Northern Ireland: A cultural melting pot with a packed programme of events for 2024

Northern Ireland is a land shaped by a giant spirit which flows through our music and craft and has powered the “squat pen” in the hands of our literary heroes for generations.

For such a small part of the world, this place punches well above its weight in terms of cultural giants who have created legend, myth and history and whose stories have travelled the world and delighted millions.

This vibrant place has so much to keep you entertained if you’re planning to head up the road for a short break – there are surprises everywhere, and many are less than two hours from Dublin.

Northern Ireland today is a multicultural melting pot and there is a packed calendar of events this year. Discover Northern Ireland has picked out some real gems:

Building trust in the age of AI: when innovation and regulation intertwine

---

Tools and applications, in common use elsewhere in life, are still not standard in healthcare settings

---

Futureproofing the health system requires a new prescription

---

Twenty years a-growing – Ireland’s most important health summit goes from strength to strength

---

Belfast brimming with brilliance

From the historic Titanic Quarter to St George’s Market, regardless of whether you’re a history buff, a foodie or an art enthusiast, Belfast has something special for everyone on a short break. Explore the vibrant Cathedral Quarter where cobbled streets are lined with pubs, galleries and live music venues.

Belfast 24 is a year-long extravaganza of projects, events and city initiatives. It kicks off with The Walk, a world-renowned creative project featuring Little Amal, a giant 12ft-tall puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee which will arrive in Belfast (May 16th-19th). Midsummer at the Lyric (July) will be a collaborative spectacle igniting the Lyric Theatre’s outdoor space along the river Lagan, creating a magical and mythical space for play, theatre and music. Shadowdock (Autumn) will be an immersive experience at the historic Thompson Dry Dock in the Titanic Quarter.

If you like your fringe festivals socially inclusive and eclectic, then the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival (May 2nd-12th) with its mix of music, comedy, theatre, art and literature around St Anne’s Cathedral may ring your bell.

August Féile (August 1st-11th) celebrates the best of Irish and international culture around west Belfast. Or go east for the Eastside Arts Festival, a summer festival featuring music, comedy, movies, theatre and workshops. Belfast TradFest (July 21st-28th) is the pinnacle of world-class traditional music concerts, fiery pub sessions and Ireland’s fastest growing summer school of traditional music.

Every June (7th-29th this year) sees the beautiful Ormeau Park transformed into an idyllic festival venue for Belsonic. The music extravaganza continues to draw in some of the biggest international acts around including Picture This, Take That, Sting, Scooter and Shania Twain all announced for 2024.

Turning 10 this year, Ava Festival (June 31st-May 1st) is a celebration of electronic music, visual arts and home-grown talent all set against the backdrop of the Titanic Slipway.

There is no shortage of top hotels offering great value for money including the centrally located Malmaison Hotel, Ten Square, Maldron and Hilton overlooking the river Lagan. Go off the beaten track with a Belfast Food Tour or embark on a sensory tasting experience at Titanic Distillers.

The walled city of Derry

Known for its well-preserved city walls, this gem of a location offers a captivating glimpse into centuries of heritage. Derry has an abundance of things to do. How about a cultural walking tour, becoming your very own Derry girl or finding out more about the world-renowned poet Seamus Heaney?

The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival (May 2nd-6th) features artists from all over the world with 200 live acts playing to packed audiences. If jazz ain’t your bag, maybe the City of Derry International Choir Festival (October 23rd-27th) will hit all the right notes for you.

The inaugural Ballyscullion Park Book Festival (May 11th-12th) is a celebration of literature, music and art in the heart of Seamus Heaney country. Be transported by talks from eminent writers and historians into the late 18th century and beyond, up to the present day.

The all-women Yes Festival (June 13th-16th) is a novel take on the “return of Ulysses”. It will be the homecoming and culmination of the three-year international Ulysses European Odyssey programme, with a host of public activities over four days in Derry and Donegal, including theatre, dance, visual arts, film, writing, photography, textiles, circus, music, rap and song.

The biannual Foyle Maritime Festival (June 27th-30th) will return to Derry’s riverfront and will feature tall ships, entertainment, interactive activities, festival bars, markets and a festival showcase featuring a bespoke lighting extravaganza on and alongside the river.

It might seem a long time away but if you want to experience one of the best Halloween festivals in Europe, book early for the city of Derry to come alive with ancient spirits welcoming you to join their Awakening for four nights (October 28th-31st) for a spooky celebration like no other.

The four-star Bishop’s Gate Hotel is your perfect choice in Derry with guest rooms and suites that are contemporary yet serene. One of the city’s coolest boutique hotels, the four-star Shipquay Hotel overlooks the city walls and the Guildhall.

Music to our ears

The Bluegrass Festival (May 4th-5th) is one of the largest outside North America so you’re in for a toe-tappin’, knee-slappin’ treat. Your jam-packed weekend takes place on six stages over the three days in the unique setting of the Ulster American Folk Park in Co Tyrone.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival in Co Down (May 24th-30th) will become every music fan’s paradise this year as it hosts seven-days of over 60 free breathtaking blues and jazz gigs, music and jam sessions against the stunning backdrop of Carlingford Lough.

Festivals and fairs

The Causeway Coast is famous for a lot of things and in the summer the energy is cranked up with an array of festivals and events coupled with world class attractions, distilleries, breathtaking road trips and more. Bushmills Inn or the Salthouse Hotel are the perfect places to stay.

Ireland’s largest independent camping arts and music festival, Stendhal (July 4th-6th) has a spectacular setting in the northwest. Music, comedy, poetry, a dedicated family programme and a host of visual arts for your senses to feast upon.

Every Summer, the streets in Ballycastle are buzzing with excitement during the Ould Lammas Fair (24-27 August). There are fireworks and funfairs, local delicacies such as dulse and Yellowman and traditional trading – it’s got to be seen to be believed.

On your marks

The 2024 Amgen Irish Open (September 11th-15th) will take place at Royal County Down Golf Club in the seaside town of Newcastle. Watch your favourite golfers such as Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry compete with a General Admission ticket, giving you access to the course and unmissable entertainment. Sunday sold out in 2022 and 2023, so act quickly to avoid missing out.

The Moy Park Belfast City Marathon (May 5th) is the largest sporting participatory event in Northern Ireland, bringing participants from all over the globe. Runners line the streets to participate in either the Marathon Run, Wheelchair Race, 8 Mile Walk or Team Relay with a family fun day waiting at the finish line.

Sports fans will want to consider taking in a game of ice hockey and seeing the Stena Line Belfast Giants at their SSE Arena home.

Every year the roads around Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine come alive to the sound of engines and crowds at the North West International Motorcycle Road Race (May 6th-11th). If you’ve never experienced road racing before, it doesn’t get better than this.

For all the latest events and festivals visit discovernorthernireland.com, or for great value spring offers visit discovernorthernireland.com/special-offers