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Love it or loath it, the giant cards and helium filled hearts mean you can’t ignore it – Valentine’s Day is fast approaching! If you’re struggling to think of what to do for Valentines Day then look no further. OutdoorNI.com has it covered with enough Valentine’s Day events and gift ideas to make even Cupid jealous!
If the thought of going to an overcrowded restaurant is looking less than romantic then fear not as there are some great Valentine's Day Events happening throughout Northern Ireland for you and your partner to enjoy. Nothing says romance like spontaneity so why not surprise your other half with something completely different?!
Here are just a few unique ways to spend this Valentine's Day weekend:
Swing, Roll & Soak Valentine’s Day Special, The Jungle, Co. Londonderry, 11th-18th Feb
The perfect treat for any adrenaline loving couple – experience the Jungle NI’s tree top adventure course and zorbing before relaxing in their outdoor hot tubs. You’ll also receive a bottle of bubbly & some chocolates for the ultimate date with a difference!
Guided Canoe Trip on Strangford Lough, Action Outdoors, Co. Down, 12th February
Enjoy a guided paddle with an experienced instructor exploring the tranquil Strangford Lough and its wildlife before stopping on a deserted island for lunch, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Valentines Day Canoe-dle couples retreat, Mobile Team Adventure, Belfast, 12th- 19th February
Take the hassle and stress out of your Valentine’s Day plans with a romantic and relaxing paddle in the picturesque River Lagan complete with a romantic hamper for two – all you have to do is turn up with your other half and enjoy!
Romantic Canoe Rental, Life Adventure Centre, Castlewellan, Co. Down, 11th-14th February
Enjoy a romantic paddle for Valentine's Day with Life’s half day half price canoe rental on the beautiful Castlewellan Lake. This great offer gives you the flexibility to explore the lake in your own time and at your own pace.
Why not turn your Valentines Day out into a weekend away? GASP Surfin’ Dirt combines action with relaxation for the ultimate getaway. Their Surf, Soak and Stay package includes a thrilling mountain boarding session followed by a rejuvenating seaweed bath topped off with an overnight stay in the stunning North Coast. For more great ideas for a weekend away with a difference check out our top tips for the North Coast.
You’ve got the day covered but what about the all important gift? If you’re struggling to think of what to get for Valentine's Day do not fear OutdoorNI.com Gift Experiences mean you no longer have to give into the overpriced chocolates or garage bought carnations. Give your other half an experience they’ll never forget or why not buy two and you can join in on the fun as well?! Here are some of our top Valentines gift ideas:
Hover Crafting and Powerturn Buggying, Foyle Hovercrafting and Leisure
Learn to fly a hovercraft and experience the thrill of blasting over land and water at speed before testing your coordination and nerve driving your very own Powerturn Buggy. A unique and thrilling combination of activities sure to get his heart racing!
Try a Dive in the Sea, Aquaholics Dive Centre
Explore the underwater world with Aquaholics. Forget the Great Barrier Reef, try something completely new and discover a whole other side to the North Coast. This three hour session includes a safety briefing and instruction from a fully qualified PADI instructor.
Learn to Surf, Alive Surf School
Let him hit the surf and hang ten as he learns from the experts how to tackle the waves of the North Coast on a two hour surfing lesson.
Roll N Soak – Zorbing and Hot Tubs, The Jungle NI
The perfect combination of adrenaline and relaxation. Let her experience the thrills of hurtling down the hill in a zorbing ball before unwinding in the Jungle NI’s very own outdoor hot tub.
Strangford Sea Safari, Clearsky Adventure Centre
See Strangford Lough like never before, aboard a high speed 12 seater RIB. Visit the SeaGen, Audleys Castle, whirlpools and maybe even some seals as the knowledgeable skipper tells you all the local folklore
Seaweed Plunge – Coasteering, Far and Wild
Explore the coastline of the North West like never before. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the ocean spray and relax in real seaweed pools on the way!
Now all that’s left to do is enjoy the best Valentine's Day ever!
The newest member of CAAN, Sarah joined the marketing team in the Summer of 2011. Despite having studied in St Andrews, Scotland for the past four years she still can't hit a golf ball however enjoys walks in the Mournes and adventures on the water.
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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
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
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, 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
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…
The newest member of CAAN, Sarah joined the marketing team in the Summer of 2011. Despite having studied in St Andrews, Scotland for the past four years she still can't hit a golf ball however enjoys walks in the Mournes and adventures on the water.
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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/
+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.
The newest member of CAAN, Sarah joined the marketing team in the Summer of 2011. Despite having studied in St Andrews, Scotland for the past four years she still can't hit a golf ball however enjoys walks in the Mournes and adventures on the water.
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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.
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.
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 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, 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.
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!
http://www.giftideasbasket.com/ gift ideas basket Read more >
The newest member of CAAN, Sarah joined the marketing team in the Summer of 2011. Despite having studied in St Andrews, Scotland for the past four years she still can't hit a golf ball however enjoys walks in the Mournes and adventures on the water.
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The decorations are up, the lights are being switched on and the giant tins of chocolates are out in full force at the supermarkets – it can only mean one thing – Christmas is upon us.
If you’re dreading battling the crowds at the shops or are lacking inspiration for that perfect gift for your dad, husband, boyfriend or brother there’s no need to panic as OutdoorNI.com have over 90 gift experiences for him .
OutdoorNI Gift Vouchers mean you can now buy unique and thrilling Christmas presents for your loved ones and friends all from the comfort of your own home.
Swap your grandad’s predictable present of socks for zip lines, get your dad off the net and surfing the waves, and feed your brother’s ‘Call of Duty’ obsession with a paintball combat session.
To make finding the perfect present even easier we have put together some of our favourites:
Surfing Lesson - Alive Surf School, £25
Get ready to hang ten and hit the waves as you learn from the experts how to tackle the waves of the North Coast on a two hour surfing lesson.
Mountain Biking - Clearsky Adventure Centre, £15
The perfect introduction to off road mountain biking. This two hour session includes mountain bike and helmet hire providing you with everything you need to have a go at this adrenaline pumping sport on the brand new trails at Castle Ward Demesne.
Ultimate Archery Experience - Field of Dreams, £25
Experience archery like never before as you hit the balloon targets and try your hand at archery golf. With one and half hours of archery you’ll be ready to take on the man himself – Robin Hood before the day is out!
Canoe Experience - Carrowmena Activity Centre, £20
Take to the water and make a splash with an adventurous morning or afternoon's paddle along the beautiful River Roe with Binevenagh as the background setting.
Twice the thrill (Two zorbing rolls) - The JungleNI, £33
Hurtle at high speed down a hill face inside a massive inflatable ball. This is one Christmas gift that isn’t for the fainthearted!
Fly n drive combo - Foyle Hovercrafting and Leisure, £50
Learn to fly a hovercraft and experience the thrill of blasting over land and water at speed before testing your coordination and nerve driving your very own Powerturn Buggy.
Coasteering - Clearsky Adventure Centre, £49
Get your adrenaline pumping as you scramble, climb and dare to jump off cliffs into the Irish Sea! This unique and action packed activity takes place on the stunning Ballyhoran coastline and is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Tarzan’s Adventure - The JungleNI, £35
Release your inner Tarzan as you take on Northern Ireland's only tree top adventure course. The course comprises of over 40 challenging elements set at varying heights above the ground. You'll find yourself tackling fun obstacles such as rope bridges, scramble nets, zip wires, Tarzan swings, and a King Louis Descent Powerfan drop.
Ultimate Clay shooting Experience - Field of Dreams, £38
Ready, aim, fire! This is the perfect present for anyone wanting to try Clay Pigeon Shooting for the first time. With 50 random sporting targets to blast out of the skies it is sure to get him excited.
Half Days Sailing on the Antrim Coast - Causeway Coast Sailing, £75
Learn the ropes of sailing with some hands on experience or simply relax and enjoy the scenic Antrim Coast. With room for up to three people so he can even take friends or family along too!
Try a Dive in the Sea - Aquaholics, £80
Explore the underwater world with Aquaholics. Forget the Great Barrier Reef, try something completely new and discover a whole other side to the North Coast. The three hour session will include a safety briefing and instruction from a fully qualified PADI instructor.
Intro to Kiteboarding Course - NI Kitesurfing, £125
This course is the perfect introduction for anyone wanting to experience the thrills of kitesurfing. A truly unique activity this is a great taster to discover what it’s all about. Fully qualified instructors will be on hand at all times ensuring you have the ultimate experience.
Paintballing for 4 - Escarmouche Paintballing, £120
Experience the thrill of Urban Combat. With 8 dynamic game zones to choose from you certainly won’t be bored! Find out who your true friends are as you battle it out with over 440 paintballs each.
http://www.giftideasbasket.com/ gift ideas basket Read more >
The newest member of CAAN, Sarah joined the marketing team in the Summer of 2011. Despite having studied in St Andrews, Scotland for the past four years she still can't hit a golf ball however enjoys walks in the Mournes and adventures on the water.
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