The PORTICO of Ards

At Portico we are undergoing a bit of a spring refresh, particularly doing a digital deep clean of how we sell tickets for our fabulous upcoming events. 

Previous purchasers will know that we have been using Eventbrite to promote and distribute our tickets but we are now moving to a new platform, to us, Ticketsolve. 

Amongst many great benefits to you our event-goers, Ticketsolve offers significantly improved customer service. 

Although Tickets can still be purchased for our existing shows on Eventbrite while we make the switch across platforms, we would strongly recommend purchasing tickets directly through our website which will always be bang up to date and is ideal for browsing and booking events giving all the right information at your fingertips. 

Inevitably, as we make the transition there will be a few gremlins (we are working on squashing these as we go!) – however, we greatly appreciate your patience as we implement these changes to improve your customer journey. 

As always, we can't wait to welcome you to Portico throughout 2026 and beyond. 

We are delighted to share that Emer Maguire will be returning to the Portico of Ards on Sunday 25th Oct. 

With Emer’s brand new stand up tour show PERFECTLY CHAOTIC selling out Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, more tour dates have just been added due to incredible demand!

Known for her powerful storytelling, lightning-fast wit, and hilariously irreverent musical interludes, Emer has cemented herself as one of Ireland’s most exciting comedic voices. She has sold out landmark venues including the Ulster Hall, Mandela Hall, and The MAC Belfast to rave reviews and roaring audiences. Recently named one of the top 10 new comic talents in the UK by Channel 4, Emer’s star continues to ascend sharply. She has also recently been commissioned by Channel 4 to write and star in sitcom Socially Awkward - a hilarious, heartfelt sitcom about her life as an autistic adult.

Perfectly Chaotic sees Emer dive into the beautiful mess of modern life — from questionable decisions to personal revelations, from daily disasters to the unexpected moments that shape us. Delivered with Emer’s trademark honesty, musical brilliance, and no-holds-barred humour, this show promises belly laughs, emotional whiplash, and more than a few moments of “I probably shouldn’t relate to this… but I absolutely do.”

A heartfelt, laugh-out-loud rollercoaster you won’t want to miss.

Get your tickets now.

This March, the Portico of Ards in Portaferry comes alive as the Feel Good Festival (1-31) returns, transforming the historic venue into a vibrant celebration of music, arts, and the senses. Against the beautiful coastal backdrop, audiences are invited to embrace the spring season with experiences that are intimate, joyful, and inspiring.

Highlighting this year’s festival are luminous performances that will take you on a musical journey that captures the magic of renewal, all carefully curated to create emotional resonance and connection. The festival opens on 1 March with the much-loved The Fureys in their farewell concert, already sold out, setting the tone for a month of unforgettable performances. A second concert from The Fureys has been added on 25th March.  Comedy fans will be delighted by Emer Maguire on 6 March and Terry McHugh on 13 March, while classical enthusiasts can revel in the soaring harmonies of The Gesualdo Six on 7 March and the cinematic elegance of the Piatti Quartet performing music from the movies on 15 March. Folk lovers will be enchanted by The Henry Girls and Lore on 14 March, and audiences can immerse themselves in the Spring Equinox Sound Spa with Tessa Ann on 22 March, dance the night away 80s style with Spring Break on 28 March, hear the enduring classics of Peter Corry: One Singer Some Songs on 21 March or attend his workshop Find Your Voice and Use it with Confidence that afternoon, and experience the vocal artistry of Niamh O’Sullivan and Gary Beecher on 29 March.

The Portico of Ards itself becomes part of the performance, its historic architecture and breathtaking coastal setting enhancing every note, every laugh, and every shared moment. Each event is designed with curation and intimacy in mind, offering audiences the rare opportunity to encounter artists up close in a space where the surroundings amplify the experience.

Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the festival celebrates artistic excellence and range, presenting Irish and international talent across multiple genres.

Feel Good Festival Director, Neil McClure, said:
“The Feel Good Festival at The Portico of Ards is about more than music - it is about joy, connection, and renewal. This March our carefully curated diverse programme of performances will invite audiences to engage deeply with sound, space, and each other, leaving everyone refreshed and inspired. With a huge thanks to Ards and North Down Borough Council and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for their support.”

For tickets and further information visit www.porticoards.com. Follow Feel Good Festival via Portico of Ards on Instagram and Facebook @porticoportaferry and join the conversation with #FeelGoodFestival2026.