BELFAST INSIDER
Hello Belfast! 👋
Over the holidays, 38 new people joined Belfast Insider. No ads. No shouting. Just people finding what we do interesting, forwarding it to a mate, and saying “this is decent.” If that was you, thank you. And if you’re new here, you’re very welcome.
Our aim stays the same in 2026: to help you enjoy Belfast a bit more.
No crime. No politics. Just good craic — the people, the places, and the good reasons to leave the house and explore (or simply enjoy) our wee city.
LET’S STEP INSIDE →
📰THE DIGEST: Belfast in Brief
💼 Turns out NI’s economy had a quietly solid year
You know how everyone’s been saying the economy’s getting worse? Turns out that’s not the full story — Northern Ireland actually had a pretty decent year after all.
The Irish News reports our economy grew by 3.5% in 2025, putting us more than 12% above pre-pandemic levels, which is better than most people expected. The services sector did the heavy lifting, especially consumer-facing businesses. Employment is up 1.2% (the only UK region where it grew), and wages rose 5.2%, outpacing inflation everywhere except London.
Yes, cost pressures are still a pain. But as economist Greg Boyd put it, we’ve “continued to build momentum through 2025” despite all the challenges thrown our way.
🎓 NI students can study across Europe for free again
Remember Erasmus? The scheme that lets students spend a year studying at European universities as part of their degree? It’s coming back! This is great news for Queen’s and Ulster University students who’ve had limited options studying abroad, since the programme ended in 2021.
The BBC reports the UK will rejoin Erasmus in 2027, restoring access to study and training opportunities across Europe. Amy Smith from Queen’s Students’ Union says it will give students “guaranteed access to life-changing study and training opportunities across Europe.”
The bonus? Unlike the Turing scheme that replaced it, Erasmus works both ways, meaning European students will be coming here too, bringing that international buzz back to Belfast campuses.
🍺 Belfast nightlife gets a huge boost
You know the late-night dinner sitting that was almost non-existent in Belfast restaurants? It's coming back, all thanks to Translink's late-night buses. Recent report shows that restaurants across Belfast are reintroducing late sittings now that people can get home after midnight, with buses running until 2:00 AM on Friday and Saturday nights.
The city’s Night Czar Michael Stewart says the numbers speak for themselves: city centre footfall is up 31% compared to last year, and hospitality spots are seeing people stay later, order more, and enjoy their night out without watching the clock. Use it or lose it, though. This pilot runs through 2026, and its future depends on how many of us hop on those weekend late night buses.
🏪 LOCAL BUSINESS SCOOP
The Belfast/NI Spots we’ve last year
2025 saw some tough goodbyes for Belfast's hospitality scene. Oliver's in Ballyhackamore closed after 10 years, same with Fontana in Holywood after 27 years, and even Fusco's Ice Cream after over a century in business.
Belfast Live reports that rising costs hit some of the city's businesses hard, from Bistro Este in East Belfast to Bank Square Brasserie. But there's a silver lining: more new spots are already filling the gaps. This new year, try to show more love to your current favourites, whether it's a traybake or a Saturday steak, do what you can to support local businesses and keep Belfast's hospitality heart beating.
Your Weekend Lineup
🎟️ WHAT’S HAPPENING:
Your guide to cool events happening in Belfast & Northern Ireland this week.
Thursday, January 1
👟 Stormont New Year Day Park Run | Stormont Estate | 9:30 AM
🎵 Rory Gallagher Tribute Gig | The Deer's Head | 3:00 PM
Friday, January 2nd
🎶 The Bjorn Identity | Europa Hotel | 8:30 PM
🏃 Friendship Series 2026 (NCAA Hockey) | SSE Arena | 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
🎵 Dolly & Shania: Queens of Country Tribute Show | Stormont Hotel | 7:00 PM
Saturday, January 3rd
🎵 The Three Amigos | Waterfront Hall | 8:00 PM
🎸 Gifted: Disorder | The Belfast Empire | 7:00 PM
🎻 Showdown - The ELO Experience | Europa Hotel | 7:00 PM
🎵 Elvis Spectacular | Stormont Hotel | 7:00 PM
🛍️ Weekly Car Boot Sale | COG Belfast | 9:00 AM
Sunday, January 4th
🎵 The High Kings: The Rocky Road | Waterfront Hall | 8:00 PM
👨👩👧 Family Nature Trail | Mount Stewart | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
📚 New Year, New You: Meditation Retreat | Kadampa Meditation Centre | 2:00 PM
Monday, January 5th
Tuesday, January 6th
🍷 The Angels' Share - Women+ Whiskey Tasting | Sunflower Public House | 7:30 PM
🍷 Titanic Distillers Premium Tour | Titanic Pumphouse | Various times
Wednesday, January 7th
💛 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
This Week’s Local Hero: Women of Colour Belfast
Women of Colour Belfast is creating space where it didn't exist before. Founded in July 2022 by Stacy Aluebhosele, the organization supports Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) women across Northern Ireland through markets, workshops, and advocacy.
The Work They're Doing
Their Pop-Up Markets at venues like the Bullitt Hotel and Banana Block have become a launchpad for local vendors selling handmade crafts, fashion, art, and food. WOCB also runs DJ workshops addressing the lack of representation in Belfast's music scene, partners with networks like Reclaim the Agenda on peacebuilding discussions, and has built a community of over 2,300 people.
Why It Matters
In a city where minority voices can feel sidelined, WOCB creates genuine belonging and fosters economic opportunities. They're making Belfast's creative scene richer for everyone.
Want to help?
Attend their next event.
Nominate next week’s local hero — we love celebrating Belfast’s best people.
🍽️ Foodie Finds
Your 2026 Dining Cheat Sheet
@keevaeats NI BEST EATS OF 2025! SO much good food in Belfast and beyond this year 🤯 did your fav make the list? Let me know if I missed any! How luc... See more
Need some fresh restaurant inspiration for the new year? Food influencer @keevaeats just dropped her "NI Best Eats of 2025" TikTok, and it's basically a greatest hits album of Belfast's food scene.
From the hearty brunch skillets at Neighbourhood Cafe to the perfectly plated steaks at Coq & Bull, she's covered everything; rustic brunches, casual sandwiches at The Focacceria to stunning seafood at Millar's Grill.
It's a fast-paced tour of what makes Belfast a proper food destination, celebrating both hidden gems and established favorites. If you're looking to refresh your "must-visit" list or finally try that spot everyone's been raving about, try her roadmap.
💬 YOUR VOICE
What's one hidden gem in Belfast you think more people should know about in 2026? Could be a café, a park, a shop, a walking route or anything that deserves more attention.
Got a photo or something you think we should feature?
🗳️ POLL OF THE WEEK
What did you think of today's newsletter?
👍 Loved it
👋 OUTRO
Here's to a great year of new finds, fun nights and reaching our desired goals. Thanks for being part of the Belfast Insider community. Let'smake 2026 a good one.
P.S. Someone forward this to you? Subscribe here to get Belfast's best events and local finds in your inbox every Thursday.
-The Belfast Insider Team!