Month: February 2026

Discover NI’s Offers of the Week

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Bushmills Townhouse, Bushmills, County Antrim

 

Escape to the Causeway Coast with Bushmills Townhouse. Starting from £95pp, arrive to a glass of bubbles and relax for an overnight stay in one of their beautiful suites, with a two-course dinner included and a perfectly cooked breakfast the following morning, before exploring the natural beauty of the area. Offer available in March and April 2026. Visit www.bushmillstownhouse.com for more information.

 

Portrush Adelphi, Portrush, County Antrim

 

Step into a weekend (27-28 March) designed to restore balance and awaken your sense of adventure at the Portrush Adelphi. In collaboration with CláraTide, this restorative retreat invites you to reconnect – with nature, with stillness, and with yourself. Set against the wild beauty of the Atlantic coast, starting from £530 the two-day experience blends mindful practice with the rhythm of the outdoors: guided art and journaling sessions, grounding coastal walks, nourishing seasonal meals, and moments of quiet reflection. Visit https://marineandlawn.com/adventure-weekends-claratide/ for more information.

 

 

For more inspiration or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.

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. 

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 23 February – 1 March

 

  1. Love LegenDerry Food Month, Derry~Londonderry, 1 – 28 February. This February, the historic city and its surrounding district will celebrate its exceptional culinary heritage with a month-long programme of unique events and experiences. With a backdrop of stunning landscapes, a rich heritage, and passionate producers, this food destination offers an immersive experience that celebrates authentic local flavours and the artistry of its chefs and artisans.
  2. Dome Shows at Armagh Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, visit website for open dates and times. The main attraction at Armagh Planetarium is a 360-degree digital theatre, where they present immersive dome shows on a wide range of topics. With programmes designed for toddlers, families, and adults, there’s something for every visitor.
  3. Quiet Sessions at Titanic Belfast, Belfast, 22 – 23 February. Discover the Titanic experience in a calm and sensory-friendly environment with the 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.
  4. Birdwatch morning at WWT Castle Espie, Comber, County Down, 25 February. Join our experts for a relaxed and informative birdwatching walk across the reserve, timed to catch the birds at their most active. Perfect for all experience levels. Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned spotter, the team will help you identify species understand behaviour and make the most of the wetland’s seasonal highlights. No booking required, just turn up, bring your binoculars if you have them and enjoy a peaceful morning of birdwatching.
  5. Young Aspects at North Down Museum, Bangor, County Down, 27 February – 1 March. The Young Aspects Festival celebrates creativity, imagination and storytelling for young people of all ages. Taking place across Bangor, the festival offers an inspiring weekend of workshops, author events and hands-on activities designed to spark a love of reading and writing.
  6. Wood Carving Workshop with Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, County Down, 28 February and 1 March. Under Peter’s expert guidance, you’ll learn how to select and prepare wood, understand grain direction, and master the essential tools of the trade, from sharpening chisels and gouges to carving straights, curves, and junctions.
  7. OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Davagh Forest, 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.
  8. A Face in Time: Portraits from our Collections at Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, until 30 May. A Face in Time brings together paintings, photographs, sculpture and archival treasures from the Fermanagh County Museum’s collections to explore how we see and understand one another across generations. From painted likenesses to photographic images, each portrait captures more than just a face. These works reveal hints of identity, status, culture and community.
  9. Steinbeck Festival at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Limavady, County Londonderry, until 27 February. Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre has partnered with the Steinbeck Festival team to host the seventh annual celebration of John Steinbeck’s enduring legacy and his connection to Limavady. This vibrant festival offers a dynamic programme of music, theatre, talks, art, and storytelling, with something for everyone to enjoy.
  10. Come & Try Electric Mountain Biking – Bike Mourne, Castlewellan, County Down, 27 –28 February. Come & Try Electric Mountain Biking and enjoy the buzz of electric bikes on the stunning Castlewellan MTB Trails. From meeting the team at the Trailside Centre, to receiving an overview and introduction to electric biking, supply and set up of all the kit that you’ll need, including top of the range electric mountain bikes, helmets & accessories, and advice, simply book and go!

 

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Subject to availabilities with select dates.

ARMAGH “WELCOMES ST PATRICK HOME” WITH 2026 FESTIVAL

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While St Patrick’s Day is marked across the globe, Armagh is the place where his legacy continues to shape the landscape and its people.

This March – the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland and the only city in the world with two cathedrals dedicated to St Patrick – will host the Home of St Patrick Festival from Tuesday 10 March to Wednesday 18 March 2026, building on the success of last year’s celebrations .

Set among the city’s twin cathedral hills, the festival brings together ancient tradition and modern celebration in a way that can only happen in Armagh – the Home of St Patrick. Through live music, culture and heritage, alongside moments of reflection, it invites visitors to discover St Patrick not just as an international symbol, but as the man who lived, prayed and built his first great stone church in Armagh in 445AD.

That strong sense of place runs throughout a programme designed to bring people together -families, friends and visitors of all ages – across the city’s historic streets, theatres, pubs, green spaces and ancient sites. By day and by night, Armagh becomes a stage for storytelling, creativity and shared celebration, including a special Brian Finnegan & Friends concert in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, marking the return of the acclaimed Armagh-born composer during a break from his international touring schedule.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Jessica Johnston, said: “Armagh has a long and meaningful connection to St Patrick, and that heritage continues to shape the character of our city today. With two cathedrals dedicated to his name, the story of St Patrick remains an important part of our shared history and identity.

“Our St Patrick’s Festival is a fantastic opportunity for our local businesses, traders and hospitality providers to shine. The festival brings thousands of visitors into the city, supporting our local economy and showcasing the warm welcome Armagh is known for. I encourage everyone to get involved, join the festivities.”

A major highlight of the 2026 festival is the St Patrick’s Open-Air Concert on Monday 16 March, when Market Square will be transformed into a vibrant outdoor venue at the heart of the city. Headlined by chart-topping folk favourites The Tumbling Paddies, with support from Wolfhound and The Reillys, the concert promises a high-energy, family-friendly celebration of contemporary Irish music beneath the cathedral skyline.

The celebrations continue throughout the week with the St Patrick’s Festival Live Music Trail, running from Friday 13 to Tuesday 17 March. Spanning 20 local acts across 12 venues, and free for all to enjoy, the Trail fills Armagh’s bars, cafés and cultural spaces with live Irish music, creating a vibrant soundtrack as visitors move through the city. Alongside this, festivalgoers can also experience everything from Trad Tok Live – a fusion of traditional Irish music and electronic dance beats – to guided heritage activities such as the Stained-Glass Treasures Walking Tour.

Speaking ahead of the festival, The Tumbling Paddies said: “Playing in Armagh, the Home of St Patrick, is something special. There’s a real sense of history and community here and bringing our music to Market Square as part of this festival feels like the perfect way to celebrate everything St Patrick represents.”

Beyond its headline music moments, the Home of St Patrick Festival offers a rich mix of experiences that encourage visitors to explore Armagh in different ways – from discovering the city’s stories on foot to enjoying family activities, comedy, conversation and live performance. Ancient landscapes like Navan Fort, cultural hubs such as The Market Place Theatre, and the city’s welcoming bars and cafés all help showcase the region’s creativity and character.

A powerful reminder of Armagh’s spiritual heritage follows on 16 March with the Vigil Walk, led by the Archbishops of Armagh. By torchlight, visitors join locals on a lantern‑lit journey between the two St Patrick’s cathedrals – a moving symbol of faith, reconciliation and shared tradition. The walk is led by Archbishop Eamon Martin and Archbishop John McDowell, reflecting Armagh’s unique role as a place where two Christian traditions meet in the name of the same saint.

Archbishop Eamon Martin said: “St Patrick’s mission began here in Armagh, and it continues to inspire people across the world today. The Vigil Walk reminds us that Patrick’s message was one of faith, hope and unity, and it is fitting that we walk together between our two St Patrick’s Cathedrals in that spirit.”

Armagh is also the starting point of Saint Patrick’s Way, the 132km pilgrim trail to Downpatrick – making it the most authentic place on the island to explore the life and legacy of Ireland’s patron saint.

For full details of the 2026 Home of St Patrick Festival programme visit visitarmagh.com/festivals/st-patrick

Walled City Music Festival 2026 lands in Derry with four nights of big-feel classical music – passion, colour, and pure virtuosity

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12-15 March 2026 | Derry-Londonderry | Christ Church, Derry-Londonderry

Derry-Londonderry is set for a serious musical takeover this March as Walled City Music Festival returns from 12–15 March 2026 with a razor-sharp programme built for everyone- the seasoned concert-goer, the curious first-timer, and anyone who simply wants to feel something live.

Expect powerhouse piano, high-voltage violin and richly coloured chamber music, performed by world-class artists in the heart of the city. Set within one of Derry’s most charming historic churches, admired for its elegant stained glass and beautifully resonant acoustics, Christ Church Derry offers a warm, welcoming and perfectly suited setting for festival performances.

At the centre of the 2026 line-up are international piano star Martina Filjak, the debut of the Walled City Music Chamber Orchestra, virtuoso violinist Kirill Troussov with pianist Alexandra Troussova, and renowned soprano Ailish Tynan.
The festival is shaped by its co-artistic directors- Derry-born pianist Cathal Breslin and flautist Sabrina Hu- whose international performing careers place them firmly at the heart of a weekend of world-class music-making.

What’s on

Piano Concertos: Passion & Power – Thu 12 March, 7.30pm | Christ Church, Derry-Londonderry

The festival opens with Piano Concertos: Passion & Power, featuring international piano star Martina Filjak and co-artistic director Cathal Breslin in landmark piano concertos by Edvard Grieg and Camille Saint-Saëns, performed with the Walled City Music Chamber Orchestra. This opening night marks the orchestra’s inaugural appearance as part of the festival. £15/£10

Impressions in Sound: Debussy and Beyond – Fri 13 March, 7.30pm | Christ Church, Derry-Londonderry
A bold, sensory programme for flute, viola and harp- from Claude Debussy and Sir Arnold Bax to newly commissioned Irish works, performed by Sabrina Hu (flute), David O’Doherty (viola) and Clíona Doris (harp). £15/£10.

Romantic Virtuosity: Violin and Piano – Sat 14 March, 7.30pm | Christ Church, Derry-Londonderry
Kirill Troussov and Alexandra Troussova bring the fireworks with showstoppers by Ludwig van Beethoven, César Franck, Pablo de Sarasate and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. £15/£10.

Last Songs, Love Songs, Irish Songs: A Festival Farewell – Sun 15 March, 2pm | Christ Church, Derry-Londonderry
A closing concert that goes straight for the heart: Richard Strauss, Giacomo Puccini, and beloved Irish favourites- with soprano Ailish Tynan and pianist Cathal Breslin in full flight. £15/£10.

Tickets & info

Full programme details and ticket links are available via the festival programme page. https://walledcitymusic.com/wcmf/programme/

The Piatti Quartet: A Concert of Cinematic Scores

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Internationally acclaimed quartet to perform film soundtrack classics at Warrenpoint Town Hall

When Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings accompanied the helicopter scenes in Platoon, audiences experienced the power of chamber music to intensify emotion on screen. That intensity is set to be experienced again in a concert at Warrenpoint Town Hall.

The internationally acclaimed Piatti Quartet will perform Barber’s great work, as well as other iconic string quartets by Philip Glass, Ravel, and Shostakovich on Saturday 14th March at 1pm.

Presented by Newry Chamber Music, this concert will show the versatility and adaptability of the string quartet in capturing tone, emotion, and drama across a range of film genres and is sure to delight both classical enthusiasts and cinema buffs.

The concert will open with Philip Glass’s String Quartet No. 3, from his soundtrack to Mishima: A Life In Four Chapters, the 1985 biographical drama directed by Paul Schrader and based on the life of Japanese writer Yukio Mishima.

Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood has excelled as a composer for film in recent years, as the Piatti Quartet will show with his spare and spectral quartet from Paul Thomas Anderson’s Oscar-winning There Will Be Blood.

The concert concludes with Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 8 (1960). The work was composed in Dresden while Shostakovich was working on the soundtrack for the Soviet-East German film, Five Days-Five Nights. Although not written for a specific movie, the piece was inspired by the composer’s surroundings, with Dresden still reeling from the bombing of the Second World War. It has subsequently been used in numerous soundtracks due to its dramatic, emotional tone.

Also on the programme is Ravel’s String Quartet, which has featured on Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), among other films, and Samuel Barber’s deeply poignant Adagio for Strings, Op. 11, which has become an emotional leitmotif representing loss and grief.

The Piatti Quartet – Michael Trainor (violin), Emily Holland (violin), Miguel Sobrinho (viola), Jessie Ann Richardson (cello) – are the Resident Quartet at Kings Place, London. They have enjoyed enormous critical acclaim, with composer Julian Anderson calling them, “living treasures of chamber music”; The Strad has praised their “profound music making”; while classical music critic David Rowe has said: “The Piatti Quartet is surely one of the very best – ever”.

Since their prizewinning performances at the 2015 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition, they have performed at the Wigmore Hall, London; The Concertgebouw, Amsterdam; Flagey Radio Hall, Brussels; and the Aldeburgh Festival.

Contemporary music has been ever-present in The Piatti Quartet repertoire with major commissions and dedications from modern composers Mark-Anthony Turnage, Emily Howard, Charlotte Harding, Joseph Phibbs, and particularly Anna Meredith.

Tickets are £20 (General admission) and £10 (Under 18s) from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/newry-chamber-music/the-piatti-quartet/2026-03-14/13:00/t-yzqgnyq.

For more information see https://newrychambermusic.org.

Belfast to mark St Patrick’s Day with music, song and colour

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Belfast is the place to be this St Patrick’s Day, with a packed programme of events from Belfast City Council, stretching right across the city, from 1-17 March.

Following the annual Spar Craic 10K race, leaving from City Hall at 9am, the city centre will be the setting for the annual St Patrick’s Day parade on Tuesday 17 March.

Starting at City Hall at 1.30pm, this year’s parade will celebrate the legends of St Patrick, as well as the city’s diversity, with local dance troupes, schools, community groups and musicians.

Expect colourful costumes, music, dance and carnival characters as the cavalcade makes its way down Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place and Donegall Place, before returning to City Hall.

Belfast TradFest have added an extra day to their popular St Patrick’s Music Festival, now with five days of events from 13-17 March.

Enjoy a multi-cultural, cross-community celebration of all aspects of traditional music and song – a great taster ahead of this summer’s Fleadh Cheoil.

Following the parade on Tuesday 17 March, head to the festival village in the Cathedral Quarter (1pm-5pm) for Highland piping competitions, set and céili dancing, pilgrimage walks, bodhrán circles, a trad picnic and an afternoon of family fun, with the main stage in Writers’ Square and an acoustic stage in St Anne’s Square.

Ticketed highlights include Dougie MacLean and Ursula Burns, followed by Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh Band and Andy Irvine, both at Mandela Hall (Saturday 14 March), a Pipe Band Extravaganza at City Hall (Sunday 15 March), the Michael McGoldrick Trio and Music Generation Cross Border Folk Orchestra at the Ulster Hall (Monday 16 March) and a special St Patrick’s Day concert at The MAC on Tuesday 17 March, with The Bow Brothers and the Aoife Scott Band.

Féile an Phobail will also be hosting world-class Irish traditional music and workshops in venues across the city from 10-17 March.

The popular Féile Trad Trail will include over 100 sessions, featuring some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians.

St George’s Market will share St Patrick’s Day craic on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March, with live traditional music across both market days, along with special trader offers and family fun.

Among the acts performing will be musicians from Ards CCÉ, who are partnering with the council to host Fleadh Cheoil.

Spraoi Cois Lao – the biggest Irish language family fun day of its kind – is also making a return to Custom House Square on Saturday 7 March, 1pm-4pm.

Organised by Conradh na Gaeilge and Féile an Phobail, it offers a packed afternoon of activities, with live music, dance performances, Zumba, a céili mór, taster sessions for beginners and food stalls – all provided through the medium of Irish.

As part of this year’s St Patrick’s programme, Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia – an international festival celebrating Irish language and culture – also takes place from 1-17 March.

The festival provides opportunities to enjoy Irish through a programme of entertaining and fun events, with activities for both learners and fluent speakers.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said: “St Patrick’s Day is growing in popularity year on year in Belfast, as both residents and visitors take the opportunity to enjoy a celebration of the traditional arts, culture and heritage that shape our city.

“Working in partnership with festival organisers and cultural and arts organisations has really opened up what we can offer around St Patrick’s Day, enabling us to provide a broad programme of events and activities and creating a festival that is welcoming, vibrant and inclusive.

“This year’s programme offers something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s live music, a day out with the family at the parade, a walk or tour to learn more about the life of St Patrick or the chance to try your own hand at traditional instruments. I’m looking forward to sharing in the celebrations and exploring what’s on offer from 1-17 March.”

For more info on St Patrick’s Day events, including dates, times and ticket info for music performances, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/stpatricks

Young Aspects is This Weekend!

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Get ready for a weekend bursting with imagination! Young Aspects is happening in Bangor on Friday 27 February – Sunday 1 March, bringing an exciting programme of workshops, events and hands-on activities designed to inspire young minds and ignite a love of stories.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, this year’s festival transforms venues including North Down Museum, Bangor Carnegie Library and Boom Studios into vibrant hubs of creativity. From playful picture book sessions for little ones to dynamic writing workshops for teens, Young Aspects connects children with talented writers, illustrators, and artists in fun, interactive ways.

One highlight not to miss: the Book Doctors, presented by Children’s Books Ireland, will be hosting free Book Clinics at Bangor Carnegie Library on Saturday 28 February. Step into the surgery for a unique consultation and leave with a personalised reading prescription tailored to your child’s interests!

The programme also features favourites like Digital Art Workshops, Book Binding, Creative Writing, and a Story Sketch Walk – perfect for budding readers, writers, and artists.

Speaking about the programme Patricia Hamilton, Aspects Festival Director, commented:
“Young Aspects gives young people of all ages creative experiences to engage with books, writing and stories in an exciting and unusual way. From bookbinding to illustration, bedtime stories to forest learning, it’s a packed weekend of activity. We hope to see you there!”

To view the full programme and to book tickets, visit: https://aspectsfestival.com/whats-on

We share our pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

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Antrim

Culture Club – Island Arts Centre. Start the weekend with creativity. Activities to encourage children to express themselves in a supportive, nurturing environment and have fun and make new friends along the way!

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Poetry Writing Workshop, Market Place Theatre, Armagh. Growth, abundance, light, movement, life… as the wintry air heats up and the sun comes through the coldness, feel the warmth and beauty of new beginnings this Spring, through poetry!

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Opera returns to the main stage this spring with the Barber of Seville!  Lyric Opera returns to Belfast with this iconic masterpiece in a production bright with colour, high in humour and full of action.

Find out more HERE

Down

The young musicians of Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann invite you to a joyful celebration of Irish traditional music in the beautiful setting of Bangor Castle.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Information Lecture: Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path through the teaching of Bruno Groening – medically documented.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

A story is always better if you have someone to share it with and what better spot to meet and share stories than HomePlace? HomePlace Book Club, Bellaghy.

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

After standing ovations at its debut and rave reviews at the Millennium Forum, the outrageous new comedy NIP & TUCK is coming to the Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown.

Find out more HERE

 

Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair Aims To Support Third Sector Amid Recruitment Pressures

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Northern Ireland’s only dedicated Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair is back this spring, with third sector organisations invited to take part.

At a time when many charities and community organisations are navigating funding uncertainty and increased pressure around recruitment and workforce stability, the Fair provides a cost-effective platform to connect with values-led candidates and volunteers committed to supporting the sector.

With 50 percent of exhibitor tables already booked and the early bird rate closing on 20 February, organisations are encouraged to consider booking now to take advantage of the discounted rate.

Taking place on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre in Belfast, the Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair brings together third sector employers and people actively seeking meaningful paid and volunteer opportunities.

Organised by Charity Jobs NI, the Fair has quickly become a key date in the third sector calendar. Now entering its third year, it provides a focused platform for charities to promote live vacancies, attract volunteers, raise awareness of their work and connect face-to-face with motivated candidates.

At the most recent Fair, more than 270 paid roles and 335 volunteer opportunities were showcased, generating over 465 application requests on the day. Exhibitors reported high-quality conversations with candidates from a wide range of professional backgrounds, many of whom went on to secure roles or volunteer positions as a direct result of the event.

Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, Chris Bunce, said the Fair offers more than just recruitment opportunities.

“While the primary focus is connecting charities with people who want to make a difference, the event has also become an important networking space for the sector. Organisations are able to build relationships with other charities, share ideas and strengthen their presence across Northern Ireland.

“At a time when many organisations are navigating funding uncertainty and increased pressure around recruitment, creating spaces where charities can meet passionate, values-led people is more important than ever. Each year we see the quality of conversations and connections grow, and that is what makes the Fair valuable for the organisations taking part.”

Returning exhibitors say the event provides a valuable platform for connection and visibility.

Joanna Malone, Digital Executive at MACS, Northern Ireland’s only youth-specific homelessness charity, said: “Exhibiting at the Charity Careers & Volunteer Fair is a brilliant opportunity to connect with people who genuinely want to make a difference. For MACS, it’s a chance to share who we are, what we stand for, and how our work helps young people across Northern Ireland who are at risk of homelessness. 

“We love being able to speak directly with people who share our values of compassion, empowerment and togetherness, and who might want to join us in helping young people build brighter futures. It’s also a brilliant way to showcase your culture and values beyond a job description.”

The Fair is free to attend for jobseekers and volunteers and will once again bring together organisations from across health, social care, housing, education, environment and community development.

Charities and not-for-profits interested in exhibiting can find out more online, with around 30 stands available and allocation managed on a first come, first served basis.

To find out more about how your organisation can exhibit, or to register to attend, visit charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair. 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 16 – 22 February

 

  1. NI Science Festival 2026, various locations across Northern Ireland, 11 – 22 February. Over the years NISF has striven to bring the very best of science communication to Northern Ireland. The festival offers a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. 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.
  2. Love LegenDerry Food Month, Derry~Londonderry, 1 – 28 February. This February, the historic city and its surrounding district will once again celebrate its exceptional culinary heritage with a month-long programme of unique events and experiences. With a backdrop of stunning landscapes, a rich heritage, and passionate producers, this food destination offers an immersive experience that celebrates authentic local flavours and the artistry of its chefs and artisans.
  3. Dome Shows at Armagh Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, visit website for open dates and times. The main attraction at Armagh Planetarium is a 360-degree digital theatre, where they present immersive dome shows on a wide range of topics. With programmes designed for toddlers, families, and adults, there’s something for every visitor.
  4. Stargazing Evening at Armagh Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, 20 February. Experience the wonders of the night sky with guided observations through telescopes and explore stars and the constellations (weather dependent). This event offers a unique opportunity to learn about the cosmos from expert astronomers and whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or new to astronomy, it’s a night not to be missed.
  5. Behind The Scenes: Natural Science Collections Talk at Ulster Museum, Belfast, 18 February. Explore the fascinating world of the Ulster Museum Natural Science collections. From plants, insects, and snails to birds, mammals, and fossils, these specimens tell the story of our natural world – past and present.
  6. W5 Late: CSI – Can You Dig It?, Belfast, 20 February. W5 Late returns for a strictly adults-only, after-hours adventure inside Northern Ireland’s award-winning science and discovery centre. On the fateful night of Friday, 20 February 2026, 7pm–11pm, step into a world of intrigue, where a mysterious death demands fresh eyes and sharper minds. Your mission: investigate the crime scene, pick up real forensic techniques, follow the evidence, and expose what really happened to Dr. Algernon Everett.
  7. Foraging Afloat, Killinchy, County Down, 21 February. Spring is arriving on Strangford Lough and with it the arrival of an array of seasonal wild food emerges from the land and water. Join Rory Martin of Strangford Lough Activity Centre and David Thompson & Celia Spouncer from Wild About Tours for a unique guide to the sights and flavour of the area.
  8. Behind the Scenes: Nature Conservation Walk with Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, County Down, 21 February. The Ulster Folk Museum and nearby Cultra Manor are home to an incredible range of natural wonders – from ancient woodlands to flourishing farmlands. For the first time, we’re inviting visitors to go behind the scenes and learn about the exciting conservation work taking place across the site.
  9. Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, visit website for open dates and times. Wander the well-trodden pathways and traditional farmhouses, learning what life was like in rural Ulster. Step on-board the full-scale emigrant ship, experience what the cramped quarters were like on the dangerous journey to America, and find out how Ulster people’s emigration had a lasting impact through North America.
  10. Mini Explorers: Science in the Dark with Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 21 February. Join an engaging two-hour family event that delves into the fascinating science behind cave exploration and how it has developed over time. Perfect for children aged 7 and above, this experience offers a unique opportunity to learn about the tools, techniques, and discoveries that have shaped the study of caves. Through hands-on activities, families will get to explore the challenges and wonders of cave exploration on an interactive guided walk through Marble Arch Caves showcave.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Subject to availabilities with select dates.

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