While January is not a favourite month for many of us, it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom.
2026 is here and Christmas 2025 already seems like a distant memory. While January is not a favourite month for many of us it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom.
The days might still be dark and chilly, but January marks the beginning of a new year, and there are plenty of ways to make this time of year enjoyable.
With this in mind, here are 10 things to do and places to visit in Northern Ireland between January 5 – 11 that will hopefully get you excited about 2026.
READ MORE: Northern Ireland Bank Holiday dates announced for 2026READ MORE: New businesses that are set to open across NI in 2026
1. Dome Shows at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Co 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, Co 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, Co 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, Co 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, Co 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, Co Down – visit website for open dates and times
Mount Stewart, located on the shores of Strangford Lough in Co 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, Co 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, Co Derry – 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 and 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.
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