The Market Place Theatre in Armagh has released their January to May 2026 programme and it’s packed to the rafters with spectacular entertainment featuring top local and international performers, so whether you’re someone who loves live music, comedy, crafts, or film, you will be sure to find something to enjoy at The Market Place! Here’s a sneak peak of what you can expect over the next few months.
The crème de la crème of the comedy circuit will be arriving in Armagh with stand-up performances from Jake O’Kane, Adam Kay, Bronagh Diamond, Jason Byrne, Emma Doran, Conal Gallen and many more. Get ready for many unforgettable nights of laugh-out-loud humour and antics.
There’ll be plenty of awe-inspiring and thought-provoking drama to choose from also. National Theatre Live will bring Shakespeare’s Hamlet to life with their contemporary take on the famous tragedy. Isosceles Theatre Company tell the engrossing tale of ‘The Man Who Left The Titanic’. ‘The Marian Hotel’ casts a light on the dark history of mother and baby homes in Ireland. Thomas Hardy’s ‘The Return Of The Native’ is a profound exploration of human desires.
As ever, music features high on the bill with thrilling performances by Sharon Shannon, Kimmie Rhodes, The Whistlin’ Donkeys, Philomena Begley, Cliona Hagan, Grainne Duffy and countless more. In addition, the best tribute acts around will be taking to the stage paying homage to some of the greatest names in music history, from Celtic Soul’s amazing rendition of Van Morrison’s timeless music to ‘Icons Of The 70’s’ an electrifying celebration of the legendary artists of the 70’s, and from ‘Proud Mary’ which captures the essence of Tina Turner, to ‘Beautiful Crazy’ an authentic celebration of one of the biggest country stars on the planet – Luke Combs.
Younger audiences aren’t forgotten with shows like ‘Flowers & Friendship Bracelets’, the ultimate pop concert celebrating five of the hottest artistes of the moment. Steven Lee’s ‘The Witch Who Couldn’t Sleep’ is a gentle, heartwarming story time musical for families to enjoy together.
Don’t forget The Market Place also offers a superb range of interactive workshops for adults and children, but be quick, because these are sure to be as popular as ever, and tickets won’t hang around for long.
Details of all events can be found online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre, and tickets can be booked by contacting the Box Office on 03300 561 025.
And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Instagram (@marketplace.armagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.
Escape the icy winter chill at The Merchant Hotel in Belfast with a luxurious overnight stay with breakfast from just £144 per person sharing. Your five-star experience will begin with a complimentary bottle of Valdo prosecco after arrival, before you explore the city or simply relax and take advantage of the many wonderful facilities The Merchant Hotel has to offer. Offer valid until 26 February, 2026. Visit www.themerchanthotel.com for more information.
Bullitt Hotel, Belfast
Check in to Bullitt for a laid-back overnight stay and check out a signature cocktail in Rattlebag – their award-winning cocktail bar. Enjoy a comfy room, a full Bullitt breakfast, and a leisurely 12pm check-out. The breakfast menu is fully a lá carte and prepared to order each morning by their wonderful chefs. Offer is available Wednesday to Friday, and Sunday. From £86 per person sharing (based on two persons sharing). Visit www.bullitthotel.com for more information.
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.
Here are ten exciting things to do 19 – 25 January
The Out to Lunch Festival, Belfast, 9 – 31 January. Out To Lunch offers lunchtime (and latterly evening) shows featuring the best in comedy, theatre, literature and music. Out to Lunch has become one of the best loved winter festivals on these islands drawing artists and audiences from all over the world.
Stargazing Evening at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, 23 January (more dates available). Experience the wonders of the night sky with guided observations through telescopes, and explore stars and the constellations (weather dependant). This event offers a unique opportunity to learn about the cosmos from expert astronomers. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or new to astronomy, it’s a night not to be missed.
Burns Night Supper at Magheramorne Estate, Magheramorne, County Antrim, 23 January. Join them for an unforgettable evening of Scottish tradition and celebration as Magheramorne Estate hosts Burns Night Supper. Raise a wee dram to the Bard, savour a five-course dinner inspired by the flavours of Scotland, and enjoy long table dining in their elegant ballroom as the pipes, drums and dance bring the night to life.
Afternoon Tea in Montalto House with Tour, Ballynahinch, County Down, 24 January. Feel like a Georgian guest at Montalto House. Your visit will begin with a warm welcome and an introduction to the rich history of Montalto Estate. Then, in the exquisite drawing room, you will enjoy an elegant traditional afternoon tea. Following this, a guided tour will allow you to explore the grandeur of the 18th century Georgian mansion along with its wonderful collection of original art and antiques.
An Ode to Robert Burns at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 24 – 25 January. Join them to honour Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, one of Thomas Mellon’s favourite writers. Enjoy traditional haggis pie samples and listen to readings of some of Burns’ famous poetry. Experience theatrical performances of Not So Serious Burns by Bready Ulster-Scots, featuring a traditional bagpiper, Highland dancers, and even Robert Burns himself.
Burns, Whisky & Words: A Whisky Tasting Experience at the Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, County Down, 25 January. During this guided whisky tasting, you’ll explore three single malt Scotch whiskies, each chosen for its deep connection to a defining chapter in Robert Burns’ life. Every 35ml dram is paired with a whisky-led canapé created by The Edible Flower, and accompanied by a carefully selected Burns poem to deepen your connection to the whisky and Burns.
Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, visit website for open dates and times. The landscape encompassing the Marble Arch Caves was formed over 330 million years ago. Today this natural environment of caves, rivers, mountains, ancient woodlands, waterfalls and gorges offer an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the incredible range of activities and experiences the Marble Arch Caves have to offer.
The Truffle Shuffle Experience at The Chocolate Manor, Castlerock, County Londonderry, 24 January. 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 – maybe even with a nip of your favourite tipple, if you wish.
Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, visit website for open dates and times. The Jungle is the perfect location to put your sense of daring and adventure to the test. The Jungle NI is a leading outdoor adventure centre offering exciting activities, events and funky accommodation suitable for all ages.
Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen, Killinchy, County Down, visit website for open dates and times. In their cosy farmhouse kitchen, you’ll learn to make traditional Irish soda bread and wheaten bread, just like generations of Irish families have done before. With the fire lit and the kettle on, you’ll roll up your sleeves and enjoy the art of slow food, guided every step of the way by Tracey, your local host and food lover.
For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.
Ale by Rail! The first train of the year for this popular event. The bar does a mid week discount (10% or so). Now that the new rail station is open the travel is not so convoluted as when the station was being built and traffic diversions were a pain!
Hamlet, Market Place Theatre, Armagh. Olivier award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
Quiet sessions at Titanic Belfast. Discover the Titanic Experience in a calm and sensory-friendly environment with our new Quiet Sessions. Created to support visitors who may prefer reduced noise, softer lighting and a more relaxed atmosphere, these dedicated times offer an inclusive way to explore the galleries at your own pace.
Tribes & Tribulations | A touring exhibition by Helen Merrigan Colfer. In this exhibition, award winning visual artist Helen Merrigan Colfer explores a deeply personal journey from childhood to adulthood in the ongoing search for belonging and self-acceptance.
Lakeland Players Present: Cinderella – A Magical 40th Anniversary Pantomime! Get ready for glitz, giggles and glass slippers as the Lakeland Players proudly present Cinderella – the ultimate rags-to-riches tale, packed with all the fun and new years cheer you’d expect from this classic family pantomime! There will be three matinee performances at 2.30pm on Saturday 10th,Sunday 11th and Saturday 17th January.
Sinéad Willox gathers some of Ireland’s finest musicians for a very special performance to celebrate the album launch of Seoda Uladh – Jewels of Ulster. Seamus Heaney Home Place, Bellaghy.
Enjoy a night of luxury and pampering at Galgorm and start the year off refreshed. From £230 per room based on two adults sharing, this offer includes an overnight stay for two in a superior guestroom, thermal spa village relaxation, early spa access from 12 noon and full Irish breakfast. Valid Monday – Thursday throughout January and February 2026. Visit
Burrow down this winter and retreat to The Rabbit Hotel for rest and relaxation. Starting from £185 per room based on two people sharing, this offer includes an overnight stay for two in a Snug room, access to The Spa from 12 noon on check-in day until check-out, a private duo clay ritual and full Irish breakfast. Valid Monday – Thursday throughout January and February 2026. Visit
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.
Here are ten exciting things to do 12 – 18 January
Arts Across Belfast Bus Tour, Belfast, 18 January. Hop on board this half-day bus tour developed by Creative Tours Belfast for a fun exploration of the best of Belfast’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. Journey across the city with your entertaining and knowledgeable guide. Become acquainted with a plethora of talented and creative people connected with the streets and city districts you will pass through.
W5, Belfast, visit website for open dates and times. Explore eight new zones, packed with over 250 interactive exhibits that excite and inspire, with exhibits and experiences covering everything from climate change and nature to film and TV production, optical illusions, built engineering, medical science and much, much more.
Dome Shows at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, County Armagh, visit website for open dates and times. Book into an amazing 360 degree full dome show and explore the wonders of the night sky this winter. Journey through dazzling constellations including Orion and Taurus. Learn their fascinating stories in this live, presenter-led show. Suitable for adults and children aged 8 and over. Duration: 35 minutes.
Live Music at the Safehouse, Portrush, County Antrim, 16 and 17 January (more dates available). Enjoy live music every weekend at The Safehouse Portrush, featuring some of the best local talent in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
National Trust’s Cast Ward, Strangford, County Down, visit website for open dates and times. Castle Ward, the unusual double sided mansion house, stands amongst gentle parkland looking over Strangford Lough. The working estate once included a water-powered sawmill, cornmill and farmyard. Visitors to the estate today can explore cultivated gardens, sheltered woodland and the shoreline of Strangford Lough.
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Omagh, County Tyrone, visit website for open dates and times. Take a journey through time and space with a visitor experience that’s out of this world. Book your visit to Northern Ireland’s only International Dark Sky Park. Fully guided by an experienced tour guide, the centre will give visitors a unique opportunity to experience the night sky as it is rarely viewed.
National Trust’s Florence Court, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, visit website for open dates and times. Surrounded by lush parkland and thick woodland with Benaughlin mountain rising in the background, Florence Court enjoys a majestic countryside setting in West Fermanagh. There is something for everyone to enjoy at this extensive and welcoming place.
Slow Down, Cook Slow at Meadowclere Cookery School, Fintona, County Tyrone, 16 January. Set in the peaceful countryside of Fintona, County Tyrone, ‘Slow Down, Cook Slow’ celebrates the comforting, homely style of cooking that Northern Ireland is loved for – warm kitchens, hearty flavours and a pace that invites you to switch off and savour the moment.
Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, visit website for open dates and times. Seamus Heaney HomePlace takes you on an inspiring journey through the life and work of one of Ireland’s greatest writers. Situated between Seamus Heaney’s two childhood homes at Mossbawn and The Wood, and only a few hundred yards from St Mary’s Church, Bellaghy, which he chose as his final resting place, HomePlace is at the heart of the area that inspired so much of the poet’s work.
Winter Family Quest at Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh, County Down, until 31 January. Join their Winter Equinox (self-guided) treasure hunt. Solve clues and riddles to explore local area and winter wildlife.
For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.
IMRO award-winning playwright and broadcaster Nuala McKeever is set to facilitate a special event for sixth form pupils from across Belfast as part of the 4 Corners Festival 2026 programme.
Beyond Boundaries takes place at Ulster University, York Street, on January 16. The event, delivered in partnership with the university, will bring together pupils from across the city to explore how to face change and difference with openness rather than fear.
The workshop sits within the wider 4 Corners Festival programme, which returns to venues across Belfast from January 30 to February 8, 2026, built around the theme Journey.
The festival was created to encourage people to step beyond the physical and psychological “corners” of Belfast through events that bring new places, new perspectives and new connections, with a programme spanning conversation, music, comedy, drama, exhibitions, workshops, schools and sport.
The students taking part in Beyond Boundaries are in their final years of school and preparing to embark on new paths, with new choices and new experiences ahead. Workshops across the morning will focus on building skills and confidence, using the tools of writing and performing to explore communication and difference.
Speaking of the event Nuala said: “I’m thrilled to have been asked to do a workshop with the 4 Corners Festival this year. This is a relationship that just keeps getting better.
“This will be a fun, lively workshop where I will use my experience as a writer and performer to look at how we create ourselves in our lives, like characters in a story. We look at what is possible and what holds us back.
“It’s done with lots of laughs and people who’ve taken part before have all said they feel better about themselves afterwards, so that’s pretty good.
“My hope is that the young people taking part go away with a greater sense of confidence and self-worth.
“I love the fact that young people haven’t had so many years to solidify all the baggage that we all carry. They are usually more open to ideas, less set in their ways and they can be so creative.”
4 Corners Festival organisers have said the 2026 theme Journey reflects how people are shaped by the paths they take through life, including outward journeys across places and inward journeys of change, reflection and growth.
The 2026 programme includes events spanning conversation, music, comedy, drama, exhibitions, workshops, schools and sport, with all events free of charge.
According to organisers this year’s theme ‘Journey’ reflects the idea that everyone is shaped by the paths they take through life, both outward journeys across places and inward journeys of change, reflection and growth.
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.
Students interested in the Beyond Boundaries event are invited to book via their school (limited places available).
Many of the festival’s wider events are free to attend. To find out the full lineup of the and to book your tickets go to 4cornersfestival.com
Three days of classical and jazz concerts, leading Irish and British musicians, family events and masterclasses
The inaugural Newry Piano Festival takes place from 6-8 February 2026, bringing together leading pianists from Ireland and Britain for three days of classical and jazz performances, concerts, and events.
Three of the finest classical pianists from these islands – Ireland’s Finghin Collins and David Quigley, and Scotland’s Steven Osborne – give concerts at the Festival, while fans of Jazz and musical theatre can look forward to an evening of Leonard Bernstein with the Rob Barron Trio, joined by vocalist Georgia Cécile.
The Festival is organised by Newry Chamber Music and marks an exciting new addition to Northern Ireland’s music festival calendar. Concerts, as well as family events, involving music and storytelling, as well as piano masterclasses, will take place in Newry Town Hall and the Newry Chamber Music Hub at The Quays Shopping Centre.
“This Piano Festival grew out of a pilot piano masterclass series we held last January with my brother, David Quigley. The response was exceptional and confirmed there is a real appetite for high-level piano performance and training in our region,” said Joanne Quigley McParland, Artistic Director of Newry Chamber Music.
“While this is our first festival dedicated exclusively to the piano, it grows directly from the artistic values Newry Chamber Music has developed over the past 25 years — a commitment to excellence in chamber music and solo performance, and to presenting artists of the highest international standard. The piano has always been central to that tradition.
“With concerts, masterclasses, and open platforms spanning classical and jazz, this festival positions Newry not only as a place where great music is enjoyed, but as a destination where inspiring artistic work happens — attracting performers, students, keen amateur players, and audiences from across the country.”
An extraordinary series of firsts marks the Festival’s opening concert (Newry Town Hall, 6 February, 7.30pm) as David Quigley and Finghin Collins give their first performance together, with a programme featuring two world premieres by leading Irish composers Philip Martin and Sam Perkin.
Quigley and Collins will perform these works on two magnificent Steinway Model D concert grand pianos, kindly loaned to the Festival from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Ulster Orchestra. The programme also features work by Mozart, Rachmaninov, Joan Trimble, and Elaine Agnew.
In another coup for the Festival, acclaimed pianist Steven Osborne will give the closing concert (Newry Town Hall, 8 February, 2.30pm) with a beautifully crafted programme centring on the waltz, including works by Schumann, Satie, and Ravel, along with Schubert’s mighty Sonata in Bb Major.
Osborne will also give a public Piano Masterclass (Newry Town Hall, 7 February) for aspiring young pianists – an amazing opportunity for the participants, piano teachers, and enthusiasts alike.
American composer Leonard Bernstein will be celebrated when the Rob Barron Trio (Newry Town Hall, 7 February, 8pm) perform imaginative and improvised re-interpretations of Bernstein’s music from West Side Story, Candide, On The Town, A Quiet Place, and Wonderful Town. The trio will be joined by the award-winning British jazz vocalist, Georgia Cécile.
In a further treat for Jazz fans, Rob Barron will perform a Sunday morning concert (NCM Hub, The Quays Shopping Centre, 8 February, 1 1.30am), treating listeners to George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Rodgers & Hart, and other Broadway masters. Then at 1pm, Barron will give a Jazz Masterclass for beginner and intermediate musicians.
Newry Piano Festival will also host a delightful family event, when David Quigley and Finghin Collins again join forces for Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite, and be joined by acclaimed actor Séamus O’Hara (House of Guinness, Blue Lights), who will narrate Poulenc’s Babar the Elephant.
Aspiring and amateur pianists and performers of all ages can look forward to the Open Keys at the Quays open-mic piano concert (NCM Hub, 7 February, 4pm), where people can share music in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
“We want this Piano Festival to draw people to Newry and the wider region,” says Joanne Quigley McParland, “to experience outstanding artists and inspiring performances, while discovering an area known for its extraordinary landscape and superb hospitality, and now firmly recognised as a centre of excellence in classical music on these islands.”
An artist who has spent more than four decades bringing dance into the heart of communities, hospitals and care settings across County Tyrone and beyond has been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours List.
Carmel Garvey, an Arts Care Dancer in Residence and choreographer, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to dance in Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The honour recognises a lifetime of work dedicated not to stages or traditional performance spaces, but to people, many of whom are living with illness, disability, trauma or social isolation.
Originally trained in Laban, along with achieving a First Class Hons MA in Dance, Carmel’s career spans more than 40 years, during which dance has been the constant thread. Her work has reached children and older people, learning disability service users, people living with dementia, stroke survivors, mental health patients and hospital inpatients. For many of those she works with, dance has not been an optional extra but a lifeline, offering connection, dignity and joy in settings where these can be in short supply.
Reacting to the news of the award, said she is “proud” of the accolade and “grateful” of the people who have shaped her journey.
She said: “Words cannot express the privilege and pride I feel having been awarded this incredible accolade. It is just beyond my dreams.
“Over the past 40 years my work and the people I have danced with, young and old, have brought me great joy and I have been very privileged to do the work I do.
“Dance is a wonderful tool to cross all barriers, embracing inclusive practice and overall health and wellbeing.”
Carmel’s roots in Tyrone run deep. After moving to Castlederg, she began teaching dance to children through classes called Bright Sparks, which catered for young people aged between four and 16. The classes focused on dance and performing arts and staged two performances each year, quickly becoming a fixture in the local community.
Alongside her work with children, she re-established adult creative dance and fitness classes. From these sessions grew the Castlederg Creative Dance Team, a group that went on to compete nationally. The team achieved the title of UK Champions in Creative Dance for three consecutive years and later performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London, an extraordinary achievement for a group rooted in a small Tyrone town.
Castlederg’s position as a border town also shaped the direction of Carmel’s work. She became involved in cross-border projects alongside Border Arts and the Arts Council in Belfast, bringing together schools from both sides of the border. These projects included special and mainstream schools, primary and secondary pupils, older people’s groups and adults with learning disabilities. All levels of ability were represented, including wheelchair users.
Children danced alongside older people and adults with disabilities, learning through experience about inclusion, support and togetherness. Carmel described these projects as an opportunity to cross barriers and to show that dance could belong to everyone, regardless of age, background or physical ability.
It was through this work with Border Arts that the Inclusion Dance Company was formed. The company was made up of learning disability service users, staff and volunteers from Glenside Day Centre in Strabane. Inclusion Dance went on to perform at high-profile medical and healthcare events across Northern Ireland, carrying a message of visibility and inclusion into spaces where people with learning disabilities were rarely seen on stage.
Carmel’s relationship with health and care settings deepened further through her work with Arts Care. For the past 16 years she has worked as a Dancer in Residence within the Western Health and Social Care Trust, delivering sessions across Omagh, Strabane, Derry and Enniskillen, as well as Lisnaskea. Her work has taken place in day centres and hospital wards, engaging people living with mental health conditions, addiction, dementia, stroke and learning disabilities, as well as older people.
Her sessions combine dance, fitness, yoga and relaxation, with a focus on health and wellbeing. Each session is adapted to the group and the individual, allowing participants to engage safely, comfortably and at their own pace. Music is chosen carefully, often reflecting the era of the participants, encouraging memory, reminiscence and participation
Carmel has also worked extensively within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, bringing groups into the dance studio at Knockbracken Healthcare Park where possible, giving inpatients the chance to leave the ward and experience movement in a creative space. In good weather, sessions move outdoors, using the natural environment as part of the experience.
Her training spans dance, fitness, yoga, performing arts, meditation and relaxation, all of which are woven together into programmes designed to be engaging, varied and safe. The benefits of this approach are seen not only in improved mobility, balance and coordination, but in lifted spirits, social connection and increased confidence among participants.
One long-running strand of her work has been with Arts Care dance companies, including the ETC Dance Group, which meets weekly at Knockbracken. Made up of dancers from Orchardville and Morton Day Centres, the group focuses on Laban dance principles and creative movement, working towards themes that allow dancers to collaborate in pairs or small groups. Carmel said she feels a great sense of pride in the group and is delighted by the pride they feel in themselves, as they deliver messages of inclusion and diversity through performance.
Beyond trusts and hospitals, Carmel has maintained strong links with community organisations. She is a dance facilitator with the Pushkin Trust at Baronscourt Estate, a charity that uses creative arts and the natural environment to promote imagination and cross-community engagement among young people. There, she creates dance alongside writers, poets and musicians, drawing on themes such as landscape and source, and using the estate’s environment as inspiration for choreography. She has described these projects as creating memories that children will carry with them for life.
Her commitment to community health and wellbeing was also evident in Let the Dance Begin, a six-year Arts Care and Pushkin Trust project that brought together community groups, schools, older people, adults with learning disabilities and mental health service users. Dance, art, music and writing were all woven into the programme, alongside education, health and local businesses. At the culmination of the project, Carmel directed and produced a large-scale performance at the Alley Theatre in Strabane, showcasing dance, poetry and music as a united voice.
More recently, her Here and Now facilitation for Arts Care has focused on intergenerational work in County Tyrone, bringing together primary school children and older people with learning disabilities to create choreography centred on inclusion, support and togetherness. At Castlederg Healthy Living Centre, she worked with a group of women known as the Derg Divas, creating choreography that was performed at a Here and Now showcase in Belfast. She is due to return to the group to continue the work, focusing on creative Laban dance principles.
Throughout her career, Carmel’s approach has remained consistent. Dance is not about steps or technical perfection, but about meeting people where they are and offering them a way to connect. In her sessions, a raised hand, a shared rhythm or a simple gesture can be enough to participate. Those in wheelchairs, those seated, and those standing are all dancers, each contributing in their own way.
Arts Care chief executive Barry Macauley said the award was richly deserved.
He said: “I am so delighted for Carmel and I can think of no one more deserving. It comes as no surprise to us at Arts Care, given the amazing contribution she has made to the lives of vulnerable people over the years through dance and movement.
“There will be so many members and staff of day care facilities, hospital wards, residential care homes, schools and community groups throughout Northern Ireland, who will be genuinely overjoyed by this wonderful news and the recognition for Carmel.”
Colleagues and families have long spoken about the impact of Carmel’s work. Participants often show immediate lifts in mood during sessions, with calmer atmospheres and increased social interaction afterwards. Over time, many build confidence, rediscover aspects of their identity and find ways to express emotions that may be difficult to put into words.
One example highlighted in Arts Care documentation is Martin, a long-term dancer who has worked with Carmel for more than two decades. Before he began working with Carmel, his family didn’t realise dance was missing from his life. Now it is central to his identity. Over the years, Carmel has supported Martin to grow in confidence, to the point where he now leads other participants, welcoming newcomers, teaching sequences he has created, and helping others feel at home.
In performance, Martin takes great pride in his role, often stepping forward with a sense of excitement and joy. For his family, the transformation has been remarkable – they describe the pride he feels, the buzz of anticipation before each session, and the lasting joy he carries home afterwards.
Perhaps most movingly, Carmel gave Martin a way to express deep personal emotion at a time of grief. After his father passed away, Martin struggled to put his feelings into words. But in one of Carmel’s sessions, he chose to dedicate a dance to his dad. Through movement, he was able to honour his father and share his emotions with others – something that would not have been possible otherwise. That moment revealed not just the therapeutic power of dance, but also Carmel’s unique ability to create safe, creative spaces where emotions can be explored and expressed with dignity.
Through dance, Carmel creates opportunities for those she works with through expression, connection and pride that might otherwise be lost in the routines of healthcare or the limitations of illness and disability. Her practice doesn’t just improve wellbeing on paper – it changes how people feel about themselves and how they are seen by their families, carers and communities.
Carmel’s impact extends far beyond one individual. In care homes, her sessions have calmed agitation, lifted moods, and created friendlier, more connected atmospheres. Staff often report that residents are more settled and sociable after taking part. Families see their loved ones smile, sing or reach out in ways they haven’t for months. In hospital wards, her sessions offer children distraction from pain and anxiety, while in mental health settings, they provide a gentle and empowering way to reconnect with the body.
What makes Carmel’s difference so powerful is that it is both immediate and lasting. In the moment, she brings laughter, music and movement that transforms the atmosphere of a room. Over time, she builds confidence, resilience and belonging. She doesn’t just offer dance as an activity – she offers it as a language, a tool for connection, and a pathway to self-worth.
For Carmel, these moments are at the heart of her work. She has consistently described her role as a privilege, shaped by the people she works with rather than by personal ambition or recognition. Whilst she acknowledges the British Empire Medal may bear her name, she believes it also reflects the thousands of individuals across Tyrone and Northern Ireland whose lives have been touched by her belief that dance belongs to everyone.
As her work continues in County Tyrone and beyond, the honour serves as national recognition of a local artist whose quiet, sustained commitment has transformed ordinary rooms into spaces of connection, creativity and dignity.
Northern Ireland is set for an unforgettable 2026, packed full of major events, landmark milestones and exciting new visitor experiences.
From Belfast hosting the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (August), to Derry marking 40 years of its world-famous Halloween festival (October), Northern Ireland is gearing to embrace a giant year of events.
A new direct flight from Dublin to Derry is also planned, while Fermanagh’s stunning lakes, waterways and natural landscapes have become part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
Belfast is celebrating being named as European City of Sport 2026 while other significant milestones include the Lyric Theatre celebrating 75 years along with Ulster Orchestra (60).
The Ulster American Folk Park in County Tyrone will toast 40 years in conjunction with its American connections and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Fleadh Cheoil comes to Belfast in August for the first time
The world’s biggest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture is coming to Belfast. The city will host the 2026 Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from 2-9 August, marking the Comhaltas’s 75th year, with Ards CCÉ also celebrating their 50th year. Events range from large concerts and big name acts to street performances, pop-up gigs and community céilís, while competitions in music, song and dance range from local county and regional level to provincial and All-Ireland titles.
Over 400 events, including 230 championships, were delivered in 2024 over eight days, attracting more than 650,000 and delivering an economic value of around €70 million (approx. £58.5 million) to last year’s host region of Wexford.
New Experiences
Finn Lough is developing a new spa village featuring a glass dome spa pool, surrounded by planting and relaxation space. The new spa will also include loughshore hot tubs, a central courtyard designed as a rain garden, and a secret garden with treatment rooms. Finn Lough is set to introduce Europe’s first electric hydrofoiling experience using the cutting-edge Vessev VS–9, offering guests a smooth, silent and environmentally friendly way to explore Lower Lough Erne.
Castlewellan Arboretum: Annesley Gardens and Arboretum are nestled within Castlewellan Forest Park, County Down. The walled Garden provides a central focal point for the Arboretum and a £2.7m investment will restore the historical nature of the planting. The Grange will be developed into a vibrant visitor core, featuring the establishment of a welcome centre, community space, café facilities and open event area.
Conquer the Skies: Dragon Ride: A breathtaking new chapter is about to unfold at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge. Get ready to soar through the skies of Westeros on Dragon Ride – an epic, state-of-the-art experience that will bring you closer than ever to the world of ice and fire.
Hotel Developments
2026 will be a very different year with a lot of new openings including Aloft and Residence Inn, Belfast, (228 rooms), Adagio aparthotel, Belfast (136 rooms), Premier Inn, Belfast International Airport (80 Rooms), Yotel, Belfast (165 rooms) and Tempo by Hilton, Belfast (144 rooms).
Extensions also feature in hoteliers plans with The Ebrington, Andras House Group and several others planning to increase their room numbers. The likelihood is that around 800 new rooms will come to market in 2026.
The historic Scottish Mutual Building in Belfast’s Linen Quarter is being transformed into the Bedford Hotel, opening early Spring 2026. The multi-million pound project will feature 82 stylish bedrooms, a destination restaurant, private dining spaces, and a café bar. Renowned chef Noel McMeel, famed for creating the G8 Summit menu, will lead the culinary team.
Derry’s hospitality scene is thriving with the opening of two major new hotels in late 2025 on Strand Road. The Maiden City Hotel offers 43 stylish rooms, a residents’ lounge, Olive Room restaurant and Spire Bar. Nearby, the Walled City Hotel is within the beautifully restored 1920s former Bank of Ireland building, opening with 40 rooms and expanding to 72 by 2027, marking a major investment in the city’s tourism and heritage.
This follows a series of major announcements including a £7 million investment in Derry’s City Hotel, soon to be rebranded as DoubleTree by Hilton, major refurbishment of Da Vinci’s Hotel (due February 2026) and the Galgorm Group’s acquisition of Roe Park Resort in Limavady. Construction has also begun on a new £15m venue dedicated to the city’s maritime and social history, the DNA Museum, due to open in 2027.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing retreat or an unforgettable adventure, Northern Ireland has it all. Start planning your perfect escape in 2026 at discovernorthernireland.com.
There’ll be plenty of awe-inspiring and thought-provoking drama to choose from also. National Theatre Live will bring Shakespeare’s Hamlet to life with their contemporary take on the famous tragedy. Isosceles Theatre Company tell the engrossing tale of ‘The Man Who Left The Titanic’. ‘The Marian Hotel’ casts a light on the dark history of mother and baby homes in Ireland. Thomas Hardy’s ‘The Return Of The Native’ is a profound exploration of human desires.
Escape the icy winter chill at The Merchant Hotel in Belfast with a luxurious overnight stay with breakfast from just £144 per person sharing. Your five-star experience will begin with a complimentary bottle of Valdo prosecco after arrival, before you explore the city or simply relax and take advantage of the many wonderful facilities The Merchant Hotel has to offer. Offer valid until 26 February, 2026. Visit 
Check in to Bullitt for a laid-back overnight stay and check out a signature cocktail in Rattlebag – their award-winning cocktail bar. Enjoy a comfy room, a full Bullitt breakfast, and a leisurely 12pm check-out. The breakfast menu is fully a lá carte and prepared to order each morning by their wonderful chefs. Offer is available Wednesday to Friday, and Sunday. From £86 per person sharing (based on two persons sharing). Visit 
Ale by Rail! The first train of the year for this popular event. The bar does a mid week discount (10% or so). Now that the new rail station is open the travel is not so convoluted as when the station was being built and traffic diversions were a pain!
Enjoy a night of luxury and pampering at Galgorm and start the year off refreshed. From £230 per room based on two adults sharing, this offer includes an overnight stay for two in a superior guestroom, thermal spa village relaxation, early spa access from 12 noon and full Irish breakfast. Valid Monday – Thursday throughout January and February 2026. Visit
Burrow down this winter and retreat to The Rabbit Hotel for rest and relaxation. Starting from £185 per room based on two people sharing, this offer includes an overnight stay for two in a Snug room, access to The Spa from 12 noon on check-in day until check-out, a private duo clay ritual and full Irish breakfast. Valid Monday – Thursday throughout January and February 2026. Visit
Three of the finest classical pianists from these islands – Ireland’s Finghin Collins and David Quigley, and Scotland’s Steven Osborne – give concerts at the Festival, while fans of Jazz and musical theatre can look forward to an evening of Leonard Bernstein with the Rob Barron Trio, joined by vocalist Georgia Cécile.
A new direct flight from Dublin to Derry is also planned, while Fermanagh’s stunning lakes, waterways and natural landscapes have become part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.