A beautiful land rich in literature, arts, music and craic
Wednesday 2 November 2022: From a vibrant comedy scene and some of the finest young musicians gigging today, to the emotive poetry of Nobel Prize winner, Seamus Heaney, there’s a good time to be had in Northern Ireland this November.
With wordsmiths who have made lasting contributions to literature 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 the arts.
There’s an eclectic mix of venues, especially in Belfast, giving a platform to young comedians and musicians. Always ready for a song and never afraid to poke fun at themselves, these performers are creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Discover Northern Ireland has compiled the following list of attractions and venues, many of which are less than two hours from Dublin, where you can get enjoy some culture and craic this November.
Belfast
Sound of Belfast Festival (10 – 20 November)
- Established by the Oh Yeah Music Centre, Sound of Belfast 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
The Belfast Empire, Botanic Avenue
- Set in a converted church in the heart of Belfast, fans have worshiped 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 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
Van Morrison Trail, East Belfast
- ‘Wouldn’t it be great if it was like this all the time’? The Van Morrison Trail will take you on a journey through the east Belfast of Van’s youth. Visit some of the places that Morrison knew as a child growing up in this part of the city including Elmgrove Primary School, The Hollow and Cypress Avenue. Discover how the people who lived here were to shape the character and values of ‘Van the Man’. Visit www.visiteastside.com/listing/van-morrison-trail
The Lyric Theatre, Ridgeway Street
- As the only full-time producing theatre in Northern Ireland, the Lyric makes a unique and vital contribution to the community. Taking to the stage in November (10-13) will be Patrick Kielty to reprise his critically acclaimed ‘Borderline’ stand-up show. Bittersweet, poignant and laugh out loud funny, Borderline sees Patrick reflect on his personal past and a shared future. On November 11 Doug Allan brings his new tour to Northern Ireland. Doug looks back over his successes and setbacks during 35 years of natural history film making. Part retrospective, the show is also Doug’s perspective on climate change and impact on the world’s wild places. Visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
Photo by Steve Humphreys
16th March 2022.
NI Music Prize, Ulster Hall (16 November)
- The NI Music Prize awards celebrate the very best of music from Northern Ireland over the past 12 months with performances from shortlisted artists. This year the annual Oh Yeah Legend Award goes to Barry Devlin, the frontman of legendary rock band, Horslips. For the ultimate ‘I was there’ moment, Barry will be joined on stage by Horslips friends Jim Lockhart, Ray Fean and Fiach Moriarty for four of the band’s best-known songs. Visit www.nimusicprize.com
County Down
Linen Mill Studios, Banbridge
- 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 and 90 minutes from Dublin. This spellbinding interactive tour provides access to an expansive collection of costumes, props, sets and weapons, and to discover the artistry that designed the Seven Kingdoms and brought the story of Game of Thrones® to life on screen. Walk through iconic sets of King’s Landing and Winterfell and delve deep into this fantasy world from the earliest concepts to the jaw-dropping final cuts. Visit www.gameofthronesstudiotour.com
Bona Palooza, Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood
- Bona Palooza is a new micro festival exploring local LGBTQ+ rural stories from Ulster’s past and present. Throughout the day there’ll be talks, screenings and workshops from a number of participants from rural Ulster. Dr Maurice J Casey will be leading participatory hour-long workshops in the Market and Court House, using letters, photographs and genealogical sources to reconstruct the hidden histories of gay men and women in early 20th century Ulster. Visit www.ulsterfolkmuseum.org/whats-on/bona-palooza
County Antrim & County Derry
Atlantic Sessions, Portrush & Portstewart (18-20 November)
- Squeezing 30 gigs into a jam-packed three-day programme, Atlantic Sessions creates a scenic 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 including PORTS, Ralph McClean and ROE. Visit www.atlanticsessions.com.
County Derry
Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy
- The Seamus Heaney HomePlace takes you on an inspiring journey through the life and work of one of our greatest writers. 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, video recordings from friends, neighbours and cultural leaders who he touched along his journey. On November 12 HomePlace welcomes Maureen Boyle, Victoria Kennefick and Jessica Traynor to read from their work. In Bursting Air represents a rich range of focus, interest and life experience from these Irish poets. Visit www.seamusheaneyhome.com
Subject to availability. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. For more information on great places to visit in Northern Ireland visit, www.discovernorthernireland.com
https://gowildmagazine.com/five-star-praise-for-belfasts-grand-central-hotel/
https://gowildmagazine.com/dont-miss-a-beat-of-belfasts-musical-experiences/
