- America 250 at Hillsborough Castle: Throughout 2026, this curated display features letters, portraits, and artefacts commemorating the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, emphasising the castle’s historical connections to US-Ireland relations, including Benjamin Franklin’s 1771 visit, with the return of the American History tour for enriched educational experiences.
- Science Festival at Hillsborough Castle: From 14 to 19 February 2026, offering hands-on workshops, talks, and behind-the-scenes experiences on science, nature, and heritage, including an event with Dick Strawbridge, enhancing interactive learning for families and science enthusiasts.
- Bulbs & Blooms at Hillsborough Castle Gardens: Running from 14 March to 4 May 2026, the gardens will showcase hundreds of thousands of blooming bulbs such as tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils, providing a vibrant spring display across the 100-acre estate to boost seasonal visitor immersion.
- Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt at Hillsborough Castle: From 28 March to 12 April 2026, families can search for hidden Lindt GOLD BUNNY statues in the grounds, adding a fun, interactive Easter-themed adventure to the visitor experience.
- Inspiring History Teaching Awards Announcement at Hillsborough Castle: On 25 March 2026, the announcement of the winner, celebrates educational excellence and offers visitors insight into heritage teaching initiatives.
- Beano Hijinks at Hillsborough Castle: From 27 June to 31 August 2026, this family trail features Beano characters in a time-travel adventure through the gardens, where participants collect go-kart parts while encountering historical figures, including free garden entry for children to encourage family visits.
- Autumn Seasonal Activities at Hillsborough Castle: In autumn 2026, featuring walks amid autumnal colours, trails, and immersive family activities that bring history and landscapes to life, enhancing seasonal exploration and engagement.
- Christmas at Hillsborough Castle: In winter 2026, a festive transformation of the gardens into a sparkling adventure, building on past partnerships to provide magical holiday experiences for visitors.
- Afternoon Tea in Montalto House with Tour: On 24 January 2026 at Montalto House, Ballynahinch, this experience includes a Georgian-style welcome, traditional tea with sandwiches, scones, and sweets, followed by a guided tour of the 18th-century house, offering a historical and culinary immersion.
- Burns, Whisky & Words: A Whisky Tasting Experience: On 25 January 2026 at Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, an immersive Scotch whisky tasting exploring the life of Robert Burns at McCusker’s Pub, enriching cultural and sensory experiences for literature and spirits enthusiasts.
- Weave a Willow Flower Support in the Walled Garden: On 1 February and 22 February 2026 at The Walled Garden, Helen’s Bay, participants craft sustainable willow supports with artist Heather McDermott, adding hands-on creative workshops to garden heritage visits.
- Montalto House Guided Tour: On 7 February 2026 at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, starting with tea and shortbread, followed by a tour of the 18th-century Georgian house, providing deeper historical insights for visitors.
- Mudfest 2026: From 7 to 15 February 2026 at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber, a fun, messy half-term event with wellie-wearing activities focused on mud-based play and exploration, ideal for families seeking interactive nature experiences.
- Winter Blues Floral Workshop: On 8 February 2026 at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, a beginner-friendly session with Head Gardener Lesley creating floral arrangements in The Carriage Rooms, offering creative relief from winter and skill-building opportunities.
- Behind the Scenes: Science of the Corn Mill: On 11 February 2026 at Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, a special tour revealing the mechanics and history of the historic Straid Corn Mill, enhancing educational heritage tours.
- Look Closer: Screenings and Mini Lab Workshops: On 11 February 2026 at Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, interactive sessions for young explorers discovering nature’s wonders through screenings and workshops, boosting family educational engagement.
- Wildlife Walk: On 13 February 2026 at Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, a beginner’s guide to species spotting led by the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording, adding nature observation to visitor activities.
- Behind the Scenes: Nature Conservation Walk: On 21 February 2026 at Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, a guided discovery of the museum’s natural treasures, promoting conservation awareness among visitors.
- Wood Carving Workshop: On 28 February and 1 March 2026 at Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, a one-day session with heritage carpenter Peter Sloan teaching traditional wood carving, providing skill-based heritage experiences.
- Stone Carving Workshop: On 5 March 2026 at Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, an introductory workshop by Historic Environment Division experts on traditional stone carving, enriching artisanal learning opportunities.
- Weave Willow Swallows and Swifts in the Walled Garden: On 8 March 2026 at Helen’s Bay, a full-day workshop crafting willow bird sculptures with Heather McDermott, enhancing creative and sustainable art experiences in a heritage setting.
- Joinery Taster Workshop: On 26 March 2026 at Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, a one-day introduction to traditional joinery, offering hands-on craft skills to visitors.
- Behind the Scenes: Building Conservation Tour: On 28 March 2026 at Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, a guided tour focusing on heritage building conservation techniques, deepening understanding of preservation efforts.
- Downpatrick Racecourse Fixtures: Multiple dates including 29 March, 8 May, 22 May, 13-14 June, 14 July, 9 August, 31 August, 18 September, and 9 October 2026 at Downpatrick Racecourse, featuring live racing followed by music, providing thrilling sports and entertainment days out.
- Fiddler’s Green International Festival: From 15 to 19 July 2026 in Rostrevor, a celebration of music, arts, and culture with annual July events, attracting visitors for diverse performances and community vibes.
- Hotel Development Grant Scheme: Launched by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council with £1 million funding, this programme supports new hotel builds or expansions creating at least 15 three-star or higher bedrooms, aiming to increase accommodation capacity and visitor stays, with potential new openings in 2026 to enhance hospitality options.
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