A vibrant new mural on Hamilton Road in Bangor has drawn attention to the pressing issue of violence against women and the need for safer streets in Northern Ireland.

 

The bold message, “Girls Just Want To Walk Home,” resonates deeply with local women and girls, echoing their hopes and everyday fears.

 

This collaborative project brought together council members, youth groups, and muralist Friz, fueled by stories from young women in the community.

 

At the unveiling, reflections on harassment and women’s rights replaced celebration as the mural’s impact became clear.

 

Supporters say this public art is a call to action, aligning with renewed advocacy to tackle intimidation and foster courage within neighborhoods.

 

Locals have welcomed the mural’s presence, emphasizing that everyone deserves to feel safe wherever they go.

 

The mural stands as both a powerful symbol and a challenge for lasting social change across Northern Ireland.

Coffee lovers in Northern Ireland are discovering that caffeine levels in their favourite drinks can vary widely by location.

 

Ordering a cappuccino at one coffee shop might result in nearly four times the caffeine of the same drink nearby, sometimes leaving customers unexpectedly buzzing.

 

Costa Coffee stands out for its high-caffeine brews, while chains like Starbucks often serve milder options.

 

This wide range can surprise regulars, particularly those sensitive to caffeine or seeking to limit their intake for health reasons.

 

Responding to these concerns, many local Northern Ireland coffee shops now offer clearer nutritional details and a wider range of choices, from strong espressos to decaf.

 

Baristas point out that matcha lattes and other specialty drinks also add to the uncertainty, sometimes matching traditional coffees for caffeine punch.

 

With artisanal cafes booming in Belfast and beyond, staying informed helps coffee drinkers choose what’s best for them.

Excitement is building across Northern Ireland as residents prepare for a rare lunar eclipse expected to transform the Moon into a spectacular blood moon early Friday morning.

 

Communities from Belfast to Derry are eager to catch this cosmic phenomenon, with the Moon slipping into Earth’s shadow shortly after 2am.

 

By about 3:30am, the coppery red hue should be clearly visible, casting an ethereal glow that draws both veteran astronomers and curious locals.

 

Experts recommend looking toward the west-southwest sky just before dawn, and finding an unobstructed spot as the Moon will sink lower during the eclipse’s peak.

 

Though late August weather may bring clouds, even a brief clearing could reward viewers.

 

No special equipment is required, but binoculars or a telescope can enhance the view.

 

This eclipse has sparked new interest in stargazing events, making for a memorable conclusion to August’s night sky wonders.

Northern Ireland’s public finances have entered a tense stage as Stormont faces strict spending caps following failure to agree a budget by the late-July deadline.

 

With departmental funding now limited to 95% of last year’s budgets, officials confront a climate of uncertainty and heightened concern for essential services.

 

While not a universal 5% cut, these restrictions deepen anxieties among public sector workers and residents worried about the sustainability of schools, hospitals, and other frontline services.

 

Since April, contingency budgets have been in play, fueling urgent calls from the Stormont executive for more Treasury support to tackle pay and resource shortages.

 

New Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant has arrived in the region, seeking to rebuild trust and progress.

 

As talks continue, families and community groups anxiously await decisive action to secure the services they rely on.

The Commonwealth Games once again ignite excitement among Northern Ireland’s sports fans, uniting communities in celebration of local athletic talent.

 

Gary Kelly and Adam McKeown set the tone in Glasgow, going head-to-head with Pakistan in men’s pairs bowls, cheered on by dedicated fans clad in green and white.

 

The duo faces a decisive evening match against New Zealand, a clash that could shape Team Northern Ireland’s medal ambitions.

 

In individual competition, Shauna O’Neill is determined to progress in the women’s singles, challenging Niue with hopes of advancing further.

 

The Northern Ireland netball team braves a tough fixture versus Australia at the Hydro, as enthusiastic supporters gather in homes and community centers across the province.

 

Omar Ketsha aims to make his mark in the 110+kg weightlifting final, representing Northern Irish strength and resolve.

 

A golden highlight sees Kate O’Connor awarded the heptathlon medal, sparking jubilation throughout Newry and inspiring young athletes everywhere.

 

The team’s tenacity continues to win admiration and strengthen local pride, whatever the results.

Northern Ireland’s nighttime economy generates around £3.7 billion and supports 114,000 jobs, underscoring its vital role in the region.

 

However, the surrender principle in alcohol licensing—requiring new venues to wait for an old one to give up its license—significantly limits growth by making licenses scarce and costly.

 

This restrictive system, highlighted in a 2025 University of Stirling review, was criticized for hindering new and independent venues and described as outdated.

 

Despite calls for change, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons maintained the status quo, choosing slow, incremental reforms.

 

Local groups like SIBA and CAMRA condemned the decision, saying it stifles innovation and disadvantages consumers, breweries, and pubs.

 

The tight licensing laws also threaten musicians and creatives by reducing accessible venues, weakening the grassroots culture scene.

 

With licenses shifting away from pubs to supermarkets, the traditional pub culture is at risk.

 

Many argue urgent reform is needed to sustain economic and cultural vibrancy in Northern Ireland’s nightlife.

Triangle Housing Association has secured a £22 million revolving credit facility from a leading bank, strengthening its development programme.

 

This funding will support the construction of 100 to 150 new social housing units over the next 18 months, aiming to ease the urgent housing demand in Northern Ireland.

 

Finance director Alan Crilly stressed the importance of reliable financial partners during a period of rising housing stress and reduced grants, noting this loan will help deliver vital new homes for local communities.

 

Based in Ballymoney, Triangle Housing Association manages over 1,600 social housing units and employs nearly 500 staff.

 

This year, the association has delivered 70 homes across Antrim, Ballymoney, and Limavady, with ongoing projects in Coleraine, Ballymoney, Cullybackey, Limavady, and Maghera.

 

A recent tender targets 15 to 25 new homes in Limavady, aligning with calls to boost social housing investment and meet rising demand.

The Education Authority (EA) has secured a “workable solution” to ensure special school summer schemes will go ahead this year.

 

Collaboration with school principals will prioritize planning, with the safety and well-being of children remaining central.

 

The EA also pledged continued work toward developing a stronger, year-round health care model within special schools.

 

This progress follows intervention by Education Minister Paul Givan and a cross-party recall petition attracting support from the Alliance Party, Sinn Féin, SDLP, and TUV.

 

Earlier, schemes had faced cancellation over concerns about health care for vulnerable children—a move criticized by the Department of Health.

 

Amid growing special educational needs, the EA highlighted a 230% rise in specialist classroom places in the past five years and has outlined future plans across 40 special schools to meet rising demand.

 

In September 2025, a reported firearm sighting in Belfast led the PSNI’s armed response unit to quickly detain a driver, only to discover the weapon was a toy water pistol.

 

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland meticulously reviewed the incident using video evidence and concluded that officers acted reasonably, given the perceived threat.

 

Although one officer briefly used the water pistol to ease tensions, this was deemed unprofessional but not grounds for misconduct.

 

Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray highlighted the value of independent investigations to uphold police accountability.

 

UUP leader Jon Burrows welcomed the finding, criticizing political opponents for premature judgments and emphasizing the need for full PSNI support.

 

This case underscores the challenges police face in making rapid decisions and the importance of oversight and fair assessment for maintaining public trust.

 

Blue Lights, the acclaimed Belfast-set police drama, has won Best Drama Series at the RTS Programme Awards 2026, shining a spotlight on Northern Ireland’s thriving television scene.

 

Filmed on location and produced by local companies for the BBC, the series stands out for its authentic depiction of Belfast’s law enforcement and has captivated viewers and critics, praised as “tense, nail-biting” and “immaculately written.”

 

Despite fierce competition from UK productions, Blue Lights was honored for its gripping narrative and standout performances.

 

The ceremony, hosted by Tom Allen, took place on March 24 at London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel.

 

This recognition joins awards from the 2025 BAFTAs and 2024 IFTA, cementing the show’s influence.

 

Local leaders hailed the win as proof of Northern Ireland’s creative talent and growing global reputation.

 

Fans now look forward to more compelling stories from this celebrated series.

As March unfolds, Northern Ireland faces a return to chilly, unsettled weather, with rain and the chance of wintry showers making a comeback.

 

This evening brings overcast skies and light rain drifting southeast, intensifying overnight in the south. Strong southwesterly winds will gradually ease by morning as temperatures dip to a low of 6°C.

 

Tuesday begins with rain in the south, clearing as heavier showers build in from the west across other areas. Highs may reach 11°C.

 

Midweek remains unsettled: Wednesday could see some wintry showers, while Thursday looks drier and brighter, with the risk of rain returning by evening. Friday is set for a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers.

 

Historically, March offers cool temperatures and frequent rainfall, and forecasts signal slightly warmer but wetter conditions, so residents should prepare for varied and unpredictable weather.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) is under exceptional and unprecedented pressure, causing critical delays in emergency response and raising worries about patient safety.

 

Ambulance handover delays have soared, with over 11,000 incidents in 2023/24 taking more than three hours, compared to just 400 in 2019/20.

 

This situation has led to multiple instances where patients face potential harm because ambulances and paramedics are tied up outside hospitals, unable to answer new calls.

 

Sinn Féin MP Pat Cullen and campaign group Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) have called for urgent action, particularly as rural patients in Fermanagh and South Tyrone must travel hours for emergency surgery.

 

Apologies from health officials followed reports like a 91-year-old woman waiting 36 hours for an ambulance.

 

The Health Minister insists a whole-systems approach, improved patient flow, and expanded urgent care options are vital to resolve these challenges and ensure timely, effective treatment for everyone in Northern Ireland.

Cookstown and many towns across Northern Ireland are struggling with serious water supply constraints that threaten local business growth and new housing developments.

 

Local leaders like Jim Eastwood and Adrian McCreesh have described the negative emotional and practical impacts, with residents unable to settle in their hometowns and thriving businesses blocked from expanding due to lack of water connections.

 

Northern Ireland Water admits that funding issues have led to “severe restrictions” for new housing and slower business progress, with similar challenges affecting over 100 towns and cities, including Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.

 

A £1.2 billion upgrade initiative is underway to modernize water and wastewater systems, starting with major projects in Belfast.

 

However, a £2 billion funding gap remains, risking further setbacks for communities and investment in the years ahead.

 

This situation highlights an urgent need for collaboration and investment before more local economies face decline.

Northern Ireland’s calendar brims with vibrant festivals, drawing locals and visitors into its rich cultural scene.

 

The Newry Arts Festival transforms the city each spring with theatre, music, comedy, and hands-on workshops, hosted in landmarks like Newry Town Hall.

 

The Ards International Guitar Festival celebrates 30 years in April, showcasing blues, folk, and rock, with tributes and performances by acclaimed musicians.

 

Spring also brings the Glenarm Castle Tulip Festival, where families enjoy thousands of tulips, local food, live music, and children’s activities in a scenic setting.

 

May’s Briggs Equipment North West 200 offers exhilarating motorcycle racing along the Causeway Coast, while AVA Festival turns Belfast’s Titanic Slipways into a haven for electronic music fans.

 

Belfast TradFest and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann celebrate Irish music with concerts and competitions, drawing thousands to the city.

 

Autumn and winter highlight Comic Con Northern Ireland and the William Kennedy Piping Festival, solidifying the region as a year-round destination for culture and excitement.

Ballycastle, nestled on County Antrim’s scenic coast, stands out as one of Northern Ireland’s best places to live thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant community life.

 

The town’s heart beats strongest during the renowned Ould Lammas Fair, which fills the streets every August with bustling stalls, traditional music, and a lively local spirit.

 

Ballycastle’s high street offers unique, independent shops, cozy cafes, and celebrated eateries like the acclaimed Ursa Minor bakery, drawing food lovers from near and far.

 

Recent housing developments, such as the award-winning Dunineany View apartments for those over 55, reflect a commitment to both comfort and community.

 

Locals and visitors alike enjoy leisure along the sandy beach and nearby natural wonders like the Giant’s Causeway.

 

Initiatives supporting well-being—like affordable mental health services and a thriving Sunday market—underscore Ballycastle’s welcoming, engaged atmosphere.

Spring along the Causeway Coast and Glens lights up Northern Ireland with dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and fresh opportunities for adventure on the renowned Causeway Coastal Route.

 

April brings the Ballymoney Spring Fair, filling the town with lively music, local markets, and colorful parades that highlight beloved traditions.

 

In May, the adrenaline-charged NW200 Race Week Festival roars to life, drawing motorsport fans with thrilling races, rider meetups, and fireworks that unite locals and tourists in vibrant celebration.

 

The Rathlin Sound Festival showcases the area’s maritime legacy, boasting expanded music, food, and nautical festivities in Ballycastle and on Rathlin Island.

 

From rustic pub fare to gourmet meals, the food scene is thriving, soon to be topped by the Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival in October, inviting foodies to a borough-wide “taste trail.”

 

Investment is transforming the region, with a new £30 million golf course set for Bellarena and the Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal aiming to boost jobs, attract industries, and shape a bright future for the community.

 

Experience the energy and allure of spring in this captivating corner of Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland’s distilleries are enjoying a vibrant renaissance, blending their historic roots with forward-thinking innovation to attract whiskey lovers from around the globe.

 

Bushmills Distillery remains a pillar of the region, while newcomers like McConnell’s in Belfast have revived legacy brands by combining tradition with state-of-the-art facilities, such as their recent launch at the restored Crumlin Road Gaol.

 

This £30 million transformation promises not only substantial whiskey production but also a significant boost in local tourism.

 

Meanwhile, Wild Atlantic Distillery has made history in County Tyrone, introducing the first locally-distilled whiskey in over a century and planning a major new visitor center.

 

Innovative hospitality offerings like ‘The Cellar’ at Dunadry Hotel & Gardens, and collaborative campaigns pairing local spirits with regional cuisine, highlight a growing synergy between distilleries and tourism.

 

Together, these dynamic initiatives are ensuring Northern Ireland’s whiskey landscape stands out on the world stage.

Nicholl Oils, Northern Ireland’s largest independent oil distributor, has seen its pre-tax profits soar to £4.2 million, nearly triple the previous year, despite a £10 million drop in turnover.

 

The Greysteel-based company achieved this gain before the recent spike in home heating oil prices linked to Middle East unrest.

 

Accounts for the year ending May 2025 show that while turnover fell 5%, Nicholl Oils cut administrative expenses and minimized joint-venture losses, fueling strong profit growth.

 

Leadership credits adaptability in an intense price-competitive market as a key factor in their resilience.

 

However, as of March 2026, heating oil prices have soared 81%—from £307 to over £555 per 500 litres—amid escalating tensions involving Iran.

 

Finance Minister John O’Dowd is urging UK government intervention, as soaring costs outpace local relief budgets, affecting the 62.5% of households reliant on home heating oil.

 

The Consumer Council advises consumers to compare suppliers and consider bulk buying or delaying orders to manage costs.

Northern Ireland enters early spring with a week of mixed weather ahead.

 

Belfast faces mostly overcast skies and periods of light rain through midweek, along with mild daytime temperatures between 52°F and 58°F (11°C–14°C).

 

Nights will be cool, ranging from 39°F to 50°F (4°C–10°C), while winds remain breezy early in the week before calming by Thursday.

 

A brighter spell is expected Thursday and Friday, when gentler winds and occasional sunshine will make outdoor activities more inviting.

 

The weekend features partly sunny skies, continuing with light winds and comfortable temperatures.

 

Sunrise will arrive earlier and sunsets stretch later each day, with UV levels staying low to moderate.

 

After January’s record rainfall, residents can enjoy a mild, mostly dry forecast—though it’s wise to be ready for the unpredictable twists of early spring.

Belfast is gearing up for a lively celebration of St Patrick’s Day from 1 to 17 March 2026, featuring citywide cultural events, music, and family activities.

 

The festivities begin with Seachtain na Gaeilge, offering Irish language workshops and events.

 

On 7 March, Spraoi Cois Lao brings family-friendly entertainment to Custom House Square.

 

The Féile Trad Trail and St Patrick's Music Festival will fill Belfast’s venues with traditional music, dance, and workshops, culminating in a bustling Festival Village on 17 March at Cathedral Gardens and St Anne’s Square.

 

Highlights include the SPAR Craic 10K run and the colorful St Patrick’s Day parade from City Hall, featuring local performers and new storytelling elements.

 

Downpatrick’s parade and events mark the Saint Patrick Centre’s 25th anniversary and include concerts and art sessions.

 

Enniskillen hosts a two-day festival with boat parades, live gigs, and family attractions, reflecting the rich heritage and community spirit across Northern Ireland.

A potential strike at Drinks Inc., Northern Ireland’s largest beverage distributor, is poised to deeply impact the region’s hospitality sector.

 

The dispute, revolving around pay and an inflation clause, may halt all deliveries to pubs, restaurants, and off-licenses if union members vote to strike.

 

Unite the Union represents virtually all drivers and warehouse staff, warning that industrial action would cause an immediate stop to beverage supplies across Northern Ireland.

 

The timing heightens concern, as nearly 27% of hospitality businesses are already running at a loss, pressured by surging costs and falling food sales—down by an average of 9% this year.

 

Industry leaders say the looming stoppage could be a tipping point, risking widespread revenue loss and job cuts if stock shortages take hold.

 

Urgent negotiations are being urged to protect both workers and an industry vital to the local economy.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with Northern Ireland’s political leaders to address the intensifying cost of living crisis just before the UK-Ireland summit in Cork.

 

First Minister Michelle O’Neill urged immediate attention to families “really struggling” with soaring expenses, highlighting how Northern Ireland’s heavy dependence on heating oil—now more expensive due to Middle Eastern conflicts—makes the crisis worse.

 

Nearly two-thirds of local homes rely on heating oil, and Starmer admitted pricing must remain fair and transparent to avoid exploiting working people.

 

DUP’s Gavin Robinson raised alarm over an unspent £81 million fund meant for energy bill relief, noting the planned £30 annual electricity reduction could be stalled by legal hurdles.

 

Other party heads, including the SDLP’s Claire Hanna, Alliance’s Naomi Long, and UUP’s Jon Burrows, pressed for both immediate and long-term remedies as financial strain and heating anxiety grip households.

 

Party leaders agreed on the need for swift, locally tailored action to support struggling Northern Irish families.

Commercial Court in Belfast is glowing anew as its beloved umbrella installation returns just in time for St. Patrick’s Day and the arrival of spring tourists.

 

The dazzling canopy now stretches twice as far, boasting 42 umbrellas—each upgraded to withstand the city’s challenging weather, ensuring a vivid spectacle for years ahead.

 

This vibrant scene is enhanced by 500 meters of colour-changing lights and 1,600 red polyanthus blooming in baskets along the lane, creating a dynamic celebration in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter.

 

Locals and visitors alike are eager for the umbrellas’ return, which has drawn royalty, sparked joy, and inspired countless photos.

 

The new ‘Rainbow’s End’ neon artwork and the gold bench now welcome passersby, reaffirming Commercial Court’s status as a true Belfast landmark.

 

With brighter days ahead, the city stands ready to charm once again.

The aroma of sizzling chicken swept through Boucher Crescent as Wingstop proudly launched its first Northern Ireland location.

 

Excitement ran high, with determined fans queuing around the block — some braving a three-hour wait just to be among the first to taste the famed wings.

 

Inside, guests savored the brand’s acclaimed chicken wings, tenders, and loaded fries, each paired with bold sauces such as lemon pepper and spicy house blends.

 

Locals quickly embraced the fresh flavors, remarking on the distinct taste that sets Wingstop apart from other Belfast fast-food spots.

 

This opening forms part of Wingstop’s ambitious UK expansion, with plans for at least 20 additional sites and hundreds of new jobs this year.

 

For those in attendance, the experience left no doubt: Wingstop’s Belfast arrival was a celebrated success.

Average monthly rents in Northern Ireland have surged past £1,000 for the first time, signaling a 5.6% increase from last year. Belfast is feeling the pinch most, with typical rents now hitting £1,121 per month—a steep 6.4% rise. This surge points to fierce demand for rental properties across the city.

 

The root cause is a chronic shortage of available homes, despite an 11% uptick in rental listings. Every property listed now gets an average of 52 enquiries, a figure 60% higher than usual. Intense competition has sparked rental bidding wars, driving prices up and making affordable housing elusive for many.

 

Meanwhile, home prices are also climbing, up 6.4% on the year to £235,035. For investors, Belfast offers attractive rental yields near 6.1%.

 

The persistent imbalance of supply and demand suggests rents could rise even further, amplifying pressure on tenants and emphasizing the urgent need for more housing solutions.

Michael McArdle has been named the new manager of the Northern Ireland senior women’s football team, bringing over 25 years of coaching experience and a strong track record from his recent post at the Scottish Football Association.

 

McArdle’s background includes nearly two decades in elite Scottish clubs and over 200 senior matches managed in men’s and women’s football, plus international experience in recent years.

 

Known as a collaborative leader, he focuses on player development and building high-performance environments.

 

McArdle steps in at a crucial time, as Northern Ireland’s women’s football pushes forward with the ‘Together We Thrive’ strategy and a wave of new talent emerges through the national pathway.

 

Irish FA leaders praised his leadership, vision, and cultural fit, confident he can shape the future as he supports players’ growth on and off the pitch.

 

McArdle promises a hardworking, disciplined side, eager to make fans proud with every performance.

Northern Ireland faces a stretch of unsettled weather this week, with variable conditions across the region.

 

Belfast residents are waking up to overcast skies and a cool start at 8°C (47°F), with afternoon temperatures reaching 12°C (53°F) and a chance of light showers later in the day.

 

On Tuesday, overcast conditions are set to persist, bringing afternoon showers and keeping temperatures around 12°C (53°F) by day and 5°C (42°F) at night.

 

Midweek forecasts for Wednesday and Thursday predict lingering cloud cover, occasional rain, and breezy spells, with highs near 11°C (51°F) and lows dipping to 8°C (46°F).

 

By Friday, sunny breaks may emerge, though the odd stray shower remains possible.

 

Following record rainfall in January 2026, the saturated ground has increased flood risk—residents should monitor updates and exercise caution in flood-prone areas.

Rory McIlroy shocked fans by withdrawing from the Arnold Palmer Invitational due to lower back muscle spasms, just weeks ahead of the Masters Tournament.

 

He felt a “small twinge” during Saturday’s warm-up, but as it quickly turned into spasms, he opted to put his health first and step away from the event.

 

McIlroy, tied for ninth after rounds of 72 and 68, acknowledged his disappointment but emphasized recovery for the critical weeks ahead.

 

This is only his second PGA Tour withdrawal, the first since the 2013 Honda Classic.

 

With the Players Championship and Masters approaching, concern is growing, especially since McIlroy is the defending champion.

 

His recent win at the Seminole Pro-Member shows strong form, but this back issue raises uncertainty.

 

Fans hope this is only a precaution as he aims to return to top shape for the upcoming majors.

Across Northern Ireland, International Women’s Day spotlights the vital contributions of women, from grassroots activism to bold leadership.

 

In March 2025, Belfast City Council’s ‘Steps to End Violence’ walk at Waterworks Park, led by Marissa Callaghan, united local communities in support of efforts to end violence against women. High Sheriff Fiona McAteer emphasized shared commitment, as families learned about available support services through music and outreach.

 

Meanwhile, Ulster University Business School gathered nearly 300 participants for Coleraine’s ‘CelebrateHER Conference’, celebrating trailblazing speakers including Ailbhe Keane and Annette Kelly, to inspire female leadership and empowerment.

 

Fermanagh and Omagh’s forum highlighted local women’s achievements and the importance of mentorship, while Mid Ulster District Council featured motivational speakers like Angeline Murphy to promote action and support for women’s charities.

 

In Larne, events fostered inclusive discussion with leaders such as Maia Wright and Geraldine Connon, strengthening community bonds.

 

Collectively, these celebrations honour women’s profound impact and inspire continued progress.

Belfast will make history as the first city in Northern Ireland to host the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann two years in a row, with events planned for both 2026 and 2027.

 

Announced after a high-profile meeting in Dublin, this milestone highlights Belfast’s rising profile as a hub for major cultural and international festivals.

 

In partnership with Belfast City Council and Ards CCÉ, the eight-day celebration is set to draw crowds of over 800,000.

 

Festivities include traditional music, dance, language showcases, and All-Ireland competitions.

 

Headlining the opening night at City Hall will be Sharon Shannon and her Big Band, supported by acclaimed acts like Goitse, Blackwater Ceili Band, and McPeake.

 

Performances from school choirs and community groups will create an inclusive citywide celebration, boosting tourism and local pride.

 

Belfast’s world-class venues and growing interest in Irish culture promise an unforgettable, vibrant festival for all.