From a hen house hooley to the Glens of Antrim – 10 new music experiences celebrate NI’s musical heritage
Liz Steele, Culture & Heritage Tourism Manager at Tourism NI and Thomas McGarvey from the Department for the Economy pictured with representatives from Sing it Back Home, Harp by the Foyle, Hooley in the Hen House, Bodhrán sa Culturlann, Here’s to the Craic and Ceol, at Tourism NI’s launch of 10 new music experiences for visitors, which took place at Harrison Chambers of Distinction in Belfast
Sunday 18 October 2026
From learning to play the Irish harp in County Londonderry to joining a traditional hooley in Swatragh or discovering the legends of the Glens in Ballycastle, visitors can now explore 10 new music experiences celebrating Northern Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.
Tourism Northern Ireland has unveiled the attractions as part of a programme designed to build on the success of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, bringing opportunities for cultural tourism to towns, villages and communities beyond Belfast.
The experiences combine live music, storytelling, traditional dancing, local food and hands-on activities, giving visitors the chance to take part in the traditions rather than simply watch performances.
With the Fleadh set to return to Belfast in 2027, Tourism NI hopes the initiative will encourage visitors to stay longer, explore more of Northern Ireland and support tourism businesses across the region.
Ten experiences celebrating music and heritage
Liz Steele, Culture & Heritage Tourism Manager at Tourism NI and Thomas McGarvey from the Department for the Economy pictured with representatives from Belfast Music Stories, Feadóg sa Culturlann, Songs and Stories of Carrickfergus, Burgers and Bagpipes, and Echo of the Glens at Tourism NI’s launch of 10 new music experiences for visitors, which took place at Harrison Chambers of Distinction in Belfast
Developed through Tourism NI’s Music Experience Development Programme, the attractions showcase Irish and Ulster-Scots musical traditions, with each offering a different way to discover the people, stories and places behind the music.
Harp by the Foyle – Greysteel, County Londonderry
Hosted at the home of harpist Lucia McGinnis, this intimate experience introduces visitors to the Irish harp through live performances, storytelling and hands-on participation.
Guests can discover the history and cultural significance of the instrument before trying it for themselves. With guidance, even complete beginners can learn to play a simple Irish tune, offering a personal connection to one of Ireland’s most recognisable musical traditions.
Hooley in the Hen House – Friel’s Bar & Restaurant, Swatragh
History, music, traditional games and céilí dancing come together in this interactive celebration of Irish culture.
Visitors hear the story of returning emigrant Mick McAtamney, including his connections to poet Seamus Heaney, the Belfast Giants and the influence of hurling on ice hockey.
The experience also gives guests the opportunity to try traditional Irish games, enjoy music and song, and join in céilí dancing, bringing local heritage to life through participation and entertainment.
Belfast Music Stories – Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Belfast
Friends Dolores Vischer and Melanie Harrison have created an experience exploring Belfast’s musical history and its connections to internationally recognised performers.
Visitors embark on a virtual music tour using sound, visuals and personal stories to discover the artists and moments that shaped the city’s musical identity.
The experience includes exclusive access to specially themed rooms dedicated to performers including Van Morrison, Led Zeppelin and Ruby Murray, with memorabilia and carefully selected details revealing connections between Belfast and the wider music world.
Feadóg sa Cultúrlann – Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, Belfast
This interactive experience introduces visitors to traditional Irish music through the tin whistle, while encouraging participants to use a cúpla focal – a few words of Irish.
Alongside learning a tune, visitors can explore exhibitions and interactive displays celebrating the history of the Irish language and culture in Belfast.
Bodhrán sa Cultúrlann – Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, Belfast
A second experience at the west Belfast cultural centre focuses on the bodhrán, the traditional Irish frame drum.
Participants can try the instrument, develop a basic understanding of traditional rhythms and discover more about Irish music and language through the centre’s cultural activities, exhibitions and displays.
Songs and Stories of Carrickfergus – Dobbins Inn, Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus-born harpist, songwriter and storyteller Lisa Dawson draws on her Ulster-Scots heritage to share the music, language and history of her hometown.
The experience takes place inside historic Dobbins Inn, where Lisa performs on the Scottish harp beside a 500-year-old fireplace.
Visitors can also climb the narrow staircase to the Thomas Seeds Room, part of the original medieval tower house, where music and storytelling unfold against a backdrop of stained-glass windows, preserved artefacts and views towards Carrickfergus Castle.
Here’s to the Craic and Ceol – The Dark Horse, Belfast
Belfast band Pure Blarney combines traditional Irish instruments with contemporary folk and rock influences in a lively experience featuring music, dance and local food and drink.
Staged at The Dark Horse in the Cathedral Quarter, the performance begins with the sound of bagpipes before traditional Irish dancers emerge from the crowd.
Guests are encouraged to join the performers and learn simple dance steps, creating an interactive celebration of the city’s musical character.
Burgers and Bagpipes – Orlock Farm, Groomsport
The Alexander family welcomes visitors to Orlock Farm for an experience celebrating generations of Ulster-Scots farming, music and community traditions.
Guests can explore the working farm, hear stories about the land and local heritage, and learn about Ulster-Scots language and culture.
Music forms a central part of the visit, with opportunities to try an instrument while enjoying views of the County Down coastline.
Singing it Back Home – County Armagh and County Down
Created by Brack Tours, this private group experience explores the musical heritage of the Mourne and Gullion region through storytelling, live performances, food and interactive activities.
Visitors can try baking soda bread in one of Ireland’s oldest coaching inns, learn a reel with a world champion dancer and discover how to make an Irish coffee.
The journey also encourages guests to explore their own musical abilities by working together to create an original song inspired by their experiences.
It concludes with a group performance, which can be recorded as a keepsake of the day.
Echo of the Glens – Marine Hotel, Ballycastle
Music, dancing, singing and storytelling take centre stage in this experience inspired by the heritage and legends of the Glens of Antrim.
Local performers share traditional songs and stories, including the Legend of the Children of Lir, reflected in the sculpture located beside the Marine Hotel.
Visitors are invited to sing along, learn a local song and experience traditional music and dance in an interactive setting.
The event also features locally sourced food and drink, with ingredients drawn from within a 50-mile radius, giving guests a taste of the Causeway Coast alongside its cultural traditions.
Spreading the benefits of the Fleadh
Steele, Culture & Heritage Tourism Manager at Tourism NI speaks at Tourism NI’s launch of 10 new music experiences for visitors, which took place at Harrison Chambers of Distinction in Belfast
The new experiences were launched in Belfast, which holds UNESCO City of Music status, following the staging of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026.
Tourism NI wants to ensure the benefits of hosting the international traditional music festival extend beyond Belfast, supporting tourism providers and communities throughout Northern Ireland.
The programme is intended to give visitors more reasons to travel into regional areas, discover local traditions and return for further cultural experiences.
Liz Steele, Culture & Heritage Tourism Manager at Tourism NI, said:
“This programme shows what can be achieved when people come together with a shared commitment to creativity and collaboration.
“We set out to develop new music experiences that reflect the richness and diversity of our musical traditions while showcasing the character of our destination. The participants embraced this challenge, bringing passion, talent and a range of instruments and ideas that have resulted in a wonderful collection of experiences.
“These new experiences will enhance our cultural tourism offer long after the Fleadh has ended, and I hope they encourage others to explore innovative ways of sharing our musical heritage with visitors and local audiences alike”.
Discover more music experiences
Tourism NI has also created a dedicated online section, Northern Ireland's Music Scene | Heritage & Experiences, highlighting music-related attractions, activities and events taking place across the region.
For communities including Swatragh, Ballycastle and Carrickfergus, the new programme provides another opportunity to showcase their distinctive heritage while attracting visitors beyond the traditional tourism hotspots.
With Belfast preparing to welcome the Fleadh again in 2027, the experiences offer a way for visitors to discover Northern Ireland’s musical traditions throughout the year, supporting local performers, tourism businesses and the communities that keep those traditions alive.
