AER LINGUS ANNOUNCES FIVE NEW ROUTES FROM DUBLIN

Brian Ogle

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AER Lingus will introduce five brand-new routes from Dublin this summer, offering flights to some of Europe’s most charming destinations.

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TEN EXCITING THINGS TO DO IN NI OVER THE EASTER BREAK

Brian Ogle
A Puffin Rock Easter at W5, Belfast
  1. The Easter Eggspress at Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Downpatrick, County Down, 5 and 6 April. The Easter Bunny is visiting the Downpatrick & County Down Railway on Easter Sunday and Monday, and his goal is simple: make sure all the children have a great day with their trains and come away with a chocolate Easter Egg. There’s also a fun word hunt, and face painting in the station included in your ticket price.
  2. Easter at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 5 – 7 April. Discover Easter traditions like the custom of cross-roads dancing, learn about the history of the Easter egg, and leave a message on the Easter Tree. Listen to live music in rural Ulster and America, and take part in traditional games including the classic egg and spoon race. Take a horse and carriage ride and watch an exciting magic show. Try tasty samples of barnbrack and hot-cross buns, plus get some Easter treats from the café.
  3. Easter at the Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, County Down, 5 – 7 April. Discover Easter traditions, have a go at nature-based activities and meet their talented makers as they demonstrate heritage skills – including Easter card making in the Print Shop. Get involved with traditional games, watch baking and butter making demos, try tasty cake samples and listen to traditional music. Meet costumed characters and learn all about the history of egg production in Ireland and the connections to the Easter traditions we know today.
  4. Easter at Glenarm Castle, Glenarm, County Antrim, 5 and 6 April. Join Glenarm Castle for a fun-filled adventure in the fresh spring air. Explore the Walled Garden and Woodland Walk, let the kids burn off some energy in the Woodland Adventure Play Area, or hop into the driver’s seat with the Mini Land Rover Experience. Take part in their much-loved Easter Eye Spy & activity sheet while exploring the estate and enjoy great food, shopping, and even a dedicated dog park for your four-legged friends.
  5. Slow Art Sunday at Ulster Museum, Belfast, 5 April. Join the Ulster Museum on the first Sunday of every month for Slow Art Sunday, an opportunity to explore their art collections in more detail. Explore the influences and inspirations that contributed to the artwork and find out the guide’s favourite pieces. Feel free to sketch or bring your own interpretations as the guides bring the artwork to life.
  6. Easter at Florence Court, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 30 March – 7 April. Join in on Easter Monday for the annual Easter celebration at Florence Court. With lots of activities for kids to enjoy, live music, treats and of course the ‘Grand Tour’ Easter trail to explore, you are sure for a fun filled day out.
  7. Easter Adventures at WWT Castle Espie, Comber, County Down, 31 March – 12 April. Spring has arrived and there is plenty of family fun waiting for you at WWT Castle Espie this Easter. Have fun at the Easter Egg Trail, Pond Dipping Adventures and Easter themed arts and crafts sessions.
  8. Easter Trail at The Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, 4 –7 April. Join this Easter for a fun-filled outdoor adventure, where families can follow a woodland Easter Trail, meet colourful characters, enjoy marshmallow toasting, and dance along at our lively Easter disco.
  9. Easter Adventures At The Argory, Moy, County Armagh, 30 March – 7 April. Explore the stunning grounds of The Argory as you follow the ten points of the Easter Activity Trail. The trail takes you through the beautiful River Walk, offering scenic views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy nature in full bloom. Join for a fun-filled, family-friendly day out with plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy together.
  10. A Puffin Rock Easter at W5, Belfast, 1 – 11 April. Calling all little explorers and grown-ups. Now is your chance to join the Puffin Rock inhabitants and discover more from this beautiful island. Puffin Rock activities are free with general admission to W5.

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.

Subject to availabilities with select dates.

SIT, STAY, SAIL! ALL ABOARD FOR PET TRAVEL WITH STENA LINE

Brian Ogle

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Crufts competitor Sally onboard Stena Line

PET travel is here to stay as one of tourism’s biggest trends, with huge numbers of owners opting to take their four-legged friend on holiday instead of experiencing the heartbreak of separation.

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PIRATES AND PRINCESSES BACK ON THE HIGH SEAS WITH STENA LINE

Brian Ogle

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STENA Line’s enchanting Pirates & Princesses Day Cruises are back for 2026 with a series of 10 new dates announced for the hugely popular trips.

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TEN EXCITING THINGS TO DO IN NI DURING THE LAST WEEK IN MARCH

Brian Ogle
Down among the daffodils at Easter at Mount Stewart
  1. Garden History Tour at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down, 28 March. Explore the stories behind the landscape, historic features and the dynasties that have shaped the estate over the years. A fascinating guided walk led by Ken Dawson, this tour is for anyone who loves gardens, history and the beauty of the past brought to life.
  2. Easter Egg Hunt at Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, County Down, 28 March – 7 April. Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. The trail takes place from 10am to 5pm. Prices are £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg. Weave in and out, solve some puzzles, create some art and race your friends on a trail exploring the areas around the house and Stableyard.
  3. Newry Arts Festival, Newry, County Down, 19 – 29 March. Newry Arts Festival is a celebratory mix of exhibitions, comedy, music and drama, and will shine a light on Newry City’s arts scene. Newry Arts Festival will welcome renowned acts from the Newry City area.
  4. Dome Shows at Armagh Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, visit website for open dates and times. The main attraction at Armagh Planetarium is a 360-degree digital theatre, where they present immersive dome shows on a wide range of topics. With programmes designed for toddlers, families, and adults, there’s something for every visitor.
  5. OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Davagh Forest, County Tyrone, visit website for open dates and times. Star hop across the universe on one of their daily guided tours. Their interactive exhibition links the landscape with the astronomical and archaeological heritage of the Sperrins, featuring holographic installations. OM guided exhibition tours run throughout the day and last approximately 1 hour.
  6. Derry By Fork, Various locations across Derry~Londonderry, 28 March (future dates available). Derry by Fork food and drink tours offer the ultimate way to discover the city’s thriving food scene. Blending history, culture, and exceptional flavours, these tours are led by passionate locals who reveal hidden culinary gems and share the stories behind Derry~Londonderry’s most iconic landmarks.
  7. National Trust’s Florence Court, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, visit website for open dates and times. Surrounded by lush parkland and thick woodland with Benaughlin mountain rising in the background, Florence Court enjoys a majestic countryside setting in West Fermanagh. There is something for everyone to enjoy at this extensive and welcoming place.
  8. Easter Egg Hunt at Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down, 28 March – 7 April. Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. The trail takes place from 10am to 5pm, with last trails being sold at 4pm. Come along and explore the beautiful gardens of Mount Stewart. Prices are £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg.
  9. Joinery Taster Workshop at Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, County Down, 26 March. Create your own redwood miniature sheeted door with a mortise and tenon frame to take home. Guided by experts from the Historic Environment Division, you’ll learn about heritage joinery, approaches to conservation and repair, and try practical techniques for yourself. This workshop is ideal for enthusiasts, those considering training in joinery, or professionals interested in incorporating traditional techniques into their work.
  10. Ashes to Fashion at Ulster Museum, Belfast, until 13 September. A collection reborn through significant acquisitions, a future-proof collecting policy and generous donations, making it one of the most important collections in Western Europe. ‘Ashes to Fashion’ marks this extraordinary milestone with a stunning showcase of fashion from the eighteenth century to today, from historic garments to contemporary pieces by Chanel and Versace.

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.

Subject to availabilities with select dates.

ABTA’S MIDDLE EAST CRISIS ADVICE REACHES GROWING NUMBER OF MEMBERS AND CONSUMERS

Brian Ogle

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ABTA’s advice on navigating travel during the Middle East conflict has been reaching its members and their customers with significant uplift in traffic to ABTA’s website and engagement on its social media channels. 

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TEN EXCITING THINGS TO DO AROUND SAINT PATRICK’S DAY

Brian Ogle
Enjoy the celebrations of St Patrick‘s Day in Belfast and around the Province
  1. St Patrick’s Day at Slemish, Broughshane, County Antrim, 17 March. Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in spectacular style with a memorable trek up Slemish – the legendary mountain where Ireland’s patron saint once tended sheep. This iconic annual tradition invites you to conquer the 1.5 kilometre round walk to the summit and take in the breathtaking panoramic views.
  2. St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival 2026, Derry~Londonderry, 17 March. Savour mouth-watering food from local vendors, explore the charm of traditional Irish music and be part of the magic as the St Patrick’s Day parade winds through the streets, showcasing dazzling displays of colour, creativity, and culture. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Spring in Derry~Londonderry.
  3. St Patrick’s Day Parade, Belfast, 17 March. A dazzling display of costume, music, dance and circus will bring the streets of Belfast alive this St Patrick’s Day. The annual parade will weave its way through the city centre. With colourful live performance and a high energy soundtrack, this year’s parade will include some new elements to celebrate the legends of St Patrick.
  4. St Patrick’s Day at Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, County Down, 17 March. Join them for a family day filled with music, storytelling and hands-on activities that bring Ireland’s past to life. There’ll be traditional music performances and Irish dancing displays, plus folklore tales of legends and lore. Try Irish language taster sessions, sample colcannon and get hands-on with their family craft station.
  5. St Patrick’s Day Parade in Newry City, and St Patrick’s Day Parade in Downpatrick, County Down, 17 March. St Patrick’s Day parades will be the centre of celebrations in Newry City and Downpatrick. Led by Saint Patrick himself, the St Patrick’s Day parade will offer a feast for eyes and ears as swirling dancers, community floats and costumed characters entertain the crowds.
  6. St Patrick’s Day Omagh: Music and Mythology, Omagh, County Tyrone, 17 March. The streets of Omagh will come alive at this year’s St Patrick’s weekend with a vibrant celebration of music, mythology, dance and carnival parade. Delivered by Urban Events NI under the theme Music & Mythology, this year’s programme brings together an exciting blend of traditional musicians, dancers, performers and local groups to create an unforgettable festival experience.
  7. St Patrick’s Day at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 17 March. Enjoy a day of Irish heritage and celebration as you explore the history of the shamrock, accompanied by the sounds of traditional Irish music across Ulster and America. Watch Irish dance performances and see traditional craft demonstrations like basket weaving throughout the day. Stop by the Mellon House where the table will be filled with customary foods like colcannon and apple tart, taste samples of fruit brack and follow the ‘Shamrock Selfie Trail.’
  8. St Patrick’s Day Parade in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 17 Match. From Castle to Castle, the traditional parade will snake through the heart of Enniskillen, crossing its iconic bridges and celebrating the unique geography of the island town. The celebrations continue with an extended free fun day at Enniskillen Castle and the Broadmeadow, featuring family entertainment, activities and special guest appearances throughout the early afternoon.
  9. Sunrise at Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, County Armagh, 17 March. What made Emain Macha so special to the ancient people of Ulster? Why was this site so steeped in history and wonder that it drew St Patrick to the area to build his first church? Celebrate St Patrick’s morning with St Patrick himself and the ancient people of Ulster. This year bear witness, through drama, to the story of a bull which attempted to stop the building of Patrick’s church and participate in a ceremony by the sacred pool. Afterwards, have breakfast with them, to the sound of live music.
  10. Sperrins Festival, Gortin, County Tyrone, 20 –22 March. Sperrins Festival is a three-day celebration of landscape, heritage, and community, taking place across Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It aims to strengthen connections between people and place, support sustainable tourism, and provide new opportunities to learn, explore, and celebrate the area’s rich and diverse heritage and culture.

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.

Subject to availabilities with select dates.