JANUARY is often discarded on the travel calendar. Its unfortunate proximity to post-Christmas blues and the lack of funds for many people ensure that it remains a quiet month.
But for those who do fancy hopping in the car and doing something a little different, Northern Ireland has a lot to offer. So without having to break the bank, take a look at some of the top things to do this month in Northern Ireland.
Countryside Walks
Castlewellan, Co Down, Until January 23.
Join one of the many walks taking place until January 23. Walks are generally five to six miles and are open to everyone above 16 years of age.
Family Favourites Cookery Course
Belle Isle Estate, Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh, January 18.
Be inspired with simple, cost effective dishes that can be prepared in advance and that everyone will love. The cookery course sees recipes that are easy to dress up or down with ideas for breads, one pot dishes and puddings.
Arenacross
Odyssey Arena, Belfast, January 19.
Arenacross is the crazy indoor off-spring of motocross racing. The racing is short and sharp with huge triple jumps, killer mogul sections and fast, banked corners, all designed to provide high-octane sensory fun.
Sons and Daughters
Ebrington, Co Derry, January 20.
The opening event of Derry’s City of Culture year will be the massive Sons and Daughters opening concert. The event will feature all the city’s top names from stage and screen including Phil Coulter, Fergal Sharkey, The Undertones, Dana and Paul Brady.
Dominic Kirwan in Concert
Market Place Theatre, Armagh, January 25.
Dominic Kirwan has built up a very loyal following in Ireland and the UK as a consequence of his dynamic stage shows. This concert features songs from his many albums and features everything from country to pop.
An Evening with Brendan Shine
Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, January 26.
Sit back and enjoy an evening with one of Ireland’s top TV, radio and recording stars, with Sean Wallace as compere and special guests Rod, Tracey and The Barroom Buddies.
Titanic: Window on Emigration
Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co Tyrone, until January 26.
Set in the context of European emigration, this exhibition lets visitors explore the stories of the Irish emigrants and why they left for the New World. Explore a third class cabin on the Titanic, listen to the voices of those involved and bring to life the stories of the people who journeyed to a new life.
Megaliths of Northern Ireland Exhibition
Mid-Antrim Museum, The Braid, Ballymena, Co Antrim, until February 23.
This exhibition gives an insight into what life was like here 6,000 years ago during the Neolithic age. Visitors will discover more about the Neolithic people, how they lived and farmed, as well as the different myths and legends surrounding the standing stone structures that are scattered throughout the region.
For more details on these and other events, Callsave 1850 230 230, visit Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s Information Office at Suffolk Street in Dublin 2, or log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/events.
