BELFAST INSIDER
March 26th - April 1st 2026
Hello Insider,
Welcome to another beautiful weekly edition. I’m excited today. Here’s why.
The story of Belfast doesn't always get told the way it should. When I started Belfast Insider, I had one simple idea. Find the good stuff happening in Belfast. Share it with people who care.
That was it.
No grand plan. No funding. No team. Just me, a newsletter platform, and a desire to do something that’s been burning in my heart for a wee while. Every time I opened my phone, it felt like the city was either struggling or arguing. I knew that wasn't the full picture. Brilliant things were happening.
New restaurants. Community heroes. Hidden gems. Events worth getting off the sofa for. I just needed a place to put them. I didn't even know if anyone would read it.
Fast forward to now....
224 people reading every week. And growing.
No paid promotion. Just word of mouth. Nearly 70% of you open it. Almost 1 in 4 click through.
Most of you are right here in Belfast and across Northern Ireland.
That's not passive reading. That's people making decisions.
Where to eat. What to do. Where to spend their time and money.
That's what makes this interesting. It tells me something simple. Belfast was hungry for this. A place that reflects what the city actually feels like when you're in it. Not just the headlines or the noise.
What we're building now is a switched-on group of people who want more out of the city - Better food. Better experiences. Better weekends.
And we're only getting started.
Coming up soon, we’ll feature more spots, exclusive local offers, and a few curated experiences. Think small dinner nights. Intimate and well put together.
If you find it here, it's definitely worth your time.
Two quick things.
Our Belfast-themed colouring book is now live. Built around the city. Its streets. Its character. Take a look.
If you run a business in Belfast and want to get in front of this audience, now is a good time. We keep it tight and will only take 2 spots per issue.
If you've been enjoying this, send it to someone who's always asking what's happening this weekend.
It's still early and you’re in at the right time.
Before we get into it.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about Belfast? →
THE DIGEST: Belfast in Brief
📻 90 Years Since Northern Ireland Tuned into the World
BBC NI has launched an exhibition in Lisburn City Library marking 90 years since the Lisnagarvey transmitter opened.
At the time, it was the largest medium-wave transmitter in the British Isles.
Before it, BBC radio barely reached beyond Belfast. After it, the whole region could tune in.
Fun fact: The name "Lisnagarvey" was only decided the night before opening, suggested over dinner by the Prime Minister in 1936.
Did you grow up listening to the radio or are you fully into podcasts now?
🚶 He Quit Amazon. Now He Runs One of Belfast's Top Tours
Corey McConkey, 25, left warehouse shifts at Amazon to build something Belfast needed.
A walking tour that tells the full story of the city — not just the conflict bits.
Within months, his tours ranked among the top on GetYourGuide. One afternoon's bookings now beat a full week's wages from his old job.
He runs it full-time under the name "Dander" — Belfast slang for a leisurely walk.
Couldn’t be more Belfast.
If you were running a tour, what’s the one stop you’d include?
💸 How Belfast People Are Coping With The Cost Of Living
A March 2026 Consumer Council survey shows 48% of Belfast respondents feel better off than 12 months ago.
Across Northern Ireland, that figure drops to 34%.
Still, the pressure is real.
93% concerned about food prices
91% concerned about energy bills
Nearly one-third have £150 or less left each month
People are quietly adapting; cooking at home more, cancelling subscriptions, going out less.
Back in November 2022, 74% felt worse off. That's now 42%.
Better. But not fixed.
Belfast may be leading the recovery. Most households are still counting every quid.
What’s one thing you’ve cut back on recently? →
🏪 LOCAL BUSINESS SCOOP
🛍️ Sunday Opening Hours Could Change
Belfast City Council is consulting on designating the city as a "Holiday Resort."
In practice, this means larger shops could open Sunday mornings for up to 18 Sundays between March and September.
Right now, Belfast is one of the few major UK cities where large retailers can't open before 1pm on Sundays.
With St George's Market drawing crowds from 10am, that gap is becoming more obvious.
Once views are collected, elected members make the final call so this one actually matters.
Consultation runs until 14 May 2026. Takes two minutes and your view counts.
Should shops in Belfast open earlier on Sunday?
✈️Belfast Airport Gets a Proper Upgrade
If your pre-flight routine used to be a meal deal and a plastic chair, this is an upgrade.
The Northern Quarter Bar & Kitchen has officially opened at Belfast International Airport following a £1 million investment by Mount Charles, the local catering firm that's been running airport hospitality here for over 20 years.
180 seats
Full bar
Breakfast to burgers
Bewley's coffee dock alongside it
40 new jobs created. Part of a wider £100 million airport transformation.
This is long overdue.
📍 Northern Quarter Bar & Kitchen, Belfast International Airport.
What’s the worst airport meal you’ve had?
Your Weekend Lineup
🎟️ WHAT’S HAPPENING:
This week has range.
Comedy. Titanic stories. Jazz. Easter events. Metal nights. Salsa. Even a rooftop abseil.
Something for every mood and budget. Ticket details in each specific event listing.
Pick one. Lock it in. Make the plan.
Thursday, March 26
Friday, March 27
Saturday, March 28
Sunday, March 29
Monday, March 30
Tuesday, March 31
Wednesday, April 1
Which of these are you actually going to this week?
💛 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
🌍 Minorities Recognition Awards NI
Diane Wabo didn't wait for someone else to shine a light on Northern Ireland's ethnic minority communities. She built the spotlight herself.
As founder of MRANI, she has spent years making sure the resilience, talent and economic contribution of minority communities across NI gets the recognition it deserves.
11+ events. 900+ attendees. Workshops, networking, and community programmes.
This month, she won Diversity and Inclusion Champion at the Women in Business NI Awards 2026.
Next up:
Africa Day at Titanic Belfast — 12 June
Awards Ceremony — 16 October
In a city that's more diverse than it often admits, this work matters.
Nominations are open now — if you know someone whose work deserves a spotlight, this is your chance.
Who in Belfast deserves more recognition right now?
Want to get involved? 🏆 Nominate: minorityawardsni.org.uk | 📸 Follow: @minorityawardsni
Nominate next week’s local hero we love celebrating Belfast’s people.
🍽️ RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK
🥩 Stix & Stones, Ballyhackamore
If you haven’t been yet, this is your sign to go.
A Belfast staple that still delivers.
The standout is the 35-day salt-aged sirloin; dry-aged in their own butchery and served on a hot stone at your table. You cook it exactly how you want. Part dinner, part theatre.
Also worth ordering: the slow-braised lamb shoulder with Massaman sauce and Bombay potatoes. Not your typical steakhouse dish.
Must try: The stone experience. Non-negotiable. Save room for the Baked Alaska or Strawberry & Pistachio Dome. Non-drinkers are sorted too. Zero-percent cocktails from £9.95.
The vibe: Grown-up date night. Live plants lining the windows and aisles make it feel warmer than you'd expect.
Price: ££££ — Mains from £26, steak from £36
Find it: 306 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3EJ
Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 12:30–10pm | Sunday 12:30–9pm
Book: stixandstonesbelfast.co.uk | 028 9013 4990
What’s the best steak you’ve had in Belfast?
Servings at Sticks & Stones, Ballyhackamore
🧭 One Quick Recommendation
If you do one thing this week.
Pick one event above and go.
That’s how you get more out of this city.
💬 YOUR VOICE
What should we feature next week?
Hit reply and tell me. I read every response.
Quick one. What did you think about today’s issue?
Know someone who'd love this? Forward it to them.
If this was forwarded to you, subscribe here.
Built for people who actually live here.
That's us for this week.
See you next Thursday.
Go enjoy the craic.