You’re only one small step from giant educational experiences

 When it comes to hands-on learning with activities that enable young people to think creatively and solve problems without compromising on endless fun, Northern Ireland is one of the best classrooms.

A recent poll of 5,000 families sees parents increasingly seek meaningful educational experiences for their children during holidays, short-trips and days out. Northern Ireland is bursting with giant experiences to ignite the imagination of young minds in fun and entertaining ways.

Interested in history and the natural world? Try stargazing at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, or view an early edition of one of the world’s greatest fantasy adventure books, Gulliver’s Travel’s at Armagh Robinson Library. 

Experience the place where the Titanic was built and launched or step onboard a real-life warship at HMS Caroline, while a myriad of museums and monuments tell the story of Northern Ireland’s extraordinary history with a unique flair, entrancing visitors young and old.

Ahead of the half-term break, Discover Northern Ireland has put together top activity suggestions to inspire young minds with endless fun and some learning by stealth.

W5, Belfast 

• W5 is the ultimate family day out with eight exhibition zones and over 250 interactive exhibits covering everything from climate change and nature to optical illusions, built engineering, medical science and much more with limitless fun.  From February 8-16 experience Multiverse Mayhem, a theatre show that features big bangs and crazy chemical concoctions, where you can meet the scientists who are travelling through the multiverse. They have landed at W5 and are here to see if the fundamental scientific theories in this world match those in other dimensions. With only 30 minutes before they are sucked back into the vortex, they must conduct as many out-of-this-world experiments as possible.

National Museums NI

• National Museums NI looks after four distinct museums in Northern Ireland which serve as custodians to 1.4 million objects in collections spanning art, history and natural sciences. Belfast’s Ulster Museum is home to a range of multidisciplinary natural sciences, art and history collections while the Ulster Folk Museum at Cultra, in County Down, houses heritage buildings and objects allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a bygone way of life. Also at Cultra, The Ulster Transport Museum takes you on a journey with a comprehensive collection of vehicles from trams and railcars to an iconic DeLorean, the model made famous in the Back to the Future movies. In Omagh, County Tyrone, the Ulster American Folk Park tells the story of emigration to America over two centuries, with 30 buildings and exhibits for the kids to explore, and – you can even board a full-size emigrant ship. With 30 buildings and exhibits for you to explore – and loads for the kids to do – the Ulster American Folk Park is a unique experience.

Armagh Planetarium & Observatory, County Armagh

• There are a number of special astronomical events happening this year and Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) is ‘The Place for Space’. Watch an amazing Full Dome Theatre show and explore the Universe. Touch Northern Ireland’s largest meteorite, create your own solar system, or black hole, and visit the Astropark children’s trail with augmented reality and sculptures. With daily shows aimed at everyone from pre-schoolers to adults, there’s always something out of this world going on at AOP.

Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary, Portaferry, County Down

• Enjoy a diver’s view of marine life from around the world. An underwater glass tunnel lets you experience friendly sharks, a dwarf crocodile, a waddle of penguins at Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre in Portaferry. The Tropical Ocean zone hosts over 100 species of colourful coral reefs. There is a soft play area, café and afterwards why not take the short car journey or ferry crossing over to Strangford and explore the National Trust’s Castle Ward or Audley’s Castle.

Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

• Unexplored until little over a century ago, the Marble Arch Caves feature stalactites, cavernous passages, underground pools and streams which have been formed and reformed as the water slowly dissolved the limestone bedrock over countless millennia. First opened to the public 40 years ago, explore the extensive caves on foot, or by boat with one of the popular guided tours and you’ll uncover a mind-boggling number of fascinating facts about geology, geography and archaeology in a cave system dating back over a million years.

Whitehead Railway Museum, Whitehead, County Antrim

• This fascinating five-gallery museum provides an exciting opportunity to rub shoulders with the giants of steam. You can step onto the footplate of a heritage steam engine and learn how it works, walk through several historic carriages and observe from a viewing gallery as restoration work takes place on locomotives and coaches. The children’s play area enables younger visitors to fire their imaginations by dressing up in Edwardian-style clothes. Keep an eye out on special events for a special ride in one of these fantastic steam engines.

Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, County Londonderry 

• Treat the writers and poets in your life to a day they will never forget as they explore the Seamus Heaney HomePlace and discover how the Nobel Laureate’s formative years served as a source of inspiration throughout his career. Found between Heaney’s two childhood homes at Mossbawn and The Wood, let Heaney’s distinctive voice guide you through the exhibitions and enjoy the atmospheric video projections and touchscreen displays that sit alongside precious items donated by the Heaney family that transport you to important moments in his life.

Hill of the O’Neill & Ranfurly House, Dungannon, County Tyrone

• Explore a special place at the very heart of Ulster and home to one of our most important heritage sites. It was from this very hilltop that The O’Neill dynasty ruled for more than 300 years. On a clear day, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the glass observation tower on top of the hill. On your way back down, learn all about the Flight of the Earls and the Plantation of Ulster in the permanent multi-media exhibition at Ranfurly House. This Victorian listed building is also home to an array of art classes including crocheting, felt making and sewing.

To plan your next fun-filled learning experience in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com/familyfun

The countdown is on to the third annual Love LegenDerry Food Month, set to launch this February in Derry-Londonderry.

Renowned as Northern Ireland’s culinary capital, the city is ready to showcase its exceptional food and drink scene with a packed calendar of unique events and experiences that celebrate the passion and creativity of local chefs, producers, and artisans.

While the much-anticipated Deadly Dinner at Walled City Brewery has already sold out, there are still plenty of opportunities to indulge your inner foodie. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, artisan cheese, or a one-of-a-kind culinary tour, Love LegenDerry Food Month has something for everyone.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU?

• Derry By Fork Food Tour (22nd February): Embark on a guided journey through the city’s historic streets, sampling iconic dishes crafted by some of Derry’s finest chefs while uncovering the stories of its rich culinary heritage.
• Oyster & Stout Festival (7th–8th February): Celebrate the world-famous Lough Foyle Native Oysters paired with a variety of stouts at the Walled City Brewery. Live music and fresh seafood dishes make this a standout event for seafood lovers.
• Dart Mountain Cheese Experience: Explore the craft of cheesemaking in the scenic Sperrin Mountains. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour, learn about the art and science behind award-winning cheese, and taste these handmade delicacies paired with local chutneys.
• Seafood Supper Club (28th February–1st March): Enjoy a five-course seafood extravaganza aboard ‘Big Decky’ overlooking Lough Foyle. Curated by Pyke & Pommes and Moores on the Quay, this menu celebrates the freshest local catch.
• Wild & Fired Dining at Brook Hall Estate (14th February): Treat your loved one to a romantic wood-fired dining experience in the enchanting setting of a historic walled garden. Featuring a curated menu of locally sourced delicacies, this event is perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Love LegenDerry Food Month is a celebration of the vibrant food culture that makes Derry-Londonderry so special. The city’s chefs, producers, and restaurateurs collaborate to offer a showcase of authentic flavours and innovative dining experiences that reflect the rich heritage and creativity of the region.

Whether you’re a local or visiting from further afield, Love LegenDerry Food Month offers the perfect opportunity to explore the North West’s thriving food scene. From historic tours to gourmet suppers, the event promises to leave you inspired and satisfied.

Visit www.legenderryfood.com/events for the full programme and booking information.

Discover more about where to eat, drink, and stay at www.visitderry.com.

The annual 4 Corners Festival is back for another packed lineup of events this year. The festival, which will feature a range of art, music, discussion, sport and faith-inspired events, runs from January 31 to February 9, 2025 in venues across the city. 

Now in its 13th year, the festival was conceived as a way to inspire people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all.

The 2025 4 Corners Festival is once again set to inspire connection, reflection and community through a dynamic lineup of events spanning a wide range of disciplines, such as art, music, discussion, sport and other activities.

Held throughout the city, this year’s programme revolves around the central theme of HOME?, an exploration of the complex and multifaceted idea of a place which holds both connection and disjointedness.

Among the festival’s many highlights are two events that weave together tradition, storytelling, and artistry: Peacemakers and 4 Corners Knitters. These events promise to bring people together from all corners of Belfast, creating opportunities for collaboration and reflection.

Under the dome at 2 Royal Avenue, participants will have the opportunity to contribute to Peacemakers, a week-long, large-scale French knitting project facilitated by Glasgow-based artists Heidi and Peter Gardner.

Visitors can drop in to try their hand at the craft, adding to a growing tapestry of colourful, interconnected threads that reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Belfast’s stories. At the festival’s closing event, the final piece will be stretched out and presented as a symbol of community and shared identity.

This marks the first time the Gardners’ acclaimed Peace Loom has been brought to Northern Ireland. Since its inception in Scotland in 2014, the installation has been hosted in cities across the UK, engaging participants of all ages and backgrounds. Donations of leftover wool are encouraged and can be brought to the installation throughout the week.

Celebrating St Brigid’s Day, the 4 Corners Knitters event at St John’s Newtownbreda invites knitters and crafters of all levels to gather for a morning of creativity and conversation.

Participants will learn the traditional skill of weaving St Brigid’s crosses. As in previous years, knitted items created during the event will be donated to charities supporting asylum seekers and those experiencing homelessness in Belfast.

Speaking about the upcoming festival, Steve Stockman, 4 Corners Festival co-founder, said the focus is rooted in Belfast and its community.

He said: “Home is a powerful metaphor, used by poets, preachers, politicians and others seeking to paint a picture of a sense of belonging to a place. 

“The idea is also used in various encouraging and challenging ways within the Old and New Testament scriptures, but not all homes are happy.

“From the beginning of the 4 Corners Festival we have aimed at encouraging people to get out of the physical corners of this city we call home, and to feel more at home in different parts of their own city; to realise that their home is bigger than they thought.

Fellow festival co-founder Father Martin Magill, hopes the theme of HOME? will bring awareness to the city’s residents, not just shedding light on the encouragement of tourists to the area.

Martin said: “The strapline for Belfast City Council’s current tourism strategy is ‘Make Yourself at Home’, with a laudable emphasis on inclusion. 

“But what about those who already call Belfast their home – be they people whose families have lived here from before it became a city, to those who have settled here from all over the world for all kinds of reasons; those who rarely leave their corner of the city, to those who left it years ago but love to come ‘home’ for special events, including the 4 Corners Festival; those who live in a comfortable home in a vibrant community, to those who are some of the many unseen homeless in our city, not just those who sleep on our streets; those who know every nook and cranny of our city and its complex history, to those who feel uneasy with the direction that the city seems to be heading in the future?”

4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund, St Anne’s Cathedral Sitout and Linen Quarter BID.

For more information about the festival and to keep up to date with programme updates go to 4cornersfestival.com

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has launched the Go Succeed in the Community programme of events starting on Friday January 31.  

This free community enterprise outreach programme is aimed at supporting and encouraging individuals to start or grow a business through a series of roadshows, networking events and coffee mornings.

Alderman Grehan, Chair Regeneration & Growth Committee said: “We are excited to offer a range of events and initiatives to bring the exciting world of business and enterprise directly to our community. Starting or growing a business can feel daunting, especially without knowing what support is available. 

“The council is committed to making enterprise more accessible through connecting people with successful local entrepreneurs to share valuable information and advice and inspire others to consider starting or growing their own business. Go Succeed can help them build a brighter future for themselves through enterprise.”

All roadshows and events are open to everyone. Whether you have a business idea, are simply interested in becoming a business owner in the future or have already begun your entrepreneurial journey join us!

The events are informal, informative and insightful, with something for everyone. Those attending will have the opportunity to meet with local Go Succeed representatives who can help them on their journey.  

Throughout the programme of events Go Succeed In The Community will be working with statutory, community and third sector organisations across Lisburn and Castlereagh. These include: Lisburn City Library, SERC Lisburn, Ballybeen Women’s Centre, Lisburn YMCA, Lisburn Chamber of Commerce, King’s Trust, Stepping Stones, Lisburn Enterprise Organisation, Atlas Women’s Centre, Inspire Business Centre, Impact Youth, Toastmasters, Inclusify Project, Mind Tribe UK and Mums At Work Lisburn.

The first roadshow will kick off on Friday January 31 in Lisburn City Library where attendees will hear from keynote speaker entrepreneur Oscar Woolley, one of the founders of Suki Tea Makers. He will be joined by local businesswomen Sarah Hoppe from Sew Ready and Melanie Coey from M Squared Accountancy and Lisburn City Library Cafe.

On Friday 21 February the Dream It Build It: Empowering Young Entrepreneurs event at Lisburn YMCA will be led by Go Succeed ambassador Jonny Clarke from Inkspirational Branding. Also appearing on the panel will be the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Lisburn & Castlereagh winner Emma Stephenson from Feminatech who also recently scooped the Rising Star regional award for The Ultimate Pitch too. 

The programme of events will see a series of networking events including one at the Stepping Stones Courtyard Cafe on Monday February 24 to talk about how to make a difference in the world in business. From social enterprises to businesses with a social mission, attendees will get the chance to hear from the people who are changing their communities locally with their business. 

All events are free to attend and those interested can attend as an individual or as part of a group.

For more information or to book an event go to bit.ly/GoSucceedInTheCommunity

The historic Portico of Ards in Portaferry is set to come alive with vibrant music, arts and cultural events as the much-anticipated Feel Good Festival, 1 – 31 March 2025, prepares to awaken your senses and welcome in Spring with five weekends of sumptuous sounds.

Celebrating energy and renewal, the festival offers an exciting range of performances and activities designed to uplift, inspire and bring people together.

0The festival gathers a diverse mix of artists, performers and visitors, fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates community, creativity and the joy of coming together. From choral, classical, folk, electronic, organ, rock and pop music as well as comedy, the Feel Good Festival, against the backdrop of Portico’s stunning architecture, will immerse attendees in a celebration of the senses.

The Feel Good Festival programme features: Nordic choral sensation Sjaella; New York’s finest chamber ensemble The Calidore String Quartet; Motown magic from the 60s and 70s with The Iconettes; Come on and Sing, Get Happy! workshop with Una McCann; DJ Reductio presents The Mashup Dance Event; organ recital with Peter Stevens from Westminster Cathedral; new and acclaimed local (NI) pop/rock band The Breeze; Sound Bath Journey with Tessa Ann; comedy with Paddy McDonnell: Dagger and 50 Years of Hits with Foster & Allen.

The Feel Good Festival is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Feel Good Festival Director, Dr Verity Peet commented:
 “Join us this March as we celebrate the spirit of renewal, creativity, and connection. Let Portico awaken your senses for a joyful experience as we welcome the return of Spring, and prepare for a time of renewal and growth. This year’s Feel Good Festival is all about engaging the senses and creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Whatever your tastes, we think we’ve got something for everyone.”

Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music and Opera, Arts Council of Northern Ireland said:
“We know that music and the arts bring people and communities closer together and we congratulate Portico on curating this terrific Feel Good Festival which will bring joy and creativity into the heart of Portaferry.  The festival celebrates and shines a light on local talent by providing a vital performance platform and the Arts Council is delighted to support Portico, thanks to game-changing funding from The National Lottery.  We wish everyone involved every success.”

Wendy Smith, Tourism Manager for Ards and North Down Borough Council, added:
“Ards and North Down Borough Council are delighted to support such a vibrant and imaginative programme set in such wonderful surroundings. I would encourage everyone to get their tickets early for the Feel Good Festival!”

For further information on booking festival tickets and accommodation offers visit www.porticoards.com.  Follow Portico of Ards on Facebook and Instagram @porticoportaferry #FeelGoodFestival2025.

The 4 Corners Festival is returning in 2025 for its 13th year, with a packed lineup of inspiring and thought-provoking talks, discussions, and workshops that promise to engage and challenge attendees. With the theme Home? as its focus, the festival runs from 31 January to 9 February across Belfast, offering a diverse programme designed to spark meaningful conversations.

From exploring the theology of homelessness to uncovering the history of Belfast’s streets, this year’s festival will push the boundaries of dialogue, reflection, and understanding. 

Here are six thought-provoking talks taking place during the festival in 2025.

1. Caring for Our Earthly Home

Sunday 2 February 2025 at 7PM
Jennymount Methodist Church, 222 North Queen Street

Dr Lorna Gold, Chair of the Laudato Si’ Movement, delves into our shared responsibility to care for the Earth in this compelling event. Drawing on her book Climate Generation – Awakening to Our Children’s Future, Dr Gold explores how faith and action can address the threats of climate change. 

Attendees will be challenged and inspired to consider how connections between humanity and the planet can create a more sustainable future. The event also features a musical performance by Cork songwriter Clare Sands, whose innovative style reimagines traditional music.

2. Naming Belfast: Learning About Street Names in the Four Corners of Belfast

Monday 3 February 2025 at 7:30PM
The Duncairn, Duncairn Avenue

Take a journey through Belfast’s history with Dr Paul Tempan, Fr Martin Magill, Linda Ervine, and singer-songwriter Brian Houston. This enlightening discussion uncovers the stories behind the city’s street names, exploring how layers of conquest, empire, and cultural shifts have shaped its identity. 

Expect a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Belfast’s heritage, brought to life through music, conversation, and fascinating insights.

3. Home in a Time of Homelessness

Tuesday 4 February 2025 at 7:30PM
St Comgall’s, Divis Street

Homelessness takes many forms, and this powerful talk by Siobhán Garrigan, Loyola Professor of Theology at Trinity College Dublin, challenges modern theology’s understanding of ‘home’. Siobhán explores the intersection of theology, consumerism, and nationalism, presenting a revolutionary idea of home as ‘participating instead of possessing.’ 

The event features music by Caroline Orr, Norman McKinley, and Peter Greer, creating an atmosphere of reflection and hope.

4. Can We Bring Reconciliation Home?

Thursday 6 February 2025 at 7:30 PM
St Mary’s College, 191 Falls Road

How far has Northern Ireland progressed on the road to reconciliation? This panel discussion, hosted by Will Leitch, brings together speakers including Davy Adams, Nicola Brady, Monica McWilliams, and Spike Murray to examine the challenges and opportunities for peacebuilding. 

The event also features a dramatic performance based on Psalm 85, offering a creative prelude to a vital and timely conversation.

5. In Conversation About Home with Anthony Toner and Andrea Montgomery

Friday 7 February 2025 at 7:30 PM
Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, 77 University Street

Join songwriter Anthony Toner and playwright Andrea Montgomery for a captivating conversation about how the concept of home shapes their creative work. Anthony reflects on his Coleraine childhood and East Belfast roots through his music, while Andrea shares stories from her global career, spanning four continents. 

Hosted by Steve Stockman, this event offers a unique blend of music, art, and storytelling.

6. I’ll Call You Home

Sunday 9 February 2025 at 7PM
St Colmcille’s Church, 191a Upper Newtownards Road

The festival’s closing event features a reflection on the creativity and community fostered by the Peacemakers project. Rev. Neil Craigan will bring together the themes of the festival, culminating in a stirring performance of I’ll Be Your Home by Dana Masters. 

The evening concludes with Andrew Masters leading attendees out of the festival, inspired to make Belfast a home for all.

All events at the 4 Corners Festival are free, but booking is essential. For full programme details and to secure your place, visit 4cornersfestival.com.

Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre is thrilled to once again partner with the Steinbeck Festival for its 7th year, offering an exciting and diverse programme that celebrates and explores the legacy of John Steinbeck.

From music and spoken word to theatre, storytelling, and art, this year’s festival promises to bring his timeless works to life in fresh and engaging ways.

The festival, celebrating John Steinbeck’s notable connection to Limavady, begins with one of Northern Ireland’s finest interviewers, Mark Carruthers, in conversation with award-winning journalist and author Fergal Keane on Friday 7th February. Tickets cost £12 for what is sure to be an insightful and poignant event.

The following evening, Saturday 8th February, come along and dance the night away as the Limavady Big Band play some stomping tunes as well as sharing American classics, a brilliant night out!

Following the success of the 2024 event, this year’s programme will once again spotlight an evening with local storytellers and poets. A celebration of the area’s creative talent, the event will feature heartfelt performances, including debut readings from emerging voices.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan said: “I am delighted to see the Steinbeck Festival return to Limavady again this year, with an exciting programme of events for adults, children and young people.

“The festival offers a fantastic opportunity to explore Steinbeck’s literature and local links, while showcasing our excellent arts facilities to the community.”

Commenting on this year’s festival Committee Member Harry Coates added: “The Festival Committee is thrilled with the exceptional quality and the variety of events in this year’s programme.

“Preparations are in full swing to make this the best festival yet, and the enthusiastic early bookings from the public reflect their excitement. We’re confident that February will bring another fantastic celebration of all things Steinbeck in Limavady.’

In a remarkable coup for the festival, Muireann Bradley, who captivated audiences on Later… with Jools Holland, will perform on Saturday 15th February. This intimate performance, part of her Irish tour, promises an unforgettable evening of raw talent and soulful melodies.

The festival concludes on Friday 28th February, with Voices from a Far Field – an enchanting evening of music, stories, and poetry performed in English, Irish, and Ulster Scots. This event is free to attend, but advance booking is essential.

The vibrant programme continues with the Steinbeck Book Cover Exhibition from 22 Feb and the Dustbowl Photography Competition, showcasing 20 striking entries on the theme “Leaving.”

The Arts Centre galleries are open throughout the Festival as follows:

• Monday: 9:30am – 5pm
• Tuesday: 9:30am – 5pm
• Wednesday: 9:30am – 5pm and 7pm – 9pm
• Thursday: 9:30am – 5pm and 7pm – 9pm
• Friday: 9:30am – 5pm
• Saturday: 10am – 1pm

For further information visit and to book tickets visit  www.roevalleyarts.com or call us on 028 7776 0650