10 things to do in Northern Ireland
Here are ten exciting things happening 23 – 29 January 2023
1. An Ode to Robert Burns, Holywood, County Down, 28 January. Join the Ulster Folk Museum for a celebration ofRobert Burns, Scotland's national poet. Recognised the world over, Burns' poetry focuses on love and nature with a touch of good old fashioned Scottish humour. Throughout the day, enjoy poetry readings in the ambient surroundings of their exhibition houses, try traditional 'neeps and tatties' cooked on the griddle over an open fire, and visit their town school to take a lesson in Ulster Scots.
2. Imbolc Fire Lantern Experience at White Rock Glass Studio, Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, 28 January.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, Tracey welcomes visitors to her 5th generation family home and glass studio, overlooking the National Trust’s ancient BallymoyerWoodland.
3. Vegan Table Tour, Belfast, 28 January (more dates available). For passionate vegans and non-vegans alike, this tour is for everyone who wants to sample a world-wide growing food movement. This is a combined food andwalking tour allowing you to experience Belfast’s expanding Vegan food scene, while simultaneously enjoying a tour of Belfast City Centre with a local Blue Badge Tourist Guide.
4. Sarah McQuaid at The Portico of Ards, Portaferry, County Down, 29 January. The Portico is delighted to welcome Sarah McQuaid on her first visit. Sarah’s talentpaired with The Portico’s acoustics is surely an unmissable offering. In this tour she will be featuring music from The Buryan Sessions as well as some old favourites.
5. Jiving Classes at Charlie's Bar, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 12 January - 16 February. Enjoy Jiving Classes in the Upstairs Lounge at Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen. Starting Thursday 12 January at 8-9.30pm for five weeks this class is hosted by Tina McGurran from Modern Country Moves, and are a great way to get fit, meet new people and build up your confidence when dancing. Tina ensures the classes are light-hearted and fun whilst also ensuring you learn plenty.
6. Bangor Weekly Market, County Down, 25 January (more dates available). Bangor Market populates ASDA car park every Wednesday from 8am to 1pm with stalls offering a wide selection of the freshest fruit and vegetables, a fantastic range of local seafood, irresistible home-baked cakes, seasonal plants, shrubs and much more.
7. Tyrella Point-to-Point Races, County Down, 28 January. Point-to-Point is horse racing in its purist form, and you will often hear it described as the grassroots of horse racing. This is because unlike the racing you may see on television which takes place at permanent racecourses, Point-to-Point racing takes place at what are effectively pop-up courses. TyrellaPoint-to-Point is the perfect day out for all the family in the countryside and you will get to witness the future stars of the racing industry make their introduction into competitive racing.
8. Foodie City Cycle, Derry~Londonderry, check website for opening times. Get a taste for Derry~Londonderry (quite literally) on Far and Wild’s Foodie City Cycle. If you’ve got an appetite for discovering great food and learning about local culture too, this is the tour for you. On your guided cycle tour, you’ll take in two great, mouth-watering culinary experiences. With a focus on quality local produce, Far and Wild’s culinary partners vary with the seasons. That way you know there are only the freshest, in-season dishes waiting for you at each stop.
9. Special Consensus Bluegrass Band at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady, County Londonderry, 27 January. The Special Consenus Bluegrass Band from Chicago is grounded in a deep appreciation and understanding of Bluegrass music whilst utilising the innovations of today. Evolving over four decades, they have released twenty albums, received six IBMA awards and had two Grammy nominations.
10. Todds Leap, Ballygawley, County Tyrone, check website site for opening times. Ready for an adventure? Look no further than multi-award-winning Todd’s Leap. Days out at Todds Leap are all about getting outdoors, spending time with friends, doing something momentous and having more fun than you’ve 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.
Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.
For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/
