ISSUE #003 · 19–25 OCTOBER 2026
A murder mystery, spooky dogs and a night of dancing.
Last weekend I took my own advice and headed to Ballycastle for the street photography workshop we featured. I learnt about “fishing” for a photograph, finding a good spot, being patient and waiting for the right moment rather than chasing it. The next day I tried it at Portstewart, waiting for the waves and the light to line up. This was my catch.
Waiting for the wave, Portstewart.
Did you try something from last week’s issue? Hit reply and tell me how you got on.
Your feedback is already shaping OTDC. You asked for dog-friendly picks, so we’re now tagging them, but only where organisers confirm dogs are welcome. And a reader in Derry made a fair point, too many of our picks were a long way from Derry. So we’ve widened our search across the North West.
Three issues in, there are already over 2,000 of us. Thanks for being part of it.
This week: a murder mystery at Armagh Planetarium, a spooky dog walk around Derry’s Walls, ghostly archery in Fermanagh and a chance to give set dancing a go.
There’s also one quick question at the bottom. Your answer will help shape what we look into next.
We went through 82 events happening across Northern Ireland. Five made the cut, plus one to try anytime.
Here’s what’s worth your time.
THIS WEEK
A MURDER MYSTERY AT THE PLANETARIUM
MYSTERY · EVENING OUT · GROUP PICK
Solving a murder mystery in a hotel function room is one thing; solving one at Armagh Planetarium is another. Diamond Eye is a James Bond-style mystery set in a luxury casino, involving an MI6 agent, a diamond that can repair the ozone layer and a kidnapping. Bring a few mates and book ahead.
THE DETAILS
Fri 23 Oct · 6pm or 8.30pm
Armagh Planetarium · Co. Armagh
£37.50pp · light refreshments included · booking required
TRY IRISH SET DANCING
JOIN IN · GOOD SOLO · BEGINNER-FRIENDLY
Never tried Irish set dancing? You don’t need to know the steps, the group teaches as it goes, and you can turn up on your own. It’s the kind of social night OTDC loves finding, where you get to join in rather than just watch.
THE DETAILS
Wed 21 Oct · from 8pm
Upstairs at Madden’s, 74 Berry Street · Belfast city centre
£2 suggested donation · walk-in
TAKE YOUR DOG ON A SPOOKY WALK
DOG FRIENDLY · HALLOWEEN · COMMUNITY
Your dog gets a Halloween night out too. Rainbow Rehoming Centre’s Spooky Paws on the Walls is a costumed walk around Derry’s historic walls, with prizes for the spookiest dog, the funniest dog and the most creative costume. Every dog and human who registers also gets a Halloween treat.
THE DETAILS
Thu 22 Oct · registration from 7pm · walk starts 7.30pm
Meet at Guildhall Square, Derry
£5 per dog · pay on the night
TAKE AIM AT GHOSTLY ARCHERY
HALLOWEEN · HANDS-ON · FAMILY
Draw your own spooky face on an orange balloon, then take aim at it. Share Discovery Village's one-hour Halloween session starts with practice rounds, moves on to themed targets and finishes with a pumpkin balloon challenge. Equipment and instruction are included.
THE DETAILS
Fri 23–Sun 25 Oct · selected sessions · 1 hour
Share Discovery Village · Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh
£10 per person · ages 6+ · booking required
Arrive 10–15 minutes early
EXPLORE BOOK WEEK NI
FREE · BOOKS & WORDS · NI-WIDE
For one week, libraries across Northern Ireland are hosting free author talks, conversations and activities. It’s an easy weeknight plan: pick a writer who interests you and spend an hour hearing their stories in person.
Four that caught our eye:
Belfast: Leanne McCormick and Elaine Farrell discuss Bad Bridget, their research into Irish emigrant women · Mon 6.30pm, Central Library
Omagh: Martina Devlin on Glorious Monsters, hosted by Brian McGilloway · Tue 6.30pm, Omagh Library
Carrickfergus: crime writer James Murphy discusses the stories behind his books · Wed 6.30pm, Carrickfergus Library
Derry: Jeananne Craig discusses her debut novel The Life Swap · Wed 6.30pm, Waterside Library
Also in Belfast: Aisling authors Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen discuss their new novel Our Deadly Summer at Central Library · Sat 2pm. Their first Belfast appearance together.
THE DETAILS
Mon 19–Sun 25 Oct · times vary
Libraries across Northern Ireland
Free · check individual events for booking requirements
ANYTIME — SAVE THIS ONE
TASTE CHEESE IN THE SPERRINS
FOOD DISCOVERY · BEHIND THE SCENES · GOOD TO SAVE
Six cheeses made from cow's and goat's milk, served with house-made chutneys and drizzles, right where they're produced. At Dart Mountain near Claudy, Kevin and Julie Hickey take you behind the scenes of their artisan cheesemaking before you sit down to taste the results. It's a tasting, not a make-your-own class, and a good reason to head for the Sperrins on a day that suits.
THE DETAILS
Tue–Fri 11am & 2pm · Sat–Sun noon · 2 hours
Dart Mountain Cheese, 26 Tamnagh Road, Park · near Claudy, Co. Derry
£30 per adult · advance booking required
WHAT USUALLY GETS IN THE WAY?
Know someone who'd enjoy one of these? Forward them OFF THE DRINK CLUB. It might give them a better plan for the week.
BREAK THE DEFAULT.
OFF THE DRINK CLUB is a free weekly guide to finding better things to do across Northern Ireland.
No endless listings. Just the things we think are actually worth knowing about.