Author: Brian Ogle

1. Planetarium Sound Journey Under the Stars, Armagh, County Armagh, 26 April. Embark on a journey to explore the Youniverse at the unique sound spa, “Sound Journey Under the Stars,” within the Armagh Planetarium Dome. Immerse yourself in a unique experience as you listen to soothing sounds while journeying under the stars and through the expansive cosmos.
   
2. Family Woodcarving Workshop: Make a Toy Sword, Castlerock, County Londonderry, 25 April. Join the team at Hezlett House for a hands-on family woodworking workshop with expert craftsman, Stephen Ryan, whose 28 years of professional experience began with a childhood love of making things from wood. In this creative two-hour session, Stephen will guide you through the safe use of traditional woodworking tools and techniques as you craft your very own wooden toy sword. Each participant (adult or child) will make their own sword to take home, learning fundamental woodcraft skills along the way.
   
3. Wild & Fired – Goodwood Fuel BBQ School, Derry~Londonderry, 25 April. Lo & Slo’s Wild & Fired BBQ School offers an immersive, interactive experience combining foraging, dining, and live fire workshops in a historic, private walled garden, showcasing Northern Irish culture through locally sourced food.
   
4. Fermanagh Classic Fishing Festival 2026, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, April 26 – 1 May. Calling all fishing enthusiasts. Join the Classic Fishing Festival in Fermanagh, where anglers come together to celebrate the art of fishing and the beauty of Fermanagh’s lakes and rivers. Mark your calendars, gather your fishing gear, and get ready for a week filled with laughter, camaraderie, and fantastic fishing action.
   
5. Bronze Age Connections: Smoked Fired Pottery, Bushmills, County Antrim, 25 April. Step into the Bronze Age to decorate and smoke a North Coast ceramic incense pot with artist Patricia Millar. The incredible landscape of the Causeway Coast is made up of layers of limestone, basalt and red ochre. People have a long history of using ochre for body paint, cave paintings and decorating pots.
   
6. The Unlucky Mummy, Belfast, 23 April. Join dark historian Andrew Johnston of Alternative Ulstours for an illustrated Templemore Talk on the conspiracy theory that a cursed Egyptian mummy-board sank the RMS Titanic. Hear the hieroglyphic warning that adorned her tomb, meet the unfortunates who experienced the mummy-board’s evil and discover where it can be viewed to this day – if you dare visit!
   
7. Behind the Scenes: Transport Store Tour at Ulster Transport Museum, Cultra, County Down, various dates available until October. Explore these collections through a self-guided tour. Highlights include Rex McCandless’ innovations, historic bicycles, motorbikes, boats and planes (notably the rare Shorts Sealand). This is an opportunity to see inside a working museum store, quite unlike our conventional public galleries but equally fascinating.
   
8. Garden Walk and Talk at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, Castlerock, County Londonderry, 22 April (and 29 April). Join the team at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne for a gentle garden walk and talk, led by gardener, Una Quinn and her dedicated team who care for these gardens throughout the seasons. Stroll with Una through the tranquil Bog Garden, first created by Lady Bruce in 1910, and follow a short trail into the Bishop’s Gate Arboretum.
   
9. The Sperrin Sculpture Trail, various locations, County Tyrone, visit website for open dates and times. Deep within this beautiful landscape of the Sperrin Mountains, lie three gentle and majestic giants. The trio form the Sperrin Sculpture Trail, an art installation created by world acclaimed artist, Thomas Dambo, to showcase the geology, archaeology and heritage of the Sperrins. The giants represent the past, present and future.
   
10. UK Aufguss Championships 2026, Ballymena, County Antrim, 21 – 22 April. Experience the UK Aufguss Championships at the award-winning Galgorm Resort, as the Thermal Spa Village hosts this prestigious celebration of sauna culture. Your day spa ticket includes full access to the Thermal Spa Village, four immersive Aufguss performances showcasing theatrical towel-waving, music and aromatherapy and lunch in Elements Spa Café.

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.

1. ARDS International Guitar Festival 2026, Newtownards, County Down, 15 – 19 April. The Ards International Guitar Festival is back with a bang in April 2026 celebrating 30 years of guitar inspired gigs and free fringe events. Expect a jam-packed line-up of blues, folk, rock, bluegrass and classical and contemporary music for guitar aficionados across Newtownards.
   
2. A Night to Remember at Titanic Belfast, Belfast, 14 April. Join this special commemorative evening and retrace Titanic’s story through the voices of those whose lives were forever changed by her journey. During this 90-minute experience, guests will be guided through key locations within Titanic Belfast. They will hear poignant monologues, stirring musical performances, and stories shared by the knowledgeable crew. Guests are welcome to stay for the duration of the event and take part in the candle-lighting ceremony at 11:40 PM on the slipways, marking the exact moment Titanic struck the iceberg.
   
3. Garden Bites at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down, 19 April. Step a little deeper into the story of these gardens with a guided mini tour of either the Lost Garden or the Walled Garden, included with your standard Trails and Gardens admission ticket. These relaxed, informal tours invite you to look a little closer, uncovering hidden details, seasonal highlights and the unique character of each space.
   
4. Golden Hour Alpaca Trekking Experience, Ballynahinch, County Down, check website for dates and times. This unique experience combines the serene beauty of a guided alpaca trek with the gourmet delight of a specially curated charcuterie board all set against the enchanting backdrop of golden hour. This is the perfect time to embark on a tranquil trek with the friendly alpacas in this experience that has been exclusively designed for adults.
   
5. Art on Your Doorstep, various locations across Derry~Londonderry, until 30 September. The National Gallery: Art On Your Doorstep is a programme that shares masterpieces from the collection with communities. Derry City and Strabane District Council is one of twelve partners that will be exhibiting stunning reproductions from the National Gallery during 2026 and 2027. The Council’s museum team has selected eighteen artworks for six sites, from familiar pieces by artists such as Renoir and Van Gogh, alongside art that engages us with nature, food and times of celebration.
   
6. Visit Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, visit website for open dates and times. On a guided cave tour their carefully constructed paths enable you to comfortably traverse the Marble Arch Caves whilst discrete lighting displays the cave features and delicate cave formations. Their enthusiastic guides will lead you through awe-inspiring passages and further enhance your experience by interpreting the stories of this wonderous show cave.
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7. Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, visit website for open dates and times. Wander well-trodden pathways and explore traditional farmhouses as you learn what life was like in rural Ulster. Step on board the full-scale emigrant ship, experience what the cramped quarters were like on the dangerous journey to America and find out how Ulster peoples’ emigration had a lasting impact through North America. To make the most of your visit they recommend you give yourself between two and three hours to explore all that the museum has to offer, including the ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’ exhibition.
   
8. Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, County Armagh, visit website for open dates and times. Step back in time by 2,000 years with a visit to the Iron Age area (open April-September), here you’ll meet the Celts going about their daily routines and bringing our historic past to life. Discover how the clan survived and thrived as you engage with this highly interactive & unique experience. After meeting real life warriors, learn more about the stories of the bravest of them all – Cú Chulainn and the Red Branch Knights.
   
9. Scarva Band Concerts, Scarva, County Down, until 27 September. Scarva Bandstand concerts will take place at the Bandstand, Scarva each Sunday from 3-4pm starting Sunday, 12 April, and running weekly until Sunday, 27 September. Admission is free and limited seating will be provided. It is advisable to bring your own fold up seat. Enjoy a varied programme of musical entertainment.
   
10. The Truffle Shuffle at The Chocolate Manor, Castlerock, County Londonderry, 18 April. The Truffle Shuffle Experience with Chief Chocolatier at The Chocolate Manor, Geri Martin, will guide you through making moulded and hand-rolled truffles. You will craft ganache and flavour your own truffles with maybe even a nip of your favourite tipple, if you wish.

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.

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EIGHTY NINE per cent of people say they are more likely to book with an ABTA member than a company that is not and 54 per cent say they are willing to pay more for a holiday booked through an ABTA member, according to new, independent research.

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FLYING Dutchmen Travel recently announced the 7th anniversary ‘Country Cruising‘ adventure, setting sail next spring.

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DUBLIN Airport is gearing up for a busy Easter weekend, with almost 450,000 passengers expected to travel through the airport between Good Friday and Easter Monday.

1. Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne Guided Tour, Castlerock, County Londonderry, 6 April. Join the team at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne on a guided historical tour around the Earl Bishop Hervey’s Estate – one of the true jewels of the Causeway Coast. Discover the history, ambition and character of Earl Bishop Hervey as you explore the landscaped gardens, the dramatic clifftop ruins of his once-grand residence, and enjoy special access to the iconic Mussenden Temple. Along the way, stories of the estate will be brought to life, from its remarkable architectural features to its breath-taking coastal setting.
   
2. Walking Bogside History Tour in Guildhall, Derry~Londonderry, until 29 April. Trace the footsteps of the Bloody Sunday march with stories from survivors. Dive into the history behind the world-famous Bogside Murals. End at the iconic Free Derry Corner and the moving Bloody Sunday monument. Walking and driving tours available.
   
3. Dance of the Dragons at Game of Thrones Studio Tours, Banbridge, County Down, 1 – 12 April. This Easter, step into a world where fantasy, adventure and family fun collide as the Game of Thrones Studio Tour transforms into an unforgettable seasonal destination. The Dance of the Dragons is a spectacular two-week celebration that goes far beyond a traditional day out, offering an immersive experience packed with interactive activities, live encounters, and magical moments for visitors of all ages.
   
4. Easter Monday at Montalto, Ballynahinch, County Down, 6 April. Montalto comes alive with colour, live music, and festive excitement this Easter Monday. With 400 acres to explore, they’ve packed the day with outdoor adventures and games, Granda Gordy’s Farm Adventure Tractor Ride, live entertainment and delicious local food.
   
5. Golden Hour Alpaca Trekking Experience, Ballynahinch, County Down, 3 – 25 April. Discover the ultimate blend of adventure and indulgence with a brand-new activity: Golden Hour Alpaca Trekking & Luxury Charcuterie Board. Exclusively designed for adults, this unique experience combines the serene beauty of a guided alpaca trek along Ireland’s only purpose-built scenic alpaca trekking trail with the gourmet delight of a specially curated charcuterie board, all set against the enchanting backdrop of the golden hour.
   
6. Under the Hawthorn Tree at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, check website for dates and times. A powerful story of hardship, loss and survival, this exhibition brings to life Marita Conlon-McKenna’s much-loved children’s novel, Under the Hawthorn Tree. The exhibition uses objects, sounds, smells, interactives and illustrations to tell the story, inviting visitors, young and old, to experience the story in a new and immersive way. Opens on Tuesday 31st March and is included in general admission.
   
7. Sound Spa Experience at Templemore Baths Heritage Space, Belfast, 9 April. Step into a journey of tranquillity and rejuvenation within the walls of the former Minor Pool at Templemore Baths Heritage Space, a testament to the rich Victorian history of Belfast. Tessa Ann brings her Sound Spa Experience to this former aquatic space, under her theme of Sound Space Connect, ‘Connecting People, Places and Spaces through Sound’.
   
8. Orchard/Cider Tour Experience with Tastings, Tea/Coffee, Apple Tart & Fresh Cream at Long Meadow Cider, Portadown, County Armagh, 11 April. Join a fully immersive orchard and cider experience in the company of the McKeever family. Enjoy an orchard walk explaining the various orchard plantations in place followed by a tasting experience. Then it’s time to relax in their new glass fronted Bramley Barn and enjoy a hot cuppa with delicious apple tart & fresh cream.
   
9. Martel’s Candlelight Tour at Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 12 April. Experience the thrill of this historic exploration first-hand as you accompany Martel in an authentic re-enactment of his groundbreaking discovery of the show cave, as it was over 130 years ago. With the electric lights switched off, you’ll journey underground through the cave’s natural darkness, guided solely by candlelight and lanterns, during this 2-hour 30-minute guided tour.
10. Scarva Band Concerts, County Down, every Sunday until September 27. Scarva Bandstand concerts take place each Sunday from 3-4pm starting Sunday 12 April with the Castlewellan Victoria Accordion Band and running weekly until Sunday 27 September. Admission is free, and limited seating will be provided. It is advisable to bring your own fold up seat. Enjoy a varied programme of musical entertainment.

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 MEMBERS SUPPORT CUSTOMERS WITH ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM AND MIDDLE EAST CHALLENGES

ABTA – The Travel Association estimates that over two million British holidaymakers are set to head overseas over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend of April 3-6, with Good Friday and Easter Sunday the busiest days for travel.

By David Pettitt, Head of Product, Pettitts Travel

NESTLED between India and China, Bhutan is one of the world’s leading up-and-coming travel destinations.

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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.

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.