{"id":672183,"date":"2026-01-04T00:02:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T00:02:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/672183\/"},"modified":"2026-01-04T00:02:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T00:02:19","slug":"exciting-milestones-new-developments-and-events-planned-for-northern-ireland-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/672183\/","title":{"rendered":"Exciting milestones, new developments and events planned for Northern Ireland in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lots happening across the year to look forward to\"FleadhFleadh Cheoil na h\u00c9ireann 2026 celebrated at Commercial Court Belfast<\/p>\n

Northern Ireland is set for an unforgettable 2026, packed full of major events, landmark milestones and exciting new visitor experiences.<\/p>\n

From Belfast hosting the world\u2019s largest celebration of traditional Irish music at Fleadh Cheoil na h\u00c9ireann, to Derry marking 40 years of its world-famous Halloween<\/a> festival, Northern Ireland is gearing to embrace a giant year of events.<\/p>\n

A new direct flight from Dublin to Derry is also planned, while Fermanagh\u2019s stunning lakes, waterways and natural landscapes have become part of Ireland\u2019s Hidden Heartlands.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Northern Ireland Bank Holiday dates announced for 2026<\/a>READ MORE: The A-list stars who flocked to Northern Ireland in 2025 for ‘another fantastic year’ for film and TV industry<\/a><\/p>\n

Discover Northern Ireland<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Fleadh Cheoil comes to Belfast in August for the first time<\/p>\n

The world\u2019s biggest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture is coming to Belfast. The city will host the 2026 Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na h\u00c9ireann from 2-9 August, marking the Comhaltas\u2019s 75th year, with Ards CC\u00c9 also celebrating their 50th year. Events range from large concerts and big name acts to street performances, pop-up gigs and community c\u00e9il\u00eds, while competitions in music, song and dance range from local county and regional level to provincial and All-Ireland titles.<\/p>\n

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 \u20ac70 million (approx. \u00a358.5 million) to last year\u2019s host region of Wexford.<\/p>\n

New Experiences<\/p>\n

Finn Lough<\/strong><\/p>\n

Finn Lough Spa(Image: Will Archer)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Finn Lough is set to introduce Europe\u2019s first electric hydrofoiling experience using the cutting-edge Vessev VS\u20139, offering guests a smooth, silent and environmentally friendly way to explore Lower Lough Erne.<\/p>\n

Castlewellan Arboretum<\/strong><\/p>\n

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 \u00a32.7m investment will restore the historical nature of the planting.<\/p>\n

The Grange will be developed into a vibrant visitor core, featuring the establishment of a welcome centre, community space, caf\u00e9 facilities and open event area.<\/p>\n

Conquer the Skies: Dragon Ride<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game of Thrones Studio Tour<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 an epic, state-of-the-art experience that will bring you closer than ever to the world of ice and fire.<\/p>\n

Hotel Developments<\/p>\n

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<\/a> (80 Rooms), Yotel, Belfast (165 rooms) and Tempo by Hilton, Belfast (144 rooms).<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Bedford Hotel<\/strong><\/p>\n

The historic Scottish Mutual Building in Belfast\u2019s Linen Quarter is being transformed into the Bedford Hotel, opening early Spring 2026.<\/p>\n

The multi-million pound project will feature 82 stylish bedrooms, a destination restaurant, private dining spaces, and a caf\u00e9 bar. Renowned chef Noel McMeel, famed for creating the G8 Summit menu, will lead the culinary team.<\/p>\n

Derry’s two new hotels set 2026 up for success<\/strong><\/p>\n

Walled City Hotel<\/p>\n

Derry\u2019s 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\u2019 lounge, Olive Room restaurant and Spire Bar.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s tourism and heritage.<\/p>\n

This follows a series of major announcements including a \u00a37 million investment in Derry\u2019s City Hotel, soon to be rebranded as DoubleTree by Hilton, major refurbishment of Da Vinci\u2019s Hotel (due February 2026) and the Galgorm Group\u2019s acquisition of Roe Park Resort in Limavady.<\/p>\n

Construction has also begun on a new \u00a315m venue dedicated to the city\u2019s maritime and social history, the DNA Museum, due to open in 2027.<\/p>\n

Key Milestones & Anniversaries to celebrate in 2026:<\/p>\n