There’s never been a better time to plan a trip to Northern Ireland—and 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, music, or tracing the deep roots of Irish-American history, the spirit of this land is calling.
From the return of Westeros to the streets alive with traditional Irish music, and a powerful 250-year story linking Ireland and America, 2026 offers something truly special.
The Fleadh Cheoil: Belfast comes alive with Irish music
In 2026, for the first time ever, Belfast will host the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s largest festival of traditional Irish music. If you’ve ever dreamed of hearing fiddles, flutes, and bodhráns in full flight, this is the place.
Here’s what to expect:
Live music sessions fill pubs, parks, and street corners with joyful sound
Performances and competitions featuring the best traditional musicians in the world
Dancing, workshops, and storytelling, bringing Irish culture to life for all ages
Irish language events that connect music with heritage and meaning
The Fleadh isn’t just a festival—it’s a celebration of identity, connection, and pure joy. And Belfast, with its vibrant arts scene and welcoming locals, is the perfect stage.
250 years of shared history: A homecoming for Irish America
2026 also marks a profound anniversary: 250 years since the signing of the American Declaration of Independence. For millions of Irish-Americans, it’s a meaningful time to reconnect with the ancestral homeland.
Northern Ireland played a pivotal role in that story. In the 1700s, hundreds of thousands of Ulster-Scots (Scotch-Irish) emigrated from this land to the American colonies. Many became soldiers in the Revolutionary War, settlers of the frontier, and builders of a new nation.
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Walk in their footsteps:
Ulster American Folk Park (Omagh)
Ulster Americans Folk Park, in Omagh, Tyrone.
Travel from thatched cottages to wooden cabins and board a full-size emigrant ship—all part of a living museum that tells the journey of the Irish to America. Don’t miss Europe’s largest Bluegrass festival, held here each May—a testament to the shared musical roots between Irish and African-American traditions.
Carrickfergus and Larne
Carrickfergus Castle.
These harbors once teemed with hopeful families setting sail for a new life. Visit the quays and imagine the beginnings of an Atlantic journey that would change the world.
PRONI (Public Records Office Northern Ireland), Belfast
For those tracing their family tree, this is where names become stories. Dive into archives and maybe even find the ship your ancestors sailed on.
This anniversary year is the perfect time to return to Northern Ireland, stand on ancestral ground, and reflect on the lasting bond between Ireland and America.
The realm returns: "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" comes to life
Northern Ireland’s dramatic landscapes once again take center stage as HBO returns to film "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms", the eagerly awaited "Game of Thrones" prequel based on George R.R. Martin’s “Dunk and Egg” tales. For fans, it’s a chance to walk through the real-world Seven Kingdoms.
Must-see filming locations:
Tollymore Forest Park, County Down
Tollymore Forest Park, County Down.
This ancient forest—seen in the original Game of Thrones—sets the stage again for quests, mysteries, and wandering knights. Its mossy paths and towering trees are right out of a storybook.
Shane’s Castle, County Antrim
Shane’s Castle, County Antrim.
A real-life ruin turned Westerosi fortress, this atmospheric location is confirmed for the new series. Expect drama—on and off-screen.
Gosford Castle, Armagh
With its imposing towers and medieval design, Gosford Castle continues its on-screen legacy in the world of Westeros.
Magheramorne Quarry, Larne
Known to fans as the former site of Castle Black and The Wall, this dramatic quarry may feature again in unexpected ways.
Pair your visit with the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge for behind-the-scenes magic, costumes, and immersive experiences. Or follow Northern Ireland’s screen tourism trails and step straight into your favorite fantasy scenes.
Don’t miss these Northern gems
Beyond the blockbuster events of 2026, Northern Ireland’s timeless beauty and history await:
The Giant’s Causeway – Marvel at 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns, shaped by myth and geology on the Atlantic coast.
Giant's Causeway, Antrim.
The Glens of Antrim – Explore lush valleys, misty waterfalls, and a coastline steeped in legend.
Derry~Londonderry – Walk the 17th-century city walls and dive into a city where history, art, and resilience meet.
The Mourne Mountains – Hike or drive through this cinematic range, said to have inspired Narnia.
Titanic Belfast – Discover the ship, the story, and the people behind one of the world’s most famous maritime tales.
Ireland is not just a destination, it's a feeling. Follow your heart to Ireland and discover the adventure that awaits you. Whether you decide to wander through 5,000 years of history in Ireland’s Ancient East, breathe in Ireland’s magnificent west coast along the Wild Atlantic Way, embrace a giant spirit in Northern Ireland, or enjoy the unspoiled majesty of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
This article is presented proudly in partnership with Tourism Ireland. To learn more about Tourism Ireland and get inspired for your next visit to Ireland, check out their website at Ireland.com.
