Here are ten things to do in Northern Ireland this week, 6 – 12 February 2023
The Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement runs from 27 January to 11 February. This year they have focused on the work of local artists and long-term collaborators from further afield. Echo Echo Ensemble artists Kelly Quigley, Zoe Ramsey, Ayesha Mailey and Tonya Sheina are all involved in the creation of new works that include lots of local people of all ages.
IMBOLC International Music Festival is firmly embedded in Derry~Londonderry’s cultural calendar and is one of Ireland's leading folk, trad and roots music festivals. Organised by Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, the festival offers high quality blended concert experiences, with a mixture of favourite international artists, alongside new and emerging talent.
Kirkistown point-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 as they make their introduction into competitive racing. Unlike most racecourses, spectators can stand beside one of the fences and feel the power of the horses as they jump a fence in full flight or get close to the winning post for a bird’s eye view of the thrilling action.
Romeo Montague is completely obsessed with Rosaline, but his love is unrequited. At a party, he falls head-over-heels in love with the hosts’ daughter, Juliet Capulet. This time, his love is reciprocated, but their love-story isn’t easy. Their families are arch-rivals in the city of Verona and if their relationship is to flourish, secrecy is vital. This contemporary setting of the story, with Shakespeare’s original text, takes audiences to Verona in the summer of 2022 in the world of Italian high fashion, with Lady Montague and Lady Capulet propelled to the forefront as the leading designers of two rival fashion houses.
This tour is about getting together and sharing food, drink, stories and craic. Start with an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to Portrush's only craft brewery for a private tasting, moving on for a delicious main course on Main Street, and rounding off with a refreshing new cocktail in an awarding-winning bar and entertainment venue.
Join them for a #GiantAdventure on their first family treasure hunt of 2023.Get your thinking caps on and follow the clues with the mission of finding out the secrets hidden around Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get the most answers right and be in with the chance of getting your hands on a one year’s free National Trust Membership. Meet Keith from 11:00am at the Visitor Meeting Point within the Visitor Centre to gather your clues.
7. Intro to Beekeeping and Honey tasting experience at Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 11 February.
Join Geopark guide and local apiarist Kevin to get a better understanding of what you need to start Beekeeping, within a classroom session including different types of hive, the life stages of the honeybee and completed with a tasting of different types of honey.
Enjoy a night out in Armagh at one of the fantastic shows playing that weekend. Check website for more details on Rock n Roll Years & Dancehall Days on 9 February, The Fureys on 10 February, Grainne Duffy on 11 February and Jason Byrne – Unblocked on 11 February. (Tickets are going fast. Some may be sold out or with limited tickets available.)
Enjoy the buzz of Electric Biking on a guided Tollymore Forest Tour - Go further, see more and feel awesome. Packed with stunning sights and photo opportunities in the UK's oldest Forest Park, this tour is the perfect Saturday morning adventure for visitors and locals alike.
10. Introduction to Watercolours Masterclass at Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 11 February.
Located in the Tower Room, join tutor George Gourley as he takes you through a one-day Watercolour Class that will introduce participants to the restricted pallet he uses in his paintings, Sepia and Burnt Sienna. Using an image with local interest and relevance, the class will start with composition and drawing. Then taken through a sequence of washes, light to dark, leading to a completed painting in that afternoon.
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/
