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Discover More – Ards and North Down Unveils 2026/27 Guided Walks and Tours Programme

April 27, 2026

Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce the launch of its Guided Walks and Tours 2026/27 programme, running from May 2026 through January 2027. This year’s schedule brings together 14 immersive, story-rich tours, offering residents and visitors the chance to step behind the scenes of historic estates, uncover hidden heritage, and experience the region in new and inspiring ways.

Part of the wider Experience Ards and North Down offering, the Guided Walks and Tours programme celebrates local culture, landscape, traditions, and personalities—all brought to life by expert local guides and storytellers. and passionate local hosts.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum said:
“We are incredibly proud to showcase the very best of our borough through this year’s Guided Walks and Tours programme. Each tour shines a light on the rich stories, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality that define Ards and North Down. Whether you live here or are visiting for the first time, these experiences offer a truly special way to connect with the heritage and spirit of our region.”

The 2026/27 Guided Walks and Tours offer something for everyone—from lovers of local history and horticulture to those drawn to folklore, coastal tales, live music and seasonal events, including:

New for 2026

Stories and Songs of the Sea – Bangor (23 May)
A unique heritage through music walking tour through Bangor’s historic coastal spaces.
Gifted Hearts of Bangor – Bangor (6 June)
A colourful journey into the stories, secrets and scandals that shaped Bangor’s character.

Much-loved highlights

Gardener’s Delight – Ballywalter Park (23 May)
Join Food Historian Lady Dunleath for an intimate tour of the estate’s private walled garden, followed by homemade cake and a Q&A.
Jenny Watts Boat Trip – Bangor (23 & 24 May)
Explore Bangor Bay by boat with Brian Meharg and hear the story of legendary smuggler Jenny Watt.
Trad and Tide – Bangor Bay & Strangford Lough (21 June)
Enjoy folklore, live traditional music, wildlife and sea air aboard locally operated vessels. Step aboard and discover rich folklore, vibrant traditional music, incredible wildlife and refreshing sea breezes on our unforgettable boat trips.
Greyabbey Estate Garden Tour – Greyabbey (26 July)
A rare opportunity to visit this private estate guided by owners William and Daphne Montgomery.
Paws for Gin – Donaghadee (23 August)
A dog friendly coastal tour including a locally crafted Copeland Gin cocktail and pup goody bag.

Find out more and book your tickets now, visitardsandnorthdown.com/experienceAND (Online booking fees apply).

Our Pick of What’s On This Weekend!

April 23, 2026

By whatsonni

Antrim

Larne Museum & Arts Centre will be open on Saturday 25th April 2026 from 10.00am – 4.00pm. The John Clifford Gallery will be hosting the last day of “Thin Place”, an Art Exhibition by Bob Speers

Find out more HERE

Armagh

South Ulster Sinfonia invite you to their Spring Concert where they will be playing Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, Mozart’s Flute Concerto in D and Beethoven’s Symphony No 1.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Boys and Girls, The Mac, Belfast. In its Irish premiere this production of Girls and Boys is the kind of show that creeps up on you and stays with you. It is sharp and surprising, with moments of humour that make the harder turns of the story land even more honestly.

Find out more HERE

Down

The renowned Dublin singer and multi-instrumentalist Chris Kavanagh will bring you on a journey of the great folk singer Luke Kelly at the Portico of Ards.

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

Take on the Nature Quest challenge in the Faughan Valley with your family to see what secrets you’ll discover. (Booking Essential).

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Noises Off takes audiences on a hilarious journey behind the scenes of a touring play as it unravels in spectacular fashion at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown.

Ards Arts Centre Welcomes a Solo Exhibition by Lisa Ballard and a Group Exhibition by Brain Injury Matters NI and Rachel Fitzpatrick

April 23, 2026

By whatsonni

Ards Arts Centre is pleased to announce the opening of two new exhibitions: There and Back, a solo exhibition by Lisa Ballard and REFRAMING & CONNECTING, a group exhibition by Brain Injury Matters NI and Rachel Fitzpatrick. Both exhibitions will run from Thursday 30 April to Saturday 23 May.

There and Back by Donaghadee based visual artist Lisa Ballard, is an exploration into the processes used in her landscape painting, processes that serve to represent the blurred memories we have of places and allows the creation of a new imagined landscape. These landscape paintings will look beyond the physical to draw on emotional experience and memory of place, pushing towards abstraction.

Travelling has been vital in Lisa’s personal exploration of painting as a medium. This exhibition will feature a selection of new work inspired by past locations she has visited, both near and far.

Led by artist, researcher and designer Rachel Fitzpatrick, REFRAMING & CONNECTING features a new site‑specific installation co‑created with Brain Injury Matters NI. Drawing on Fitzpatrick’s practice at the intersection of creative health, craft and museums, and her lived experience of acquired brain injury, the work builds on past collaborations exhibited at Roe Valley Arts Centre in Limavady, Trinity College Dublin and Penn State University, USA.

Audiences can expect an immersive installation made from intricate paper crafts, exploring journeys of rehabilitation, reconnection and identity, and revealing often‑unseen narratives of life after acquired brain injury through collaborative making and storytelling.

An opening reception will take place on Thursday 30 April from 7–9pm, where visitors can enjoy a complimentary drink, meet the artists, and explore the work.

For more information on the exhibitions, visit; www.andculture.org.uk

Coleraine to Host Armed Forces Day 2026 Celebration

April 22, 2026

By whatsonni

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is delighted to announce that Armed Forces Day 2026 will take place in Coleraine on Saturday 20 June 2026, from 10am to 4pm.

Residents and visitors are invited to attend this major celebration recognising the service and dedication of the Armed Forces. Coleraine Town Centre will come alive with a vibrant programme of free entertainment, displays and activities, offering an enjoyable day out for families and visitors of all ages.

Delivered in partnership with representatives from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, the event will honour serving personnel, veterans, reservists and cadets who have contributed to protecting and supporting the United Kingdom at home and overseas.

A full day of activity will begin with a military parade through the town centre at 11am, bringing together service personnel, veterans’ organisations and cadet units. A Drumhead Service will follow, with the parade arriving at Christie Park at approximately 12 noon.

Christie Park will host a wide range of attractions throughout the afternoon, including interactive military displays, armoured vehicles and opportunities to meet serving personnel. Highlights will include a Royal Air Force flypast, currently expected to feature the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota, alongside a parachute display by the RAF Falcons.

Additional highlights will include live musical performances, a nine-round Feu de Joie fired across the River Bann by 206 (Ulster) Battery Royal Artillery, and a range of military exhibits. The event will culminate in a Beating

Retreat at 4pm by the Band, Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment.

Aircraft participation is subject to operational availability and will be confirmed closer to the event.

Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Richard Brown Stewart, welcomed the event to Coleraine, saying:

“We are delighted to host this year’s Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day. Our Borough has a strong and long-standing connection with the Armed Forces, so I know it will be a great source of pride for many residents to host Armed Forces Day in Coleraine.

“We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from across Northern Ireland to Coleraine on Saturday, June 20. A fantastic programme is planned, including a parade, drum head service, ground exhibits at Christie Park and a gun salute. It really will be a fantastic event for all of the family.”

Air Marshal Sean Reynolds CB CBE DFC RAF, Air Officer Northern Ireland, said:

“I am delighted to announce that the widely recognised UK’s premier military parachute Display Team, the ‘Falcons’ will showcase the excellence of the Royal Air Force at the Armed Forces Day 26 with their exciting free fall display, which includes advanced manoeuvres, falling at speeds up to 120 mph.

“The ‘Falcons’ will be accompanied by the iconic RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight C47 Dakota flypast at what is promising to be a fantastic day out at Coleraine with special thanks to our hosts at Causeway Coast and

Glens Borough Council. As ever it is a unique opportunity to engage with the people of Northern Ireland and demonstrate how the Armed Forces protects our people and endeavours to add value.”

Causeway Coast and Glens Veterans’ Champion, Councillor Dawn Huggins, added:

“Armed Forces Day is an important day in the military calendar. It is a day when we come together to honour the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of the men and women who serve, and those who have served, in our Armed Forces. The events planned for June 20 in Coleraine will also help us pay tribute to our veterans, those men and women who have stepped out of uniform but have never stopped serving their communities.

“I am also pleased that the event in Coleraine will also be a chance to recognise the families who stand behind our service personnel, providing strength and support through long separations and uncertain times.”

Armed Forces Day provides an important opportunity for communities across the UK to show their support for the Armed Forces family, from those currently serving to veterans, reservists and cadets.

Coleraine’s hosting of Armed Forces Day 2026 is expected to attract large crowds and will be a key highlight of the Borough’s summer events programme.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to save the date, Saturday 20 June 2026, with further details, including the full programme and parking information, to be announced in the coming months.

Holding space: Inside social work

April 15, 2026

By whatsonni

The first ever photography exhibition capturing a view inside social work across Northern Ireland has been launched this week by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council).

‘Holding space: Inside social work’ has been curated by the Social Care Council and supported by the Department of Health, with support from across sector social work organisations. The exhibition is part of the Social Care Council’s annual March ‘Thank you’ campaign celebrating the contribution of different roles within social work and encouraging people to consider social work as a valuable and fulfilling career choice.

Throughout the month (which coincides with World Social Work Day, 17 March 2026) the Social Care Council share stories and encourage others to do so, too, about the different aspects of social work for which we can be thankful for.

Tracy Reid, Chief Executive Social Care Council, said:

“Northern Ireland’s over 6,900 social workers are a vital part of the communities they serve. These powerful images are a brief snapshot of the contribution made by social workers and give real context to the work they do for us all., This photography project gives insight into a much-misunderstood profession. As the regulator of the profession, we support this campaign each year to recognise the contribution social workers make and show the true spirit of the social work profession. We encourage people to take time to go and see the difference social work is making to communities themselves.”

Independent photographer Rory Moore worked with the Social Care Council to capture real social workers as they work to support people of every age, in the places and moments when their support is needed most. It showcases just some of the work taking place across the health and social care, justice, education and community and voluntary sectors inviting attendees to pause, reflect and learn more about the role of social work in our communities.

Aine Morrison, Chief Social Worker, Department of Health added:

“World Social Work Month is an important moment each year for us to pause and recognise the extraordinary commitment, compassion and professionalism shown by social workers across Northern Ireland. I am especially delighted that this year’s celebrations include the ‘Holding space: Inside social work ’exhibition. These images offer a rare and authentic window into the realities of practice – capturing social workers in the places and spaces where it matters most and highlighting the diversity of roles they undertake across health and social care, justice, education, and the community and voluntary sectors. I would encourage everyone to check it out when it comes a location near you.”

Kicking off at the North West Regional College this week for two weeks, it will then travel to the South West College Dungannon (18 March – 25 March) and then after Easter ending at Belfast Metropolitan College (13 April – 23 April).

Dr Catherine O’Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards, North West Regional College welcomed the exhibition to its first location at the college, saying:

“We are proud to be the first host of the ‘Holding space: Inside social work’ here at the North West Regional College. This is a powerful exhibition that shines a light on the remarkable work social workers carry out every day across our communities. The images offer our students, staff and visitors a unique opportunity to reflect on the what social work is and the vital role it plays in supporting people at every stage of life. We are delighted to partner in this initiative and to help open conversations, inspire future careers, and celebrate the professionalism and dedication of social workers across Northern Ireland.”

Where you can view ‘Holding space: inside social work’

2-12 March – North West Regional College, Strand Road Campus, DIAL Centre

18-27 March – South West College, Front Reception, Dungannon Campus

13-24 April – Belfast Metropolitan College, Titanic Campus

Are you interested in a career as a social worker?

To train to be a social worker in Northern Ireland you need to complete the Honours Degree in Social Work. Check out our Interested in becoming a social worker? page for more information.

The social work month ‘Thank you’ campaign will continue throughout the month of March. As well as the photography exhibition it will feature first-person stories of social workers and their journey throughout their career. You can find out more about the campaign and digital resources by clicking here.

Contributing organisations:

Photo credit: All photographs in Holding space: Inside Social Work were taken by Rory Moore – www.rorymoore.com.

Action Ability Brings Soul to the Grand Opera House with a New Show Celebrating Talent, Heart and 15 Years of Theatre Magic

April 14, 2026

By whatsonni

Get your tickets fast before they are all Souled Out!

The stage of the Grand Opera House will once again come alive with energy as Action Ability Belfast, the Northern Ireland-based charity that champions social inclusion for people with disabilities, returns with its latest, one night only production, Souled Out!, a powerful celebration of creativity, inclusion and talent.

For more than 15 years, Action Ability and the Grand Opera House have shared a hugely successful partnership, bringing sell-out shows, standing ovations and “great craic” to audiences year after year. From their very first production, Oh Mummy Mia!, to today, these performances have become a much-anticipated highlight in the Theatre’s calendar, not just for audiences, but for the performers themselves, who relish the opportunity to take centre stage in one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic venues.

Action Ability Belfast has been championing inclusion since 1998, working to ensure people with learning, physical or sensory disabilities are supported to live full lives within their own communities. What began as a small, social drama activity has evolved into a respected drama production with this annual performance reflecting the true heart of the cast.

Each show is the culmination of a year-long process of rehearsals and training. With some performers their journey spans more than a decade and they step onto the Grand Opera House stage each year as confident, seasoned performers and professionals in every sense.

At its core, this annual production is about dispelling outdated myths around disability. This is not about limitations; it is about talent and the power of performance.

Grand Opera House Chief Executive, Ian Wilson said: “Action Ability’s shows are always among the most uplifting and memorable performances to grace our stage. The quality of the work, the commitment of the performers and the sheer joy they bring to the Theatre is exceptional. This is not simply a feel-good night out, it is outstanding live performance brought to you by a charity that continues to challenge perceptions and open doors to opportunity.

“We are incredibly proud of our long-standing relationship with Action Ability and delighted to welcome them back to the Grand Opera House.”

For Action Ability, the show means far more than a night in the spotlight. Joe McNally, Project Co-ordinator at Action Ability Belfast, said: “These performances mean so much to our drama group and to everyone at Action Ability. What audiences see on stage is the result of a full year of rehearsals, training, teamwork and personal growth. For some of our performers, this journey began with our first Grand Opera House production over 15 years ago, and today they are confident, accomplished performers who know this stage inside out.

“Standing in the Grand Opera House, doing what they love, is incredibly powerful. It reinforces everything we believe in as a charity, that disability should never define what someone can achieve, and that talent deserves to be celebrated.”

Audiences can expect laughter, emotion and memories that will last long after the curtain falls. With previous productions consistently receiving glowing reviews and packed houses, demand is high.

Tickets are on sale now from the Grand Opera House box office or online https://www.goh.co.uk/whats-on/action-ability-souled-out. Early booking is strongly recommended.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

April 14, 2026

By whatsonni

Here are ten exciting things to do 13 – 19 April

Ards International Guitar Festival 2026, Newtownards, County Down, 15 – 19 April. The Ards International Guitar Festival is back with a bang in April 2026 celebrating 30 years of guitar inspired gigs and free fringe events. Expect a jam-packed line-up of blues, folk, rock, bluegrass and classical and contemporary music for guitar aficionados across Newtownards.
A Night to Remember at Titanic Belfast, Belfast, 14 April. Join this special commemorative evening and retrace Titanic’s story through the voices of those whose lives were forever changed by her journey. During this 90-minute experience, guests will be guided through key locations within Titanic Belfast. They will hear poignant monologues, stirring musical performances, and stories shared by the knowledgeable crew. Guests are welcome to stay for the duration of the event and take part in the candle-lighting ceremony at 11:40 PM on the slipways, marking the exact moment Titanic struck the iceberg.
Garden Bites at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down, 19 April. Step a little deeper into the story of these gardens with a guided mini tour of either the Lost Garden or the Walled Garden, included with your standard Trails and Gardens admission ticket. These relaxed, informal tours invite you to look a little closer, uncovering hidden details, seasonal highlights and the unique character of each space.
Golden Hour Alpaca Trekking Experience, Ballynahinch, County Down, check website for dates and times. This unique experience combines the serene beauty of a guided alpaca trek with the gourmet delight of a specially curated charcuterie board all set against the enchanting backdrop of golden hour. This is the perfect time to embark on a tranquil trek with the friendly alpacas in this experience that has been exclusively designed for adults.
Art on Your Doorstep, various locations across Derry~Londonderry, until 30 September. The National Gallery: Art On Your Doorstep is a programme that shares masterpieces from the collection with communities. Derry City and Strabane District Council is one of twelve partners that will be exhibiting stunning reproductions from the National Gallery during 2026 and 2027. The Council’s museum team has selected eighteen artworks for six sites, from familiar pieces by artists such as Renoir and Van Gogh, alongside art that engages us with nature, food and times of celebration.
Visit Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, visit website for open dates and times. On a guided cave tour their carefully constructed paths enable you to comfortably traverse the Marble Arch Caves whilst discrete lighting displays the cave features and delicate cave formations. Their enthusiastic guides will lead you through awe-inspiring passages and further enhance your experience by interpreting the stories of this wonderous show cave.
Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, visit website for open dates and times. Wander well-trodden pathways and explore traditional farmhouses as you learn 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 peoples’ emigration had a lasting impact through North America. To make the most of your visit they recommend you give yourself between two and three hours to explore all that the museum has to offer, including the ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’ exhibition.
Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, County Armagh, visit website for open dates and times. Step back in time by 2,000 years with a visit to the Iron Age area (open April-September), here you’ll meet the Celts going about their daily routines and bringing our historic past to life. Discover how the clan survived and thrived as you engage with this highly interactive & unique experience. After meeting real life warriors, learn more about the stories of the bravest of them all – Cú Chulainn and the Red Branch Knights.
Scarva Band Concerts, Scarva, County Down, until 27 September. Scarva Bandstand concerts will take place at the Bandstand, Scarva each Sunday from 3-4pm starting Sunday, 12 April, and running weekly until Sunday, 27 September. Admission is free and limited seating will be provided. It is advisable to bring your own fold up seat. Enjoy a varied programme of musical entertainment.
The Truffle Shuffle at The Chocolate Manor, Castlerock, County Londonderry, 18 April. The Truffle Shuffle Experience with Chief Chocolatier at The Chocolate Manor, Geri Martin, will guide you through making moulded and hand-rolled truffles. You will craft ganache and flavour your own truffles with maybe even a nip of your favourite tipple, if you wish.

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.