10 Things to do in Northern Ireland
Here are ten exciting things to do 10 – 16 November
Belfast Christmas Market, 15 November – 22 December. With over 100 international and local traders, the festive village offers a delightful array of quality Christmas fayre, handcrafted goods, and bespoke artisan products. Set against the magnificent backdrop of Belfast City Hall, the market is an ideal destination, offering the perfect place to tick off your holiday shopping list.- Belfast Punk Music Walking Tour, 15 November. Come explore the story of punk music in Belfast on this walking tour, with a specialist music guide who has loved punk music since the 1970s. Since bands like The Outcasts, Rudi, Stiff Little Fingers, Ruefrex and Victim erupted onto the scene in Belfast back in the late 1970s, Belfast punk has held a special place in music history, near and far.
- Christmas Craft Market at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart, County Londonderry, 15 November – 23 December. Now firmly established as the ‘must go to’ festive shopping event, the best contemporary craft market on the North Coast returns with over 35 independent makers and uniquely special gifts for all tastes and budgets. Featuring homeware, jewellery, textiles, clothing, artisan food and more, you’ll find the perfect present from a bespoke range of beautiful ceramics, glass, necklaces, artwork, candles, luxury skincare, throws, stationery, festive décor and beyond.
- Traditional Irish Breadmaking, Killinchy, County Down, 15 November. Join Tracey in her kitchen on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down, just 30 minutes from Belfast. You’ll be welcomed into her home with the aroma of homemade fruit soda bannock as it comes out of the oven. You’ll enjoy this sweet treat with some award-winning Irish butter.
- Atlantic Sessions, various locations, Portrush & Portstewart, County Antrim and County Londonderry, 13 – 16 November. A high quality, musical feast, showcasing original music. From traditional to contemporary, electric to acoustic, Atlantic Sessions has emerged as a permanent feature on the cultural calendar creating an energetic, vibrant atmosphere in the pubs, hotels, coffee shops and town halls across Portrush and Portstewart.
- Northern Ireland Music Prize at Ulster Hall, Belfast, 12 November. The Northern Ireland Music Prize is an annual awards night curated by Oh Yeah to recognise and celebrate the incredible and diverse talent we create. With categories such as Album of the Year supported by PPL as well as Live Act of the Year, and the Oh Yeah Legend Award, the NI Music Prize is the local music scene’s biggest night.
- From Darkness to Light – Black & White Photography Exhibition at The Cathedral Church of Saint Patrick, Armagh, County Armagh, until 29 November. Now that we have reached that part of the year with fewer hours of daylight, St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral in Armagh is delighted to be hosting a black and white photographic exhibition with the title ‘From Darkness to Light’. As the Cathedral community celebrates the completion of its new lighting system which transforms the interior of the Cathedral and shines new light on its unique architectural details, the timing and theme of this exhibition could not be more appropriate.
- National Trust’s Florence Court, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, visit website for open dates and times. Located around eight miles from Enniskillen, Florence Court is one of the most beautiful Georgian houses in Northern Ireland, nestled against the wild mountain backdrop of Benaughlin and the Cuilcagh Mountains. You can enjoy glorious walks around the grounds which include a walled garden, holiday cottage, sawmill and ice-house. In the gardens you will find the famous Florence Court Yew – reputedly the ‘parent’ of all Irish yew trees.
- 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.
- Festive Fair at Magheramorne Estate, Magheramorne, County Antrim, 11 and 12 November. As the holiday season approaches, the upcoming Festive Fair at Magheramorne Estate will bring together an incredible selection of local suppliers. The fair will be held in their charming and cosy drawing rooms and elegant ballroom, creating the perfect ambiance for a delightful Christmas experience.
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.

This year’s market promises to be the most exciting yet. Following the largest number of applications to date, a line-up of 50 outstanding makers from right across Northern Ireland has been curated – a vibrant showcase of creativity, craftsmanship and festive inspiration.
There’ll be talking teapots, singing candlesticks, dancing dogs and a bunch of wily wolves to deal with, but with your help, can Belle reverse the curse?
Join Hastings Hotels in celebrating 400 years of history, hospitality and charm with a special overnight escape by the sea, starting from £150 per room per night. Enjoy the ultimate coastal experience with an overnight stay and a limited edition Ballygally Castle Signature Candle for you to take home as a memento of your stay. The next morning, wake and indulge in a freshly cooked full Irish breakfast as the perfect send off before you go. Offer is available until 30th November 2025. Visit
Embrace the festive season and indulge in a luxury shopping break in the heart of the Walled City with Bishop’s Gate Hotel’s festive shopping package. Starting from £199 per night, you can book now and pay later with an offer that includes overnight stay with cooked to order breakfast, three-course dinner in The Gown Restaurant, a glass of prosecco on arrival and 10% off all gift purchases at Walled City Crafters. Offer is available Sun-Fri in November and December. Visit 
This year’s event introduces a host of exciting new features designed to elevate the experience for visitors of all ages. Among the highlights is the debut of the Enchanted Tree Choir, a new attraction that will see the trees of the forest brought to life.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said:
Inspired by Irish mythology and the mythical island of Hy Brasil, Hickey reimagines a place of safety and openness for queer identities. Viewers will encounter stoic fishermen, dreamlike terrain, and abstract seascapes that reference mythological heroes like Cu Chulainn and Lugh. The exhibition opens in the Georgian Gallery on Thursday 13 November.