£10 Family Adventures for Under 8’s during Northern Ireland Adventureland Weekend 2012

Posted on March 15, 2012 @ 11:38 AM in

This year Northern Ireland Adventureland Weekend has a whole host of fantastic outdoor activities suitable for children as young as 3 years old. No need to worry about getting a babysitter or childminder the little ones can join in on the fun too! 

For one weekend only on Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th March a whole host of adventure activities are being offered for just £10 and a massive 50% off normal prices – so you and your little monkeys can have fun without having to dig deep into your pockets. 

The best part about Northern Ireland Adventureland Weekend  is that it is hassle free – simply choose from one of the many activities on offer and book online.

You’re never too young to have an adventure so round up the kids and get ready to take part in one of the these great £10 activities suitable for under 8’s:

Family Canoeing, Mobile Team Adventure, Belfast, Sat 24^th March

Designed for ages 4 and up this event is perfect for both kids and families to have some fun on the water. Enjoy a paddle with experienced and friendly instructors in the middle of the stunning Lagan Valley Regional Park only minutes from Belfast City Centre. 

Triple Family Fun, Outdoor Concepts, Castlewellan, Sat 24^th & Sun 25^th March

This event is perfect for families with kids aged 4-10, hit the target at archery, paddle the lake in a canoe and let Super Mario help you find your way through one of the world’s largest hedge mazes.

Family Canoeing and Pier Jumping Session, Action Outdoors, Delamont Country Park, Sat 24^th March

Using a variety of boats - Canadian canoes and sit-on-top kayaks that are easy and fun to paddle experienced instructors will show you a few of the basic strokes before heading off for a paddle under the watchful eye of St Patrick towards the Quoile Barrier.  Look out for the seals as you make your way to the pier for a fun jump into the sea!  Suitable for ages 6 and up.

Try a Sail, Ballyholme Yacht Club, Bangor, Sat 24^th & Sun 25^th March

Suitable for ages 3 and up this is a fantastic opportunity to take to the water as a family and have a go at dinghy sailing. Relaxing, fun and a real break from daily modern life this is the perfect chance to create some great family memories together.

Family Canoe Experience, Four Elements Adventure, Enniskillen, Sat 24^th March

Designed for ages 6 and up, the guys at Four Elements Adventure will prove to you that Enniskillen is actually an island as they guide you and your family completely around it!  Take a trip out on the water together, and discover the town’s oldest buildings and bridges as you float merrily along. 

Family Frollicks, Clearsky Adventure Centre, Castle Ward, Sun 25^th March

Suitable for ages 4 and up, have a blast with the family and enjoy some quality time together. Take part in three fun-packed activities all the family can enjoy including archery, orienteering and crate stack climbing. Afterwards why not enjoy a picnic in the grounds of the Castle Ward Estate?

Family Adventure Bonanza, Outdoor Concepts, the Outlet, Banbridge, Sat 24^th & Sun 25^th March

Hang out on the climbing wall, shoot to the skies with clay pigeon shooting and archery or get up close with the birds of prey.  Add into the mix face painting, balloon modelling and a life size snow globe and this is one day out not to be missed - you’ll even get discount in the shops! There is no minimum age however the climbing wall and archery will be restricted to those aged 8 years and over.

If these family friendly events don’t put a smile on their little faces – we don’t know what will!

£10 Adventures with your Family during Northern Ireland Adventureland Weekend 2012

Posted on March 14, 2012 @ 4:18 PM in

Step away from the T.V. and video games and let the kids run wild as you take on a family adventure together in the great outdoors.  For one weekend only on Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th March a whole host of adventure activities are being offered for just £10 and a massive 50% off normal prices - there has never been a better time for a family day out with the kids! 

The best part about Northern Ireland Adventureland Weekend is that it is hassle free – simply choose from one of the many activities on offer and book online. Then all that is left to do is enjoy a memorable day out with the family – make sure you don’t forget the camera!

Here are some of OutdoorNI.com’s top family events which are taking place for Northern Ireland Adventureland Weekend 2012:

Fermanagh

Bushcraft Canoe Trip, Share Discovery Village, Sat 24^th & Sun 25^th March, £17 – 50% Off

Get down with nature, improve your paddling skills and find out how to live in the wild!  Paddle around the lovely Lough Erne together before stopping on Trannish Island for a BBQ and a lesson in outdoor survival.

Lough Erne Family Canoe Experience, Four Elements Adventure, Sat 24^th March, £10

The guys at Four Elements Adventure will prove to you that Enniskillen is actually an island as they guide you and your family completely around it!  Take a trip out on the water together, and discover the town’s oldest buildings and bridges as you float merrily along.

Mournes

Wet Bouldering, Outdoor Concepts, Sat 24^th & Sun 25^th March, £10

Wet bouldering is all about the water – make your way up a river, jump into pools, climb up waterfalls and feel the rush of the water on this wet and wild experience all under the supervision of fully qualified instructors.  This is one experience the kids won’t forget!

Family Introduction to Mountain Boarding, Sat 24^th & Sun 25^th March, £10

Take the kids to the only mountain board activity centre in Ireland! Learn the basics from the experts before taking to the grassy slopes to see who’s better – mum, dad or the kids?!

North Coast

North Coast Sea Safari, Aquaholics, Sat 24^th & Sun 25^th March, £12 – 50% Off

Get your heart racing on the Causeway Coast Sea Safari. Feel the wind in your hair as the high speed boat blasts you round the sights of the coast including Dunluce Castle, the stunning Portrush beaches, the sea caves at Whiterocks and the seals at the Skerries.

Family Surfing, Alive Surf School, 24^th & 25^th March, £10

Take to the waves with all the family for 2 hours of surfing on the stunning North Coast.  Fully trained instructors will make sure you and your family have a fun and safe time on the water making some brilliant (and hilarious) memories for years to come!

North Coast Horse Trekking, Sheans Horse Farm, Sat 24^th & Sun 25^th March, £11 - 50% Off

Enjoy the most extensive off-road trekking facilities along Ireland’s North Coast. Whether you’re a total beginner or a confident rider, experience the freedom, fun and buzz of horse riding in a stunning setting.

Sperrins

Family Taster Experience, Todds Leap, Sunday 25^th March, £10

Get set for an exciting, fun taster session incorporating archery, a 500 metre zip line and a high speed hill rally stage - this is by no means an ordinary family day out!

Tree Top Adventure Course, The Jungle NI, Sun 25^th March, £17 - 50% Off

Take on the only tree top adventure course in Northern Ireland.  Comprising over 40 elements set at heights up to 70ft above the ground you are sure to feel like a modern day Tarzan. Tackle rope bridges, zip wires and the King Louis Descent where you will experience an adrenaline freefall!

Strangford

Strangford Sea Safari, Clearsky Adventure Centre, Sat 24^th & Sun 25^th March, £10

This exhilarating and informative sightseeing boat tour of Strangford Lough is suitable for all ages from 3 to 103 – making it the perfect adventure for all the family. See the Angus Rocks Lighthouse and some of the many seals at Cloughy Rocks Nature Reserve!

Coasteering, Clearsky Adventure Centre, Family Coasteering, Sun 25^th March, £21 – 50% Off

A fun trip to the coast with a difference! Jump off sea cliffs into the Irish Sea, scramble over rocks and enter hidden caves, all along the stunning Ballyhornan coastline. See who can brave the highest jumps (not obligatory!) and tremble the least!

With events also taking place in Belfast, Londonderry and Lough Neagh you are sure to find something everyone will enjoy. Trust us mum and dad are sure to have just as much fun as the kids!

£10 Adventures With Your Mates during Northern Ireland Adventureland Weekend 2012

Posted on March 6, 2012 @ 3:01 PM in

For one weekend only on Saturday 24^th March and Sunday 25^th March Northern Ireland is being transformed into an action packed adventureland.

With events for just £10 and a massive 50% off normal prices  there has never been a better time to get out there and try something new whilst having a laugh! 

Inject some excitement into your life and have an adventure with your mates.  Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush on land or water there are loads of activities to choose from. Surf the waves of the North Coast, spin the wheels on an off-road adventure, have a go at canoeing or pilot your very own hovercraft.  You don’t need a big group of people or lots of organisation all you have to do is choose one (or more!) of the many activities on offer and book online – it couldn’t be easier!

Here are some of OutdoorNI.com’s top picks (if we could list them all we would!) for Northern Ireland Adventureland Weekend 2012:

Activities for £10 

Zorbing, The Jungle, Co. Londonderry, Sun 25^th March

Picture yourself inside a massive inflatable ball (approx 3 meters in height) hurtling at high speed down a hill face...and get ready for an adrenaline packed ride of your life.  Once at the bottom you get to do it all over again - never has the phrase ‘that’s how I roll’ been more apt!

4x4 Off Road Experience, Superdrive Motorsports Centre, Co. Armagh, Sat 24^th March

Forget the boring daily commute, tackle Superdrive's purpose built track in a 4x4 Mitsubshi Shogun.  Strap yourself in and get ready to climb hills, slide around on banks, enter the water filled pit of doom, and even try to balance on a giant see-saw.

Paddle and a Pint, Mobile Team Adventure, Belfast, Sat 24^th March

Round up your mates or come along and meet others canoeing in the middle of the stunning Lagan Valley Regional Park only minutes from Belfast City Centre.  Try canoe polo, slide down the steep bank into the water or simply enjoy a relaxing paddle in a canoe or kayak along the River Lagan.  Once you’ve worked up an appetite head to the Ramada Surburbia Bar where you can receive 15% off food.  The perfect end to a Saturday afternoon and the perfect start to a Saturday night!

Wet Bouldering, Outdoor Concepts, Co. Down, Sat 24^th & Sun 25^th March

Wet bouldering is all about the water – make your way up a river, jump into pools, climb up waterfalls and feel the rush of the water on this wet and wild experience.  Kitted out in a wetsuit, helmet and buoyancy aid you are sure to have a laugh as you take the plunge with friends. Check out our blog to see how Chris from OutdoorNI.com got on during an action packed wet bouldering session.

Trailrider, Corralea Activity Centre, Co. Fermanagh, Sat 24^th March

Get down and dirty on Corralea’s specially designed mountain bike trails.  Put your skills to the test on the steep climbs, descents and technical structures of the pump track.  Have a go at bunnyhops, wheelies and ladder bridges under the supervision of experienced instructors or take it down a level and enjoy the trails as they meander along the waters edge.  Bike and helmet hire is included in the price so you don’t have the hassle of bringing your own.

50% Off Activities

Half Price Hovercrafting, Foyle Hovercrafting and Leisure, Co. Londonderry, Sat 24^th & Sun 25^th March, £30

Experience the thrill of skimming over land and water on a cushion of air.  You’ll receive expert tuition on how to handle this unique mode of transport before taking on the challenging purpose built track.  Guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience!

Adrenaline Playzone, Todds Leap, Co. Tyrone, Sat 24^th March, £20

Experience pulsating action on Todds Leap's most extreme outdoor activities.  Be your very own stunt man (or woman!) and take a giant leap of faith at their Drop Zone, zoom down a 500 metre zip line before finishing with a white knuckle, high speed hill rally ride!  It doesn’t get much more exciting than this. 

North Coast Sea Kayaking, Simply Sea Kayak, Co. Antrim, Sat 24^th March, £20

Enjoy a guided sea kayaking trip along a section of the idyllic North Coast - a fantastic opportunity to sample one of the most iconic sea kayaking trails in the world.  You will be coached on basic paddling strokes and safety procedures in a sheltered environment before embarking on a short journey along a section of the stunning coastline. Explore a cave and experience the opportunities sea kayaking can give you. You might even come across a seal or two!

Make sure you don’t miss out on these fantastic activities; book your place now and get ready to let the good times roll!

 

Take on the Challenge 2012

Posted on February 28, 2012 @ 9:38 AM in

The days are getting warmer and the nights are stretching out – it’s time to put a spring in your step and get out and active in the great outdoors!  If you’ve been hibernating during the winter months and are lacking motivation there has never been a better time to sign up to one of Northern Ireland’s great challenge events and give yourself something to work towards.  Whether it’s off road running, cycling, hill walking, adventure racing or something a bit mad, working towards a challenge is the perfect way to motivate yourself, get outdoors and most importantly have some fun! 

With events taking place throughout the year there’s plenty of time to train – no excuses needed! It doesn’t matter if you’re a fiercely competitive race junkie or a first timer who is more interested in completing than competing there is a challenge to suit everybody. Nothing beats that feeling of achievement when you cross the finish line – so sign up to one of the many take on the challenge events on OutdoorNI.com and get ready to work towards greatness! 

Here are just a few of the many challenge events that are taking place throughout the year:

Cue the Rocky theme tune…

Off road running

If you’re fed up pounding out the miles on the same old roads why not take part in one of 26 Extreme's off road running events? The Mourne Way Marathon is an off-road marathon with a spectacular view.  For those serious runners looking to push themselves to the limit there are the options of an ultra marathon, marathon or half marathon - these routes are not for the fainthearted or under prepared making them all the more rewarding!  If you don’t think you’re quite ready for the long distances yet then why not give the 10k or 5k route a go? The stunning views of the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty including stunning vistas of coast, sea and countryside will be all the motivation you need!

If you’re looking for a challenge like no other, one to benchmark your season’s performance then the Lakeland Warrior 100k is the event for you.  Shorter yet still demanding routes of 50k and 27k are also available for those who want a challenge but find the 100k too daunting.  The routes take in some of the most scenic areas in Co Fermanagh through an area of forest wilderness. However if you’re expecting flat terrain and smooth tarmac surfaces you will go home disappointed - start training and get ready to conquer the route to enjoy ‘warrior’ status.   

Cycling

If running isn’t your thing then dust down the bike and get ready to pump the peddles on a cycling sportive.  A cycling sportive is a long distance, organised, mass-participation cycling event were participants battle against the clock and themselves rather than fighting for podium places. 

Now in its second year the Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive is fast becoming the most talked about sportive on the Irish cycling calendar.  Check out the 2011 event video and get ready to be inspired. With 3 routes on offer (57km, 126km 182km) through an incredible landscape steeped in myth and legend, this iconic event is sure to fill up fast – book early to avoid disappointment. 

The Bangor Coastal Challenge, Dromara Mourne Sportive and the Inishowen 100 are just a few of the many sportives in Northern Ireland that are listed on our sister website CycleNI.com’s dedicated sportive section.  Check it out to decide which sportive you want to take on first!

Another great cycling event is Lap the Lough as the name suggests the aim is to encourage as many cyclists to do one lap of Lough Neagh – roughly 130km. Apart from a few climbs the route is mostly on flat terrain and is by no means exclusively for elite or club cyclists - anyone who is up for a challenge is welcome!

If you can’t decide between running or cycling then the Belfast Off Road Duathlon is the perfect solution to your problem! Hosted by the Pioneer Group this challenge event consists of a 19k bike ride with a 2.5k run either side.  Held in the beautiful surroundings of Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park, Belfast this is a great challenge for all ages to work towards.

Hill walking

There are some great charity hill walks taking place throughout Northern Ireland – the perfect opportunity to achieve something for yourself and others all at the same time! 

Arguably the most demanding, the Ulster Cancer Foundation is hosting the Celtic Mountain Challenge an exhilarating experience involving climbing 4 of the highest peaks in Ireland - Slieve Donard, Errigal, Croagh Patrick and Lugnaquilla in just 3 days.

If you’re looking for a tough yet exhilarating challenge then look no further than the Oxfam Trailtrekker.   Teams of four must complete the 100km or 50km route together beginning in Donard Park, Co Down, following the Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and Cooley Peninsula before finishing in Carlingford, Co Louth.  A real team effort, participants will train together, fundraise together, provide encouragement to each other and hopefully have a lot of laughs along the way! Teams of all levels of experience are welcome to take part - with the right training and preparation, just about anyone can successfully complete the route so get ready to achieve something extraordinary!

For a shorter yet still demanding walk the Northern Ireland Hospice have organised a Mournes Trek.  With a choice of two different yet challenging routes participants will encounter rocky tors, heather clad valleys, glistening reservoirs and views across the waters of Carlingford Lough on this one day challenge.

Something Different

If suspending yourself off some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic buildings sounds like your idea of fun then check out some of the many charity abseils taking place  for a once in a life time experience.  Abseil down the historic Scrabo Tower or descend down all 265feet of Belfast’s Obel Building – the highest building in Ireland!

 

For something completely different McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Mud Madness is the ultimate muddy challenge! Take on this fun-filled assault course individually or as part of a team as you run through a mucky course of fields, ponds and bogs and over obstacles including a tyre pit, foxhole, climbing wall and cargo net.  This is a great way to have a laugh whilst raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

So what are you waiting for?! Sign up today and get training!

Different Ways to Spend Valentine's Day

Posted on February 3, 2012 @ 4:28 PM in

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, 11^th-18^th 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, 12^th 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, 12^th- 19^th 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, 11^th-14^th 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:

Valentines Gifts for Him

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.

Valentines Gifts for Her

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!