Here are ten exciting things to do 12 – 18 January
Arts Across Belfast Bus Tour, Belfast, 18 January. Hop on board this half-day bus tour developed by Creative Tours Belfast for a fun exploration of the best of Belfast’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. Journey across the city with your entertaining and knowledgeable guide. Become acquainted with a plethora of talented and creative people connected with the streets and city districts you will pass through.- W5, Belfast, visit website for open dates and times. Explore eight new zones, packed with over 250 interactive exhibits that excite and inspire, with exhibits and experiences covering everything from climate change and nature to film and TV production, optical illusions, built engineering, medical science and much, much more.
- Dome Shows at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, County Armagh, visit website for open dates and times. Book into an amazing 360 degree full dome show and explore the wonders of the night sky this winter. Journey through dazzling constellations including Orion and Taurus. Learn their fascinating stories in this live, presenter-led show. Suitable for adults and children aged 8 and over. Duration: 35 minutes.
- Live Music at the Safehouse, Portrush, County Antrim, 16 and 17 January (more dates available). Enjoy live music every weekend at The Safehouse Portrush, featuring some of the best local talent in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
- National Trust’s Cast Ward, Strangford, County Down, visit website for open dates and times. Castle Ward, the unusual double sided mansion house, stands amongst gentle parkland looking over Strangford Lough. The working estate once included a water-powered sawmill, cornmill and farmyard. Visitors to the estate today can explore cultivated gardens, sheltered woodland and the shoreline of Strangford Lough.
- OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Omagh, 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.
- National Trust’s Florence Court, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, visit website for open dates and times. Surrounded by lush parkland and thick woodland with Benaughlin mountain rising in the background, Florence Court enjoys a majestic countryside setting in West Fermanagh. There is something for everyone to enjoy at this extensive and welcoming place.
- Slow Down, Cook Slow at Meadowclere Cookery School, Fintona, County Tyrone, 16 January. Set in the peaceful countryside of Fintona, County Tyrone, ‘Slow Down, Cook Slow’ celebrates the comforting, homely style of cooking that Northern Ireland is loved for – warm kitchens, hearty flavours and a pace that invites you to switch off and savour the moment.
- Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, visit website for open dates and times. Seamus Heaney HomePlace takes you on an inspiring journey through the life and work of one of Ireland’s greatest writers. Situated between Seamus Heaney’s two childhood homes at Mossbawn and The Wood, and only a few hundred yards from St Mary’s Church, Bellaghy, which he chose as his final resting place, HomePlace is at the heart of the area that inspired so much of the poet’s work.
- Winter Family Quest at Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh, County Down, until 31 January. Join their Winter Equinox (self-guided) treasure hunt. Solve clues and riddles to explore local area and winter wildlife.
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.