed 2026 takes place this weekend at the Eikon Centre.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Enjoy a DOG FRIENDLY screening of A Minecraft Movie at the Market Place Theatre!

Find out more HERE

Belfast

A Night to Remember, Titanic Belfast. Follow Titanic’s journey from vision to reality, from celebration to catastrophe and from loss to legend.

Find out more HERE

Down

Follow the music to Scarva Band stand each Sunday from 3-4pm from 12 April – 27 September and enoy the weekly summer concert series. The concerts are free; everyone is welcome but it is advisable to bring your own fold up chair.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Looking for fun Easter activities in Co. Fermanagh? Join Share Discovery Village for three mornings of energy-filled fun at our Bop & Bounce Easter Event! (Last day 10th April).

Derry/Londonderry

Join The Seamus Heaney Home Place for Room to Rhyme! This is a weekly half hour session for parents and children aged 0-4. Little ones will get the opportunity to interact with others, develop listening and language skills, and have fun!

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Celebrate the joy and magic of Spring at the wonderful Burnavon theatre with Mr Hullabaloo the Magical storyteller this Easter!

Find out more HERE

 

 

Social Media Fest Set For Belfast Debut With Packed Line-Up Of Local Experts

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A social media conference that has become one of Ireland’s most talked-about events for creators, entrepreneurs and small business owners is coming to Belfast for the first time, with organisers promising an experience that stands apart from what is currently on offer in the market.

Social Media Fest, which has previously taken place in Wexford and Dublin, will bring its sixth edition to the Clayton Hotel in Belfast on Wednesday, April 29.

Running from 9am to 5pm, the event is built around the theme “Connect, Create, Conquer: Mastering the Social Media Landscape” and is aimed at business owners, managers and entrepreneurs who want practical guidance on growing their presence online.

Conference director Esther Ocampo, who took over the brand in 2025, said the event has grown it into a community of more than 200 in-person attendees.

With a packed lineup of local experts to be revealed Esther says the decision to bring the hugely popular event to Northern Ireland was driven by clear demand from the business community north of the border.

She explained: “We’ve spent four events building something in Dublin and Wexford that people genuinely value, and the appetite from Northern Ireland has been impossible to ignore. 

“Belfast is a city full of ambitious business owners who deserve access to the same quality of conversation and the same practical tools that our southern attendees have been benefiting from. Bringing Social Media Fest to Belfast felt like the natural next step.”

What organisers say sets this conference apart from others in the sector is its deliberate focus on speakers who understand the specific realities of hyperlocal markets, delivering advice that attendees can act on immediately to make a difference in their business.

“Not only do we want to showcase the expertise and talent available in the marketing field across Northern Ireland but we wanted speakers that could show people not only how to shoot for the moon and a global audience but speakers who knew the importance of hyperlocal campaigns and how these can translate into incredibly powerful strategies for standing out in a global market too.”

Rather than drawing in names from outside Ireland who present strategies built around budgets and technologies that most local businesses can’t access, Social Media Fest Belfast will feature speakers rooted in the Northern Ireland and Irish business landscape, offering guidance that translates directly to the challenges facing entrepreneurs here.

Esther added: “There’s a tendency at conferences to bring in people from major cities in England or the US who tell you what is working for brands with enormous budgets, and you sit there thinking, that is never going to apply to my business. That is not what Social Media Fest is about.

“Every speaker at this event understands the local market. They know what it takes to build a business here, to reach customers here, and to grow from here. The advice you will hear on the day is advice you can take out of the room and use immediately, whether that means connecting with the person beside you, posting something that afternoon, or finally tackling the platform you have been putting off for months.”

Alongside the conference there will also be a round table element of the day, designed to encourage connection and conversation as much as learning from the stage. Topics across the day will span the full social media landscape, including artificial intelligence, TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, email marketing and community building, with each subject approached through the lens of what is achievable for small and medium-sized businesses today.

Sponsors and partners for the event include IPA Group, The Monday Morning Marketing Podcast, Entrepreneurs Unleashed, Ruthless Media, The Blackbelt Mastermind, FSB and HighLevel.

The overarching theme of “Connect, Create, Conquer” was chosen deliberately to reflect the journey organisers want attendees to go on across the day: starting with building genuine connections at a local level, developing content and communications that resonate, and ultimately building the kind of online presence that supports business growth at home and beyond.

“The conference follows a clear arc,” said Esther. 

“We want people to connect – with the person sitting next to them, with their local community, with the broader island. 

“We want them to create – content that actually works, emails that people open, videos that reflect who they really are. 

“And then we want them to conquer – starting with their own backyard and then thinking about how to expand beyond it. 

“It sounds simple, but most conferences never give you the time or the space to think through all three.”

“Previous editions of Social Media Fest have drawn more than 200 in-person attendees, with a further 65 joining virtually, and the event’s hashtag has trended consistently across social platforms. 

“Testimonials from past attendees point to the atmosphere as much as the content, with one describing the experience as “a day away from the office to surround yourself with like-minded, enthusiastic and empowering people in business.”

Tickets for Social Media Fest Belfast 2026 are on sale now with subsidised tickets available for students, those who are unemployed, economically inactive, disabled or on the Job Start programme as well as registered charities and social enterprises, with organisers encouraging anyone in those categories to get in touch directly for a reduced-price code.

Esther added: “We’re very aware that not everyone has the same budget, and we want Social Media Fest to be genuinely accessible. 

“If cost is a barrier, we want to hear from you. There are options, and we don’t want anyone to miss out if we can make something work.

“We also have group tickets and further opportunities for sponsoring elements of the day.”

Social Media Fest 2026 takes place at the Clayton Hotel, Belfast, on Wednesday April 29. Doors open at 8.30am for registration and the conference runs until 5pm. Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/SMFestPress 

For further information, visit socialmediafestglobal.com or email hello@socialmediafest.ie

Glentoran Insider Breaks Silence On 25 Years Of Turmoil In New Book

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A former Glentoran director has revealed how the club came close to financial collapse, operated week to week and missed opportunities worth millions in a new insider account covering more than two decades at the heart of the East Belfast side.

Nearly…Glentoran in the 21st Century, written by Ian Clarke, draws on his time as both a director and head of media at the club to document the reality behind one of the most challenging periods in its modern history. The book details how decisions taken in boardrooms, often under pressure and with limited resources, shaped the trajectory of a club still expected to compete at the top level.

In the book, published by Excalibur Press, he sets out a picture of a club dealing with sustained instability, where long-term planning was frequently overtaken by immediate financial concerns. At times, he describes an organisation forced into short-term thinking simply to remain operational.

The book outlines how these pressures affected every part of the club, from recruitment and contracts to infrastructure and long-term strategy. However, Clarke points out a prolonged period of underperformance can’t be attributed solely to results on the pitch, pointing instead to deeper structural and financial challenges.

He explained: “When a ‘big’ club like Glentoran is unsuccessful over such a prolonged period it is clearly down to more than the performance of managers and players.”

Among the most significant moments explored in Nearly is a missed stadium development opportunity that could have transformed the club’s financial position. Plans for a new ground in East Belfast, which would have secured long-term stability and modern facilities, ultimately failed to materialise, leaving the club to continue operating within existing constraints.

The book also reveals how close the club came to a different future, with proposals involving council-owned land and major redevelopment plans that had the potential to reshape both the club and its wider community presence. Instead, those plans fell away, contributing to ongoing financial and operational pressures.

Clarke also recounts a series of incidents that exposed the fragility of the club’s position, including administrative errors and governance challenges that had immediate consequences on and off the pitch.

In one instance, he describes how a mistake regarding player eligibility led to the club’s removal from a cup competition at a time when success appeared within reach.

“We walked off the pitch that day against Newry in joint first place with Linfield and in the semi-final of an Irish Cup, a potential double. Then immediately after the game a club official comes into the manager’s office and tells me ‘I think Joe Crowe might be ineligible.’ You can imagine the sick feeling that overcame me and the staff.”

The fallout from that incident is presented as one example of how quickly circumstances could change, with decisions and errors carrying significant sporting and financial consequences.

Elsewhere, Nearly details the wider financial context in which the club was operating, including debt levels, cash flow challenges and reliance on short-term funding solutions. Clarke describes a period in which maintaining day-to-day operations often required external support, loans and continuous negotiation.

It also captures the internal pressures faced by those running the club, with committee members dealing with mounting financial obligations while attempting to preserve the club’s long-term future.

Despite these challenges, Clarke highlights periods of resilience and achievement, including cup success and competitive performances achieved under difficult conditions. Moments framed as evidence of what the club was capable of, even while operating within significant constraints.

He added: “The simple fact was that the only thing that could turn around Glentoran’s fortunes was money. Quite a lot of money. An amount of money way beyond what anyone currently involved in the club could ever hope to muster. Someone else’s money.”

The 2019 takeover by Welsh-Iranian businessman Ali Pour brought investment, full-time football and European competition. But six years on, with the league title last won in 2009 still seemingly beyond the club’s reach, Clarke’s assessment of the Pour era in the book is measured rather than celebratory, with the book including a candid interview with Ali Pour and the other major figures behind the takeover . 

He added: “The simple fact was that the only thing that could turn around Glentoran’s fortunes was money. Quite a lot of money. An amount of money way beyond what anyone currently involved in the club could ever hope to muster. Someone else’s money.”

A consistent theme throughout the book is the role of supporters, whose loyalty is presented as central to the club’s survival during its most difficult periods. Clarke reflects on the level of public interest surrounding the club, noting its continued prominence within the local media landscape regardless of performance.

He said: “Glentoran, good or bad, command a level of interest matched only by Linfield. No other club comes close.”

The book also places Glentoran’s story within the wider context of East Belfast, highlighting the connection between the club and its community suggesting the club’s fortunes have long been intertwined with the area it represents, with both experiencing periods of change and challenge.

Nearly is a frank and honest detailed account of a period often viewed through headlines and speculation rather than direct experience. Drawing on internal discussions, first-hand involvement and access to the decision-making processes, Clarke provides an account of how close the club came to both success and crisis.

Readers will have the opportunity to hear from chairmen, directors, managers and players, among them Ali Pour, record appearance holder Colin Nixon and managers including Eddie Patterson and Mick McDermott, some of whom have never spoken about the club’s difficulties publicly before.

Meanwhile, Clarke, who spent his professional career in senior and board-level roles at major newspapers across Northern Ireland, England and Scotland, is clear about who the book is written for.

“Throughout the downs of the past 15 years the broad Glentoran support has shown a loyalty and commitment to its club that the club has not always deserved. This is their story and this book is for them,” he said.

 

Nearly: Glentoran in the 21st Century by Ian Clarke is published by Excalibur Press, priced at £20 and available now from ianclarkenearly.lovable.app 

Ards International Guitar Festival Celebrates 30 Years as It Begins Next Week

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The much‑loved Ards International Guitar Festival returns to Newtownards next week, running from 15–19 April, marking an extraordinary 30 years of world‑class music, unforgettable performances and deep-rooted guitar heritage.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, this milestone edition brings a stellar line‑up of international and homegrown talent to the Borough.

Leading the celebrations is French guitar virtuoso Pierre Bensusan, who opens the festival as part of his 50th Anniversary World Tour. Known globally as “Mister DADGAD”, Bensusan’s spellbinding solo performance at the Queen’s Hall will be accompanied by a special on-stage conversation with George and Aaron Lowden, exploring his long-standing relationship with the renowned Lowden guitar brand.

Also appearing is one of the world’s most revered jazz guitarists, Martin Taylor, returning to Newtownards with his new solo show Standards. A multi award‑winning fingerstyle icon, Taylor promises an intimate night of breathtaking musicianship and warm storytelling – highlighting timeless jazz classics that have defined his six‑decade career.

Acoustic master Andy McKee, known for his percussive style and global online following, also joins this year’s landmark programme with support from David Browne Murray. McKee’s emotionally rich, genre‑blending performance is set to be a festival highlight for fans of modern acoustic guitar.

Bringing the festival to a powerful close, hometown hero Ricky Warwick – celebrated for his work with The Almighty, Black Star Riders and Thin Lizzy – returns to the Queen’s Hall with The Fighting Hearts. Fresh from the success of his 2025 album Blood Ties, Warwick promises an electrifying finale of raw energy, heartfelt lyrics and unmistakable rock pedigree.

A centrepiece of the 30th Anniversary celebrations, The Luthier’s Tale exhibition at Ards Arts Centre will honour Newtownards’ unique guitar‑making heritage. Featuring the craftsmanship of Avalon luthiers, the exhibition offers a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at the artistry, innovation and legacy of local guitar makers whose instruments are renowned around the world.

Festival Director Emily Crawford said:
“We are delighted to be marking such a significant year for the festival. The 2026 programme celebrates the incredible diversity of the guitar – from classical to jazz, blues, folk, contemporary and rock – with some very special nods to the artists, makers and audiences who have shaped the past three decades.”

The Ards International Guitar Festival runs from 15 – 19 April. Full programme details and tickets are available at www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk.

What’s On This Easter Weekend

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Antrim

Easter Monday Makers Market – An indoor spring market at the Marine Hotel, Ballycastle. Bringing together talented makers, bakers, creatives, artists and producers over the Easter holiday.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Get ready for a dazzling explosion of music, dance, and excitement as ‘Flowers and Friendship Bracelets’ takes to the stage at the Market Place Theatre!

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Hop into an Easter adventure at W5 and enjoy a magical evening packed with family fun!  From the moment you walk through the door, you’ll be greeted with festive treats and a Pick-N-Mix bag to fill as you explore.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Ballyscullion Park invites you to a morning / afternoon of Easter family fun.

Find out more HERE

Down

Easter Trail at North Down Museum. Follow our Easter Trail through the galleries and discover hidden clues, solve puzzles, and uncover fascinating treasures along the way.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Easter Bop and Bounce! Looking for fun Easter activities in Co. Fermanagh? Join Share Discovery Village for three mornings of energy-filled fun at our Bop & Bounce Easter Event!

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

An Easter Family Fun Day takes place at Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House in Dungannon on Saturday, 4th April, from 12 – 2pm.

Find out more

 

Offers of the Week

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Roe Valley Resort, Limavady, County Londonderry

 

Enjoy an ‘egg-citing’ Easter with the whole family on ‘The Great Easter Getaway’. Starting from £249 per room, this includes an overnight stay, Irish breakfast, and full access to their kids activities and leisure facilities including their brand-new water slides. Little ones will have a blast with their on-site petting farm, Egg-stravaganza Hunt, Easter crafts, movie lounge and the Easter Bunny keeping them entertained from morning to night. Whether it’s sliding into the pool, hunting for Easter treats, or sharing a meal together, Roe Valley Resort is the place to make memories together. Offer available 4th –7th April and subject to availability. Visit https://www.roevalleyresort.com/the-great-easter-getaway.html for more information.

 

The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, County Down

 

Spring is a wonderful time to stay at The Old Inn. The blooming flowers and budding trees create a picturesque setting, and the comfortable and cosy atmosphere of the inn provides a tranquil escape. Step into Spring with their special offer starting from £295 per room, based on 2 adults sharing, Sunday – Thursday between March and May 2026. This offer includes an overnight stay, three course dinner with a bottle of house wine, full Irish breakfast, and access to the Treetop Spa from 12 noon on day of check-in to check-out. Visit https://www.theoldinn.com/step-into-spring.html for more information.

 

For more inspiration or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit https://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. 

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 30 March – 5 April

 

  1. The Easter Eggspress at Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Downpatrick, County Down, 5 and 6 April. The Easter Bunny is visiting the Downpatrick & County Down Railway on Easter Sunday and Monday, and his goal is simple: make sure all the children have a great day with their trains and come away with a chocolate Easter Egg. There’s also a fun word hunt, and face painting in the station included in your ticket price.
  2. Easter at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 5 – 7 April. Discover Easter traditions like the custom of cross-roads dancing, learn about the history of the Easter egg, and leave a message on the Easter Tree. Listen to live music in rural Ulster and America, and take part in traditional games including the classic egg and spoon race. Take a horse and carriage ride and watch an exciting magic show. Try tasty samples of barnbrack and hot-cross buns, plus get some Easter treats from the café.
  3. Easter at the Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, County Down, 5 – 7 April. Discover Easter traditions, have a go at nature-based activities and meet their talented makers as they demonstrate heritage skills – including Easter card making in the Print Shop. Get involved with traditional games, watch baking and butter making demos, try tasty cake samples and listen to traditional music. Meet costumed characters and learn all about the history of egg production in Ireland and the connections to the Easter traditions we know today.
  4. Easter at Glenarm Castle, Glenarm, County Antrim, 5 and 6 April. Join Glenarm Castle for a fun-filled adventure in the fresh spring air. Explore the Walled Garden and Woodland Walk, let the kids burn off some energy in the Woodland Adventure Play Area, or hop into the driver’s seat with the Mini Land Rover Experience. Take part in their much-loved Easter Eye Spy & activity sheet while exploring the estate and enjoy great food, shopping, and even a dedicated dog park for your four-legged friends.
  5. Slow Art Sunday at Ulster Museum, Belfast, 5 April. Join the Ulster Museum on the first Sunday of every month for Slow Art Sunday, an opportunity to explore their art collections in more detail. Explore the influences and inspirations that contributed to the artwork and find out the guide’s favourite pieces. Feel free to sketch or bring your own interpretations as the guides bring the artwork to life.
  6. Easter at Florence Court, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 30 March – 7 April. Join in on Easter Monday for the annual Easter celebration at Florence Court. With lots of activities for kids to enjoy, live music, treats and of course the ‘Grand Tour’ Easter trail to explore, you are sure for a fun filled day out.
  7. Easter Adventures at WWT Castle Espie, Comber, County Down, 31 March – 12 April. Spring has arrived and there is plenty of family fun waiting for you at WWT Castle Espie this Easter. Have fun at the Easter Egg Trail, Pond Dipping Adventures and Easter themed arts and crafts sessions.
  8. Easter Trail at The Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, 4 –7 April. Join this Easter for a fun-filled outdoor adventure, where families can follow a woodland Easter Trail, meet colourful characters, enjoy marshmallow toasting, and dance along at our lively Easter disco.
  9. Easter Adventures At The Argory, Moy, County Armagh, 30 March – 7 April. Explore the stunning grounds of The Argory as you follow the ten points of the Easter Activity Trail. The trail takes you through the beautiful River Walk, offering scenic views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy nature in full bloom. Join for a fun-filled, family-friendly day out with plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy together.
  10. A Puffin Rock Easter at W5, Belfast, 1 – 11 April. Calling all little explorers and grown-ups. Now is your chance to join the Puffin Rock inhabitants and discover more from this beautiful island. Puffin Rock activities are free with general admission to W5.

 

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.

Ballymoney Spring Fair 2026 brings colour and carnival to the Borough this April

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Ballymoney will come alive this April as a colourful carnival celebration brings music and spectacle to the streets, accompanied by a weekend of family-friendly entertainment and activities.

Organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, with support from Ballymoney Chamber of Commerce and FUSE FM, the 2026 Ballymoney Spring Fair will take place from Thursday 16th April to Saturday 18th April.
Launching the event, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said:
“I’m really pleased to see the Ballymoney Spring Fair return for 2026. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Causeway Coast and Glens so special – our strong communities, local businesses and shared sense of pride in where we live.
“I would encourage everyone to come along and be part of the festivities, support local businesses and enjoy everything Ballymoney has to offer. With such a varied programme of entertainment and activities, the Spring Fair promises a memorable weekend for residents and visitors of all ages.”
The festivities begin on Thursday at 10am with a heritage walk led by Keith Beattie, exploring the history of the “tap an’ bottom o’ the Toon.” Later that afternoon, Ballymoney Community Cinema will host a screening of The Greatest Showman at 3.30pm in the Town Hall. The much-loved Tea Dance returns to a new venue of the British Legion from 6:30pm – 8:30pm, before the first evening concludes with a lively Ceilidh Session in the Diamond Bar from 9pm.
Friday continues the celebrations with another 10am heritage walk, this time taking visitors on a fascinating dander along Meeting House Street and Castle Street. Entertainment then starts in Castlecroft from 11am with Fuse FM and Ballymoney Country Market.  Country sensation Jason Hughes, as Irelands own Garth Brooks, performs from 1pm – 3pm accompanied by other well-known Country tribute acts. For the little ones, Ballymoney Community Cinema will be showing Smurfs at 3.30pm in the Town Hall.
Benvarden Gardens have special opening hours for the Ballymoney Spring Fair on Friday and Saturday from 11am – 4.30pm, where visitors can browse the historic estate, take a stroll through walled gardens and stop by their quaint tearoom for something to eat or drink.
Saturday will commence with a Quiet Time Session which will run from 11am – 12 noon, providing an opportunity for individuals with additional needs to enjoy some of the activities such as Kidz Farm and Carnival Games in a more relaxed environment.
Ballymoney Country Market will take over the streets on Saturday from 11am – 4pm. The popular Maypole dance display opens the fair at 12 noon on High Street followed by more carnival games, family attractions and live music from FUSE FM.
At 12 noon, Ravara Obedience and Agility Club will also be showcasing their skills in Taggarts Yard, giving visitors the chance to see impressive agility displays from the club’s talented dogs – and even the opportunity to put their own pets through their paces on the obstacle course.
Ballymoney Old Vehicle Club will be showcasing their annual vehicle display at the Station Square with a variety of vintage cars and tractors along with a local haulier’s truck display held at the Grease pit from 12 noon.
All vehicles will then come together to form a cavalcade at 2:30pm which will travel through the town from Seymour Street, Meeting House Street, Queen Street, Victoria Street, Charles Street, High Street, Townhead Street, Model School Road, leaving via Coleraine Road.
The Spring Fair will come to a colourful close on Saturday afternoon as the carnival parade sets off from the Town Hall at 3.30pm in a spring-themed spectacle of music and performance. Travelling down High Street and Main Street before returning to Townhead Street, the parade promises a vibrant celebration for spectators of all ages.
With Ballymoney Country Market stalls, a wealth of independent boutiques and businesses offering special Spring Fair promotions, and a full programme of activity across the town, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to shop local and enjoy everything Ballymoney has to offer.

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