Discover Northern Ireland has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are 10 exciting things taking place this week (1-7 January 2018)

 

1. Out To Lunch Arts Festival 2018, Belfast, 5-28 January. Now in its 13th year, the utterly unique and totally boutique Out To Lunch serves up a feast of music, comedy, spoken word and theatre with a thrilling mix of familiar favourites and fresh talent. For the full programme of acts and dates visit cqaf.com.
2. Ulster Rugby V Munster, Belfast, 1 January. In their third interprovincial battle, Ulster go head to head with Munster at Kingspan Stadium, hoping the Christmas break will have prepared fans to be of good cheer. To book tickets visit ticketmaster.ie.
3. New Year Train Rides, Drumawhey Junction Railway, 1 January. Enjoy miniature train rides at Drumawhey Junction Miniature Railway this New Year’s Day. This miniature railway, built and run by volunteers, captures the atmosphere of a full sized railway with a station, signal box, bridges, platform, cuttings, tunnel and level crossing.
4. Ulster Orchestra Viennese, Derry~Londonderry, 7 January. Start 2018 with this glittering tribute to Vienna and Strauss which is a true delight for the eyes and ears at the Millenium Forum. Featuring a stunning programme of whirling waltzes and sweeping melodies accompanied by guest artists, let the luscious bars of the Blue Danube Waltz leave your heart beating in triple time.
5. Run Forest Run, Tollymore Forest Park, 6 January. Tollymore 5K/10K is the fifth race in the Belfast Telegraph Run Forest Run Series and a great New Year challenge to work off the festive treats. The race route takes in panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains and through the beautiful forest where scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed.
6. Conal Gallen in Concert, Ballynahinch, 6 January. The hilarious comedian Conal Gallen will have everyone in laughter with his fun, laughter and stories. Followed by dancing to The Barry Doyle Band, so get your dancing boots on and head for the Millbrook House Hotel for this live show.
7. The High Kings, Derry~Londonderry, 6 January. ’Folk and Roll’, multi-platinum artists ‘The High Kings’ showcase their incredible versatility, bringing a great acoustic flavour to original songs as well as some old favourites at the Millennium Forum. Together they play thirteen instruments during their performances and their singing is especially noted for its close harmonies.
8. Winter Skate 2017/2018, Belfast, 29 December 2017– 6 January 2018. This Christmas you can skate at the home of The Stena Line Belfast Giants. Enjoy skating on the ice rink at SSE Arena on a range of selected dates in December 2017 and January 2018.
9. Kickstart Your Wellbeing Saturday Sessions, Newtownards, 6 January. Dedicated to you and your wellbeing, each session consists of an outdoor fitness burst, a personal energy management with insights and self-assessment techniques, which will allow you to make the right nutrition choices and enjoy a wonderful healthy brunch prepared by The Kingfisher Kitchen at Castle Espie. Registered Nutritionist Dr Danielle McCarthy (PhD) will then provide a talk on maximising your energy, with hints and tips for mind and body wellbeing. To book call 028 9187 4146.
10. Jake O’Kane – Still Sittin’ On The Fence, Belfast, 4-5 January. Jake O’Kane, one of Northern Ireland’s top comics and star of the BBC panel show ‘The Blame Game’, is back with a brand new show at the Crumlin Road Gaol. In his traditional end-of-year review show, Jake will be casting a satirical eye over the preceding 12 months, combining stories and pictures from the Irish News with the madness of the Internet to debunk the great, the not so great, and himself.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.