More organisations join line-Up as Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair nears

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Jobseekers and volunteers across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to attend the Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair in Belfast later this month, as more organisations confirm they will be taking part.

The Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair, organised by Charity Jobs NI, will take place on Tuesday 24 March 2026 from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast. Free to attend, the event brings together charities, community organisations and social enterprises with people interested in meaningful careers and volunteer opportunities across Northern Ireland’s third sector.

Among the organisations now confirmed to take part are Presbyterian Church in Ireland, HarmonI, Start360, The Conservation Volunteers, Caring Breaks and Living Water Adopt-A-Child UK & Ireland, with the growing exhibitor line-up giving attendees the chance to explore a broad range of organisations and opportunities under one roof.

Now in its third year since launching in 2024, the Fair has become a key date in the third sector calendar, giving attendees the chance to meet organisations face to face, learn more about the work they do and explore both paid and volunteer roles in a supportive setting. 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.

Chris Bunce, Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, said: “With the event now just around the corner, what really stands out is the range of organisations that will be in the room on the day. For anyone thinking about a career in the third sector, or looking for a way to get involved through volunteering, that means more opportunities to ask questions, make connections and get a feel for where their skills and interests might fit.

“It is not just about turning up and picking up information. It is about having real conversations with organisations, hearing about the work they do and discovering opportunities they may not have considered before. That is what makes the Fair so valuable, and why we would encourage anyone with an interest in the sector to come along.”

Among those joining the event this year is first-time exhibitor Living Water Adopt-A-Child UK & Ireland, which supports children, vulnerable adults and families in Guatemala and Albania.

Esther Teggart, Area Coordinator at Living Water Adopt-A-Child UK/Ireland, said: “The Fair is an opportunity to raise awareness of the work happening in Guatemala and Albania for those in need, and to show how we can help even from a distance with a new group of people. 

“We hope it will encourage some to get involved in supporting us in whatever way feels right and doable for them, while also helping us make new connections with attendees and other charities that could lead to partnership and collaboration through shared resources, knowledge and other connections. We have not been to the Fair before, so we are looking forward to being part of the day.”

Also looking forward to be taking part on the day is returning exhibitor HarmonI, which provides compassionate support and care for people living with disability and those experiencing societal disadvantage. For the organisation, the Fair offers an opportunity to connect with values-driven people who are looking to use employment or volunteering to make a difference.

Sam Humphries, Chief Executive of HarmonI, said: “If you’re driven by your values and want to find a career in a sector which does so much more than provide employment, this is the place to start.”

There is still time for charities, community organisations and social enterprises interested in taking part to sign up as exhibitors. 

The event is open exclusively to organisations within the third sector and offers a valuable platform to meet motivated candidates, promote live opportunities and raise awareness of the work they do.

To book a free ticket or find out more about exhibiting, visit charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair.

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this Mother’s Day weekend

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Antrim

This Mother’s Day, treat her to a 3 course Sunday feast at The Rabbit, served from 12pm – 5.30pm. Every mum will be welcomed with a special gift, because she deserves nothing less.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Storytelling, Fiddles and Stew at the Charlemont Arms Hotel is a charming event that combines the spoken word, good music and tasty food, all things Ireland is synonymous with. The Seancaithe (the Aged) and Scéalaí (the Narrator) were the bearers of Irish traditional stories. Important characters in Ireland’s cultural past, they passed the old stories down through the generations.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Michael Harrison in association with Cameron Mackintosh presents… A new production of Miss Saigon at the Grand Opera House, as Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical is reborn. The soaring score features hit songs including; The Heat is On in Saigon, The Movie in My Mind, Last Night of the World and The American Dream.

Find out more HERE

Down

Terry McHugh returns to Portico Ards with hilarious stories of childhood, parenthood & his expensive Lego obsession. Don’t miss this new Tour!

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a memorable lunch in the elegant surroundings of Corick House Hotel & Spa, where timeless charm meets warm hospitality.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Join Heaney Home Place for Room to Rhyme! This is our 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

Create a unique photo holder that can be gifted this Mother’s Day at Ranfurly House Dungannon. In this fun and creative one-hour workshop, ‘Claytastic Kids’ will guide participants through the art of 3D modelling, rolling, stretching, and colour mixing.  This workshop suitable for ages 6+.  All materials supplied.  Children will take home their own beautiful creation at the end of the workshop.

Find out more HERE

 

Discover NI’s Offers of the Week

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Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry~Londonderry

 

Come and wish the Bishop’s Gate Hotel a happy 10th birthday with their special offer, starting from £179 per night. Enjoy bed and breakfast, a two-course dinner and raise a toast to this special occasion with a glass of prosecco on arrival to the Walled City. Offer is available for selected dates in March and April and must be booked by midnight, Tuesday 10th March. Visit www.bishopsgatehotelderry.com for more information. Please note, prices are from £179 midweek, Fridays from £199 and Saturday 7th March From £249.

 

 

Shipquay Hotel, Derry~Londonderry

 

Spring into the city with Shipquay’s seasonal offer available now until 30th April. From only £179 per couple, enjoy an overnight stay in the heart of the city with a two-course evening meal in Shipquay restaurant, £20 hotel credit to personalise your stay, and a freshly cooked to order breakfast in the morning. Visit www.shipquayhotel.com 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 9 – 15 March

 

  1. St Patrick’s Weekend at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, 15 March. Visit Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for a fun-filled family day out with stories, music and celebration in honour of St. Patrick’s Day. Immerse yourself in the magic of traditional Irish storytelling with renowned storyteller Eamonn Keenan, accompanied by the captivating music of Aodan MacSeafriadh.
  2. Homes In Focus: Tea Lane at Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, County Down, 14 March. Join Victoria Millar, Senior Curator of History, for a talk on the Tea Lane Houses. Discover what life was like for those who lived here and explore the research happening behind the scenes. Originally located off Sandy Row in Belfast, the houses were built for workers in the nearby textile mills and brickfields in Sandy Row. They are believed to be amongst the earliest surviving examples of industrial housing in Belfast.
  3. Leprechaun Treasure Trail at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down, 14 – 17 March. Can you track down Montalto’s mischievous Leprechauns? Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a fun-filled treasure trail style adventure through the beautiful Trails & Gardens at Montalto Estate.
  4. St Patrick’s Day at Antrim Castle Gardens, Antrim, County Antrim, 14 March. Bring the whole family along for a day of fun in the stunning gardens. Enjoy live music, Irish and Ulster-Scots dancing and plenty of family-friendly activities as the gardens come alive with the spirit of St Patrick’s Day.
  5. Belfast St Patrick’s Music Festival, Belfast, 13 – 17 March. Belfast St Patrick’s Music Festival returns with five days of concerts, workshops, dance, pipe bands and a free Festival Village in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, UNESCO City of Music. At the heart of the festival is a diverse, cross-cultural celebration of traditional arts in honour of St Patrick.
  6. Wild Caving at Marble Arch Caves, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 14 March. Delve off the beaten track with our experienced and qualified Cave Leader to explore “wild caving” in the depths of the Marble Arch Caves system. Your group of ten will explore wild cave passages, negotiate boulder chambers and clamber through the well-known flyover to emerge into the public tour area of the show cave before navigating your way out through the wild chambers.
  7. Walled City Music Festival 2026, Derry~Londonderry, 12 – 15 March. Derry~Londonderry is set for a serious musical takeover this March as the Walled City Music Festival returns with a razor-sharp programme built for everyone – the seasoned concertgoer, the curious first timer, and anyone who simply wants to feel something live. Expect powerhouse piano, high-voltage violin and richly coloured chamber music, performed by world-class artists in the heart of the city.
  8. Ashes to Fashion at Ulster Museum, Belfast, until 13 September. A collection reborn through significant acquisitions, a future-proof collecting policy and generous donations, making it one of the most important collections in Western Europe. ‘Ashes to Fashion’ marks this extraordinary milestone with a stunning showcase of fashion from the eighteenth century to today, from historic garments to contemporary pieces by Chanel and Versace.
  9. Home of St Patrick Festival 2026, Armagh, County Armagh, 8 – 18 March. The Home of St Patrick Festival celebrates St. Patrick’s life through music, art, theatre, film, and dance. This is a chance to reflect on the legacy of St Patrick and have fun celebrating his influence on history and culture.
  10. Visit Gortin Glen Forest Park, County Tyrone, visit website for open dates and times. Gortin Glen Forest Park is made up of a network of 5 waymarked trails of varying lengths that start from the Trailhead close to the main car park. All trails are colour coded and return back to the car park. Each of the trails give the visitor the opportunity to enjoy the woodland, nestled nicely in the Sperrin Mountains.

 

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.

TITANIC BELFAST TO DISPLAY LIFEJACKET OF SURVIVOR AS PART OF NEW EXHIBITION

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TITANIC Belfast has welcomed an original lifejacket worn by a female survivor which will be on public display for a limited time.

The rare artefact is on loan from Wiltshire auction house Henry Aldridge and Sons, the world’s leading Titanic memorabilia auctioneers, until Sunday 5th April, before going to auction on 18th April. It was worn by Laura Mabel Francatelli, who survived the tragic sinking of RMS Titanic alongside 11 other passengers in Lifeboat 1. A First-Class passenger, Laura Mabel was the secretary to fashion designer, Lady Lucy Duff Gordon. They were journeying to Chicago for business, accompanied by Lady Lucy’s husband, Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon.

The lifejacket bears the signature of Francatelli along with other survivors including leading fireman Charles Hendrickson, fireman George Taylor and able seaman James Horswill and is one of very few remaining original lifejackets that are identifiable to the person who wore it.

The artefact will form part of a wider free exhibition ‘Women of Titanic: Survival, Influence & Legacy’, located on Level 1 Apex of the world-leading visitor attraction and will explore the stories of the women who travelled onboard Titanic including Helen Churchill Candee, Marjorie Anne Newell and Annie Clemmer Funk.

Eimear Kearney, Commercial Director of Titanic Belfast said: “We are honoured to display the lifejacket worn by Laura Mabel Francatelli, a survivor of RMS Titanic and celebrate the women who travelled onboard through our ‘Women of Titanic: Survival, Influence & Legacy’ exhibition. It offers a deeply personal connection to the story of Titanic and to one of its passengers, whose life was spared in the tragedy but irrevocably changed and shaped forever.

Displaying an artefact worn and signed by Laura Mabel allows us to tell a powerful story of survival, memory and legacy. We are thrilled to be able to give guests from around the world this added experience to view yet another rare piece of Titanic history.”

Andrew Aldridge, Managing Director of Henry Aldridge and Sons, said: “We are delighted to be able to place such a significant artefact on public display at Titanic Belfast ahead of its forthcoming auction. Exhibiting Laura Mabel Francatelli’s lifejacket in the city where Titanic was built offers visitors a unique opportunity to view this object of historical importance and find out more about the human story behind it.”

For further information on the ‘Women of Titanic: Survival, Influence & Legacy’ exhibition or to book tickets for the Titanic Experience, visit titanicbelfast.com

Antrim and Newtownabbey welcomes Walking for All Launch to Inspire Health, Inclusion and Community

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Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has welcomed the announcement of a brand new ‘Walking for All’ programme. A major cross-border initiative supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and led by Outscape, launched on Friday 27 February 2026 at The Junction, Dungannon.

Supported by €7.5 million from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), ‘Walking for All’ will aim to engage over 14,000 people across rural areas in Northern Ireland and the border counties to engage in accessible, led walking activities.

Designed to improve health and well-being in rural communities by making walking more accessible, enjoyable, and social for everyone to explore and participate in, Walking for All, will deliver short, regular walks in local community spaces.

The programme is open to adults, regardless of age, background, or ability. By fostering a focus on connection, inclusion, and well-being, Walking for All will seek to build sustainable, healthy communities and address issues such as social isolation, wellbeing and inactivity.

The programme is being delivered by Outscape in partnership with 15 partner organisations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including 8 local authorities, the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and 6 Local Sports Partnerships. Sport Ireland, Mountaineering Ireland (Get Ireland Walking), and the Public Health Agency are associate partners. Locally this project is being led by Bridie Kelly, the newly appointed Walking for All Officer for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, who will support the development of these walking groups across the council area, working closely with local communities.

16 dedicated Walking for All Officers have already been recruited and will lead the programme as well as train Walk Leaders, supporting the creation of nearly 600 walking groups and engaging thousands in regular, social walks over the next three years.

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA said: ‘I’m delighted that my Department, working in partnership with DRCDG and SEUPB, is providing funding under the PEACEPLUS programme to the Walking for All (WFA) project. WFA is not just about walking – it is about inspiring people to come together through shared, volunteer led experiences, strengthening bonds within our rural communities while enjoying the beauty of our countryside at its very best.

This project will create a lasting legacy of healthier, happier and more connected rural communities, demonstrating the remarkable impact of community-led initiatives to inspire long-term positive change and helping rural areas to thrive as places where people can live, work and prosper.’

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, welcomed the announcement.

Minister Calleary said: “I would like to express my gratitude to all those who contributed to the Walking for All initiative. I am pleased that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will continue to support this outstanding project in collaboration with the Special EU Programmes Body and the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland. The area will reap long-term benefits from this project”.

Minister Buttimer added: “This significant funding will support social interaction, reduce isolation and encourage active lifestyles. The planned investment will enable communities to reach their full potential in terms of the economy, society, and environment.”

Welcoming the announcement, Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), said: “Walking for All reflects the purpose of PEACEPLUS by creating opportunities for people to come together in ways that strengthen health, confidence and connection. Many rural communities may not have easy access to sports facilities, and this programme offers a simple and inclusive way to address those challenges. By providing trained support, accessible routes and a welcoming structure, it will help thousands of people build new routines and deepen their sense of belonging together. We are pleased to support an initiative that encourages shared enjoyment of the outdoors and contributes to long-term wellbeing across our region.”‑term wellbeing across our region.”

Gareth Moore, Head of Participation at Outscape added: “Walking for All will enable people of all ages and abilities across NI and the border counties to ‘step out’ in supported, inclusive and welcoming walking groups. Rooted in rural communities, this landmark participation programme seeks to increase levels of physical activity, while addressing social isolation and loneliness amongst some members of our community. 

The funding from PEACEPLUS will bring communities to the heart of their local landscapes, enabling them to explore, create friendships and support each other through walking and in shared appreciation of the outdoors.

Trained Walk Leaders will deliver local walks within their communities, supported by Officers engaged by local authorities and sports partnerships. This network of Walk Leaders will be responsible for delivering life-enhancing support to their communities in a fun and fulfilling role, leading a short, regular weekly walk near their home. Together with our partners, we’re excited to offer everyone the opportunity to walk together, make new friends and improve their health through Walking for All.”

Walking for All is a key priority for both governments across the island, supporting public health, community wellbeing, and preventative action.  Research shows that structured walking is one of the most cost-effective and inclusive ways to increase physical activity, improve mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and deepen people’s connection with nature, whilst strengthening community participation and cross-sector collaboration.

Dawson Stelfox, Chair of Outscape and the first Irishman to summit Mount Everest speaking on the programme potential added;  “Walking for All is a vital investment in community health and wellbeing across NI and the border counties of Ireland, rooted in the evidence that simple, locally led walking programmes can deliver lasting benefits which improve physical and mental wellbeing, reduce isolation and strengthen community ties.

Outscape is proud to be the lead delivery partner for Walking for All working in partnership with Councils, LSPs, health bodies and community organisations. The programme has the potential to reach people who might otherwise be left behind, as well as create sustainable, positive change in community wellbeing and social cohesion across the region.”

Welcoming the launch announcement, the Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Julie Gilmour said; “This initiative shows what can be achieved when partners work together with a shared purpose. Walking for All will bring lasting benefits to our rural communities, helping people feel more connected, supported and active as they enjoy the outdoors. We are delighted that Antrim and Newtownabbey will be at the heart of this important work. I would encourage people in our community to visit the Council’s website to find out more, antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/walking-for-all.”

Visit www.walkingforall.com for more information on becoming a Walk Leader or to find local walks.

AI Reshaping Startup Landscape as WeBuild Reopens for Women Founders Across Island

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Artificial intelligence is reshaping how tech startups are created, dramatically reducing build time and lowering traditional technical hurdles. 

As building a scalable digital product becomes faster, cheaper and less dependent on deep coding expertise and major funding, more women are seizing the opportunity to lead and build in tech.

In response, applications have reopened for the second cohort of WeBuild, the all-island programme delivered by TechFoundHer empowering women to innovate and to build tech-led solutions. The programme, which supports women founders across the island of Ireland, returns after strong demand for its inaugural intake in January.

Founded in Dublin in 2024 and launched in Belfast the same year, TechFoundHer provides training, community and cross-border networks for women building technology ventures. The first WeBuild cohort attracted more than 90 applications.

Now midway through the programme, participants are developing AI-enabled products aimed at international markets, moving from early concept to validated, revenue-focused ventures within months.

WeBuild is led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland as part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland through the Shared Island Fund, with TechFoundHer as delivery partner.

The four month programme is designed for ambitious women founders developing innovation-led, tech-enabled businesses with global potential supporting those who are beyond the idea stage and already prototyping, testing or building products where technology is central.

WeBuild combines a 16-week core schedule delivered primarily online with in person labs across the island and an intensive two day Residential Build Lab. 

Founders focus on product development, AI integration, customer traction and funding, using GenAI and no code tools to accelerate validation and iteration. An Investor Readiness Clinic supports participants to refine their pitch and funding strategy and connect with investors across the island.

Women taking part in WeBuild are from across the island from Cork, Dublin and Galway to Belfast and L’Derry with ventures across digital health and medtech, education technology, creative and cultural tech, AI driven B2B platforms and social impact technologies. 

Entrepreneur Deirdre McCarthy, founder of FLIT.ie, is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the programme.

She said all women in tech with a great idea should: “Please please do yourself a favour and apply for this. It’s a place of safety where you can access really good humans with strong tech brains. You will learn from the other participants, who may be further along in some ways, as well as from the formal education sessions. Extremely accessible and welcoming environment, unique in Ireland.”

According to some participants the programme has been instrumental in accelerating product development, highlighting the strength of the peer network and access to experienced technical mentors.

Gemma Kingston, founder of The Family Edit explained: “The programme has been invaluable in the development of my business and brought it to stages that I could only have dreamed of in such a short space of time. The access to experts is unmatched.”

Programme creator Máirín Murray said the pace of technological change across the ecosystem means founders can no longer afford to wait

“AI and no-code tools are lowering barriers, but access to the right frameworks and expertise remains uneven” she said, adding: “The strength of the first cohort demonstrated the depth of talent that exists across the island. The question is not whether women can build scalable technology ventures, but whether the ecosystem creates the right conditions for them to do so.

“The demand we’ve had for WeBuild reflects a generation of women founders ready to build serious tech companies. What they often lack is early access to technical support that strengthens credibility with investors and the wider ecosystem. 

“That is what WeBuild is designed to provide.”

To support prospective applicants in the application process the TechFoundHer team will be hosting an information session on Wednesday, March 11 at 4pm. The free session will be hosted by Máirín Murray and will provide a detailed overview of the programme, including the support, structure and outcomes founders can expect.

During the webinar, attendees will hear how WeBuild supports founders who want to harness the power of data and GenAI to bootstrap faster, automate smarter and build scalable tech ventures. The session will also include a step by step walkthrough of the application process and an opportunity for participants to ask questions and assess whether the programme is the right next step for their business.

WeBuild is open to women-led or women founded businesses based on the island of Ireland that are developing innovative products, services, systems or processes with clear commercial potential. Applicants must be at an early or growth stage and demonstrate market validation or proof of concept, along with ambition for significant growth including export and investment potential.

Applications for WeBuild are now open and will close on Monday, March 23 at 12pm. 

Women founders can find full programme information and submit applications at intertradeireland.com/entrepreneurship/womens-entrepreneurship/webuild 

Mayor’s Charity Concert to Bring an Unmissable Night of Music, Community and Belonging

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Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce the Mayor’s Charity Concert, taking place on Saturday 28 March 2026 at 7.30pm in Bangor Elim Church.

This uplifting evening promises a vibrant celebration of local talent, community spirit and the Borough’s shared commitment to inclusivity and belonging. Audiences will enjoy an inspiring night of performances from some of the area’s most loved musical groups and musicians.

A Showcase of Local Talent

The concert brings together a wonderful line‑up of performers, including:

Ards Comhaltas | Bangor Ladies Choir | Jackie Rainey and Emma D Drummer | Bangor Ukes | Donaghadee Male Voice Choir | Bangor Grammar School Jazz Band | Orchardville Band and Makaton Choir

From traditional melodies to jazz arrangements, and from choral harmonies to uplifting community ensembles, the evening offers something for everyone.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum said:

“This concert is a celebration of who we are as a community — diverse, welcoming and stronger together. The theme of Belonging is especially important to me in my Mayoral year, and I can think of no better way to express that than through music that brings people of all backgrounds together. I am deeply grateful to every performer taking part, and to everyone purchasing a ticket – we’re really looking forward to welcoming you.”

Every ticket purchased directly supports life‑changing work right here in our community, with all proceeds supporting the Mayor’s three chosen charities, each carrying out essential work across the Borough:

Orchardville – empowering individuals with learning disabilities and autism
St Vincent de Paul – supporting local families experiencing hardship
Women’s Aid North Down and Ards – providing safety and refuge for women and children

The Mayor’s Charity Concert is set to be a joyful night of harmony, celebration and connection. Whether attending with friends, family or as part of a local group, everyone is warmly invited to be part of this special evening.

 

Event Details

Saturday 28 March 2026
Doors 7:00pm | Concert begins 7:30pm
Bangor Elim Church, BT19 7WP
Tickets: £12 (booking fee applies)
Available now via Mayor’s Charity Concert! Sat 28th March 7.30pm Bangor Elim at Bangor Elim Church event tickets from TicketSource

Writers from Across Ireland and Beyond Unite for ‘Words, In Other Places’

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Words, In Other Places, an Irish Writers Centre Literary Festival presented in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, will take place over one weekend — Saturday 11 April at the Seamus Heaney Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, and Sunday 12 April at the Irish Writers Centre in Dublin.

Across one weekend, this tri-lateral festival will bring together writers from the north and south of Ireland alongside international voices, celebrating literary form, cultural exchange and contemporary perspectives. Through panel discussions and creative workshops, Words, In Other Places will explore storytelling across borders, languages and traditions.
Each day will feature three distinct events, offering audiences the opportunity to engage with some of the most compelling writers working today.
Saturday 11 April – Seamus Heaney Centre, Queen’s University Belfast
12pm – Inside Out: Telling Tales Elsewhere – An hour-long panel discussion featuring Louise Nealon, Patrick Holloway and Rob Doyle, hosted by Martin Doyle.
1.30pm – Creative Writing Workshop – A two-hour workshop with Sarah Moore Fitzgerald.
4pm – Literature in Translation: Words Beyond Borders – A panel discussion with Csilla Toldy, Enrica Maria Ferrara and Rafael Mendes, hosted by Lucy Sweeney Byrne.
Books will be available for sale from No Alibis Bookstore.
Sunday 12 April – Irish Writers Centre, Dublin
12pm – Inside Out: Telling Tales Elsewhere – Featuring Jan Carson, Leontia Flynn and Wendy Erskine, hosted by Neil Hegarty.
1.30pm – Creative Writing Workshop – A two-hour workshop with Paul McVeigh.
4pm – Literature in Translation: Words Beyond Borders – With Hugo Hamilton, Suad Aldarra and Victoria Melkovska, hosted by Adam Wyeth.
Books will be available for sale from Chapters Bookstore.
Mags McLoughlin, CEO of the Irish Writers Centre, said: “We are proud to partner with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland on Words, In Other Places. Bringing this festival to both Belfast and Dublin reflects our shared belief in the power of literature to connect across borders, languages and lived experience. By uniting writers from the north and south of Ireland alongside international voices, we are celebrating creative exchange at its very best — open, inclusive and enriched by diversity.”
Fearghas Ó Béara, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland said: “We are delighted to partner with the Irish Writers Centre on Words, In Other Places. The European Union’s motto is ‘United in Diversity’ and we know that literature and translation play a vital role in strengthening cultural dialogue and understanding across Europe. These events in Belfast and Dublin resonate with the EU’s commitment to linguistic diversity, creative collaboration, and fostering cross-border and cross-community engagement on the island of Ireland.”
”Words, In Other Places promises a weekend of conversation, creativity and connection, celebrating storytelling in all its forms while highlighting the evolving literary landscape across Ireland and beyond.  The Irish Writers Centre is grateful to the Seamus Heaney Centre for hosting the Belfast event and for its continued support of cross-border literary collaboration.
The Irish Writers Centre is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland.
Bookings for both days will open on Tuesday 10 March via the Irish Writers Centre website. All events are free to attend, but advance booking is required : https://irishwriterscentre.ie/

The Violin That Premiered Tchaikovsky Is Coming to Derry

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More than 140 years ago, a violin helped introduce Tchaikovsky’s now-famous Violin Concerto to the world. This March, that same instrument will be heard in Derry.

As part of the Walled City Music Festival (12–15 March 2026), internationally acclaimed violinist Kirill Troussov will perform on the legendary 1702 “Brodsky” Stradivarius during Romantic Virtuosity: Violin & Piano at Christ Church.

Crafted by master luthier Antonio Stradivari, the “Brodsky” violin was played at the 1881 premiere of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto- a work once controversial, now considered one of the most exhilarating and emotionally charged in the repertoire. The instrument itself has become part of that story, celebrated not just for its history, but for its luminous tone, warmth and remarkable expressive depth.

The festival’s concerts will be set within one of Derry’s most charming historic churches, admired for its elegant stained glass and beautifully resonant acoustics, Christ Church offers a warm, welcoming and perfectly suited setting for performances of this calibre. In such an intimate acoustic, the voice of a Stradivarius feels almost tangible- its sound carrying effortlessly from the quietest whisper to soaring, full-bodied intensity.

Troussov will be joined on stage by his sister, pianist Alexandra Troussova, in a programme celebrating Romantic virtuosity. Their close musical partnership brings an added layer of connection and understanding to the performance, combining technical brilliance with expressive sensitivity.

Across four days, the Walled City Music Festival transforms Derry into a hub of contemporary classical excellence, presenting world-class piano, chamber and vocal concerts alongside composer workshops and educational outreach initiatives.

The arrival of the 1702 “Brodsky” Stradivarius is more than a historic curiosity- it is an opportunity to experience living musical heritage, performed by a brother-and-sister duo in one of the city’s most atmospheric venues.

Full programme details and ticket information are available at walledcitymusic.com.

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