Northern Irish Connections

28/08/2026

If Carlsberg did summers… Northern Ireland's August would be hard to beat.
From the record-breaking Fleadh and Belfast Mela's 20th birthday celebrations, to the Ould Lammas Fair, Heart of the Glens Festival and Féile an Phobail, August was packed with music, culture, community and unforgettable moments.
Northern Ireland showcased world-class events, vibrant communities, rich traditions and the warm welcome we're known for around the world.
For those of our NI Connections community watching from afar, here's a look back at some of the highlights that made August 2026 one to remember.
Read the August round-up: https://www.niconnections.com/news/august-in-northern-ireland-a-month-to-remember
What was your August highlight? We'd love to hear your favourite moments from the month.

21/08/2026

🎉 Happy 20th Birthday, Belfast Mela! 🎉

For 20 years, Belfast Mela has brought the world to our city, celebrating culture, creativity and community in a way that has become a true Belfast tradition.

From 22-30 August, the festival marks this incredible milestone with nine days of music, dance, food, art and unforgettable experiences across Belfast. 🌍✨

Don't miss the colourful Mela Carnival, the special Mela at 20 anniversary celebrations, and the much-loved Mela Day in Botanic Gardens.

Find out more...https://belfastmela.org.uk

🎉 See you at Mela!

14/08/2026

You might move away, but sure NI follows you everywhere! Stay in the know...sign up to our newsletter. https://www.niconnections.com/email-newsletter

12/08/2026

After decades abroad, Tessa and Declan Breslin made the decision to return home to Northern Ireland.
Like many in our global diaspora, their journey back wasn't just about where they wanted to live, it was about reconnecting with family, community and finding new ways to contribute.
Their story is a reminder that coming home can be more than a move. It can be the start of a new chapter, bringing valuable experience, fresh perspectives and a renewed sense of purpose.
🎥 Watch Tessa and Declan's story: https://www.niconnections.com/our-diaspora/the-returners-series-tessa-and-declan-breslin
Have you returned to Northern Ireland after living abroad, or are you thinking about making the move? We'd love to hear your story.

10/08/2026

Have you made it to the Belfast Fleadh this year? 🎻☘️
Whether you've been soaking up the music on the streets of Belfast or following the craic from the other side of the world, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to home.
From keeping up with local news and events, to celebrating Northern Irish culture, food and music, staying connected to Northern Ireland has never been easier, wherever you are.
So, if the sound of a wee tune has you feeling a little homesick, we've pulled together five simple ways to keep that Northern Irish connection alive.
👉 Read more: https://www.niconnections.com/news/five-ways-to-stay-connected-to-northern-ireland-wherever-you-are

06/08/2026

🌍☘️ For anyone watching from around the world, this is Belfast at its best.

The Belfast Fleadh has helped drive a 95% surge in city centre footfall, bringing music, culture and community to every corner of the city.

Events like these showcase the energy, creativity and warm welcome that make Northern Ireland such a special place to visit, and for many of our diaspora, a place they'll always call home.

Read more: https://belfastone.co.uk/blog/article/fleadh-drives-95-footfall-surge-in-belfast-city-centre/

Are you at the Fleadh this year? We'd love to hear your highlights. 🎻

30/07/2026

'Hey you guysssss!'
If you've ever watched The Goonies and dreamed of stepping aboard One-Eyed Willy's pirate ship, this might be the closest you'll get! ⚓🏴‍☠️
The impressive Galeón Andalucía has dropped anchor in Belfast and will be moored at Queens Quay until 9 August, giving visitors the chance to step aboard a stunning replica of the ships that once connected Europe, the Americas and Asia.
Sadly, we can't promise any hidden treasure, secret maps or pirate gold... but it is a brilliant reminder of how people, places and cultures have been connected across the world for centuries.
And sure, you know us... at NI Connections, we're all about celebrating those global links.

29/07/2026

Spotted in Belfast 👀
The signs are up, the city is buzzing, and the celebrations are just getting started. Belfast is ready to welcome the world for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Let’s make some memories!

28/07/2026

Congratulations to Bethany Firth on her bronze medal - Northern Ireland's first Commonwealth Games medal so far!

Clutching daughter Charlotte in her arms, it couldn’t have been more clear that some things matter more than medals after Bethany Firth got Team NI off the mark at the Commonwealth Games on Saturday night.

The weary one-year-old was up way past her bed-time to watch mum claim bronze in the 200m freestyle S14 at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, finishing behind English duo Georgia Sheffield and Poppy Maskill after a strong start.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/ytm3zrzz

23/07/2026

From Limavady to the World 🌍
Martin Tierney, Managing Director of Seating Matters, has built a global business from his hometown in Northern Ireland.
After gaining experience in England, Canada, and the US, Martin returned home to grow Seating Matters - a company that now exports clinical therapeutic chairs to dozens of countries.
“Northern Ireland lets you live locally and compete globally.”
Martin’s story is proof that big ideas can thrive in small places. 💡
Watch now: https://www.niconnections.com/our-diaspora/the-returners-series-martin-tierney