OutdoorNI.com Award Winners

Posted on January 6, 2012 @ 3:28 PM in

The inaugural OutdoorNI.com Awards in association with Surf Mountain saw 1460 votes cast by the public on OutdoorNI.com’s Facebook Page. 

The nominees battled it out throughout November and December to win the coveted titles.

We are now pleased to announce that the wait is finally over and without further ado we give you the 2011OutdoorNI.com Award winners.

Drum roll please…

Best Family Activity Provider – Awarded to the activity provider offering the best family experience

Alive Surf School

When asked about the secrets behind the success of Alive Surf School, founder Ricky Martin explained, “Our emphasis has always been on teaching through fun. We are passionate people, about surfing and about the North Coast which is finally being recognised as one of the top surfing coastlines in the world.”

Northern Ireland’s longest running surf school provides lessons throughout the year for all ages from 5 years old, hence it truly caters for all the family.

Best Newcomer – Awarded to the best activity provider added to OutdoorNI.com during 2011

Belfast City Bike Tours

This innovative Belfast based tour company has been growing from strength to strength since their launch last summer.  After speaking to founder Jerome O’Loughlin, it is not hard to see how they managed to take the crown.  “Belfast is an incredible city, steeped in culture with a story to tell on virtually every corner. We love being able to share these stories and our tours seem to be going down well which is great. On our low rider style ‘Californian Cruiser’ bikes we can explore parts of the city which are inaccessible on regular bus and taxi tours which hopefully make the Belfast visitor experience a much more memorable one.” 

To find out more about Belfast City Bike Tours check out our blog to find out how the OutdoorNI.com team got on during a recent visit.

Adventure Icon – Awarded to the individual or team from Northern Ireland who achieved something amazing in Northern Ireland’s outdoors

Elaine ‘Shooter’ Alexander 

Elaine Alexander affectionately known as Shooter, who last year successfully circumnavigated Ireland by Kayak in a fundraising challenge for the Share Holiday Village  in Lisnaskea, won over forty percent of all votes in this much coveted category.  Miss Alexander proved she is more than deserving of her NI Adventure Icon status as she described the challenge she undertook, “I knew it was going to be tough but didn’t appreciate how much the trip would take out of me. I shed over a stone and lost count of the number of blisters on my hands during the period I was on the water but it was all worth it for the incredible coastlines and fantastic people I met along the way”

Visit our blog to learn more about Elaine’s epic adventure.

Best New Outdoor Activity Venue / Product – Awarded to the best outdoor activity venue / product opened in 2011

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre 

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre was awarded ‘Best New Outdoor Activity Venue’ for their purpose-built mountain bike skills track in County Down. Launched in the summer of 2011 the 1.5km trail has been specifically designed to enable bikers to develop their personal skills and experience. Upon receiving the award Centre Manager, Trevor Fisher explained, “We are delighted to have won the award and would like to say a 'big thank you' to everyone who voted for us. We look forward to welcoming everyone here in 2012 to try out our mountain bike skills course.” 

Check out our Blog to find out how OutdoorNI.com got on during a recent visit to the skills course. 

Best Thrillseeking Provider – Awarded to the activity provider offering the best thrill seeking experience

The Jungle NI 

The Jungle NI, based in Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry clinched the ‘Best Thrillseeking Provider’ award.  Whether it’s hurtling down a hill at high speeds in a zorbing ball, dodging the bullets on a paintballing session or tackling Ireland’s only Tree Top Adventure Course the Jungle has plenty to offer when it comes to thrill seeking adventure.  Sarah-Louise Carmichael, from the Jungle NI commented, “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised by the public as the best thrillseeking provider. We were up against some fantastic activity providers who are all doing great things across Northern Ireland so to come out on top is amazing”.

Visit our blog to find out how OutdoorNI.com got on when they experienced one of the Jungle NI’s many thrill seeking activities or check out some of the many activity ideas on offer at the centre that are guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping.

Best Adventure Website / Publication – Awarded to the best Northern Irish Outdoor Adventure Website / Publication

NI Wild 

A forum dedicated to bringing anyone with an interest in outdoor activities in Northern Ireland together, NI Wild won the ‘Best Adventure Website/Publication’ award.  A truly interactive site, family friendly and free to join there are always plenty of chats and debates happening on all aspects of outdoor life in Northern Ireland.  A spokesperson from NI Wild explained, “We want everyone to have a good time and encourage people to use NI-Wild to meet new people and get into the outdoors for some fun.  Being a site that is reliant on public interaction we were thrilled to be voted by the public as the best adventure website”.

Best Outdoor Event – Awarded to the best mass participant challenge event in Northern Ireland’s outdoors in 2011

Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive

In its first year the Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive took the coveted prize for ‘Best Outdoor Event in Northern Ireland’ and is fast becoming the most talked about sportive on the Irish cycling calendar.  Beverly Pierson from the Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive commented “We had a fantastic event in our first year with over 600 cyclists taking part. We wanted the route to really push cyclists whether they were attempting their first cycle on the 57km route or taking on the 182km Giant Killer option. We are delighted to have won the award and would like to thank everyone who voted, we’re looking forward to welcoming you over the finish line in 2012!”

For more information and to sign up for the 2012 event visit the Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive website.  

 

Nick Stevenson, founder of Surf Mountain extended his congratulations to the award winners stating, “We at Surf Mountain have always prided ourselves on being from Northern Ireland. All our staff are outdoor enthusiasts and so we were delighted to have the opportunity to support fellow adventurers, local events and progressive outdoor providers. All the category winners and indeed nominees should be incredibly proud of their achievements this year.”

OutdoorNI.com would like to extend a massive congratulations to everyone who won and a big thank you to all those who took the time to vote.  We are looking forward to an even bigger and better OutdoorNI.com Awards in 2012. Who knows, we may even have a red carpet…

 

48 Hours in... The Sperrins

Posted on December 5, 2011 @ 2:40 PM in

The Sperrins stretch along the border of counties Tyrone and Derry and can best be described as wild, untouched and beautiful. Spanning 40 miles, the Sperrins mountain range is the largest in Ireland and walkers can expect undulating hills covered in heather, quiet valleys and boggy uplands literally teeming with wildlife.

This 48 hour itinerary showcases great walking, fantastic food and incredible scenery - everything that makes the Sperrin Mountains so special. Click here for a Full List of Walks in The Sperrins.

Friday Night: Head into the village of Draperstown and sample the sumptuous menu at The Apparo. This cosy boutique Hotel and Restaurant offers an exclusive dining experience using high quality, fresh local produce without breaking the bank.  

Saturday: Robber's Table - Kick off with an excellent 9 mile circular walk opening up views of the Bluestack and High Sperrin Mountain ranges with a landscape criss-crossed with hedgerows and miles of old stone walls. Many tales are told of highwaymen who rode the post roads across the Sperrins and divided their spoils on the ridge of ‘Robber’s Table’. Full walk details here - www.walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=116

Go Green: The Deli on the Green in Moygashel serves the freshest foods, sourced from a selection of local artisan producers. There is always a welcoming atmosphere here and you can get breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as an Early Bird special.

Splash Out: The Carleton Restaurant at the Corick House Hotel epitomises elegant dining. There is a fantastic interior superbly decorated with sparkling chandeliers and guests are served the finest of local produced cuisine from an award winning Head Chef.

Sunday: Banagher Glen - Located in the north Sperrins, this is one of the largest and least disturbed stretches of old semi-natural woodland in Northern Ireland. Twisted oaks cling precariously to the steep cliffs above the Glenedra and Altnaheglish rivers and there is a very pleasant 2 mile walk on surfaced paths offering stunning views of this wonderful region. Legend tells that one of the pools in Banagher Glen is home to the last snake in Ireland. St Patrick was unable to drive this giant serpent out of the country so instead trapped it forever at this site. Full walk details here - www.walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=169

Accommodation: Click here for details of some walker-friendly accommodation options in the Sperrin Mountains or contact Omagh Tourist Information Centre on 028 8224 7831.

Maps: Sperrins Activity Map from the Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland or purchase on the OSNI Website. 

Mountain Biking in the Moonlight

Posted on December 1, 2011 @ 9:43 AM in

Who says the day has to end when the sun goes down? It may be dark outside by 5 p.m. but that doesn’t mean you can’t get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Clearsky Adventure Centre is currently running mountain biking sessions in the dark as part of their Nightriderseries.

The Hoff may not have made an appearance but this didn’t stop the inaugural Nightrider from being a great success!  Guided by the moon and the stars (as well as a few of the latest in technology ultra bright bike lights) enthusiastic mountain bikers of all abilities met at Clearsky HQ in Castle Ward. The centre is situated at the head of the newly opened Mountain Bike Trails which provided the perfect setting for this off road moonlit experience.

OutdoorNI.com caught up with Craig from Belfast to find out how he got on at Clearsky Adventure Centre’s brand new event.

A keen road cyclist, Craig had not been on a mountain bike in seven years.  Previously sticking to bashing out the miles along tarmac roads he decided it was now time for a change.  Intrigued by Nightrider he gathered a few mates together and headed down to Castle Ward.

“I’ve been to Castle Ward before but never with a bike so it was good to try something different” explained Craig. 

You do not have to be an avid mountain biker to take part; in fact you don’t even have to own a mountain bike!  Included in the price of the session Craig was able to rent a top quality VITUS mountain bike from Clearsky’s extensive store.  Proving that this event is for all skill levels he explained “The group was made up of all different abilities but it didn’t matter.  We were taken round the trails so we knew what to expect and then we were given our own freedom to get stuck in.”

Asked how it compared to biking in the daylight Craig responded “Obviously it’s very different in terms of what you can see.  It definitely increases the difficulty of the trails but the challenge was great.”

And the best bit? “The whole thing! The event was very well organised, the bike and equipment were top quality and the people were great craic. My only complaint is that I wish it had lasted longer!”

Craig was keen to recommend the event to others stating that “it doesn’t matter what skill you have because everyone is able to go at their own pace.  I am more used to road cycling however I didn’t have trouble picking it up.  After about 5 minutes to get used to the different bike I was good to go!”

Having experienced the dark depths of the forest trails by bike Craig is already looking forward to the next Nightrider. 

So whether you’re a mountain biking junkie or simply someone wanting to try something completely different this unique activity is sure to fit the bill.  Mountain biking under the moonlight - it’s hard to think of a better way to spend a weekday evening!

OutdoorNI.com Gift Vouchers are now available.  Treat a friend or loved one with an experience they’ll never forget!

Nightrider vouchers are available for her, for him and for couples – a truly unique present!

 

Activity provider:

Clearsky Adventure Centre.

Castle Ward Estate,

Old Farmyard,

Strangford,

Downpatrick,

BT30 7LT

http://www.clearsky-adventure.com/

fun@clearsky-adventure.com

+44(0)28 4372 3933

 

Cost:

£25 - includes mountain bike and light rental as well as entry into the Castle Ward Estate.

£12.50 - includes the hire of bike lights and entry into the Castle Ward Estate.

Normal booking conditions apply.  Subject to availability.

 

 

Christmas Gift Ideas for Couples

Posted on November 23, 2011 @ 2:25 PM in

It’s that time of year when we start stressing about what to give our loved ones for Christmas. If you’ve exhausted the chocolate and jewellery options, bought every accessory imaginable for their favorite hobby and don’t have a clue what to get your extended family then OutdoorNI.com can help.

With OutdoorNI Gift Vouchers you can now buy unique and thrilling Christmas presents for your loved ones all from the comfort of your own home.

With over 25 couples gift vouchers to choose from it won’t be long before you’re crossing off the names from the Christmas present list. Give your son-in-law a chance to have a laugh with his better half or buy a voucher for your brother and sister-in-law so they can enjoy some quality time together.

They say the joy of the gift is in the giving not the receiving, but who says you can’t appreciate both?! Buy a couples voucher for your husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend and enjoy the experience with them – it’s a win win situation!

To make finding the perfect present even easier we have put together some of our favourites:  

Couples’ Whirlpool Special Sea Safari Voyage

Clearsky Adventure Centre, Strangford, Co. Down

See Strangford Lough like never before.  Hold on to each other as the 12 seater RIB zooms over the lough visiting a whole host of stunning sites including seals, whirlpools, Audleys Castle and more!

Belfast City Bike Tour for Two

Belfast City Bike Tours, Belfast, Co. Antrim

Peddle round the city together on comfy California cruiser bikes.  Local guides will take you to places you never even knew existed and show you the sites on this fun and informative tour taking in over 20 points of interest.

Couples Thrill Seeking Experience  

Todds Leap, Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone

Find out who really is the better driver as you take it in turns behind the wheel on an off road driving experience.  The adrenaline pumping action doesn’t stop there however as the experience also includes a zoom down a 500m Zip line and a heart racing white knuckle hill rally ride.

Cosy Couples Stand Up Paddle Board Experience

SurfSUPNI, Portballintrae, Co. Antrim

Enjoy a romantic side by side paddle – if you can keep your balance that is! This Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) session is aimed at beginners and provides the perfect opportunity to try something completely different. 

Swing n Roll

The Jungle NI, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry

Definitely a gift with a difference! Scale new heights together as you take part in Northern Ireland’s only tree top adventure course.  After coming back to the ground on the exhilarating 200m zip line you’ll then blast down the hill together in a giant zorbing ball.

Half Days Sailing on the Antrim Coast

Causeway Coast Sailing, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim

Sail away together on the beautiful Antrim coast.  With your very own skipper on board you can choose to learn the basics of sailing or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

Roll n Soak

The Jungle NI, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry

The perfect mix of adrenaline pumping action and relaxation. Get strapped into a zorbing ball together and hurtle down the 300m hill at high speeds. After this it will be time to relax and enjoy each others company in the hot tub.

Coasteering for Two

Coasteering NI, Ballintoy, Co. Antrim

An exhilarating combined rock and water activity sure to get your hearts racing.  Encourage each other to take a leap of faith as you jump of cliffs and splash round the stunning coastline together.

Strangford Sea Kayaking for couples

Mobile Team Adventure, Strangford Lough, Co. Down

Enjoy a romantic date with a difference.  Your guide will take you round the stunning Strangford Lough as you and your partner paddle in your very own kayak stopping off at a remote island for a bite to eat.

Segway NI

Segway NI, Co Armagh

A distinctly unique outdoor adventure!  This hour long tour is a fantastic way to get out in the great outdoors and spend some quality time together.  From the moment you step on the Segway you’re sure to have a smile on your face.

Mountain Bike Skills

Far and Wild, Derry City, Co. Londonderry

This session is a great opportunity for any couple wanting to learn some off-road skills and develop their confidence to go moutainbiking together.  Beautiful locations and great routes are guaranteed!

BBC Countryfile Showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail

Posted on November 21, 2011 @ 5:57 PM in

The soon to be launched North Coast Sea Kayak Trail featured on BBC Countryfile on Sunday 27th November.  Despite some grim November weather, presenter Ellie Harrison enjoyed a great day paddling along the trail with Robin Ruddock from Ruddock Sea Kayaking and Canoeing.

As part of her trip Ellie viewed the refurbishment of a old cottage which was once the nerve centre of the Port Moon Bay Salmon fishing industry in County Antrim

The Port Moon Bothy will be officially launched in March 2012 to coincide with the launch of the North Coast Sea Kayak Trail and will offer an open fire, composting toilet, lounge area, drying room and sleeping space for eight adults.

 At CanoeNI.com we are very excited about the launch of the trail and bothy. With the opening of the new Giant’s Causeway Visitors Centre coinciding with the undoubted increase of international tourists as a result of the Titanic centenary, we are expecting a real boost in tourism numbers to County Antrim next year. The North Coast Sea Kayak Trail will offer a completely unique way to explore the Causeway Coast and the converted bothy at Port Moon is fast becoming the most talked about and indeed most spectacular accommodation in Ireland.”

The bothy will be managed and maintained by the Causeway Coast Kayak Association (CCKA).

Following a recent chat with Robin Ruddock, Secretary of the CCKA, he explained  “We are delighted to see construction start on this project which will really bring this old cottage back to life. We are expecting a real boost in trail users next year and Port Moon Bothy will enable us to host visiting kayakers as well as provide an incredible location for our own club meetings and social gatherings.”

The CCKA hope to display some of their collection of historic kayaks in the rafters and artifacts from the salmon fishery on the walls to create a truly authentic atmosphere for all who use the bothy.

Visit CanoeNI.com to find out more about the launch of the iconic North Coast Sea Kayak Trail and indeed the refurbishment project of this old cottage which is not planning on relieving its maritime heritage any time soon.