10 THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN IRELAND NEXT WEEK

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (January 28 – February 3).

  • Donaghadee Historical Society Talk, Donaghadee Community Centre, Co. Down, January 28.  The author Stephen Cameron will give a talk to mark the 60th anniversary of the Princess Victoria Ferry Disaster.  Proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the Donaghadee Lifeboat, the ‘Sir Samuel Kelly’ which brought survivors to shore.
  • Starlight Express, Millennium Forum, Co. Londonderry, January 28 – February 9.  One of the longest running musicals in British theatre history, Starlight Express has been specially designed for a new generation of audiences with an electrifying soundtrack and all-new dazzling sets and choreography.
  • The Young Americans, Waterfront Hall, Belfast, January 30.  The world renowned Young Americans have been the pinnacle of excellence in music and dance.  During this two act spectacular you will travel through time and across musical genres with vocal and dance showstoppers to rival any West End or Broadway production.
  • Made in Italy, Belle Isle Cookery School, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh. February 1.  Learn about authentic Italian dishes using meat and fish and try your hand at making fresh pasta and ravioli filled with seasonal ingredients.  Discover the secrets of deeply rich sauces to enhance any dinner.
  • Oliver, Bardic Theatre, Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone, February 1 – 16.  Oliver was the first musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ work to become a stage hit.  It follows the story of an orphan who runs away from an orphanage and hooks up with a group of boys trained to be pickpockets by an elderly mentor.
  • Sporting Traditions through the Ages in Newry and Mourne, Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal’s Castle, Newry, Co. Down, February 1 – 28.  This colourful exhibition of memorabilia will celebrate sporting traditions and achievements through the ages and will examine the important contribution sport has made to the social and cultural fabric of life in the district.
  • Be Wild about Wildlife, Beginner Birding – Seabirds, Murlough National Nature Reserve, Dundrum, Co. Down, February 2.  Come along and enjoy this great day out for bird beginners.  Meeting point is at the car park.  Suitable footwear is essential.
  • Snowdrop Walks, The Argory, Moy, Co. Armagh, February 2.  As winter melts away, take a self-guided walk through the estate, enjoy a warm refreshment, buy your own snowdrop plants and pick up some essential reads in the second hand bookshop.
  • Furniture Upcycling Workshop, Mossley Pavilion, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, February 2.  Pick a piece of furniture and learn how to transform it into something truly unique for your home.  Learn how to get the ‘chalk paint look’ and other craft techniques such as crackling and decoupage.  Furniture and materials provided along with an afternoon tea.
  • National Intermediate/ Master & Juvenile Development Cross Country Championships, Gransha, Co. Londonderry, February 3.  A 12-race programme of top quality cross country action with runners aged 10 to 80 years.  Local runners in particular will be trying to impress on home turf.