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About
The Portico of Ards is located in picturesque Portaferry at the tip of the Ards peninsula. Built in 1841, this beautiful church, modelled on the Greek temple of Nemesis, has unique ‘grade A listed’ architecture. It was restored and reopened in 2016 as an Arts and Heritage Centre, retaining many original features including its pews and marbled columns. The pipe organ was also refurbished, with a new Greek-inspired case and a spectacular new console. The organ loft is now accessible and showcases how the organ works. The heritage tours at Portico include the organ loft and a chance to have a play on the organ or make it play by itself!Portico’s heritage displays hold artefacts from nearby Neolithic sites and an excellent timeline detailing local history from the Ice Age to the present. Interactive options include the story of Christian music, access to a Digital Film Archive and a wealth of history on tablet computers outlining Portaferry’s fascinating history and Portico’s links with the United Irishmen. Guided tours are available at any time of year but must be pre-booked.
Seating over 300 and with stunning acoustics, Portico’s events programme is highly popular. There are concerts most weekends ranging from all kinds to music to theatre, film and comedy. In September, the Portico Comedy Arts Festival takes place with events including operetta, stand-up comedy and sketch shows. Portico attracts many high quality international artists: to check what’s on this month or buy tickets please visit porticoards.com
Portico is part of the Strangford Lough Tourism Cluster and there are frequently offers for accommodation or dinner and concert deals with The Portaferry Hotel, a five minute walk away at the edge of the lough. Portico is also easy to reach by ferry from Strangford: ferries operate every half an hour and concerts always end in time for the last ferry.
Guided tours £10 per person (discounts for groups)
Events individually priced (please see website)
Facilities
Children & Infants
- Baby changing facilities
Guide Prices
Guided tours £10 per person (discounts for groups)
Events individually priced (please see website)
Events
Friday, 10th January 2025 - Friday, 10th January 2025
Jake O'Kane: The Absent Intelligence TourDavid Hull Promotions Presents – Jake O'Kane's "The Absent Intelligence Tour"
Jake O'Kane, one of the country's most popular stand-up comics returns along with the talented Terry McHugh for his annual end of year review show.- more info
Sunday, 12th January 2025 - Sunday, 12th January 2025
Red PriestA Baroque Extravaganza
An utterly thrilling programme of baroque masterworks performed in Red Priest's inimitable, high energy style. The group – now in its 28th year – explores some of the highlights of its glittering international career at the cutting edge of baroque performance.- more info
Saturday, 18th January 2025 - Saturday, 18th January 2025
Sold Out - The Whistlin' Donkeys**This event is now sold out**
A unique fusion of Irish folk and Celtic rock that has captivated audiences around the world.
The Whistlin' Donkeys is a remarkable Irish Folk band hailing from County Tyrone which has been making waves for the past decade. From entrancing renditions of "Bees Wing"…- more info
Sunday, 19th January 2025 - Sunday, 19th January 2025
Simon Leach and Ben HollandFor your Sunday afternoon delight, a wonderful programme for organ and violin with Simon Leach and Ben Holland.
Simon Leach graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music in 1992. An RNCM travel bursary enabled him to travel to Paris to receive some coaching on the interpretation of the…- more info
Friday, 31st January 2025 - Friday, 31st January 2025
BBC Radio 3 Piano Recital: Michael McHaleMichael McHale & Friends' weekend mini-festival: the first of a trio of BBC Radio 3 concerts being recorded at Portico over one weekend.
Belfast pianist Michael McHale presents three special concerts in Portico in association with BBC Radio 3, comprising an opening solo piano concert and a pair of…- more info
Saturday, 1st February 2025 - Saturday, 1st February 2025
BBC Radio 3 Piano & Clarinet Recital With Michael McHale & Michael CollinsThe concluding concert in the trio of concerts featuring Michael McHale and friends being recorded at Portico this weekend by BBC Radio 3.
Belfast pianist Michael McHale presents three special concerts in Portico in association with BBC Radio 3, comprising an opening solo piano concert and a pair…- more info
Saturday, 1st February 2025 - Saturday, 1st February 2025
BBC Radio 3 Piano and Oboe Recital: Michael McHale and Juliana KochThe second in the trilogy of concerts by Michael McHale and friends being recorded by BBC Radio 3 over one weekend.
Belfast pianist Michael McHale presents three special concerts in Portico in association with BBC Radio 3, comprising an opening solo piano concert and a pair of duo recitals with…- more info
Friday, 7th February 2025 - Friday, 7th February 2025
Colin Murphy: Murphy Beaucoup!NI Comedy In Association With Lisa Richards Agency Presents: COLIN MURPHY 'MURPHY BEAUCOUP!'- more info
Sunday, 9th February 2025 - Sunday, 9th February 2025
The FureysLegends of Irish music & song, The Fureys are renowned for their hit songs 'I Will Love You', 'When You Were Sweet 16', 'The Green Fields of France', 'The Old Man', 'Red Rose Café', 'From Clare to Here', 'Her Father Didn't Like Me Anyway', 'Leaving Nancy', 'Steal Away' and more! Their emotive songs…- more info
Saturday, 22nd February 2025 - Saturday, 22nd February 2025
Springsteen - A TributeGet out while you can... Because tramps like us...
With a reputation of authenticity and outstanding musicality, SPRINGSTEEN - A Tribute is a breathtaking high energy show and a must see spectacle for all fans of The Boss.- more info
Sunday, 23rd February 2025 - Sunday, 23rd February 2025
Organ Recital With Richard PinelA recital from the award-winning organist Richard Pinel who delivers 'electrifying impact' and 'truly tremendous verve'!
Richard Pinel is a freelance organist and choral conductor, a Professor of Organ at the Royal Academy of Music and Director of Music at St Mary's, Bourne Street in Belgravia.…- more info
Saturday, 1st March 2025 - Saturday, 1st March 2025
SjaellaPart of the Feel Good Festival 1-31 March 2025 | A Choral Sensation - The International choral sensation, Sjaella, come to Portico (and to Ireland) for the first time. Uniform yet individual, gentle yet robust, precise yet free-flowing – this versality is what Sjaella's sound is all about.
This is…- more info
Sunday, 2nd March 2025 - Sunday, 2nd March 2025
The Calidore String QuartetPart of the Feel Good Festival 1-31 March 2025 | The Calidore String Quartet RETURNS to Portico for the first time in almost 10 years bringing an all Beethoven programme that will coincidentally be recorded by BBC Radio 3 for its prestigious Evening Concert slot.
Apart from Portico the Calidore…- more info
Friday, 7th March 2025 - Friday, 7th March 2025
Reductio Presents The Dance Mash Up EventPart of the Feel Good Festival 1-31 March 2025 | Ever wondered what Zadok The Priest would sound like as a dance music anthem? Now imagine it in our stunning heritage architecture... The programme will include modern remixes of classical music and film music, dance music spanning multiple genres…- more info
Saturday, 8th March 2025 - Saturday, 8th March 2025
THE ICONETTESPart of the Feel Good Festival 1-31 March 2025 | A fun and sassy crowd-pleasing homage to the iconic girl groups and divas of the Soul and Motown era - R.E.S.P.E.C.T.!
Brought to you by Musicon (The Björn Identity) this stunning musical reproduction of the golden era of 1960s and 70s music will…- more info
Sunday, 9th March 2025 - Sunday, 9th March 2025
Come On and SING Get Happy!Part of the Feel Good Festival 1-31 March 2025 | The ever joyful Una McCann is back to lead another wonderful afternoon of feel good singing.- more info
Sunday, 16th March 2025 - Sunday, 16th March 2025
Organ Recital With Peter StevensPart of the Feel Good Festival 01-31 March 2025 | An afternoon organ recital with Westminster Cathedral's Peter Stevens.
- more info
Saturday, 22nd March 2025 - Saturday, 22nd March 2025
The BreezePart of the Feel Good Festival 1-31 March 2025 | Get ready to experience the ultimate in new music with THE BREEZE, where music with pedigree is guaranteed!- more info
Sunday, 23rd March 2025 - Sunday, 23rd March 2025
Sound Bath JourneyPart of the Feel Good Festival 01-31 March 2025 | Be transported by this harmonious blend of choral beauty and ancient sound healing traditions.- more info
Saturday, 29th March 2025 - Saturday, 29th March 2025
Paddy McDonnell: DaggerPart of the Feel Good Festival 1-31 March 2025 | Fresh off the success of three sold-out SSE Arenas in 2023 and 2024, Paddy McDonnell is back with his brand-new show, DAGGER, hitting venues across Ireland in Spring 2025!
Please do not bring children under 14 years to this show. Young people over 14…- more info
Sunday, 30th March 2025 - Sunday, 30th March 2025
Foster and Allen: 50 Years of HitsPart of the Feel Good Festival 1-31 March 2025 | International recording artists Foster & Allen look forward to celebrating an amazing milestone of 50 years of hits! For A Night To Remember Don't Miss Foster & Allen's 50 Years Of Hits Tour 2025.- more info
Friday, 9th May 2025 - Friday, 9th May 2025
Diona Doherty: Get Your Pink Back!A new stand up show from Diona Doherty, filled with hilariously relatable anecdotes and whole lot of brutal honesty.
Just like flamingos, whose pink colour has been drained by the stresses of motherhood, Diona is on a mission to find out who the hell she is after having kids.
- more info
Friday, 16th May 2025 - Friday, 16th May 2025
Legends of the 60s ShowA brand new production for 2025!
Join a multi award-winning all-star cast of musicians and singers - Stephen, Raymond and Chris - for the musical masterpiece that is the "Legends of the 60s Show".
An entertaining musical live experience featuring over 40 iconic hit songs never to be forgotten!- more info
Friday, 30th May 2025 - Friday, 30th May 2025
The KilkennysBack by popular demand! These guys went down a storm last year - not to be missed!
A traditional Irish folk and ballad band, The Kilkennys are noted for their dynamic arrangements, energetic performances and charisma!
"The Kilkennys are a great band upholding the Irish Folk/Ballad tradition with…- more info
Saturday, 31st May 2025 - Saturday, 31st May 2025
The Henry Girls and LoreThe Henry Girls and Lore join forces to create a double whammy of gorgeous folk fabulousness!- more info
Friday, 17th October 2025 - Friday, 17th October 2025
Paddy Raff: Here's One For Ya!Here's One For Ya!' is a show not to be missed!
Paddy Raff is hitting the road again in 2025 following the success of his last show, the biggest selling NI stand-up comedy tour of 2024 seen by a whopping 15,000+ people!- more info
