10 things to do in Northern Ireland

Here are ten exciting things taking place 17 – 23 February 2020.

1.       NI-Science-Festival-Belfast-P85844/  NI Science Festival Belfast, 13 – 23 February. Join NI Science Festival as they celebrate the science of you, the universe and everything in between. These events present some of the best scientists from NI and beyond to discuss their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold. During the day, the festival offers a range of workshops, talks and interactive activities for young people, parents and schools. In the evening there will be an eclectic mix of scientific debate, talks, theatres, comedy, music and film for adults.

2.       Northern-Ireland-Puddle-Jumping-Championships NI Puddle Jumping Championships Newtownards, 15 – 20 February. Put on your wellies, get out into nature and have a splashing time. Come rain or shine, the Puddle Jumping Championships are the perfect activity for a fun filled family day out. Splash about in the ‘practice puddles’ throughout the day and get-set for the daily competitions with splash-tastic prizes to be won!

3.       Belfast-Restaurant-Week-2020 Belfast Restaurant Week 2020 Belfast, 17 – 23 February. This February, treat yourself to some self-love and indulge in dining out during Belfast Restaurant Week. Due to its phenomenal popularity, this week-long initiative is returning on 17-23 February. It will run across some of Belfast City Centre’s most loved restaurants, bars and hotels, where the best in local produce can be found in what has become the country’s unrivalled food and drink scene.

4.       Silent-Light Silent Light Coleraine, 9 – 23 February. Visitors will be steeped in the landscape, embarking on a silent walk to Mussenden Temple which sits perched at the edge of a 120ft cliff overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean. Within the Temple, an installation of the artist’s ‘Stained Moons’ artwork awaits. The viewings will take place in silence and in darkness, after twilight, for fourteen nights in February.

5.       Riverdance-25th-Anniversary-Show Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show Belfast, 19 – 22 February. Since it began, Riverdance has toured the globe. The show has been performed over 12,160 times and seen live by over 27.5 million people in 546 venues worldwide. Now it is time to celebrate another milestone on that journey. The 25th Anniversary show catapults Riverdance into the 21st century and will completely immerse audiences in the extraordinary and elemental power of its music and dance.

6.       Winter-Supper-Club-New-York Winter Supper Club – New York Derry~Londonderry, 21 February. Take a trip to the streets of New York for an unforgettable night at the Walled City Brewery. Think beer, hot dogs and American sliders – you’ll be living the dream. Walled City Brewery will be working with Lo & Slo on this one so you will be in for a treat.

7.       Dragon-From-The-Lagan-Goes-To-W5 Dragon from the Lagan goes to W5 Belfast, 17 February – 16 April. Children are born natural scientists, so why not bring them to W5 to let them imagine, explore and play in Discovery. In this 45 minute workshop they’ll follow the adventures of a small, friendly dragon as he makes his way to W5 to discover a world of amazing science. Children can then enjoy some simple science craft activities and a variety of building challenges all with a maritime theme! So step on-board this February for the ultimate family day out

8.       Life-Cycles-by-Lorna-Smyth Life Cycle by Lorna Smyth Enniskillen, 2 December 2019 – 18 April 2020. This showcase of new works, curated by renowned artist Lorna Smyth, encompasses the four seasons in one year. Lorna’s art emphasises the world around us, highlights her love of nature and captures a sense of belonging regardless of the place name.

9.       Bene-and-Cormac Bene and Cormac Belfast, 22 February. This is a free event part of the Gradam Ceoil TG4. Bene and Cormac won BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2019. Their debut album Wavelength has taken the traditional music scene by storm and they themselves are at the forefront of a wave of amazing young Irish and Scottish musicians taking up the mantle. Don’t miss their gig at the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre.

10.   Six-Nations-Live-Music-Session-with-The-Muddlers-Club-Band Six Nations Live Music Session with the Muddlers Club Band Belfast, 23 February.The Muddlers Club come armed with guitars, fiddle, bodhrán, banjo, whistles, flute, harmonica, ukulele, drums and whatever comes to hand. Gigging around festivals, weddings and trips abroad as often as possible, they really are a band not to be missed. They’ll be performing at Granny Annies on Sunday 23rd February to help you get into the spirit for Six Nations Ireland vs England match at Twickenham which will be showing live on the big screens.

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