Here are ten exciting things to do 30 January – 5 February 2023
- The Legacy of Saint Brigid at The Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick, County Down, 1 and 4 February. Brigid Watson is a local expert tour guide and environmentalist with a passion for Christian heritage and the fascinating life stories of people. In the ancient town of Downpatrick, home to the burial place of Saint Brigid at Down Cathedral, Brigid shares the story of the fascinating life of this Irish woman. After refreshments upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to explore an excellent display about Saint Brigid, the Goddess Brigid and the ancient traditions associated with the saint.
- Newry Arts Festival, Newry, County Down, 2- 11 February. A ten-day celebration of exhibitions, comedy, music and drama will shine a light on Newry’s arts scene as part of a major new festival. Newry Arts Festival will welcome renowned acts from the Newry area, including Rozlyn Sheridan, Newpoint Players, Joanne Quigley McParland, The Fews Ensemble and visual artist Cora Harrington, as well as top artists from across the region.
- Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Adventure Playpark and Fionn’s Giant Adventure, Killeavy, County Armagh, visit website for opening times. The Forest Park offers stunning walking trails, a scenic drive, an Adventure Playpark, Fionn’s Giant Adventure children’s trail and Courtyard where you will find the Synge & Byrne coffee shop. Rising some 576m above the surrounding countryside, the broad slopes of Slieve Gullion dominate the landscape of south Armagh. The mountain itself lies at the centre of a pronounced ring of hills – the Ring of Gullion.
- A Shot in the Dark – Cave Photography Session, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 4 February (more dates available). Explore a world deep underground where no natural light exists with Cave Explorer and Visual Storyteller Robert Mulraney. A Shot in the Dark is a practical photography session where basic cave photography techniques will be demonstrated. It is designed for those wanting to spend time in the showcave, taking photographs and getting to grips with the unique and challenging photographic conditions.
- Earth Yoga – In the Heart of the Cave, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 5 February (more dates available). Enjoy a unique experience as you get in touch with your inner yogi in a beginner-friendly 60 minutes yoga session in the depths of the Marble Arch Caves. Relax body and mind as you connect to nature inside the cave with an inviting and inspiring class welcome to all levels.
- Blessingbourne Mountain Bike Trails and Pump Track at Blessingbourne Estate, Fivemiletown, County Tyrone, visit website for opening times. The Blessingbourne Mountain Bike Trails lie in the heart of the Clogher Valley. Packed full of technical trail features such as berms, tabletops and rock drops, the trails at Blessingbourne cater for all ages and abilities and always provides a fun day out. Alternatively, enjoy a day out with their lovely walking trails if that is more your speed, and don’t forget to bring your dog.
- WWT Castle Espie Re-opening, Comber, County Down, visit website for opening times. WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre welcomed back visitors from Monday 23rd January. The cafe and shop are open as usual as are the sensory garden, art gallery and wildwood play. Although the resident bird collection area remains temporarily closed, visitors will have access to the nature reserve with woodland walks, bird hides and the wonderful mosaic of wetland habits which our precious native wetland wildlife call home.
- Fidela Experience – A Columbian Lunch and Coffee Tasting Tour, Coleraine, County Londonderry, 4 February. Have you ever wondered where the coffee in your cup comes from? Join us for an afternoon experiencing all that we love about Columbia from food to coffee and the whole process from farm to cup.
- Taste & Tour, Belfast, visit website for opening times. Taste & Tour is a series of multi-award-winning food and drink tours. With their signature Belfast Food Tour, Gin Jaunt, City Cocktail Circuit and 5 Stop Brunch Tour, amongst others, they’ve made it their business to lead guests to Belfast’s brightest and best flavours. Local guides will lead the cheer, helping guests discover the people, the history and the top tastes in the city.
- Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills, County Antrim, visit website for opening times. Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site is a geological wonder and home to a wealth of history and legend. The 40,000 basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago, has captured the imagination of all who see it.
Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.
For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/