Exciting things to do around Northern Ireland

HERE are ten exciting things to do around Northern Ireland in the next week:

1. Dome Shows at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, County Armagh, visit website for open dates and times. Book into a 360-degree amazing full dome show and explore the wonders of the night sky this winter. Journey through dazzling constellations including Orion and Taurus. Learn their fascinating stories in this live, presenter-led show. Suitable for adults and children aged 8 and over. Duration: 35 minutes.

2. Paint and Sip at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, County Armagh, 9 January. Step into the stars at Armagh Planetarium for a special adults-only evening. Begin your night with a dazzling dome show where you’ll uncover the real myths and legends behind the constellations above us. Afterwards, enjoy exclusive access to the exhibition area, from hands-on space displays to a fun chance to try on an astronaut suit. Then it's time to pick up your paintbrush and a glass as you’re guided through a relaxing, space-themed paint and sip workshop.

3. Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, visit website for open dates and times. Wander the well-trodden pathways and traditional farmhouses, learning 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 people’s emigration had a lasting impact through North America.

4. History Happens at Bonnybefore, Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Museum, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, 8 January (other dates available). Step back in time and uncover the past at History Happens at Bonnybefore - a captivating series of historical talks held at the Andrew Jackson Cottage on the second Thursday of each month. Nestled in the heart of Carrickfergus, this charming 18th-century thatched cottage sets the perfect scene for expert-led discussions on fascinating stories from local and international history.

5. Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary, Portaferry, County Down, visit website for open dates and times. Located one hour from Belfast on the shores of Strangford Lough, visitors to Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry will be wowed with a diver’s view of marine life around the world. Your journey will begin with a focus on the lough and Irish Sea where you will get to experience our native species, along with learning about the Viking heritage of Strangford Lough.

6. National Trust’s Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down, visit website for open dates and times. Mount Stewart, located on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down, is Northern Ireland’s much loved family home. Voted as one of the top ten gardens in the world, Mount Stewart reflects a rich tapestry of design and planting artistry bearing the hallmark of its creator.

7. Ulster Museum, Belfast, visit website for open dates and times. Ulster Museum is home to treasures past and present. There’s something for art lovers, history buffs, inquisitive kids and the culturally curious. Ulster Museum’s rich collections of art, history and natural sciences will take you on a journey across the globe, through time, and to the far reaches of space.

8. Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, visit website for open dates and times. On a guided cave tour, the carefully constructed paths enable you to comfortably traverse the Marble Arch Caves whilst discrete lighting displays the cave features and delicate cave formations to their optimum. Their enthusiastic guides will lead you through awe-inspiring passages and further enhance your experience by interpreting the stories of this wonderous show cave.

9. The Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, visit website for open dates and times. The Jungle NI is a leading outdoor adventure centre offering exciting activities, events and funky accommodation suitable for all ages. Activities include High Ropes Tree Top Adventure for kids & adults, archery, clay pigeon shooting, coasteering, Gruffalo trail, kids’ Polaris quad bikes, laser tag, llama trekking, mountain biking, paintball, segway tours and downhill zorbing.

10. Titanic Belfast, Belfast, visit website for open dates and times. This is an incredible opportunity to learn all about Titanic’s history, just a few minutes from where the ship herself was famously designed, built and launched in 1911. The self-guided tour tells the Titanic’s story from conception through to its first and final journey across the Atlantic, as well as the historical and cultural impact on Belfast and beyond.

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.