Here are ten exciting things to do 24 February – 2 March

 

1. Wild Ireland: Past, Present, Future at Ulster Museum, Belfast, opening 21 February. Renowned wildlife painter, Julian Friers, has collaborated with Ulster Museum Natural Sciences curator, Dr Mike Simms, to create over 50 remarkable paintings of our flora and fauna, past and present. Join us to explore departed and vanished wildlife – and what can be done to help the survivors hold on.
2. The Remembering Bunting Festival 2025, Various locations, Belfast, 27 February – 2 March. This free festival offers a remarkable opportunity to explore the legacy of Edward Bunting. The festival features performances and presentations from across the traditional music world and aims to deepen our understanding of the interconnectedness of our traditional music and culture.
3. Roe Valley Speciality Market, Limavady, County Londonderry, 1 March. If you love local fresh food, quirky handmade crafts, fine art, and speciality products, visit a Speciality Market Day at Drumceatt Square, Limavady’s only communal public square.
4. Tyrone Farmer’s Market, Food and Craft Markets, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 1 March. Tyrone Farmer’s Market Ltd hold food and craft markets on the first and third Saturdays of every month from 8.30am until 12.30pm. There are 30 stalls selling artisan food and hand-crafted gifts and homewares, from local producers.
5. Feel Good Festival 2025 at The Portico of Ards, Portaferry, County Down, 1 – 31 March. The 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.
6. Planetarium Sound Journey Under the Stars at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, County Armagh, 2 March. Embark on a journey to explore the Youniverse at our unique Sound Spa, “Sound Journey Under the Stars,” within the Armagh Planetarium Dome. Immerse yourself in a unique experience as you listen to soothing sounds while journeying under the stars and through the expansive cosmos.
7. Boatyard Distillery Tour, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, check website for dates. Visit the banks of Lough Erne to see how they produce the finest spirits using the highest quality botanicals and ingredients. Come and meet the team, their stills and discover the secret behind the famous ‘Érainn’ their Copper still.
8. Thursday Movie Nights at The Bushmills Inn, Bushmills, County Antrim, 27 February (more dates available). Everyone loves a night at the movies. Enjoy small, intimate screenings of the latest blockbusters in the exclusive surroundings of the boutique cinema at The Bushmills Inn.
9. Young Aspects, various locations, County Down, 28 February – 2 March. Taking place at various locations around Bangor, the diverse programme of reading, writing and art events will inspire young imaginations. After a successful first year in 2024, they are back with a weekend of writing and book events for young people and families. Join as they inspire the younger generation with events focused on stories, books and writing. They will have special guests talking about their books and workshops to create your own stories and books.
10. Arthur Armstrong Painting Workshop: Seascapes Tones and Textures at the Carrickfergus Museum, County Antrim, 1 March. From your imagination, or an image of the coast, guided by a tutor, paint your own seascape the Arthur Armstrong way. He applied paint in different ways to almost sculpt his seascapes.

 

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.

Here are ten exciting things to do 10 – 16 February

  

1. Oaks & Embers: A Nature Lovers Retreat with NI Science Festival and Lo&Slo, Derry~Londonderry, 16 February. Celebrate NI Science Festival with Lo&Slo in this unique sensory and culinary experience. The event includes a unique outdoor experience combining hands-on BBQ cooking with elements of outdoor wellness. They will provide a bespoke tour of the estate and gardens, noting history and horticulture. The dining experience will be comprised of a fully live fired meal, including a local drinks pairing and interactive dessert. They will also discuss the science of fire cooking, featuring premium hardwoods, local indigenous cattle, and cooking directly on the coals.
2. Wallace & Gromit ‘All Systems Go’ AR Trail at W5, Belfast, 6 – 16 February (more dates available). Bring the duo to life in 3D at W5 with this interactive, family, augmented reality trail experience. Meet and pose alongside the inventive duo, try on Wallace’s Techno Trousers, and even take a selfie as Feathers McGraw. Capture photos and share them with your friends and family as you help Wallace & Gromit complete the trail, try out Wallace’s latest inventions, and blast off in the rocket.
3. Extinction Explorers at Ulster Museum, Belfast, 13 – 14 February. Explore the Ulster Museum’s natural science galleries with a free, family-friendly tour. Travel through time and search for signs of species long extinct, then track animals that still exist in the wild. Create your own species to take home and get hands-on with some specimens from the Ulster Museum’s handling collection.
4. Half Term Adventures at Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down, 10 – 16 February. The Natural Play Area is the perfect spot for children to explore and why not take on the “50 Things to Do Before You’re 11¾ “challenge. Also check out the love themed trail in the House (open Thursday-Sunday).
5. Adventure Ride with Crindle Stables, Limavady, County Londonderry, 12,14,15 February (more dates available). Join for a fun, beginner-friendly Adventure Ride at Crindle Stables, designed especially for families, first timers, and those looking for an autism-friendly horseback riding experience for families.
6. Frederick Douglass Day Talk at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 14 February. Learn about the life of Frederick Douglass at the Ulster American Folk Park with Curator of Emigration, Liam Corry. The Ulster American Folk Park tells the story of emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries, using objects and buildings to reflect experiences in both places.
7. Stargazing Evening at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, County Armagh, 14 February. Join Armagh Observatory and Planetarium for a series of Stargazing evenings. For each session they will have a team of experts to help you navigate the night sky using telescopes (weather depending) along with a dome show in our digital theatre and an astronomer talk.
8. February Slemish Market Supper Club, Ballymena, County Antrim, 15 February. Love local food? Then this is the perfect way to treat that special someone or enjoy a night with friends. Join Slemish Market Supper Club for their February dining experience in Desperate Dan’s Ballymena. Chef Rob Curley will cook a surprise 6 course Valentine’s menu using responsible produce from Slemish Market Garden and Co. Antrim for a night not to be missed.
9. Paddle Back in Time – The Monks, the Vikings and the Smugglers of Strangford Lough, Killinchy, County Down, 15 and 16 February. Let us take you on a kayak tour to Mahee Island following a traditional smuggling route undertaken by Daft Eddie and the Merry Hearts. In Whiterock, you will be kitted out with wetsuit and buoyancy aid and briefed by local guides and kayak instructors. Rory grew up on Strangford Lough and has a real affinity and knowledge of the area, its waterways and heritage. At Mahee Island, Dr. Sarah Baccianti – researcher in literature and history of medieval Scandinavia. – will guide you through the ruins of the monastic site of Nendrum, life in the monastery in the Middle Ages, and the role played by the Vikings in the Strangford Lough area between the 9th and 11th centuries.
10. Galentine’s Candle & Bath Fizz Workshop at Charlie’s Bar, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 16 February. Spend a fun, relaxed evening in Charlies Bar, Enniskillen with Prosecco and nibbles creating your very own scented candle and lavender bath fizzes.

 

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.

Here are ten exciting things to do 3 – 9 February

 

1. Love LegenDerry Food Month, Derry~Londonderry, throughout February. This February, the maiden city and its surrounding district will once again celebrate its exceptional culinary heritage with a month-long programme of unique events and experiences. With a backdrop of stunning landscapes, a rich heritage and passionate producers, this food destination offers an immersive experience that celebrates authentic local flavours and the artistry of its chefs and artisans.

 

2. Amanda Croft Lecture Series: The Face, Ulster Museum, Belfast, 28 January – 8 April. In this series of illustrated talks, explore questions that examine portraits from the collections of the Ulster Museum, Queen’s University, and other national and international galleries. From self-portraits and selfies to the dynamics of double and group portraits, ‘The Face: Catching a Likeness’ lecture series will delve into the diverse approaches to portraiture and its evolving role in art and society. There are 10 lectures in the series, taking place on a Tuesday, over 10 separate dates.

 

3. Belfast Punk Music Walking Tour, Belfast, 8 February (more dates available). 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.

 

4. Steinbeck Festival, Limavady, County Londonderry, 7 – 28 February. Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre has partnered with the Steinbeck Festival team to host the seventh annual celebration of John Steinbeck’s enduring legacy and his connection to Limavady. Running from 7–28 February, this vibrant festival offers something for everyone to enjoy across a dynamic programme of music, theatre, talks, art, and storytelling.

 

5. Montalto House Guided Tour, Ballynahinch, County Down, 5 February. Your visit to Montalto House will begin with a warm welcome while you enjoy tea, coffee and homemade shortbread. Following this, your guided tour will allow you to explore the grandeur of this 18th century Georgian mansion along with its wonderful collection of original art and antiques.

 

6. Mudfest at WWT Castle Espie, Comber, County Down, 8 – 16 February. Stomp, splash and squelch this February half term. It’s the stuff our super-powered wetlands (and great family adventures) are made of. Make it, mix it, mould it and build with it, sling it, paint it and jump in it. Head to WWT Castle Espie for muddy activities kids of all ages will love.

 

7. Come & Try Electric Mountain Biking – Bike Mourne, Castlewellan, County Down, 3 February (more dates available). Come & Try Electric Mountain Biking and enjoy the absolute buzz of electric bikes on the stunning Castlewellan MTB Trails… go further, see more & feel awesome – how biking should be. From meeting the team at their Trailside Centre, to receiving an overview and introduction to electric biking, you’ll be provided with all the kit you need, including helmets and accessories, all you have to do is book and go.

 

8. Mind Of Sound – In The Heart Of The Cave, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 8 February. Immerse yourself in a spiritual sound journey deep within the heart of the show cave. Join in a musical meditative event that will quiet your mind and deeply relax the body, while you recline and breathe in the ambience of the cave. The sound bath in the cave is a powerful and transformative experience allowing you to explore the hidden depths of therapeutic sound.

 

9. Traditional Irish Baking at Wee Buns Cookery School, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 8 February. Immerse yourself in a morning of traditional Irish baking in this fun, hands-on baking class. Sit back and watch as Mary Anne makes all of the recipes from scratch before you don your aprons and get ready to bake your own lovely soda bread and scones. This class is suitable for all levels of experience and there is always someone on hand to guide and help you.

 

10. The Ulster Orchestra On Your Doorstep at The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre, Armagh, County Armagh, 6 February. Settle in for a vibrant and dramatic evening of music inspired by the folk music familiar to, and beloved by, the featured composers – you might even spot a local favourite. The Ulster Orchestra welcomes Rolf Verbeek to the podium, and the Orchestra’s Cello Section Leader Thomas Isaac performs as featured soloist.

 

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.