Heading north for the weekend? There are adventures galore up there, here are some of the best for your budget.
Northern Ireland has become somewhat of an adventurers playground in recent years, and we are loving what it has to offer. From the Mourne Mountains to its stunning coastline you’ll find plenty to entertain you for the weekend and all for under €50.
1. Go on a SUPfaris
Location: Portballintrae, Co Antrim
Price: £40/€45 – 2 hour lesson £25/€28 – 2 hour hire
Nothing beats a spot of SUP, and Surf SUP NI do it right beside the iconic Giants Causeway in the scenic port of Portballintrae. They’ve got lessons, courses, SUPfaris, board hire, and SUP yoga, so you’ll find something fun to suit all abilities.
More info: Surf SUP NI
2. Go Coasteering on the Causeway Coast
Location: Portrush
Price: £40/€45 – the causeway special
Coasteering is one of the most adrenaline filled and fun activities for those looking for a bit of adventure. It’s a mash up of cliff jumping, bouldering, climbing, swimming and exploring. And where better to do this than in a place famous around the globe for its rock formations, the Causeway coast.
More info: Causeway Coasteering
Weekend adventures for under €50 in the south west of Ireland
3. Take a Boat Trip around Rathlin Island
Location: Portrush Harbour
Price: £30/€34 – Giants Causeway £40/€45 – Rathlin Island
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there’s no better way to view scenery than from the water. On a boat trip with Portrush Sea Tours, you will see birds, seals, porpoises and with a bit of luck dolphins and whales. Travel along the Causeway Coast, viewing the Skerries, Dunluce Castle, the Giant’s Causeway, White Park Bay, Ballintoy, Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge and then over to Rathlin Island for a cup of tea.
More info: Portrush Sea Tours
4. Go Climbing and Ziplining
Location: Colin Glen Forest Park, Belfast
Price: £25/€28
The Aerial Adventure Park SKYTrek is Ireland’s premier high ropes activity centre in the heart of the Belfast Hills, with a stunning view overlooking Belfast City. It’s got a 16m high ropes course, a 30 foot multi level climbing wall and Ireland’s first Double 90M Ziplines to keep you entertained all day!
More info: Colin Glen
5. Go for a swim at Ballycastle Beach
Location: Ballycastle, Co Antrim
Price: Free
This stunning beach on the Causeway Coastal route on Antrim’s Coast makes for a perfect walk. It’s 1.2 km in length and runs from the pier at Ballycastle Marina at the western end to Pans Rock in the east. To finish off the walk, why not pop in the sea for a swim.
Weekend adventures for under €50 in the south east of Ireland
6. Try a Giant Swing and Driving Blindfold
Location: Ballygawley, outside Belfast
Price: £15/€17
Todds Leap has every activity under the sun on offer, from off-road driving, clay pigeon shooting, paintball, body zorbing, freefall dropzone, to zip line. Harness yourself into a Giant Swing three at a time for the ultimate adrenaline rush. Release yourself at the top and swing backwards and forwards over the cliff edge. Then, how about a spot of blindfold driving, where you and your friends will take turns behind the wheel of a Land Rover Defender, blindfolded and attempt to guide one another around the off-road obstacle course.
More info: Todd’s Leap
7. Drive the Causeway Coastal Route
Location: Belfast to Derry
Price: Free
The Causeway Coastal Route is up there with the Ring of Kerry as one of the best driving routes in the country. Winding its way around the Atlantic coast, it is dotted with beautiful sandy beaches, fishing villages, valleys and clifftop paths. It’s a must do!
More info: Causeway Coastal Route
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