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Embrace the land of cultural giants

From a vibrant comedy scene and some of the finest young musicians performing today to the dynamic

From a vibrant comedy scene and some of the finest young musicians performing today to the dynamic poetry of Nobel Prize winner Seamus Heaney, there’s always a good time to be had in Northern Ireland.

With wordsmiths who have made lasting contributions to literature, storytellers and craftspeople that keep legends and traditions alive and musicians who have written and performed some of the most-played songs of the 21st century, Northern Ireland often punches above its weight when it comes to arts, culture and heritage.

And it’s not just the people that bring the culture to life. Our dramatic landscapes, castles, estates and rugged coastlines also tell a giant story and are regularly providing the backdrop to some of the biggest movies and television dramas in the world.

Discover Northern Ireland has compiled the following list of attractions, experiences and venues where you can enjoy some culture and craic this November.

Belfast
Sound of Belfast Festival

  • Established by the Oh Yeah Music Centre, Sound of Belfast (November 10-20) is an annual celebration which shines the spotlight on the city’s established performers and best up-and-coming talent. Including performances by Lyra and Villagers, this year’s programme is packed with live events, open-mic shows and panel discussions. Sound of Belfast celebrates a wide range of musical genres, and you’re never too far away from a lively trad session in this UNESCO City of Music. Visit https://www.soundofbelfast.com/events.

Belfast
The Belfast Empire, Botanic Avenue

  • Set in a converted church in the heart of Belfast, fans have worshipped some of the biggest names in comedy at the Empire, such as Michael McIntyre, Jimmy Carr and Dara O’Briain. The Empire Laughs Back comedy club, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is the place where some of Northern Ireland’s most well-known comics learned their craft, and it continues to serve as the launchpad for today’s up-and-coming crop of performers. Empire Laughs Back comedy nights take place every Tuesday. Visit www.empirelaughsback.com.

County Armagh
Booley and Butter Experience, Forkhill
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  • A seventh-generation farmer from the Ring of Gullion, Brian Hoey uses his experience of agricultural traditions and practices to reveal what life was like in these parts through the ages. You’ll hear of the millennia-old traditions and secrets of this ancient, magical place. You’ll learn about ‘booleying’ too. Brian will bring you to the booley site, an old stone enclosure used for countless centuries by cow-herding girls and butter makers. He’ll teach you how to make your own batch of butter using an old ritual that stops the fairies from stealing the cream. Great stories, good craic, food and company, all in the shadow of County Armagh’s highest mountain. Visithttps://www.mountainwaysireland.com/guided-hikes/booley-and-butter/.

County Down
Linen Mills Studios, Banbridge
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  • Winter is coming, so what better time to immerse yourself in the world of Game of Thrones®? The studio, where much of the celebrated series was filmed, is located just 30 minutes from Belfast. The interactive tour provides access to an expansive collection of costumes, props, sets and weapons, and you can also discover the artistry that designed the Seven Kingdoms and brought the story of Game of Thrones® to life on screen.  Visit www.gameofthronesstudiotour.com

County Antrim and County Londonderry
Atlantic Sessions, Portrush & Portstewart

  • Packing 30 gigs into a jam-packed three-day programme, Atlantic Sessions creates a fantastic platform for established and emerging acts on the Causeway Coast. From traditional to contemporary, electric to acoustic, Atlantic Sessions has emerged as a permanent feature on the cultural calendar, creating an energetic, vibrant atmosphere in the pubs, hotels, coffee shops and town halls across Portrush and Portstewart. Running from November 18-20, all Music Trail events are free to attend, while there are also a number of headline ticketed events taking place. Visit www.atlanticsessions.com.

County Londonderry
Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy

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  • The Seamus Heaney HomePlace takes you on an inspiring journey through the life and work of one of our greatest writers. Recent winner of Northern Ireland’s Most Innovative Business (large) at the Tourism NI Giant Spirit Awards 2022, there are two floors peppered with Heaney’s books and personal belongings as well as a re-creation of the poet’s attic study in Dublin. The story of the great man is told through dozens of family photographs, and video recordings from friends, neighbours and cultural leaders who he touched along his journey. On November 19, Seamus Heaney HomePlace presents the ‘virtuosic’ Fidelio Trio as they perform a suite of newly commissioned music in a unique collaboration with uilleann piper, Cillian Vallely from Armagh. Visit www.seamusheaneyhome.com.

County Tyrone
Burnavon Arts & Cultural Centre, Cookstown

  • The only theatre venue of its kind in Mid Ulster, the Burnavon Arts and Cultural Centre offers a wide range of entertainment throughout the year, including concerts, comedy, children’s performances, dance, drama, and visual arts. Taking place on November 26 & 27, the Winter Craft & Food Fair at the Burnavon has become Mid Ulster’s premier craft event in the run-up to the festive season. Back with a bigger and better selection of quality producers, this popular annual event will feature many familiar producers alongside some exciting newcomers. Visit www.burnavon.com.

County Fermanagh
Enniskillen Castle

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  • Enniskillen Castle, situated beside the River Erne in County Fermanagh, was built almost 600 years ago by Gaelic Maguires and was strategically important throughout its history. In the 17th century it became an English garrison fort and later served as part of a military barracks. This historic site houses two museums, Fermanagh County Museum and The Inniskillings Museum. Imaginative displays celebrate local craftmanship from Belleek Pottery to the Full-Circle Art Gallery and the rural traditions of the Fermanagh hearth. Visit www.enniskillencastle.co.uk.

Subject to availability. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. For more information on great places to visit in Northern Ireland visit, www.discovernorthernireland.com.

Three small steps. One giant difference. Let’s all take a few simple steps to keep Northern Ireland beautiful now and for generations to come. Visithttps://discovernorthernireland.com/know-before-you-go/visitor-pledge to learn more about the TNI Visitor Pledge and how you can help.