Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, is also a gateway into the rest of country. Northern Ireland covers a relatively small area with the furthest town a mere two hour’s drive from Belfast. While Belfast offers many things to see and do, Northern Ireland also offers many exciting and unique activities. If you don’t intend to take the car, many of these activities are accessible by public transport.
Activities in and around Belfast:
- Greyhound racing Drumbo Park
Located in South Belfast, Drumbo Park is only 10 minutes drive from Tara Lodge and provides a great night out for all. With top class Greyhound Racing on view, punters can either take their place in the terraces or if they wish can view the racing from the comfort of the Grandstand Restaurant with panoramic views of the track, whilst enjoying a bite to eat. Racing takes place 3 nights a week (Thursday, Friday & Saturday) and more information can be found on drumbo park.
- Dundonald Ice Bowl
Situated on the outskirts of Belfast (on the Old Dundonald Road - just off the Comber Road); the Dundonald Ice Bowl has been a hub of activities and entertainment for Adults and Kids for over 20 years. Activities on offer include Ice Skating, Tenpin Bowling and Indiana Land - which all adds up to a great day out for the entire family!
- Hilden Brewery
Can be found between Lisburn and Belfast and is the Oldest Independent Brewery in Ireland. Tours can be arranged followed by lunch or dinner in the Tap Room Restaurant, and of course lots of different beers can be tried too!
Activities within short driving distance of Belfast:
- Belfast Lough Sea School
Carrickfergus is a short distance from Belfast and located on the North side of Belfast Lough is the Belfast Lough Sea School. There are lots of different touring options on offer, including Luxury Yacht Charter Cruises, High Speed Rib Adventures and Golf Breaks to Scotland to name just a few.
- Down Royal Racecourse
Situated
outside Lisburn (which is 20 minutes drive from Belfast) – Down Royal
has brought the “Sport of Kings” to the population of Ireland for over
400 years since being established in 1685. With modern facilities and
plenty of variety available for how you spend your day Down Royal has
firmly established itself as one of the best days out anyone can have
within the Emerald Isle. For more information visits Situated outside
Lisburn (which is 20 minutes drive from Belfast) – Down Royal has
brought the “Sport of Kings” to the population of Ireland for over 400
years since being established in 1685. With modern facilities and
plenty of variety available for how you spend your day Down Royal has
firmly established itself as one of the best days out anyone can have
within the Emerald Isle. For more information visits down royal.
- World Of Owls (Randalstown Forest)
“Northern Irelands only Owl, Bird of Prey & Exotic Animal Centre”
Located at Randalstown Forest the World of Owls has a range of facilities that enables it to be a visitor destination for a full day visit – there is a shop, café, indoor and outdoor display area, walks, play area and services – as well as the owls!
Activities a little further afield:
- Giant’s Causeway
Why not travel further afield, and venture north to Ireland’s first World Heritage site, The Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast? This geological phenomenon is approximately a 90 minute drive from Belfast and the coastal route many chose to travel by, is spectacular in its own right. The Causeway is accessible all year round depending on weather conditions and is free of charge. The Giants Causeway is surrounded by other highly popular tourist attractions, such as the beautifully picturesque Glens of Antrim, the world famous Bushmills Distillery and the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge to Carrick Island which boasts spectacular scenes of Rathlin Island and Scotland. Close by lay the ruins of the medieval Dunluce Castle. Located precariously close to the edge of the cliff, the castle was built on the grounds of an early Irish Fort that can be dated back to the Vikings.
- Carrick-a-rede rope bridge
If you happen to be up on the North Coast of Ireland then we would recommend visiting the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge (as well as the Giant’s Causeway of course!). In simple terms the rope bridge joins Rocky Island to the cliffs, but the views of the Coast from the Island have to be seen to be believed. Open all year round now – depending on weather conditions.
- Bushmills Distillery
Established in 1608, the Bushmills distillery is famous world-wide for the wonderful whiskey it produces – this is reflected with the number of visitors the distillery gets every year with several tours taking place every day, which shows how whiskey is made and also entitles you to a wee taster of the different whiskeys Bushmills distills.
- The Mourne Mountains
The most famous and picturesque mountain district in Ireland, consisting of twelve peaks including Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest peak. Currently being considered to be named as Northern Ireland’s first National Park, this district of outstanding natural beauty offers everything from scenic walking paths to horse riding and even coastal boat tours. At the foot of Slieve Donard lies the coastal town of Newcastle, where one can enjoy a sea weed bath at the Soak Seaweed Bath House, followed by a relaxing cup of coffee over-looking the sea in their Sip cafe.
If you want to stay in the city but fancy something a little different, why not try a round of golf
- Golfing
Ormeau Golf Club is described as ‘the course in the heart of the city’ in Belfast. Located just off the Ormeau Road, the golf course is one of the oldest in Ireland and has had such greats as Fred Daly to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle grace its fairways. Afterwards, you can relax in the Clubhouse or in the “Niblick” restaurant and enjoy the panoramic views of Black Mountain, Cavehill and the Harland and Wolff cranes. Alternatively just a 2 mile drive from Belfast City Centre will take you to Belvoir Park Golf Club. Golfing pro Peter Allis, and golf writer Peter Dohereiner, have described Belvoir Park as, ‘one of the best inland courses in Ireland, if not the British Isles’. Spanning over 136 acres of mature woodland, this golf course certainly warrants the title of, ‘one of Ireland's best kept golfing secrets’.
Of course if you wish to venture further afield the Royal County Down course and the Royal Portrush course offer a once in a life time golfing experience.
- Portaferry Aquarium
Portaferry is located on the most southern part of the Ards peninsula, an hour’s drive from Belfast. The aquarium is sited on the shores of the Marine Nature reserve of Strangford Lough which contains nearly three quarters of all the marine species to be found in Northern Irish waters. A short ferry ride will take you over to Strangford where you can enjoy lunch at the Cuan on the shores of the Lough.
- The Jungle Magherafelt
“Book a day at the Jungle!” Recently featured in BBC program ‘Northern Exposure’ – The Jungle is turning out to be one of the best days out anyone can have in Northern Ireland. Activities on site include Zorbing, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Paintball and Archery.
- Race School Ireland
Based in Kircubbin, County Down; Race School Ireland has just entered its fifth decade of motor racing school operations. It is the only fully licensed motor Racing School in Ireland and gives you the chance to drive a Formula Ford Single Seater Racing Car! More information can be obtained at race school ireland. Also for the motor enthusiast is the Northern Ireland Off Road located on the scenic Clandeboye Estate approx 15 miles from Belfast.