VISIT the Northern Ireland Food and Drinks Expo at the spectacular Belfast Titanic Centre on 13 February. This inaugural event will bring together key decision makers and influencers from across the food and retail sector as well as showcasing the very best of Northern Ireland produce. Also hear leading industry and Government personnel speak about everything food related, from the latest trends to sustainability and of course Brexit.

ENJOY a family day full of magic and fun at the free Joe Daly Kids Magic Show as seen on RTÉ Junior. Joe Daly is a full-time professional magician and children’s parties are his speciality. He is easily one of the busiest children’s entertainers around. His magic shows are brilliant fun and are ideal for children aged between four and 12. Each show is packed full of really cool modern magic and mini illusions, all presented with Joe’s unique style of comedy and energy. This free event takes place on 3 February from 1-6pm at the Auditorium, Firhouse, Dublin. To register visit www.eventbright.ie.

INDULGE in art, photography, food, poetry and storytelling as Hook Lighthouse celebrates Imbolc, a traditional Gaelic festival. The event marks the beginning of spring and also the feast of St Bridget, the patron saint of Ireland. The weekend’s festivities kick off with the Sunrise Tour and Food Experience on Saturday 2 February. The weekend is littered with family fun and entertainment, all in the iconic setting of the world’s oldest intact working lighthouse. Visit hookheritage.ie for more.

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OBSERVE the beautiful coming of spring as the snowdrops come into bloom during the Snowdrop Month at the attractive Altamont Gardens in Co Carlow. This event, brought to the public by OPW, Carlow Garden Trail and Carlow Tourism, welcomes the public to view the spectacular array of colours and nature of the gardens. This new venture is an extension of the successful Snowdrop Week that has taken place over recent years. This unique collection of flowers, first started by Corona North, is now amongst the largest in Ireland with over 100 named varieties. Guided tours of the highly regarded collection will be provided by head gardener, Paul Cutler, each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2pm throughout the month of February 2019.

EXPERIENCE the celebration of the year of the pig as Dublin hosts the festivity of the Chinese New Year. Established in 2008, the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival (DCNYF) year on year celebrates, promotes and deepens the understanding of the Sino-Irish relationship. The festival is one of the biggest celebrations of Chinese New Year, with a wide range of events running over two weeks across Dublin city, running from 1-17 February. From the Chinese Food Extravaganza to flower arranging to square dancing, this festival has something for all ages. Check out dublinchinesenewyear.com for tickets and information.