For those in Belfast craving a gentle change of scene as the seasons shift, Portaferry offers a reason to head for the coast this March. Just 30 miles from the city, the seaside town becomes a place to pause, listen and reset as the Feel Good Festival returns to the Portico of Ards, turning the historic venue into a month-long celebration of music, performance and shared experience.
Set against the backdrop of Strangford Lough, the festival runs from 1 to 31 March and invites audiences to welcome spring with moments that feel intimate, reflective and quietly uplifting. It’s the kind of programme that suits a thoughtful day trip or an evening away from the noise, where the journey itself becomes part of the rhythm.
Rather than overwhelming the calendar, the programme is carefully paced. Music, comedy and spoken word unfold across the month, with artists performing in a setting that encourages connection and closeness. Highlights include the farewell concert from The Fureys on opening night, classical performances from The Gesualdo Six and the Piatti Quartet, folk and contemporary sets from The Henry Girls and Lore, and comedy nights with Emer Maguire and Terry McHugh. There are also more immersive experiences, including a Spring Equinox Sound Spa and themed evenings that lean into nostalgia, reflection and joy.
The Portico itself plays a central role. Its restored architecture and coastal surroundings shape each performance, creating a sense that the space is part of the story rather than simply a backdrop.
Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Feel Good Festival offers something gentle but meaningful. A reminder that spring does not always need to arrive loudly. Sometimes it is enough to sit by the coast, listen closely, and let the season change around you.
More festivals to discover on our Festival Focus page here.
Updated: Feb 2026
