Belfast Gears Up for a Spectacular St. Patrick’s Day Festival! ☘️🎶

Discover the Art of Foraging: Nature's Free Pantry 🌿

🌿 Embark on a foraging adventure and uncover the edible treasures that Northern Ireland's countryside has to offer.

🍄 From wild garlic in shaded woodlands to blackberries along hedgerows, foraging not only provides fresh, free ingredients but also deepens your connection to nature.

🌍 Always ensure you forage sustainably and confidently identify plants before consumption.

The world's largest festival of Irish music and dance is coming to Belfast in 2026! 🎶

Save the dates: 2 - 9 August 2026, as the vibrant city of Belfast becomes the epicenter of Irish culture. The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, or the All-Ireland Fleadh, is renowned for its week-long celebration during August, and has, in the past, attracted up to 600,000 visitors to the host city.

This historic event was officially announced by its organizers, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) and the Belfast City Council during a ceremony at city hall on Saturday. The festival presents a “magnificent opportunity”, as described by First Minister Michelle O'Neill, for Northern Ireland to showcase its cultural richness and welcoming spirit. 🌟

This will mark only the second occasion that Northern Ireland will host this extraordinary celebration, offering a unique platform to highlight its commitment to preserving and promoting Irish music and dance traditions. 🎻💃

Your presence is warmly anticipated in Belfast in 2026!

Read more...

🗓️ Last weekend, thousands of women gathered in Belfast to mark International Women's Day 2025.

This event was much more than a celebration; it was a bold statement for change. 🚺✊

The rally set out from Writers Square at 11am, promoting key issues such as world peace, creating safe spaces for women globally, and championing equal rights for all. Under the empowering banner of Solidarity Beyond Borders: Women for World Peace, the atmosphere was charged with purpose and unity.

Helen Crickard from Reclaim the Agenda emphatically stated that women would be "visible, vocal, and proud" as they made their presence known through the city. Her powerful message highlighted the rally as a call for solidarity in the wake of conflicts worldwide and against the violence that women and girls endure, notably in Northern Ireland. 🕊️

She poignantly described the rally as a demand for a new era characterised by peace, respect for diversity, and a world where every woman can live her life free of fear. 🌍✨

The event culminated with passionate speakers addressing the crowds outside Belfast City Hall. They used this platform to call for an end to global discrimination and violence against women, echoing a shared plea for justice and equality. 💜🔥

Today's rally was not just a gathering; it was a powerful demonstration of hope and resilience, capturing the spirit of what International Women's Day stands for across the globe. 🌐✊👩‍👧‍👧

Plot Update: Belfast's Allotment Waiting List 🌱

Attention all green thumbs and aspiring gardeners! The latest report unveiled by the Belfast City Council committee highlights a significant demand for allotment plots. Amazingly, there are currently 964 people on the waiting list, all vying for just 281 coveted plots!

The Annadale Embankment holds the record for the longest waiting list, with Tom Haire, the chair of its allotment group, acknowledging that this has been an "ongoing problem" for years.

Despite the high demand, the Belfast City Council has indicated that there is no current budget to expand the number of allotments. However, those on the waiting list, fear not! 🙌 The Council is actively exploring options to enhance the management of this extensive waiting list. Stay tuned for more updates as they work towards a more organized and efficient allocation process! 🌿

Dig a little deeper...

The Rise of Urban Beekeeping in Belfast 🐝

🌆🍯 Urban Beekeeping has been buzzing its way into the hearts of Belfast residents! There's a delightful surge in popularity as both local communities and businesses are embracing the art of beekeeping by installing hives on rooftops and gardens. 🐝🏙️

This movement is not just about producing delicious, locally sourced honey but is also a significant step in supporting biodiversity. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating plants, and by nurturing them in urban areas, we’re contributing to a healthier ecosystem 🌿.

Are you interested in joining the buzz? The Belfast Beekeepers' Association offers a variety of workshops and resources designed specifically for budding apiarists. 🐝💼 Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced beekeeper looking to refine your skills, there is something for everyone.

Join the Hive and explore how you can make a difference one hive at a time! 🍯🌍

🎶 St Patrick's Shindig at the Home of St Patrick Festival 🎶

Armagh is set to rock on St Patrick's weekend, with a superb and totally live open-air concert featuring an electrifying line-up. Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience as The High Stool Prophets 🪕 make their highly-anticipated return to Armagh after blazing a trail on the Irish folk scene with a string of sold-out shows, notable TV appearances, and fresh music releases. 🌟

Joining them is Pure Blarney, a vibrant Irish folk and traditional band that offers a dynamic mix of vocals, complemented by acoustic, electric, and bass guitars, fiddle, whistles, pipes, and drums. Their diverse lineup creates a rich, full sound that brings both original compositions and lively renditions of traditional and contemporary songs to life. 🎻🎼

Also taking the stage are The Reillys, fueled by their viral Instagram videos showcasing Ireland's most beautiful spots and now releasing their music one single at a time. This Belfast-based folk band made a sensational debut by being selected to play at Electric Picnic in their first year and have since performed hundreds of gigs across the country. 📷🎵

Don't miss this unmissable musical celebration of Irish culture and talent at the heart of St Patrick's birthplace! 🍀🎤

March 14 @ 1830

🎉 Get ready for an Irish Whiskey Masterclass -  during the Home of St Patrick Festival!

This delectable tasting extravaganza offers an immersive dive into the world of Irish whiskey. 🥃

You will savor six unique varieties of whiskey, expertly guided by the renowned host, Ronan Collins, also known as Whiskey4Breakfast. This event showcases whiskeys from some of the most **innovative distilleries** that have sprouted up over the last decade across Ireland. 🇮🇪

Discover the different age profiles and cask finishes that have fueled the renaissance of Irish whiskey, making it a global sensation. 🌏 Prepare yourself for an evening of vibrant flavors and captivating stories behind each pour. You are in for a truly great evening and an unforgettable tasting journey! 🍀

Booking required...

Leprechaun Treasure Trail

Can you find Montalto's Leprechauns? 🧚‍♂️

Enjoy a St. Patrick's Day Treasure Trail in search of our mischievous Leprechauns. You will receive a pack from our Ticket Office which will include a map to help you with your search.

Explore the Trails & Gardens and have some fun along the way. 🌿🌼

When the Treasure Trail has been completed, you may also receive a reward from our 'Pot of Gold'! 🎁

Ticket for Trails & Gardens must also be purchased. 🎟️

Tickets for access to Trails & Gardens can be purchased online or in our Ticket Office on the day.

Book Now...

✨ Fireside Stories Performance: A Must-See Event!

🔥 Get ready for an amazing visual spectacle! This March, witness Fireside Stories by the acclaimed circus duo, Nikki & JD and Lost Dog, taking place in Newry, Downpatrick, and Newcastle. A magical convergence of acrobatics, dance, and storytelling awaits, as these cities become the stage for the classic epic, Beowulf.

Sponsored by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the creative collaboration with the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council promises to transform ordinary open spaces into an extraordinary theatre experience 🌟.

🎭 The legendary seanchaí, Steve Lally, will start the evening with captivating Irish myths and legends, all enhanced by a skilled fire-eater and bodhrán player 🥁. Prepare for a main event that humorously and thrillingly brings the saga of Beowulf to life with dramatic fire artistry and a unique blend of circus and contemporary dance.

🌄 With stunning locations nestled in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion, this performance showcases not only the talent of its acts but the beauty of our landscapes, truly celebrating our cherished places.

📅 Mark Your Calendars:

• 🔹 Grove Car Park (opposite St Patrick Square), Downpatrick - Thursday, 13 March
• 🔹 Newcastle Event Space (behind Newcastle Leisure Centre) - Friday, 14 March
• 🔹 Albert Basin, Newry - Saturday, 15 March

🎫 Each night begins at 7:30 PM. Don't miss out!

🌟 Don't Miss Out on "Fred’s Tour De Ireland"! 🌍🚴

TV personality Fred Sirieix, best known for hosting Channel 4’s First Dates, embarks on an extraordinary cycling journey across Ireland and Northern Ireland in his latest ITV series, Fred’s Tour De Ireland.

This exciting five-part series showcases Fred as he cycles through some of the most breathtaking landscapes and cultural hotspots, uncovering the hidden gems and local life along the way. From Dublin to Donegal, the Mourne Mountains, Strangford Lough, Belfast, the North Coast, and Derry/Londonderry, Fred dives into the island’s rich tapestry of history, traditions, and flavors!

As a keen cyclist and fitness enthusiast, Fred undertakes a unique cycling challenge in each episode, pushing his endurance and adapting to Ireland’s diverse terrains. Throughout, he meets locals, delves into their lifestyle, and truly experiences the renowned Irish hospitality.

Fred expresses his excitement about the adventure:

“I’ve always wanted to spend some quality time in Ireland to explore the land, learn about the people, and experience its food and culture. Travelling by bike brings you even closer to a place and those that live there, and this journey was truly unforgettable!”

The series has received applause for its stunning cinematography and heartwarming encounters, delivering a refreshing view of Ireland’s most captivating locations.

💻 Missed the Show? Catch Up Now!

If you haven’t yet tuned in, episodes are available on ITV Hub. Whether you're a cycling aficionado, a travel lover, or just fond of a good road trip, Fred’s Tour De Ireland is a must-watch! 📺

Northern Irish Chefs Take Centre Stage on Great British Menu 2025 🍽️🔥

Northern Ireland’s top culinary talents are making waves on this year’s Great British Menu, as they go head-to-head with the UK’s best chefs to impress the judges with their creativity, skill, and passion for local produce.

The prestigious BBC cooking competition is known for its high stakes and intense challenges, where chefs must create spectacular dishes inspired by this year's unique theme. Representing Northern Ireland, these chefs are putting their region’s incredible food scene on the map, using homegrown ingredients and showcasing bold flavours in their bid to reach the banquet finale.

Each week, the competition heats up as contestants battle through themed courses, hoping to impress judges with their innovative takes on classic dishes. With Northern Irish chefs already proving themselves in recent years, all eyes are on this year's hopefuls to see if they can take home the ultimate culinary honour.

How to Watch

📺 Great British Menu 2025 airs weekly on BBC Two, with episodes available on BBC iPlayer. Don't miss out on watching these talented local chefs in action! 🍴🔥