Burns Night in Libraries
Join us in libraries across Northern Ireland this Burns Night as we celebrate the life and work of Robert Burns. From poetry recitals, music and Scottish dancing to themed craft activities, libraries will be hosting a range of free events marking this much-loved cultural tradition. Everyone is welcome — whether you’re a Burns enthusiast or simply curious to find out more check out the list of free events below.
Events
| Event Name | Event Details | Start Date and Time | End Date and Time | Library | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burns Night Exhibition |
Library staff shall create an exhibition to celebrate the life, work and legacy of Robbie Burns using resources and collections from our local history department.
Available during library opening hours. |
15/01/2026 9:30am | 31/01/2026 3:00pm | Derry Central Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| A Taste of the Highlands Coffee Morning |
To celebrate Burns Night, we are embracing Scottish sweets, treats and beverages. Why not join us. |
20/01/2026 10:00am | 20/01/2026 11:30am | Greystone Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns - Scottish Inspired Quiz |
Join us at Rathcoole Library as we celebrate Burns Night with a special quiz. |
20/01/2026 11:00am | 20/01/2026 12 noon | Rathcoole Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns Night Poetry Recital |
A celebration of the vernacular Scots language in the words of Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet.
Booking not required. |
20/01/2026 6:00pm | 20/01/2026 7:00pm | Newcastle Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns Night Celebration |
Celebrate Burns Night by watching a demonstration of Scottish Country Dancing and then have a go yourself. You don't need a partner - 'someone will always want to dance'
Booking essential. t: 028 9266 9345 |
20/01/2026 6:15pm | 20/01/2026 7:45pm | Lisburn City Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns Night |
Join us for an evening of Poetry and the skurl of the pipes, with a small bite of haggis. |
20/01/2026 6:30pm | 20/01/2026 7:30pm | Banbridge Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns Night |
Join us for an evening of celebration for Burns Night, with storytelling, poetry, music and Scottish dancing. Light refreshment is available.
All ages welcome. Booking essential. t: 028 8244 0733 |
21/01/2026 6:00pm | 21/01/2026 7:30pm | Omagh Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burn's Night - Loch Ness Monster and Friends Themed Storytime and Design Your Own Kilt Craft |
Coleraine Library invites children aged 4 - 8 years to come along and help us get ready to celebrate Burn's Night with our fun themed 'Loch Ness Monster and Friends' Storytime, read by our friendly Library Staff.
Then enjoy our 'Design Your Own Kilt' craft afterwards, using our selection of craft resources available from 3:30pm - 4:30pm. |
22/01/2026 3:30pm | 22/01/2026 4:30pm | Coleraine Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns Night |
Join us for an evening of celebration for Burns Night, with a talk from local author David Hume, Scottish dancing and light refreshment. All ages welcome.
Booking not required. |
22/01/2026 7:00pm | 22/01/2026 8:30pm | Bangor Carnegie Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns Night 'Blether with Burns' Conversation Event |
Portstewart Library invites you to come along and join us in our 'Burns Night' celebration, as we host a morning event steeped with poetry, shared memories and conversation to celebrate our local words, sayings and turns of phrase. With a 'drop of tea' on offer and plenty of blether, we look forward to welcoming you along for all the fun.
Everyone Welcome from 11:00am - 12 noon. Booking not required. |
23/01/2026 11:00am | 23/01/2026 12 noon | Portstewart Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Celebration of the works of Robert Burns |
Join us for a celebration of Robert Burns poetry- readings and refreshments.
Booking not required. |
23/01/2026 11:00am | 23/01/2026 12 noon | Holywood Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns Night Scots Poetry Evening |
Come along to celebrate the life and Poetry of Bonnie boy Rabbie Burns and other Scots readings.
Booking not required. |
23/01/2026 4:30pm | 23/01/2026 5:00pm | Woodstock Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Create-A-Bonnie-Tartan: A Wee Burns Night Kids’ Craft |
Celebrate Burns Night with a splash of Scottish colour! Join us for a fun, hands-on craft session where children can design and create their very own “bonnie” tartan patterns using simple art materials.
For children aged 4-11 years, children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking not required. |
24/01/2026 10:00am | 24/01/2026 1:00pm | Greenisland Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns Night Scavenger Hunt |
To celebrate Burns Night Cookstown library invites you to take part in our Burns Night Scavenger Hunt to search for clues hidden among the books!
Available during library opening hours. Booking not required. |
24/01/2026 10:00am | 24/01/2026 4:00pm | Cookstown Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Rabbies Rhymes - Robert Burns for wee folk Poetry and Craft |
A reading of Robert Burns poetry for children and Kilt Collage Craft! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
|
24/01/2026 10:30am | 24/01/2026 11:15am | Cregagh Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Highland Coo Mask Making Extravaganza |
Join us at Carrickfergus Library for a fun-filled early Burns Night celebration! Get creative as we make our very own Highland Coo masks, inspired by Scotland’s most lovable, shaggy-haired cows— perfect for crafty kids and families alike!
For children aged 4-8 years accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. t: 028 9336 2261 |
24/01/2026 11:00am | 24/01/2026 12 noon | Carrickfergus Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burn's Night - 'Draw the Loch Ness Monster' Craft |
Kilrea Library invites children aged 4-8 years to come along and get into the Burn's Night spirit with our fun filled 'Draw the Loch Ness Monster' craft. Join our friendly library staff, as they demonstrate how you can draw your very own 'Nessie' monster. Then using our selection of craft resources available, be sure to add a splash of monster colour to your design.
From 11:00am - 11:45am |
24/01/2026 11:00am | 24/01/2026 11:45am | Kilrea Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burn's Night 'Fun Time Scottie Dog Story and Colouring Game' |
Portrush Library invites children aged 4 - 9 years to come along and help us to get ready to celebrate Burn's Night with our fun themed 'Hairy Maclary' Storytime, read by our friendly Library Staff. Then have lots of fun with our 'Roll and Colour Scottie Dog' game afterwards. Who will be the first to finish?
From 12:30pm - 1:15pm. Booking not required. |
24/01/2026 12:30pm | 24/01/2026 1:15pm | Portrush Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burn's Night - Mystical Storytime and Design Your Own Tartan Colouring Craft |
Limavady Library invites children aged 4 - 8 years to come along and help us get ready to celebrate Burn's Night with our fun themed Mystical Storytime, read by our friendly Library Staff. Then enjoy our 'Design Your Own Tartan' colouring craft afterwards, using our selection of craft resources.
Our you ready for an afternoon of tales and designing your clan's own tartan? From 1:00pm - 2:00pm. Booking not required. Children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. |
24/01/2026 1:00pm | 24/01/2026 2:00pm | Limavady Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Wee Sleekit Beasties: Dog Brooch Workshop |
Celebrate Burns Night with this creative craft session! Children can design their own Scottie or Westie dog brooch using simple materials and lots of imagination. A fun, hands-on activity perfect for young artists who enjoy animals and Scottish charm. Children aged 8 - 11 years; children aged 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking essential. t: 028 9335 3249 |
24/01/2026 2:30pm | 24/01/2026 3:30pm | Whitehead Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns Night - 'Thistle Watercolour' Session |
Och aye! To celebrate this Burns Night, Garvagh Library invites adults to our 'Thistle Watercolour' session. Guided by our lovely library staff, use our watercolours to create your very own thistle painting.
Booking Advisable from 3:00pm – 4:00pm. |
24/01/2026 3:00pm | 24/01/2026 4:00pm | Garvagh Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns Night |
Come and see our book display and examples of Scotland's very own Robbie Burns. Read some of his famous poems.
Booking not required. |
26/01/2026 10:00am | 26/01/2026 5:30pm | Portadown Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Robbie Burns Poetry and Pancakes |
Come along to our special Poetry and Pancakes event to celebrate Scotland's most famous poet Robbie Burns.
|
26/01/2026 11:30am | 26/01/2026 12:30pm | Newry City Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Celebration of the works of Robert Burns |
Join us for an afternoon of Burns poetry reading.
Booking not required. |
26/01/2026 3:00pm | 26/01/2026 3:30pm | Donaghadee Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns Night |
Join us for a reading of Robert Burns’ ‘To a Mouse’, followed by a craft where we will make and decorate our own wooden spoon mice. Suitable for ages 6 and over.
Booking not required. |
26/01/2026 3:00pm | 26/01/2026 4:00pm | Whiterock Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns Celebration at the Library |
Join us for a Rabbie Burns celebration with poems, mindful colouring, a quiz and a fun Scots word challenge.
Booking not required. |
26/01/2026 4:00pm | 26/01/2026 7:30pm | Portaferry Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns Night Celebration |
Join us to celebrate Robert Burns with tea, coffee, colouring and of course poetry for young and old.
|
26/01/2026 4:30pm | 26/01/2026 7:30pm | Suffolk Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns Night |
Enjoy a taste of Scotland with a Robbie Burns poetry recital and other delights. Booking advised. |
26/01/2026 6:30pm | 26/01/2026 7:30pm | Newtownards Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns and Roll: A Rockin’ Scottish Night |
We’re turning up the amps to celebrate Scotland’s Bard in true rock ’n’ roll style! Join us for an unforgettable night as we toast Rabbie Burns with classic hits from legendary Scottish bands — think Simple Minds, Primal Scream, Big Country, Texas, and more. Expect poetry, passion, and plenty of plaid as we blend tradition with electric energy. Kilts optional, good vibes essential!
Booking not required. |
26/01/2026 6:30pm | 26/01/2026 7:30pm | Carrickfergus Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Burns Night Celebration |
Join us for a warm and lively Burns Night celebration featuring traditional music and light refreshments. Enjoy an evening of Scottish culture, good company, and a relaxed atmosphere. Suitable for adults and open to all.
Booking not required. |
27/01/2026 7:00pm | 27/01/2026 8:00pm | Carnlough Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| The Life of Burns |
Join us to celebrate the life of Burns through music and an informative talk by Brian Cassidy (president of the Belfast Burns Association).
|
28/01/2026 6:30pm | 28/01/2026 7:30pm | Killyleagh Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| McGongall's Poetry Reading- Back Due to Absolutely No Demand |
Celebrate Burns Night with a quirky twist as welcome you to join us for a poetry reading exploring the work of William McCongall and all things Scottish.
Booking essential. t: 028 9083 3797 |
29/01/2026 6:30pm | 29/01/2026 7:30pm | Glengormley Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |