Posted on June 21, 2016 @ 2:49 PM in 
Every wondered what the names of the Mourne Mountains actually mean? With the help of some fantastic shots from Peter Lennon Photography we have put together a collection of summits (or Slieves from the Irish word ‘Sliabh’ meaning mountain) and the meanings behind their names.
Slieve Meelmore
Slieve Meelmore (682m) meaning mountain of the large (Mor) animals.
Walk routes incorporating Slieve Meelmore

The Mourne Wall climbing up Slieve Meelmore

Looking across at Meelmore in the middle distance (with the wall on it.) from Bearnagh
Slieve Bearnagh
With two impressive rocky tors and a col lying between them it is easy to see where Slieve Bearnagh (739m) from the Irish “Sliabh Bearna” meaning “Gapped Mountain” gets its name.
Walk routes incorporating Slieve Bearnagh

Looking across at Bearnagh on the right with Ben Crom Reservoir hidden below walkers in the distance.

View from the slopes of Slieve Bearagh looking towards Carlingford with Binnian on the left, Ben Crom reservoir, around to Slieve Loughshannagh

The Tors of Slieve Bearnagh
Slieve Lamagan
The name Lamagan (704m) means “by hands and feet!!”giving a hint at how steep this summit is.
Walk routes incorporating Slieve Lamagan

Slieve Lamagan from the footpath which starts at Carricklittle car park, Annalong

View from Slieve Lamagan - taken from the summit looking across a Slieve Binnian (left) and Ben Crom reservoir below with the tip of the Silent Valley reservoir just coming into view.
Slieve Binnian
Slieve Binnian (747m) is named from the Irish Sliabh Binneáin after the rocky tors across it’s summit, also known as the Mountain of the little horns
Slieve Binnian walking route

View of Binnian from Bearnagh

Taken from the Buzzards Roost on Slieve Binnian looking over Ben Crom reservoir at Ben Crom mountain and Slieve Bearnagh to the left
Slieve Donard
Slieve Donard (850m) is named after Saint Donard, known in Irish as Domhanghairt or Domhanghart. A follower of Saint Patrickand he founded a monastery at Maghera, north of Newcastle. According to tradition he was appointed by Saint Patrick to guard the surrounding countryside from the summit.
Walk routes incorporating Slieve Donard

Slieve Donard framed by the rocks at the top of the Devils Coachroad
View more of Peter Lennon's fantastic photography of hte Mournes and other landscapes on his Facebook or Twitter pages.
Visit WalkNI for more information on walking in the Mourne Mountains.

Sarah Nelson Marketing Officer
Sarah joined the marketing team of Outdoor Recreation NI in 2011. A firm believer in giving anything a go at least once (unless it involves jumping out of a plane at 6,000ft!) she is always looking for new adventures in the outdoors and can often be found wandering the Mournes or Glens of Antrim attempting not to get lost!
Share on: |  | Twitter |  | Facebook |  | Digg |  | StumbleUpon |  | Reddit |  | Delicious | What's this? |
Posted on June 6, 2016 @ 12:15 PM in 
If you’re looking to do something different this year for your kids birthday party but are lacking in ideas, take inspiration from our selection of kids unique birthday party ideas on offer to little adventure seekers across Northern Ireland.

Muddy Little Kicks Birthday Party, Todds Leap, Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone
For those kids who want the ultimate adrenaline fix this is a party sure to get everyone talking! With specially adapted Land Rover's meaning the kids aged 4+ years old can drive (yes you read that right!) their day will start behind the wheel negotiating the obstacles with an instructor. The day will finish up by seeing who can stay on two feet during a body zorbing session.
Min group size: 6 people
Surfing Birthday Party, Long Line Surf School, Benone, Co. Derry~Londonderry
The ultimate beach party! Enjoy a private surf lesson before a BBQ and use of the beach hangout zone which includes a beach volleyball court, small marquee and slack line!! Available for children aged 6 and up (including adults) so you too can celebrate.
Min group size: 6 people
Kids Activity Birthday Parties, Breckenhill, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim
A great day out for your little adventure seekers as they have a go at a range of activities including low ropes, orienteering and 2 person trikes during a 2 hours of activities with fully qualified instructors. The day wraps up in the party room where you can enjoy some yummy party food, cake and party games before heading home.
Min group size: 10 people

Birthday Adventure Package, Carrowmena Activity Centre, Limavady, Co. Derry~Londonderry
Plan a party filled with action, adrenaline and adventure! The choice of what activities to take part in is yours and you'll be provided with a free birthday cake, decorated birthday table and carrowmena merchandise for the birthday boy/girl. Suitable for kids aged 6-16 years old depending on activities.
Min group size: 10 people
Teen Birthday Blast, Life Adventure Centre, Castlewellan, Co. Down
The perfect solution to planning an epic birthday party for your teenager (12-17 year olds). With sessions in kayaking, climbing, archery and bouldering this is one action packed day out they won't forget about in a hurry.
Min group size: 8 people
Kids Adventure Games, The JungleNI, Moneymore, Co. Derry~Londonderry
An adventure playground for kids aged 5-15 years old, make their party one they'll not forget in a hurry. Begin the party with some warm up activities before adding some bigger adventures incluiding body zorbs, paintballing, climbing walls and adventure hunts depending on how much time you have.
Min group size: 6 people
Tell us about your kids unique birthday party adventures on Facebook & Twitter.

Jayne Woodrow Marketing Officer & Active Clubs Coordinator for Walking
Jayne joined the marketing team of Outdoor Recreation NI in March 2014. She oversees the marketing and communication on WalkNI, OutdoorNI and Walking in Your Community Project. Most recently she has been working with Parkrun Ireland & UK to introduce the 'Walk @ parkrun' initiative.
Share on: |  | Twitter |  | Facebook |  | Digg |  | StumbleUpon |  | Reddit |  | Delicious | What's this? |
Posted on June 2, 2016 @ 12:03 PM in 
With the school summer holidays just around the corner, lots of adventure awaits! Whether you're a stay at home parent or needing to head off to work each morning, here are some alternative summer schemes across Northern Ireland to to help you out and keep the kids entertained.

Adventure Kidz Summer Scheme, Mobile Team Adventure, Shaw's Bridge, Belfast, Co. Antrim
An action packed week of learning new skills, making new friends and enjoying lots of new adventures. Activities will include canoeing, mountain biking, river tubing and more. Suitable for kids aged 5-15 years old.
Dates: Weekly throughout July & August
Kids Surf Camp, Long Line Surf School, Benone & Portstewart, Co. Antrim
Make a splash this summer by dropping the kids off at the beach for 5 days of making new friends, learning to surf and playing lots of beach games all under the watchful eye of Long Lines fully qualified instructors and lifeguards.
Dates: Weekly throughout July & August
Carrowmena Summer Camp, Carrowmena Activity Centre, Limavady, Co. Derry~Londonderry
Choose between one day or a week full of adventurous activities including high ropes, kayaking, climbing, hillwalking and more. Suitable for kids aged 8-15 years old. There is also an option to spend Thursday night camping underneath the stars.
Dates: Mon 18th- Fri 22nd July

Multi Activity Summer Scheme, Belfast Activity Centre, Belfast, Co. Antrim
Avoid the kids sitting square eyed in front of the TV this summer by signing them up to 5 days of exciting new adventures including caving, bush craft, mountain biking and more. Suitable for kids aged 8-12 years old.
Dates: Weekly throughout July & August
Summer Adventure Camp, Clearsky Adventure Centre, Castle Ward, Co. Down
Set in the grounds of the stunning Castle Ward Estate this is one summer scheme the kids won't forget about in a hurry. With activities including pier jumping, canoeing, mountain biking and more they'll be ready for a good night's sleep. Suitable for kids aged 8-15 years old.
Dates: Mon 25th- Fri 29th July & Mon 1st- Fri 8th August
Multi Sports Activity Summer Scheme, Bryson Lagan, Belfast, Co. Antrim
Just a stone's throw from the city centre leave the kids off on your way into work for a week of action packed adventures. Activities will include water zorbing, canoeing/kayaking, archery and more. Suitable for children aged 8-16 years old.
Dates: Weekly throughout July & August
With more and more clubs and associations hosting summer schemes for kids keep an eye on OutdoorNI.com to stayed clued in!

Jayne Woodrow Marketing Officer & Active Clubs Coordinator for Walking
Jayne joined the marketing team of Outdoor Recreation NI in March 2014. She oversees the marketing and communication on WalkNI, OutdoorNI and Walking in Your Community Project. Most recently she has been working with Parkrun Ireland & UK to introduce the 'Walk @ parkrun' initiative.
Share on: |  | Twitter |  | Facebook |  | Digg |  | StumbleUpon |  | Reddit |  | Delicious | What's this? |