The Rapparees perform live on stage at the Island Arts Centre, Lisburn this weekend. Twenty years of The Rapparees touring, performing and producing folk music.
The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Legendary Telescopes Tour this weekend will take you on a journey through the Armagh Observatory to see its historic telescopes.
Think Deep – Marble Arch Caves. The day begins as you are joined by a Marble Arch Caves guide who will take you on a journey on our Rain, Rivers and Resurgence tour. You’ll then be joined by Dr. Paul Wilson from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and travel to a local river site approximately 5-min drive from the MAC Visitor Centre.
Omagh & Fintona Methodist Circuit are delighted to again present Gospel Fest Goes West. This will be the 8th GFGW and will be another great night of Gospel music at the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh.
Here are ten exciting things to do 27 February – 5 March 2023
Music on the Mountain, Meigh, County Armagh, 4 March. It’s toe tapping time at Slieve Gullion if you’re mad for trad. Enjoy a fine line up of local talent for you to enjoy. Local folk group Fáinne will wow you with their energy and an unforgettable set. They are supported by talented musicians, singers and dancers from local Traditional Arts Partnership and The Carroll School of Harp’s Sonas Harp ensemble.
The Titanic Experience Reimagined, Belfast, Reopening 4 March. Titanic Belfast will reopen on Saturday 4th March with four exciting new themed galleries. The reimagined Titanic Experience introduces The Pursuit of Dreams as a new theme and will use immersive technology combined with the authentic Titanic Story in its refreshed spaces called Never Again; Ballard’s Quest; The Ship of Dreams and The Lasting Legacy. The world-leading visitor attraction has now revealed details of one of the centrepieces of the new experience – an illuminated 7.6m long scale model of RMS Titanic. The new model will be illuminated and suspended from the ceiling. It will fully rotate, taking approximately 90 seconds to complete, promising to provide a true wow factor for visitors.
Dawn Chorus Paddle – Celebration Of World Wildlife Day, Lisnarick, County Fermanagh, 4 March. Explore the history of the Lower Lough by kayak and taste the beauty of life on the water, with Blue Green Yonder. Celebrate World Wildlife Day by immersing yourself into nature and surrounding yourself with songbird and the glimpse of life on the water. This paddle will be in and around the wooded islands close to Rossigh Jetty. Bring your flask and snack, relax and listen to the crescendo of bird song. Booking essential via bluegreenyonder.com.
World Wildlife Day Nature Detectives, Lisnarick, County Fermanagh, 4 March. Join Geopark Guide and woodland expert Ian for a safari around the forests and woodland of Old Castle Archdale Forest. Please wear suitable footwear and warm waterproof clothing but also factor in sunny weather. This event is non-refundable. If you need to cancel, please contact the provider 24 hours in advance of the event time.
Cranfield Alpacas Field Walks,Kilkeel, County Down, 4 March (more dates available). Their 60-minute Alpaca field walks are perfect for families with children of all ages. Take one of their gorgeous Alpacas for a walk around the paddocks and their field with stunning views of the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough. After working up an appetite, the Alpacas love to be hand fed by you and your family.
A Celebration of Coinage at Ulster Museum, Belfast, 4 March. To celebrate their 60th anniversary, the Numismatics Society of Ireland (Northern Branch) are hosting a lecture on the last two and half thousand years of coinage. You’ll hear from expert speakers, as well as a series of short highlights of other areas of numismatic interest.
‘Nostalgia in the Afternoon’ – From Gorgon to the New Yorker Exhibition, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, 1 – 21 March. Magherafelt Library, working in partnership with Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, is excited to announce an exhibition showcasing a collection of Seamus Heaney archived materials curated over more than four decades by Mr Pat Brennan.
Ulster Orchestra, Cookstown, County Tyrone, 3 March. The Ulster Orchestra is delighted to return to The Burnavon for an eclectic evening of music, from Mozart to Jessie Montgomery, and features the Orchestra’s own Principal Trumpet Tom Fountain as soloist for Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto.
Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, County Down. Check website for dates and tickets. Down Arts Centre is a vibrant creative space/cultural hub that facilitates the development of creativity and provides a diverse range of live events, including theatre, music, comedy, workshops and classes. There are tons of great experiences to enjoy this month.
Walled City Markets, Derry~Londonderry, 4 March (more dates available). We’re excited to welcome back the Walled City Market on the first Saturday of the month. Join traders in Guildhall Square for a unique shopping experience. The Guildhall Square welcomes the very best of artisan traders, offering visitors a family friendly shopping experience with a wide selection of speciality foods and handcrafted products. Tickle your taste buds with homemade jams, chutneys & sauces, artisan breads & cakes, a range of organic meats, and some sweet treats. With children’s entertainment and live music. Weather dependent.
Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.
Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce its 2023 Ards International Guitar Festival programme. The much-loved festival will take place from 19 – 23 April at various venues around Newtownards.
The festival is now in its 27th year and continues to celebrate the world’s most popular instrument in a town steeped in guitar tradition. Bringing together some of the best guitarists from Ireland and the UK, along with visiting guitarists from around the world, the festival is sure to be a melting pot of musical talent and genres.
This year’s line-up features home-grown talent as well as performers from Germany, the Netherlands, and Iran, all assembled with the help of guest programmer Anthony Toner. From live gigs to Guitar Clinics and interviews, guitar fans will be spoiled for choice.
Opening the festival on Wednesday 19 April at The Web Theatre, Newtownards, Neil Ó Briain and Paul McMordie will perform live, original and new scores to silent movie favourites at the ‘Comedy Classic Soundtracks’ event. A must for fans of Laurel and Hardy and Buster Keaton!
The Aquarelle Guitar Quartet presents Cinema Paradiso at The Web Theatre on Thursday 20 April. A night not to be missed – a sweeping celebration of the silver screen with music from films such as Chocolat, The Piano and Schindler’s List. As one of the world’s leading guitar quartets, The AGQ is known for its extraordinary performances and expansive repertoire. Formed at the Royal Northern College of Music in 1999, the quartet studied with renowned guitarists Sérgio Assad, Oscar Ghiglia and Scott Tennant and has performed in major concert halls throughout the UK and Europe.
The festival is also pleased to welcome Dom Martin and Band to play The Queen’s Hall on Saturday 22 April. Martin is a Belfast-born, multi-award-winning artist, inspired but not constrained by the blues. In 2019 he burst onto the music scene with a unique guitar style and voice, captivating audiences everywhere. His jaw dropping, entirely natural sounding and unforced/unschooled skill on acoustic guitar, matched with an authentic ‘Belfast Blues’ voice, brings to mind comparisons with many from John Martyn to Rory Gallagher.
An exciting all-female line-up will take to the stage in The Queen’s Hall on Friday 21 April; Karlijn Langendijk, Judith Beckedorf and Sophie Chasée. As three of Europe’s most talented female guitarists, hailing from The Netherlands and Germany, this concert will be a superb one-off evening of extraordinary playing.
Other highlights of this year’s programme include; Jim Mullen Trio in Concert, one of the UK’s finest jazz guitar talents, who has collaborated over several decades with top musicians in Europe and the US. Jim will appear in Ards Arts Centre on Friday 21 April. This year’s Classic Brunch sees broadcaster Ralph McLean bring his attention to one of the greatest rock albums of all time – Fleetwood Mac’s Rumour’s in Ards Arts Centre on Sunday 23 April. Ralph will also be in conversation with guitar manufacturing legend George Lowden and his son Aaron on Saturday 22 April, taking a look back over George’s extensive career and hearing about the next generation of Lowden guitars.
This year’s Weekend Wind Down, on Sunday 23 April, will take place in Falls’ Bar with Rodney Branigan. Rodney learned how to play in Austin, how to craft songs in Nashville and how to put it all together in London, playing all types of music to all types of venues in his storied career. At the Weekend Wind Down, Rodney will be supported by Ben Cutler, a 19- year-old musician from Belfast. Expect soulful acoustic singer-songwriter material, with
an eclectic range of folk-oriented blues and stripped-back Alternative rock.
Speaking about the festival, Councillor Karen Douglas, The Mayor of Ards and North Down said: “The Ards Guitar Festival has always been renowned for bringing guitar talent from all around the world to Newtownards and this year is no different. I am delighted to welcome the festival back for its 27th year. The programme looks fantastic, and I would encourage everyone to get their tickets and come along and support the events.”
Ards Guitar Festival Director, Emily Crawford commented: “We have a great line up in store for you this year at venues across Newtownards with Jazz, blues, bluegrass, classical and world music to be experienced. We are particularly excited to welcome back the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet and to introduce the legendary Dom Martin to the stage for the first time, we’ve been patiently waiting for this one since 2020!”
Ards International Guitar Festival runs from 19 – 23 April. For ticket details or to view the full programme please visit the website www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk or call Ards Arts Centre on 028 9181 0803
Kabosh Productions are returning to Armagh’s Market Place Theatre with the premiere of ‘Silent Trade’ by Rosemary Jenkinson, a deftly crafted and exposing new production unveiling the alarming rates of human trafficking and domestic servitude reported in the north.
You wouldn’t know it at first, but it’s happening.
Amongst the immaculate lawns and shiny new Audis of a leafy Belfast suburb.
Hidden away behind the noise and the chaos of a rowdy student street.
Trapped in the familiar anonymity of an isolated farming town.
The quiet figures manipulated between houses.
The human beings imported and exported in a market that’s anything but free.
The Silent Trade that’s booming in the north.
‘Silent Trade’ will be staged on Thursday 2nd March at 8.00pm. Tickets are priced £15.00 and £10.00 (concession) and can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025. This performance is recommended for age 15+.
Popular solar system trail makes its homecoming to Northern Ireland following acclaimed UK tour where it attracted over 1 million visitors in four cities
Our Place in Space, a recreation of our solar system as a 10 km sculpture trail designed by artist Oliver Jeffers, astrophysicist Professor Stephen Smartt and a creative team led by Nerve Centre, will land at the Ulster Transport Museum this February.
Astronaut John McDermott touches down at the Ulster Transport Museum for an out of this world experience as the popular Our Place in Space sculpture trail makes its homecoming to Northern Ireland.
Free to visit and beginning in the grounds of the Ulster Transport Museum at Cultra, the trail will weave its way onto the North Down Coastal Path and end at Pluto in Bangor. The trail will launch to the public on 24 February running until 26 March, accompanied by an exciting event and learning programme for people of all ages.
Stretching over 11 km, the installation features scale models of the Sun and planets, recreated as contemporary art sculptures. Colourful arches house each planet with an arrow and the name of the planet lit up in Las Vegas style lights.
At a scale of 591 million to one, the Sun is 2.35 metres across, Earth is 2.2 centimetres and Pluto just 4 millimetres.
Our Place in Space invites participants to consider how we might better share and protect our planet in future and what is the difference between ‘us’ and ‘them’? The project aims to bring our solar system down to Earth and send us soaring into the stars to find new perspectives and reconsider what it means to live life on our planet.
The trail is accompanied by the free Our Place in Space augmented reality app, available on Apple and Android, which allows users across the world to take a journey through the solar system, experiencing the planets in augmented reality and considering 10,000 years of human history on Earth. On the trail, users are invited to collect space souvenirs, including characters from the world of Oliver Jeffers, as well as launch a personalised star into space.
An epic family-friendly programme of events will enhance the trail this February and March. Strap in for iconic space themed films with a drive-in cinema at the Ulster Transport Museum, find out how the Victorians took us to the Moon with science historian Iwan Rhys Morus, take a tour of the planets via land or sea, enjoy nature workshops, go for a sea swim, and enjoy a celebratory closing weekend of music and entertainment in Bangor. All events are free but may require advance booking. Sign up to the Our Place in Space e-newsletter for priority access to bookings.
Following the four-week programme, the first half of the sculpture trail will become a permanent fixture at the Ulster Transport Museum where visitors will still be able to journey from the Sun to Mars and the installation from Jupiter to Pluto will be removed from the North Down Coastal Path.
Oliver Jeffers, internationally renowned artist and author said: “For centuries, we’ve defined ourselves by who we are and who we’re not. Which side we choose, on what ground we stand, who and what we fight for. A human story, that lives merely in human minds. But with distance comes perspective – and what happens to our perspective on everything when we look back at Earth from space? Our Place in Space is a playful experiment that asks: What is the difference between ‘us’ and ‘them’? Which side are we on, and if we look back at ourselves from vastness of outer space – alone on our tiny planet, the only one that can harbour life – should there be any ‘sides’ at all?”
David Lewis, Executive Producer at Nerve Centre, said: ““Our Place in Space has been a fantastic collaboration of STEAM partners from Northern Ireland, and we have been overwhelmed with the response to the project as it toured the UK. The sculpture trail has enjoyed a fantastic reception across the various locations and we’re excited to bring it back to Northern Ireland, where it first began. The figures that the project has generated in terms of audience shows the appetite that exists for collaborations of this nature – the trail provided people with the opportunity to experience the solar system in Oliver Jeffers’ unique style, and get involved in exciting educational activities and events.”
Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive Officer at National Museums NI, said: “Welcoming Our Place in Space to the Ulster Transport Museum in February is a significant opportunity for us to invite people to engage with arts, science and heritage in new ways. The museum tells the story of ingenuity and innovation in this part of the world in our past, and we’re excited to launch the next chapter of this story through Our Place in Space.”
Our Place in Space is commissioned by Belfast City Council. Led by Nerve Centre, the project is a collaboration between Astrophysics Research Centre at Queen’s University Belfast, National Museums NI, NI Science Festival, Big Motive, Taunt, Microsoft, Jeffers & Sons, Dumbworld, Live Music Now and Little Inventors.
Our Place in Space was originally conceived through a research and development project and presented as part of UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, co-commissioned by Belfast City Council. UNBOXED was designed to celebrate creativity and innovation, with funding from the Northern Ireland Executive, UK Government, Scottish Government and Welsh Government
How Northern Ireland has inspired some of the world’s greatest storytellers
Northern Ireland is famed for its world-renowned authors, poets, playwrights and storytellers – we are truly a land of literary giants.
The ’squat pen’ has rested in the hands of some of the world’s greatest writers who were born in Northern Ireland and have used the mesmerising landscapes to inspire fantasy worlds and classic novels adored by millions.
From Seamus Heaney to C.S. Lewis and Jonathan Swift, Northern Ireland has been the inspiration for some of our most loved poems and stories, and more recently our awe-inspiring landscapes have become the backdrops for box office smashes and award-winning TV shows.
Beyond our world-famous writers, we are natural storytellers creating legends and myths from every corner of this rugged and beautiful landscape.
To mark World Book Day on March 2, Discover Northern Ireland has compiled a list of attractions, landscapes and experiences to help you celebrate the genius of our literary legends.
County Antrim
No Alibis, Botanic Avenue, Belfast
If you’ve run out of things to read, Belfast’s popular No Alibis bookstore offers the antidote. No Alibis is a general bookshop with a particular interest in children’s books, Irish literature, history and politics, the humanities and, of course, mystery fiction. Built around a community of people who love books, this is a great place to have a coffee and browse for your next fix. Local authors, like novelist Glenn Patterson, are a fan. If you’re lucky you might stumble upon a poetry reading or musical performance. Visit noalibis.com
County Londonderry Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy
Seamus Heaney HomePlace takes you on an inspiring journey through the life and work of one of our greatest writers. Situated between Seamus Heaney’s two childhood homes at Mossbawn and The Wood, HomePlace is at the heart of the area that inspired so much of the poet’s work. Seamus Heaney’s distinctive voice guides you through the exhibition as you get to know the people and places that inspired him. Atmospheric video projections and touchscreen displays sit alongside precious items donated by the Heaney family. Visit seamusheaneyhome.com
County Armagh Armagh Robinson Library
Push open the great Georgian door, climb the stairs, and step into the 18th Century. There are some 42,000 printed works, covering subjects such as early medicine, science, history, law, politics, theology and travel, as well as maps and atlases. Discover some of the library’s many treasures, including Jonathan Swift’s own copy of Gulliver’s Travels from 1726, with corrections in his own handwriting. The library houses a unique record of the cultural and social history of 18th century Ireland. Visit armaghrobinsonlibrary.co.uk
County Down
Narnia Trail, Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor
This family trail takes you through woodland at Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor and brings to life the Chronicles of Narnia with a number of fun features along the route. C.S. Lewis, as a young boy, spent regular holiday time in the Mournes and Rostrevor in particular inspiring his creation of the magical world of Narnia. Lewis is reported to have written a letter to his brother saying: “That part of Rostrevor which overlooks Carlingford Lough is my idea of Narnia”. This family trail seeks to capture the imagination of children of all ages. Visit discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/the-narnia-trail-p722461
County Fermanagh
Game of Thrones® territory – Enniskillen & Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark
Pollnagollum Cave in Belmore Forest is part of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark. The cave has enjoyed a surge in popularity since it was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones®, the international sensation based on the books of George R.R. Martin. The exterior of Pollnagollum Cave was used to film Beric Dondarrion’s hideout in season three. Meanwhile, fans of the show can discover one of the Doors of Thrones at the popular bar, Blakes of the Hollow in Enniskillen town. The series of ten doors depicting stories from season six were created using wood from fallen trees from the iconic Dark Hedges, known in Game of Thrones® as the Kingsroad. Door Four features several striking designs, immortalising the Targaryens and Arryns. Visit fermanaghlakelands.com/blog/read/2021/09/game-of-thrones-b218
County Tyrone Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh
The Ulster American Folk Park tells the story of emigration in the 18th and 19th centuries through self-guided tours, events and exhibitions. The current Bad Bridget exhibition highlights the adversities many women and girls faced when they migrated to North America in the 19th and early 20th centuries. An incredible storytelling journey that brings to life the experiences of these women and girls as they struggled to survive. If you fancy delving deeper into these stories, Belfast-based writer Jan Carson is hosting an exciting fiction writing workshop at the Ulster American Folk Park where you will be lead through a series of writing exercises, prompts and discussions. She will also tap into the Bad Bridget exhibition and discuss how you can use narratives based on the historical characters. Please note this event takes places on 18th and 22nd Keep up to date on more literary experiences via their website. Visit https://www.ulsteramericanfolkpark.org/
TITANIC Belfast will reopen on Saturday 4th March with four exciting new themed galleries.
The reimagined Titanic Experience introduces The Pursuit of Dreams as a new theme and will use immersive technology combined with the authentic Titanic Story in its refreshed spaces called Never Again; Ballard’s Quest; The Ship of Dreams and The Lasting Legacy.
Guests will delve deeper into a reflective journey of the hopes and dreams of those impacted by the iconic ship, giving people the chance to find out more about the lives and stories of the passengers who had dreams of starting a new life in America, as well as those who built the ship in Belfast and those who discovered her wreck.
The world-leading visitor attraction has now revealed details of one of the centrepieces of the new experience – an illuminated 7.6m long scale model of RMS Titanic.
The new model will be illuminated, and suspended from the ceiling it will fully rotate, taking approximately 90 seconds to complete, promising to provide a true wow-factor for visitors.
It is replicated on a 1:35 scale and boasts some of the main features of the iconic ship including the lifeboats, propellers, engine, cranes, bridge, main staircase and chimneys. Fitted with 300 metres of LED lights that are programmed to highlight different areas of the ship in line with the stories being told, the ship is a must-see for visitors.
Designed by OPERA Amsterdam, the replica ship is the largest model the company has ever created. It took six months to build and will take a further three weeks to install and programme in Titanic Belfast.
Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast said: “We are delighted to announce that Titanic Belfast is reopening its doors on Saturday 4th March with four exciting new themed spaces shedding new light on Titanic’s story.
She is known as The Ship of Dreams and bringing this fabulous replica Titanic model to life through light and giving visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the dreams and stories of the passengers will be very powerful.
Facts and details are fascinating but personal stories connect emotionally and by combining both, the reimagined Titanic Experience focusing on The Pursuit of Dreams will add a whole new dimension to the ship that has captivated people from around the world for 111 years.”
The £4.5m investment has been fully funded from the Titanic Belfast Gallery Refreshment Fund which was established when the building opened as part of the commercial operator agreement and held by the charity owner, Maritime Belfast Trust.
For further information or to book tickets for the new Titanic Experience from Saturday 4th March visit titanicbelfast.com.
A conference looking at the region’s potential to drive food tourism and maximise its economic benefits is being held in Belfast next month.
Belfast City Council is organising the ‘Focus on Food’ conference at the ICC on 28 March, in partnership with Department of the Environment and Rural Affairs (DEARA) and Tourism NI.
It will bring together industry experts including food producers, restaurateurs, chefs and food educators to celebrate the economic contribution and creativity of the sector, as well as setting goals for Belfast and Northern Ireland to achieve further success as a culinary destination of choice.
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Black said: “You just have to visit our award-winning St George’s Market on any given weekend to see the abundance of local food producers and outstanding homegrown products we have here on our doorstep. Belfast also boasts an amazing choice of local, independent restaurants.
“There is a huge opportunity to build on our food tourism potential and our tourism strategy for the city identifies the importance of making this one of Belfast’s key selling points. Celebrating the food we are known for and creating a unique offering means we can transform how we position Belfast on a global stage, where so many cities are competing to attract visitors; we want to become a destination of choice for foodies and make our name as a city famous for what’s on the menu.
“Getting everyone together at this major event is the start of that process as we look at how we can support our hospitality and local food businesses to achieve our tourism ambitions and the benefits that will have for not just Belfast, but the entire region.”
Belfast City Council is leading on an action plan around food tourism which includes setting up a new food and drink network and steering group. It’s hoped that by setting ambitious but achievable goals, Belfast can establish itself as a leading food and drink destination and eventually achieve international status.
The conference will bring together a stellar line up of guest speakers including restaurant critic Grace Dent, Chris McClurg (chef patron at Paul Ainsworth at No. 6 and Great British Menu winner), Anna Pollock (strategist on regenerative hospitality and tourism), Gemma Austin (chef patron at A Peculiar Tea and Great British Menu finalist), Skye Gyngell (chef patron at Spring and Heckfield Place), Giles Gibbons (co-founder of Sustainable Restaurant Association) and Conor Spacey (founder of Food Space, Dublin).
Albert Johnston, Head of DAERA’s Agri-Food & Corporate Support Branch, said: “DAERA is delighted to support Belfast City Council’s Focus on Food Conference 2023, as it is a key engagement platform for all involved in our food supply chain to showcase the strength of our local agri-food industry and to bring together the agri-food and hospitality sectors.
“Northern Ireland has a wealth of high quality, safe and wholesome foods available to the processing, food service and retail sectors and we continue to encourage processors and consumers to seek out local produce where possible.”
David Roberts, Director of Strategic Development at Tourism NI added: “Food and drink tourism plays a central role to the visitor economy. In recent years, it has become a motivation for visitors who are spending more time and more money on opportunities to connect with local food and drink.
“Tourism NI is delighted to be supporting The Focus on Food Conference which provides delegates with an opportunity to celebrate the creativity of our sector whilst learning from others to strengthen our reputation as a world class food and drink destination.
“The conference will stimulate opportunities for knowledge exchange where delegates can garner insights from panellists who are delivering exceptional food and drink experiences. Tourism NI look forward to collaborating with those who have a shared interest in raising the quality of the experience that we offer to visitors.”
Here are ten exciting things to do 20 – 26 February 2023
Belfast Restaurant Week 2023, Belfast, 20 –26 February. Treat yourself this February and indulge in dining out during Belfast Restaurant Week. Hundreds of mouth-watering menus will cater for a variety of tastes and requirements, serving a diverse range of dishes to tickle your taste buds. Whether you’re seeking scrumptious steaks, vegan feasts and delicious dining experiences with Asian, Italian and Mediterranean influences, this is not a week to miss. Avail of lunch priced at £10 per person and dinner priced at £20 per person.
Belfast TradFest Winter Weekend, Belfast, 24 – 26 February. Belfast TradFest returns for a weekend jam-packed full of traditional music, song and dance, with some of the best traditional musicians, singers & dancers from across the island. You can expect weekend workshops and a full programme of concerts, talks, lectures, sessions, céilís and festival club.
History Tour of Castle Espie, Comber, County Down, 22 February. Join their expert tour guide and discover the remarkable history and stories behind one of Northern Ireland’s premier natural and industrial heritage sites.
Our Place in Space, Holywood, County Down, 24 February – 26 March. Centred around an epic scale model of the solar system, Our Place in Space combines a 3D sculpture trail and an interactive AR app. The exhibition visited Derry~Londonderry, Belfast, Cambridge and Liverpool in 2022 and was experienced by over 300,000 people. It returns to Northern Ireland in February 2023. Free to visit and beginning in the grounds of the Ulster Transport Museum at Cultra, the trail will weave its way onto the North Down Coastal Path and stretch through Crawfordsburn Country Park before ending with Pluto at Bangor Pier.
Oyster & Stout Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 24 – 25 February. The Walled City Brewery & Legenderry Food present Northern Ireland’s first ever Stout & Oyster Festival. A weekend of music and activities supporting the wonderful Lough Foyle Native Oyster and our totally unique Foyster Stout. Our award-winning chefs will be shucking fresh oysters, whilst also presenting other oyster delights -all accompanied by other local seafood dishes. Meanwhile our brewers have been brewing like crazy to present a diverse local stout collection from Tabasco Stout to Espresso Stout.
Marble Arch Caves, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, Open daily, and guided tours are running from 10:30am-3:00pm, Monday-Friday and 10:00-4:00pm, Saturday and Sunday. This natural environment of caves, rivers, mountains, ancient woodlands, waterfalls and gorges offer an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the incredible range of activities and experiences the Marble Arch Caves have to offer. Don’t forget to check out their new Cave Explore Virtual Reality experience. Book online.
Farmacaffley Point-to-Point Races, Armagh, County Armagh, 25 February. Farmacaffley point-to-point is the perfect day out for all the family and where you will get to witness the future stars of horse racing make their introduction into competitive racing. Unlike most racecourses, spectators can stand beside one of the fences and feel the power of the horses as they jump a fence in full flight or get close to the winning post for a bird’s eye view of the thrilling action. The track is also the perfect location for a picnic from the boot of your car where you can enjoy the action whilst entertaining friends and family.
Fused Glass Ogham Experience at White Rock Glass Studio, Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, 25 February. Reconnect with your inner creative in this fully immersive, fused glass experience at White Rock Glass Studio with professional visual artist Tracey Mc Verry. Surrounded by the wild and dramatic scenery of the Fews Mountains, once the haunt of robbers and highwaymen, Tracey welcomes visitors to her fifth-generation family home and glass studio, overlooking the National Trust’s ancient Ballymoyer Woodland.
Todds Leap, Ballygawley, County Tyrone, see website for opening times. Days at Todds Leap are all about getting outdoors, spending time with friends, doing something momentous and having more fun than you ever felt possible. That’s what makes Todds Leap Activity Centre a great option for families as well as friends looking for a fun day out or celebrating a special occasion.
Sourdough in a Day, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 26 February. Learn how to make sourdough at home with Ursa Minor Bakehouse. The class covers three different types of bread, using both sourdough culture and yeast. You will be guided through the process from scratch, learning tips and tricks along the way.
Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.
The award-winning creators of ‘Female Gothic’, ‘I, Elizabeth’, ‘Christmas Gothic’, and ‘Austen’s Women’, Dyad Productions return to Armagh’s Market Place Theatre with a twenty-first century take on Virginia Woolf’s celebrated pre-TED talk, ‘A Room Of One’s Own’.
Dalloway; Ben Guest Photographer; Dyad Productions
Take a wry, amusing, and incisive trip through the history of literature, feminism, and gender. Meet Charlotte Brontë, Jane Austen, Aphra Behn, and Shakespeare’s sister – Judith! Travel to the far-flung future of… 2028. But whatever you do, Keep Off the Grass.
Rebecca Vaughan performs Woolf’s 1928 exploration of the impact of poverty and sexual inequality on intellectual freedom and creativity.
Dyad Productions creates, produces and tours classic theatre with an innovative and contemporary emphasis. A regular fixture at the Edinburgh Fringe, their work has been a critical, 5-star, sell-out success since 2009. In 2018 Dyad Productions was awarded the prestigious Three Weeks Editors’ Award for Cumulative Body of Work.
‘A Room Of One’s Own’ will be staged for one night only on Thursday 23 February at 8pm. Tickets are priced £15 and £13 (concession), and can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.
This year’s line-up features home-grown talent as well as performers from Germany, the Netherlands, and Iran, all assembled with the help of guest programmer Anthony Toner. From live gigs to Guitar Clinics and interviews, guitar fans will be spoiled for choice.
Amongst the immaculate lawns and shiny new Audis of a leafy Belfast suburb.
The ’squat pen’ has rested in the hands of some of the world’s greatest writers who were born in Northern Ireland and have used the mesmerising landscapes to inspire fantasy worlds and classic novels adored by millions.
It will bring together industry experts including food producers, restaurateurs, chefs and food educators to celebrate the economic contribution and creativity of the sector, as well as setting goals for Belfast and Northern Ireland to achieve further success as a culinary destination of choice.
