Belfast Times - January 2026

BELFAST TIMES

JANUARY ISSUE 7

2026

WINTER THEATRE LATEST LISTINGS THE ART EDIT BELFAST GALLERIES BELFAST, ABROAD TRAVEL FEATURES ONTOUR NI WHO’S TOURING THE FASHION FILES WHAT’S IN STYLE

CRUISE NEWS A NEW PARTNERSHIP BELFAST 1888 WHY 1888?

Lifestyle, Travel and What’s On

WHAT’S ON - JANUARY

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THEATRE, ARTS, TOURS

5-12

QUEEN’S QUARTER, SLOWLY

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FOR FOODIES

14-17

HEALTHY HABITS

18-19

FASHION FILES

20-25

BELFAST, ABROAD

26-35

BELFAST 1888

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KING PINS

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BELFAST TIMES

SINCE 2011

A MAGAZINE WITH A BELFAST FOCUS

EDITOR JEFF MEREDITH

FOLLOW @BELFASTIMES ON: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, X, TIKTOK ALSO ON INSTAGRAM AS @BEINBELFAST

DID YOU KNOW?

FIND US IN ST GEORGE’S MARKET EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

WWW.THEBELFASTTIMES.COM

FROM THE EDITOR A new year often arrives with demands attached.

We’d prefer something slower, a time to reflect and plan for the year ahead.

2026 is a continuation, a new year shaped by continued attention, curiosity, and how we choose to spend our time. From nights at the theatre and live music across the city, taking pleasure in good food, and finding value in travel and short breaks.

Inside you’ll find where people are gathering, places to inspire you, ideas to build on. For us the new year sees Belfast Times begin an exciting new partnership with Panache Cruises, a leader in luxury cruises.

No grand resolutions. Just a continuation into a new year.

Happy New Year Jeff

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JANUARY WHAT’S ON IN JANUARY St George’s Market every Fri, Sat, Sun Late Night Art Belfast 1 January 6-10pm Out To Lunch arts festival 9-31 January. Belfast gets a welcome antidote to January gloom with the return of the Out to Lunch Arts Festival, running from 9–31 January and offering almost a month of craic, culture and comforting lunches.

Your Roots Are Showing 13-19 January The Importance of Being Earnest from 21 Jan HERE & NOW - The Steps Musical from 27 Jan 4 Corners Festival from 31 January. Now in its 14th year, the festival encourages people to step beyond Belfast’s physical and psychological “corners”, fostering peace, wellbeing and connection across the city.

DID YOU KNOW… Belfast has been named European City of Sport for 2026, following a visit from ACES judges who praised the city’s strong sporting heritage, community passion and major investment in facilities.

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JANUARY THEATRE AT THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE

THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO

HERE AND NOW TUE 27 JAN - SAT 31 JAN 2026

UNTIL SUN 11 JAN 2026 The Adventures of Pinocchio brings you all the hallmark features of a traditional Grand Opera House panto with thrilling song-and-dance, beautiful costumes, dazzling staging and effects and laugh-out-loud comedy.

Get your party on with HERE AND NOW, the hilarious, brand-new musical based on the songs of multi-million-selling pop phenomenon, Steps. Hailed as the “biggest jukebox hit since MAMMA MIA!” (The Sun), don’t miss this feel-good celebration of love and friendship as it tours the UK & Ireland following a record-breaking world premiere.

BROADWAY AND BEYOND FRI 30 JAN - SAT 31 JAN 2026 Experience the magic of stage and screen with this unique fund-raising concert in aid of the Children’s Cancer Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Straight off the back of 2025’s smash hit, Maggie – all 4 plays in one hilarious show, the Muffsta’s story continues with Maggie’s Menopause in February

ADVERTISEMENT

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NEW YEAR THEATRE

LYRIC THEATRE A CHRISTMAS CAROL THE LYRIC THEATRE 28 NOV 2025 - 10 JAN 2026

MARY SHELLEY'S FRANKENSTEIN APRIL 2026

Step into the mind of the visionary eighteen-year-old Mary Shelley as she conceives a tale that will resonate for centuries

After enchanting audiences and earning rave reviews in 2024, this joyously reimagined version of Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic, brought to life by awardwinning playwright Marie Jones, returns to the Lyric Theatre.

A Christmas Carol brings Scrooge’s journey to life with music, wit, and wonder.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST THE LYRIC THEATRE SAT 31 JAN - SUN 22 FEB 2026 Back by popular demand, The Importance of Being Earnest once again takes centre stage at the Lyric Theatre. Hailed as one of the greatest comedies ever written, Wilde’s dazzling satire of Victorian society is brimming with sharp wit, tangled romances, and delightfully absurd mistaken identities.

THE MAC THE TIME KEEPER THE MAC 17 JAN - 18 JAN 2026

The Time Keeper is an Irish dancing production presented by Ballynafeigh School of Irish Dancing exploring the power and mystery of time. Through choreography, music and visuals, dancers bring to life the endless ticking of time.

ANIMAL FARM DOWNSTAIRS AT THE MAC

THE MAC 18 FEB - 28 FEB 2026 Inside Manor Prison, four women jailed after an anti-government protest find a copy of Animal Farm. As one reads aloud, the story comes to life within the prison walls, mirroring their own fight for freedom and blurring the line between fiction and reality.

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THE ART EDIT Mise en Abyme by Sharon Murphy Golden Thread Gallery 22 November 2025 – 31 January 2026 Murphy draws from her background in theatre and influences from psychoanalysis and magic realism. Delving into theatrical settings, she captures moments of quiet and stillness.

The Naughton Gallery at Queen’s University Running from 5 Jan - 29 March 2026, the Oliver Jeffers: Disasters and Interventions exhibition marks the world premiere of a major 15-year body of work, brought together in its entirety for the first time. Created between Jeffers’ Belfast and Brooklyn studios, these paintings, sculptures and narrative-driven pieces reconnect a globally developed series with the place that shaped him.

The Art galleries Ulster Museum The museum’s galleries highlight Irish and European painting and sculpture, with permanent displays such as Renaissance to Romanticism: Painting before 1900 alongside rotating temporary exhibitions that showcase contemporary artists and recent acquisitions.

Held In Light Belfast Exposed 13-22 January 2026 An exhibition of photographs by Level Three Photography students at South Eastern Regional College, Bangor. The camera becomes a tool for curiosity, capturing moments of introspection, and personal significance. Each printed photograph is time preserved, elevated from the ordinary, a transient moment held in light to remain present.

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ONTOUR NI JANUARY Who’s on tour this month? Check out our gig listings on social media ONTOURNI AD-CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR TICKETS!

GRAND OPERA HOUSE 24 SEPT

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YOUR ROOTS ARE SHOWING This January, Belfast becomes the home of one of the most exciting new music industry gatherings on the island. Your Roots Are Showing brings together artists, festival bookers, agents, media, and industry professionals across five days of showcases, panels, workshops, and networking.

The week opens on Tuesday 13 January with FOLK iN FUSION: Nashville to Belfast at the Waterfront Hall – featuring beloved country music icon Crystal Gayle, Jim Lauderdale, Amy Grant, David Keenan, Wallis Bird, and a lineup of exceptional artists from Ireland, the UK, and the United States. The night will showcase exclusive collaborations created especially for the event, celebrating the musical connection between Belfast and its sister city, Nashville.

Across the week, the ICC Belfast will host conversations, mentoring, and hands-on learning with leaders from across the folk, roots, country, and acoustic music landscape. On Saturday, the event expands into the city with a live music trail across Belfast venues, cafés, and cultural spaces.

With attendees from more than 20 countries and a programme focused on connection, opportunity, and artistic discovery, Your Roots Are Showing positions Belfast as a meeting point for the global folk and roots community.

Dates: 13–18 January 2026 Opening Concert: Tuesday 13 January Waterfront Hall Conference: 14–18 January - ICC Belfast Music Trail: Saturday - Belfast City Centre Website: www.showingroots.com Conference Registration: www.showingroots.com/register Tickets to FOLK iN FUSION: https://www.waterfront.co.uk/what-son/folk-in-fusion/

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YOUNG AUDIENCES SUPPORTING FOODBANKS Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival offers an exciting programme of opportunities for families, schools, young filmmakers and film fans in Belfast.

Join Cinemagic at Ulster Museum, Belfast, on Sun 25th January, 3pm, for their first 'Young Audiences Supporting Foodbanks' screening of 2026, SMURFS.

Through its Young Audiences Supporting Foodbanks initiative, audiences can enjoy a thoughtprovoking programme of world cinema focused on youth and social issues, alongside an extensive education strand that includes industry masterclasses, talent labs, classic and new family and teen films, the Cinemagic Young Filmmaker Showcase, and film jury panels for young critics.

Rather than paying for a regular ticket to gain entry to the Cinemagic film screening, audiences are asked to donate an essential item / food item on the day needed by the Foodbank to support the local community in South Belfast.

Since the initiative began three years ago in partnership with The Trussell Trust, Cinemagic has delivered 81 foodbank film screenings across Northern Ireland, engaging more than 10,280 people and generating over 6.1 tonnes of food donations—equivalent to more than 14,512 meals for local communities.

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QUEEN’S QUARTER, SLOWLY How to spend a Sunday morning Sunday mornings in Queen’s Quarter are ideal for unhurried exploration, before the rest of the city fully comes to life. Begin with a gentle walk through Botanic Gardens, a much-loved local escape where wide paths and mature trees set an easy pace for the day.

Inside the gardens, step into the elegant Palm House, a striking Victorian glasshouse filled with towering palms and warm, tropical light. Nearby, the restored Tropical Ravine offers a more immersive experience, its lush foliage and humid air creating a calm, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Next door, the Ulster Museum opens midmorning. Its art galleries are a particular highlight, showcasing Irish and international works alongside thoughtfully curated temporary exhibitions.

Continue wandering through Queen’s Quarter, admiring the red-brick architecture of Queen’s University Belfast, before finishing with a relaxed coffee or leisurely lunch along Botanic Avenue.

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FOODIE PHOTOS

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FOODIE PHOTOS This month @keevaeats sent us foodie photos from Coq and Bull at Clandeboye Hotel.

Scallops with chestnut veloute, maple syrup, apple, pancetta and watercress £12.75

f cod with Pan fried fillet o s winter vegetable e oil, marinated in oliv lemon garlic and herbs, 6.75 beurre blanc £2

Goats cheese, fig and onion tart with sesame dressing £9.75

in rib, slow braised Local beef short ar anise, Guinness and st n puree, truffle caramelised onio f bonbon £28.75 risotto, crispy bee

Bread boa

rd £8.50

Melting ginger pudding with iced double cre am and caramel custard 15 £9.75

TRY JANUARY, NOT DRY JANUARY A GENTLER WAY TO START THE NEW YEAR After all the indulgences of the festive season, ‘Dry January’ has become as much of a tradition as squeezing into your sparkly New Year’s outfit.

However, I’m a firm believer in enjoying everything in moderation, and as we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to try something different, so I’m raising a glass to ‘Try January’ instead.

Greek wine is often overlooked, but it’s having a real moment right now, and it’s absolutely worth exploring. One of Greece’s most popular grape varieties is Assyrtiko, which produces fabulously zingy, zesty whites bursting with flavours of lemon, lime and crunchy green apple. It’s a fantastic alternative if you usually reach for Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Try: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Assyrtiko, £11

If you prefer a fuller-bodied white wine with lower acidity, then Gewürztraminer is a fabulous choice. This highly aromatic grape is commonly grown in Alsace, France and produces medium-bodied wines with perfumed notes of lychee, rose petals and ginger. It’s a perfect match for spicy, aromatic dishes such as Thai curry.

Try: Asda Extra Special Gewürztraminer Vin d’Alsace, £9 If lighter reds such as Beaujolais or Pinot Noir are your usual choices, why not try Austria’s most planted grape variety Zweigelt instead. This light-medium bodied option is fresh, fruity and wonderfully easy to drink. It’s also a great food pairing wine and will work well with everything from a cheese board to a roast chicken dinner.

Try: The Society's Austrian Red, £9.95 from The Wine Society For a bolder, more powerful red wine, Saperavi is a fantastic and intriguingly different grape variety worth looking out for. Hailing from Georgia, one of the world’s oldest winemaking countries where they have been producing wine for around 8000 years, Saperavi is unusual, as unlike most red skinned grapes, its pulp is also red, not just the skin. This results in a very deeply coloured wine with bold flavours of black fruits and spice- a great alternative if you usually reach for Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Try: M&S Found Saperavi, £11

About me My name is Lisa, and I am a wine educator and writer based in Belfast. I have a passion for making wine both accessible and enjoyable and host a variety of informal yet informative wine classes in and around Belfast.

In March 2025 I published my first book, ‘The Divine Wine Guide’. This beginner-friendly guide covers everything you need to know about selecting the perfect wine for any occasion and is available to buy on Amazon as both a hardback and eBook.

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A New Year in Every Sip: Inside Crimson Cocktail Lounge’s Seasonal Collection The Crimson Collection at Belfast’s Crimson Cocktail Lounge opens the year with a refined, forward-looking flourish, perfectly suited to January and February evenings. Swapping festive excess for elegance and intention, these seasonal cocktail flights showcase contemporary mixology at its most thoughtful. From the first sip, it’s clear this is a carefully curated tasting journey where flavour, balance and atmosphere take centre stage.

January’s New Beginnings theme leans into crisp, botanical-forward serves with lower sugar profiles and clean, refreshing finishes; ideal for a postholiday reset without sacrificing indulgence.

February follows with Sweet Notions, a romantic, Valentine’s-inspired collection that layers subtle sweetness, delicate spice and rich textures into beautifully expressive cocktails.

Each monthly menu offers five distinct creations, designed to surprise while remaining comforting and cohesive. The lounge’s signature crimson glow and intimate setting elevate the experience, making it equally suited to date nights, relaxed catch-ups or stylish group outings. At £49.95 per person, The Crimson Collection delivers excellent value for a premium, story-driven cocktail experience that evolves seamlessly with the seasons.

Premium non alcoholic alternatives are also 17 available.

For some, January can be a great time to set a new intention and resolve to give your health, diet and fitness a complete overhaul, but it is worth remembering that we are still in midwinter, so go gently and ease yourself into the New Year with some simple habits that are easy to stick with.

Habit stacking and making changes that stick is always going to win in the health stakes over a crash diet or get-fit-quick January detox.

Here are 10 some gentle ways to improve your diet this January: ‘Food is more than just the sum of its nutrients! It is social, comfort and a source of pleasure. So enjoy it and let’s drop the food guilt!’

1. Build a better breakfast Get your day off to a running start and fuel yourself with a decent breakfast. Start with the protein and build from there – Greek yoghurt, nuts and seeds. Add some fibre-rich like oats or a low sugar granola and then make sure you are getting at least one of your five a day. Berries or grated apple will do the trick. That’s it! Keep it simple.

2. Rethink your drinks Swap out fizzy drinks for more water, keep your caffeine as a pre-lunch thing and keep well hydrated with water or herbal teas. Skip the fruit juice and keep an eye on your alcohol intake – it is January, after all!

3. Think protein first Protein will fill you up and fuel you for longer.

Build meals around pulses, Greek yoghurt, seeds, fish, lean meat, tofu, quinoa, nuts and 18 aim for a palm sized portion at each meal.

4. Choose better carbs Switch to higher fibre versions - jumbo oats instead of cornflakes, brown rice instead of white or oatcakes instead of cream crackers. The added fibre will help to keep you regular, support cardiovascular health and regulate your appetite.

5. Eat better fat, not low fat We need fat to function, so get some of the good stuff into your diet regularly.

Nuts and seeds, olive oil, oily fish are perfect.

6. Eat more, not less!

Eat more of the good stuff – more fruit and veg, more nuts and seeds, more healthy fats, more wholegrains, more yoghurt and fermented foods.

7. Stop eating after dinner Give your belly a break and stop eating about three hours before bedtime. You are likely to sleep better and feel better for it, not to mention the positive effects on metabolism and weight loss.

8. Enjoy your food Food is more than just the sum of its nutrients! It is social, comfort and a source of pleasure. So enjoy it and let’s drop the food guilt!

Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year!

Jane McClenaghan www.vitalnutrition.co.uk

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FASHION FILES SOLFERINO JEANS from PALOME

The

NUALA

Concern Boutique

Edit

This year, fashion’s biggest trend will be sustainability — and quite honestly, it’s about time. In 2026, recycled fabrics, upcycled treasures, and slow-fashion principles won’t be “a nice idea” — they’ll be everywhere. It’s less about giving things up and more about thinking about what you’re buying, why, and how long it might actually last.

I hold onto my clothes forever. I mean forever.

That jumper I bought ten Christmases ago?

Still going strong.

When something finally hits the “I’m never wearing this again” stage, it doesn’t just vanish into a black hole of shame — I take it to my local charity shop or list it on Vinted so someone else might love.

CHARITY RETAIL, REIMAGINED At Concern Boutique on Lisburn Road, charity shopping is suddenly glamorous.

Nothing cluttered, nothing sad. Every piece is chosen for its craftsmanship, texture, or just the way it makes you feel. Rails are thoughtfully edited — unique finds alongside bespoke garments, styled with a fashion editor’s eye.

Pre-loved fashion here feels covetable.

Conscientious shopping in Belfast? It’s proof that doing good can also look really good.

Concern Boutique

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HIGH-STREET NAMES DOING IT RIGHT Even the high street is getting the memo.

Brands like H&M Conscious, Nudie Jeans, Arket, COS, and Ninety Percent are taking sustainability seriously — think recycled fabrics, ethical sourcing, and transparency. For 2026, H&M’s focus on sustainability continues with initiatives like a major collaboration with Stella McCartney, launching in spring 2026.

This range uses certified, responsibly sourced materials (many recycled) and aims to push the idea of sustainable fashion more clearly into H&M’s mainstream offering.

Independent Design Labels: A Quieter Kind of Luxury If you really want to feel fancy about being responsible, check out independent labels. Aoife® and Palome aren’t just waving the sustainability flag — they’re sewing it into every seam.

Irish Design brand AOIFE

®️

Irish design label Aoife® is circular fashion personified. Deadstock, reclaimed fabrics, regeneration — it’s all there. Production is deliberately limited, with longevity and end-of-life built into every garment. You’re buying a piece that will probably outlive your relationship with your phone.

Palome, based between Paris and London, keeps it quiet and classy. Timeless shapes, small batches, high-quality organic and recycled fabrics, and factories that actually care about humans. “Buy less, buy better” isn’t a slogan — it’s a lifestyle.

These labels prove that sustainability isn’t some add-on accessory. It’s the whole outfit. Done right, it’s smart, stylish, and just slightly smug in the best possible way.

Join the Conversation Share your favourite sustaibale, second-hand or upcycled finds from Belfast and beyond using #BelfastTimesSustainableStyle2026. Let’s see what treasures are hiding online, in charity shops, boutiques, vintage stores, and wardrobes! 22

Irish Design brand AOIFE

®️

AUTOGRAPH AT M&S: THE NEXT CHAPTER WITH JAMES NELSON-JOYCE

AUTOGRAPH MERINO MOHAIR BLEND RELAXED CREW JUMPER £49

AUTOGRAPH ITALIAN TWILL TROUSERS £59

Autograph Cotton Rich Zip Up Overshirt £55 Autograph Straight Fit Japanese Rigid Selvedge Jeans £60

AUTOGRAPH SUEDE TRUCKER JACKET £229

AUTOGRAPH LEATHER PULL-ON CHELSEA BOOTS £89 Autograph Suede Trucker Jacket £229 / Autograph Merino Mohair Blend Relaxed Crew Jumper £49 / Autograph Slim Fit Japanese Selvedge Stretch Jeans £60

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THE FASHION FILES: HIT THE SLOPES

PRIMARK SKI JACKET £55

TK Maxx Women ski jumper £79.99

Marks & Spencer Goodmove Ski Jumper Black £46

TK MAXX MEN ORANGE SKI TROUSERS £39.99

OLIVER BONAS Green & Pink Sequin Sporty Cosy Socks £15

Marks & Spencer Goodmove Ski Coat £129 & Sweat £35

Marks & Spencer Goodmove Ski One Piece £69 & Boots £36-£40

OLIVER BONAS PINK & ORANGE CHUNKY SKI HAT £28

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Marks & Spencer Goodmve Ski Jumper £46 & Legging £36

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BELFAST ABROAD

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EUROPEAN SKI BREAK

PINZOLO Tucked into Italy’s Val Rendena, Pinzolo is a mountain town that quietly captivates.

Framed by the dramatic Brenta Dolomites, it offers a slower, more authentic Alpine experience than its glitzier neighbors. Every winter, skiers glide from village lifts straight onto the vast Madonna di Campiglio slopes.

Five things to do in Pinzolo

1. Ski or hike the Pinzolo–Madonna di Campiglio slopes and trails 2. Visit Nardis Waterfall in nearby Val Pinzolo’s heart beats in its small piazzas, Genova local bakeries, and the frescoed Church 3. Explore the frescoes of San Vigilio of San Vigilio, where centuries of history Church are painted across stone walls. Evenings are unhurried: a glass of Trentino wine, a 4. Ride the Doss del Sabion cable car plate of polenta, and mountain air for panoramic views scented with woodsmoke. Pinzolo doesn’t 5. Linger in town with local food, shout for attention — it earns it, quietly wine, and alpine cafés and completely.

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TRAVEL NEWS

The 33rd annual Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News will return to the ICC Belfast at the Waterfront on January 911, 2026, bringing a world of travel under one roof for a weekend of holiday inspiration, expert advice and exclusive offers.

The three-day event showcases a huge choice of travel options at home and abroad to more than 10,000 visitors every year.

Jet2holidays which has proved once again that “Nothing beats a Jet2holiday” after retaining its Which? Recommended Provider status across five holiday categories. Overall, Jet2 brands continue to hold the prestigious status across a total of seven categories.

Getting back and forward to university is proving to be plain sailing for student Neha-nami Ligertwood.

The 20-year-old medical student at Queen’s University, Belfast, has just been named as Stena Line’s student ambassador after winning the company’s golden ticket competition.

Last year, Stena Line carried 198,799 students across the Irish Sea. Stena Line Travel Commercial Manager, Orla Noonan, said the company aims to make travelling as stress-free as possible.

Belfast International Airport, a member of VINCI Airports, has been awarded the prestigious Platinum rating in the 2025 NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey, placing it among the top 42 most 28 sustainable businesses in Northern Ireland.

THE HOTEL EDIT Finn Lough 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.

Northern Ireland’s largest hotel group, Andras Hotels, has added the ibis budget Belfast City Centre to its portfolio of hotels. The group had previously acquired the hotel building located on the city’s Dublin Road at the start of 2024, and has now taken over the operating business of the hotel from its owners, Essendi.

Andras Hotels recently opened The Marcus Portrush, which opened in the summer in time for The Open golf championship and is currently on site with a new build aparthotel in Belfast’s Great Victoria Street, under Accor’s Adagio brand.

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 29 and heritage.

STAY STYLISH BY THE SEA: 1 THREE A Looking for a stylish and stress-free escape on Northern Ireland’s beautiful North Down coastline?

1 Three A is a modern seaside retreat that’s worth shouting about. Designed with comfort and convenience in mind, this standout Bangor stay delivers everything you want from a getaway — and more.

Inside, the apartment feels bright, spacious, and thoughtfully put together. Contemporary décor, comfortable furnishings, and a fully equipped kitchen create a warm, home-from-home atmosphere you’ll settle into instantly. Whether you’re planning a romantic break, a family weekend, or a relaxed work trip, 1 Three A offers the ideal blend of practicality and luxury.

Step outside and the best of Bangor is right at your feet. The apartment sits just a short stroll from the marina, independent cafés and restaurants. Take a morning walk along the coastal path or enjoy the local city centre parks and walled garden; all effortless from this prime location.

After a day of exploring, return to your peaceful retreat, and unwind with a movie in the comfort of this home from home. You’ll want to come back for more.

Modern, welcoming, and perfectly located, 1 Three A is your gateway to the very best of Bangor. Treat yourself to a stay that combines style, convenience, and a touch of seaside magic.

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A Riverside Retreat in Toome: Unwinding at Brecart Lodge This month, we’d love to share a special place with a population of only around 1,000 people, living in approximately 380 households — Toome, Northern Ireland.

Toome is where the River Bann flows out of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. Because of this, Toome has historically been an important fishing and trading point, especially for eels. It’s still famous today for its Toome eels, which are exported across Europe.

Located just 27 miles (around 43 km) from Belfast, Toome is an easy trip from the city.

🚗 By car, it takes roughly 40–45 minutes, depending on traffic. 🚌 By bus, the journey usually takes 1– 1.25 hours, depending on the route.

by Angela Tong

If you’ve ever driven the route from Belfast to Londonderry/Derry, chances are you’ve passed Toome Bridge. Many people drive through without stopping, but Toome is well worth a visit. Along the river, there’s a lovely family-run private accommodation called Brecart Lodge.

Brecart Lodge is run by Urula and John. John is a farmer who inherited the family property and still farms today, while Urula manages the accommodation and their social media. They also host magical Christmas events each year.

It’s a peaceful, scenic location — perfect for unwinding.

The lodge offers a private garden cabin with two bedrooms and a hot tub, sleeping up to four people. Their main house is also available to hire and includes swings, a hot tub, and a sauna, making it ideal for all ages.

I hope this inspires you to visit Toome or enjoy a stay at Brecart Lodge soon — the River Bann has so much to offer.

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Introducing our brand-new partnership Belfast Times x Panache Cruises Panache Cruises are delighted to partner with Belfast Times’ very own Jeff Meredith to showcase the best of luxury cruise travel.

As specialists in luxury and ultra-luxury cruising, Panache Cruises offer ocean, river, yacht and expedition cruises with some of the biggest names in the cruise industry.

Whether you’re looking for a sun-soaked Mediterranean holiday, a winter escape to the Caribbean, a voyage down one of Europe’s magical rivers, or an intrepid expedition to the Galapagos Islands or Antarctica, Panache Cruises is your onestop-shop for incredible voyages and impeccable service.

With the motto “nothing is too much trouble”, Panache Cruises’ team of friendly experts are happy to help with any and all enquiries. From budget deals aboard Celebrity Cruises and Virgin Voyages to top-end experiences with Regent Seven Seas and Silversea, there’s a cruise for everyone.

www.panachecruises.com “I love being at sea and I feel at home on a ship. Watching sunsets over the sea never fails to impress me and visiting a new city every day is exciting. As an Ambassador for Panache Cruises, I will share my love of cruising and bring you on my journeys at sea, as well as share with you some great cruise news, offers and promotions.”

Find out more about our brand-new partnership by scanning the QR code below.

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www.panachecruises.com

CRUISE NEWS

Princess Cruises is kicking off summer 2026 with a winning play: the cruise line has secured rights from IMG to broadcast every match of the FIFA World Cup 26™ across all 17 ships in its fleet. Fans can now book their dream summer getaway without fear of missing a moment as their favourite team battles it out on the world’s biggest pitch.

Oceania Cruises® Reveals Two All-New Culinary Concepts Debuting Aboard Oceania Sonata™ Debuting aboard Oceania Sonata will be the most exclusive fine-dining restaurant at sea, La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, and Nikkei Kitchen, an evening venue focused on a vibrant fusion of Peruvian flavors and refined Japanese culinary techniques and tastes.

La Table will be the only restaurant at sea to be launched with the seal of approval by the fabled Maîtres Cuisiniers de France (Master Chefs of France, MCF), a globally revered institution dedicated to promoting the French culinary arts.

Fred Olsen’s Borealis returned to the sea from dry dock in October. One of the most exciting additions was Fresco, a Mediterranean-inspired bar and dining venue on Deck 8 Aft with open-air seating designed for 34 relaxed, sun-soaked dining and far-reaching sea views.

BELFAST TIMES

EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY ST GEORGE’S MARKET

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________ BELFAST —1888— In 1888, Belfast stood at a pivotal moment in its history; loud with industry, dense with ambition, and confident in its future. The city was expanding at extraordinary speed, driven by shipbuilding, linen production, and heavy engineering. Smoke rose from factory chimneys along the Lagan, while shipyard hammers rang out from dawn until dusk.

This was a working city in motion. Tens of thousands were employed in mills and yards, producing goods that travelled the globe. Belfast linen clothed households across Europe and America, while its ships symbolised industrial confidence and technical skill. By the late 19th century, Belfast had become one of the most important industrial centres in the British Isles.

But 1888 was not only about output and progress — it was about people. The city’s character was forged by workers whose lives revolved around long hours, physical labour, and tightly knit communities. Streets were crowded, neighbourhoods vibrant, and identity deeply rooted in place and craft.

Today, 1888 represents more than a date. It marks the foundations of modern Belfast; a reminder of the grit, resilience, and determination that shaped the city. Long before today’s skyline, Belfast was already building its reputation: industrious, proud, and unafraid of hard work.

That same spirit lives on in our 1888 totes, mugs and candles.

Designed as everyday objects, they are quiet tributes to the city’s industrial roots; pieces meant to be used, not displayed behind glass. The totes are spacious and stylish, the candles bring warmth to modern spaces, and both carry the mark of a city built on effort and pride. They are small reminders that Belfast’s story isn’t finished; it’s still being lived, one ordinary moment at a time.

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BOWL. EAT. PLAY. LIKE A KING. KING PINS HAS ARRIVED BELFAST King Pins has opened in the heart of Belfast, bringing a bold, next-generation leisure experience to The Keep, Castle Lane.

Spanning an impressive 30,000 sq ft across two floors, King Pins is your new go-to for mate dates, family fun and unforgettable work nights out.

WHAT TO EXPECT 15 full-size ten-pin bowling lanes Duck Pin Bowling – fun, fast and perfect for kids Tech Darts with automatic scoring Crazy Pool – crazy golf meets pool Ice-Free Curling with overhead camera views Huge arcade, American pool & private karaoke party rooms

FEAST LIKE A KING Head upstairs to the in-house restaurant serving pizzas, wings, loaded fries and more; plus a kids menu, drinks and games including Shuffleboard and Tech Darts.

BOOK NOW AT KINGPINS.CO.UK FOLLOW @KINGPINSBOWLINGUK

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