The Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns (1759 – 1796) is celebrated worldwide each year around the anniversary of his birth, 25th January. Burns Night Supper celebrations feature the traditional Scottish dish, Haggis, about which Burns wrote his much loved poem ‘Address to a Haggis’, along with Scottish favourites Neeps (turnips) and Tatties (potatoes). No better place to celebrate than Belfast’s oldest pub McHughs!
Sample some of this traditional cuisine, along with a performance of Burns’ poetry, at the Linen Hall Library Burns Supper – a great opportunity to find out what the Burns celebrations are all about. Christopher Tait will perform as Robert Burns, giving the evening an authentic flavour.
The Linen Hall Library has a special connection with Robert Burns. The Belfast Newsletter was the first newspaper in the British Isles to publish excerpts of Burns’ poetry, and the library has original copies of these early newspaper editions which will be on display as part of their Burns Exhibition, Burns – The Belfast Connection. The third edition of the first book of Burns’ poetry (Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect), published in Belfast in 1787, along with a facsimile reprint of the Kilmarnock edition, which was the very first edition of his work, will also be included in the exhibition.
The granddaughter of Robert Burns, Eliza Burns Everitt, came to live in Belfast and passed on her collection of Burns’ memorabilia, also known as “Burnsania”, to her daughter who donated it to the Linen Hall Library. This, combined with the collection of items the library purchased through public subscription in 1901, means that the Linen Hall Library has one of the largest collections of Burns memorabilia outside of Scotland.
If you prefer a musical, rather than a Haggis, accompaniment to Burns’ verse, the popular Burns Night with the Ulster Orchestra might be just the ticket. The work of the Scottish bard will be brought to life in a memorable evening of toe-tapping tunes.
Burns Night Events and Suppers
Burns: The Belfast Connection
12 – 30 January
Linen Hall Library
The exhibition will include the 1787 Belfast edition of Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect and the facsimile reprint of the Kilmarnock edition, as well as early examples of Burns’ work published in the Belfast Newsletter.
Linen Hall Library Burns Night Supper
21 January, 6pm, £15
Linen Hall Library
Christopher Tait has been impersonating the great Bard himself at venues throughout the world. Price includes light supper, dram of whisky and top entertainment.
Burns Night with the Ulster Orchestra
24 January, 7.45pm, £13.50 – £29
Belfast Waterfront
In partnership with the Ulster-Scots Agency, this annual Burns Night celebration will showcase rousing pageantry and compelling performances. A host of toe-tapping traditional tunes.
Burns Night at The Cloth Ear
25 January, 7pm, £30 per person
Cloth Ear
Enjoy a traditional 3 course Burns Night supper including, a piper, the addressing of the haggis and a dram of whiskey.
Burns Supper at The Cuan
24 January 7pm
The Cuan
Join The Cuan’s celebration of the Scottish Legend Robbie Burns with guests Nadia and Paul Finlayson from Edinburgh leading the traditional pomp and ceremony associated with a Burns Supper. Enjoy a four-course meal featuring haggis, turnips and ‘tatties’ (alternative menu choices will be available).
Burns and Benandonner Weekend
24 & 25 January, 11am – 4pm
Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre
Normal Admission Members Free
Celebrate Burns night with a Hairy Haggis Trail in the Visitor Centre. Listen to the piper and enjoy Scottish specials in the Causeway Hotel and Café.
Culloden Burns Night Supper Package
24 January
Culloden Hotel
Guests will be piped into the Mitre Restaurant for a sumptuous four course burns night supper, with traditional Burns Night fare of haggis, neeps and tatties, followed by Scottish music and recitals of Burns poetry. Rates from £170.00 per room (single), £230.00 per room (double) or enjoy dinner only, £45.00 per person. To book, telephone 028 9042 1066
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