Lots happening across the year to look forward to
Northern Ireland is set for an unforgettable 2026, packed full of major events, landmark milestones and exciting new visitor experiences.
From Belfast hosting the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, to Derry marking 40 years of its world-famous Halloween festival, Northern Ireland is gearing to embrace a giant year of events.
A new direct flight from Dublin to Derry is also planned, while Fermanagh’s stunning lakes, waterways and natural landscapes have become part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
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Discover Northern Ireland has rounded up some of major milestones, new hotels and a global festivals set to shape Northern Ireland in 2026 that we can look forward to.
Fleadh Cheoil comes to Belfast in August for the first time
The world’s biggest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture is coming to Belfast. The city will host the 2026 Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from 2-9 August, marking the Comhaltas’s 75th year, with Ards CCÉ also celebrating their 50th year. Events range from large concerts and big name acts to street performances, pop-up gigs and community céilís, while competitions in music, song and dance range from local county and regional level to provincial and All-Ireland titles.
Over 400 events, including 230 championships, were delivered in 2024 over eight days, attracting more than 650,000 and delivering an economic value of around €70 million (approx. £58.5 million) to last year’s host region of Wexford.
New Experiences
Finn Lough
Finn Lough in Co Fermanagh is developing a new spa village featuring a glass dome spa pool, surrounded by planting and relaxation space. The new spa will also include loughshore hot tubs, a central courtyard designed as a rain garden, and a secret garden with treatment rooms.
Finn Lough is set to introduce Europe’s first electric hydrofoiling experience using the cutting-edge Vessev VS–9, offering guests a smooth, silent and environmentally friendly way to explore Lower Lough Erne.
Castlewellan Arboretum
Annesley Gardens and Arboretum are nestled within Castlewellan Forest Park, County Down. The walled Garden provides a central focal point for the Arboretum and a £2.7m investment will restore the historical nature of the planting.
The Grange will be developed into a vibrant visitor core, featuring the establishment of a welcome centre, community space, café facilities and open event area.
Conquer the Skies: Dragon Ride
A breathtaking new chapter is about to unfold at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge. Get ready to soar through the skies of Westeros on Dragon Ride – an epic, state-of-the-art experience that will bring you closer than ever to the world of ice and fire.
Hotel Developments
2026 will be a very different year with a lot of new openings including Aloft and Residence Inn, Belfast, (228 rooms), Adagio aparthotel, Belfast (136 rooms), Premier Inn, Belfast International Airport (80 Rooms), Yotel, Belfast (165 rooms) and Tempo by Hilton, Belfast (144 rooms).
Extensions also feature in hoteliers plans with The Ebrington, Andras House Group and several others planning to increase their room numbers. The likelihood is that around 800 new rooms will come to market in 2026.
Bedford Hotel
The historic Scottish Mutual Building in Belfast’s Linen Quarter is being transformed into the Bedford Hotel, opening early Spring 2026.
The multi-million pound project will feature 82 stylish bedrooms, a destination restaurant, private dining spaces, and a café bar. Renowned chef Noel McMeel, famed for creating the G8 Summit menu, will lead the culinary team.
Derry’s two new hotels set 2026 up for success
Derry’s hospitality scene is thriving with the opening of two major new hotels in late 2025 on Strand Road. The Maiden City Hotel offers 43 stylish rooms, a residents’ lounge, Olive Room restaurant and Spire Bar.
Nearby, the Walled City Hotel is within the beautifully restored 1920s former Bank of Ireland building, opening with 40 rooms and expanding to 72 by 2027, marking a major investment in the city’s tourism and heritage.
This follows a series of major announcements including a £7 million investment in Derry’s City Hotel, soon to be rebranded as DoubleTree by Hilton, major refurbishment of Da Vinci’s Hotel (due February 2026) and the Galgorm Group’s acquisition of Roe Park Resort in Limavady.
Construction has also begun on a new £15m venue dedicated to the city’s maritime and social history, the DNA Museum, due to open in 2027.
Key Milestones & Anniversaries to celebrate in 2026:
- 40th anniversary of Derry Halloween
- 50th anniversary of Ulster American Folk Park
- 75th anniversary of Lyric Theatre Belfast
- 60th anniversary of Ulster Orchestra
- 10th anniversary of Seamus Heaney HomePlace
- 35th anniversary of Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich
- 40th anniversary of Giant Causeway world heritage designation
- 300th anniversary of publication of Gulliver’s Travels: 1st edition takes pride of place in Armagh Robinson Library and in a separate exhibition they hope to highlight the popularity of Gulliver’s Travels through the centuries.
To find out more about what is happening across the country, see discovernorthernireland.com
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