With so many giant adventures to be had so close to home, embrace part two of Tourism NI’s bumper list of things to do in Northern Ireland.
In this section you’ll find a host of world-class inspiration for fun-filled day trips and short breaks that won’t break the bank.
So what are you waiting for? You’re only a small step from world-class attractions and experiences perfect for making giant memories.
Glamping pods
Giant days out
17th Century City Walls, Derry~Londonderry
Uncover the history, heritage and vibrant cultural scene of the Maiden City as you tour its walls. If you’re interested in a tour, check out Martin McCrossan City Tours.
RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre, County Antrim
Explore Rathlin’s unique ‘upside down’ lighthouse and learn about the island’s history and wildlife. Use the free binoculars and telescopes to get an up-close view of the island’s seabird colony, including puffins.
Hillsborough Forest and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, County Down
This 200-acre forest features a state-of-the-art playground and an AR-infused sculpture trail featuring 10 giant sculptures dotted throughout the forest. While here, hop, skip and jump over to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for a special Peter Rabbit adventure where kids go free all summer.
Let’s Go Hydro Resort and Spa, Belfast
Prepare to get wet at this aqua activity centre as you climb the XXL Tower, speed down the slides and traverse the inflatable floating obstacle course.
Florence Court, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
Just eight miles outside Enniskillen, Florence Court features a walled garden, holiday cottage, sawmill and icehouse and trails that suit a variety of abilities.
Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, Newcastle, County Down
Northern Ireland’s national centre for mountaineering and canoeing activities offers thrillseekers a range of things to do, including rock climbing, paddle sports and bouldering.
Blessingborne mountain trails
Blessingbourne Country Estate, Fivemiletown, County Tyrone
A range of accommodation and experiences for all ages and abilities. Enjoy the working farm, mountain biking trails and carriage and costume museum.
Spotting wildfowl on the shores of Strangford Lough
Strangford Lough Activity Centre, Killinchy, County Down
Explore off the beaten track from this adventure centre on the shores of Strangford Lough. Activities include boat tours, archery, e-foiling, kayaking, SUP and team-building games.
Gosford Karting, Markethill, County Armagh
Experience the thrill of wheel-to-wheel action as you battle it out for top spot at this outdoor racing track. Junior karts available for those aged 8+.
Tropicana Outdoor Pool, Newcastle, County Down
Splash around in this heated outdoor pool in the heart of Newcastle. Toddlers can enjoy their own paddling pool with a Nellie the Elephant slide.
Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh
This residential activity centre provides opportunities for all to participate in a wide range of educational and recreational outdoor pursuits at their water park.
Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down
Reconnect with nature in this historical and enchanting estate featuring an exciting natural play area and Tree House where children can learn about their natural surroundings.
Safari in the City, Belfast
Part of Belfast 2024, Safari in the City will encourage the discovery of Belfast’s green spaces and foster a connection with the natural world with events, nature walks and art installations.
Peatlands Park, Dungannon, County Tyrone
Traverse the way-marked paths atop open bog and see if you can spot some of the butterflies, moths, dragonflies and damselflies that call the park home.
Corralea Activity Centre, Belcoo, County Fermanagh
Corralea offers a range of eco-friendly activities such as slow adventure, e-bikes and SUP and also features a forest eco spa with Nordic sauna and hot tub.
Belfast Zoo, County Antrim
Have a ‘zoo-per’ day out on the slopes of Cave Hill at Belfast Zoo, which is home to more than 130 species of animals including lions, tigers and bears.
Ballyronan Marina, Magherafelt, County Londonderry
An award-winning marina, it is ideal for water sports and boating enthusiasts and features spectacular on-water glamping pods.
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Castlewellan Forest Park, County Down
Find your way to the centre of Castlewellan’s Peace Maze and enjoy a walk around the lake or let the little ones play in the ‘Animal Wood’. Check out Life Adventure Centre for a wide range of outdoor activities from kayaking, SUP boarding, mountain biking and e-bike hire.
Crindle Stables, Limavaday, County Londonderry
This family-run equestrian centre offers a wide range of bespoke equestrian experiences, catering for everyone from the beginner to the advanced rider.
Pickie Fun Park, Bangor, County Down
Pickie Fun Park offers excitement for all the family. Enjoy the adventure playground, Pickie Golf and Pickie Puffer or pedal a giant Pickie Swan, and refuel in the Pickie Café.
Limitless Adventure Centre, Limavady, County Londonderry
Feel the wind in your hair and the salt on your lips as you speed along in an area of outstanding natural beauty at Northern Ireland’s only hoverboard experience.
Scarva Summer Band Concerts, County Down
Watch the world go by and enjoy the floral displays as you’re serenaded by a series of band concerts in the centre of this picturesque village.
Hydrobiking, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
Take your cycling off road and jump onboard a hydrobike for a low-impact, leisurely ride around Castle Island with Castle Archdale Boat Hire & Watersports rentals, or even Enniskillen Island with Erne Adventures. Age 11+.
Todd’s Leap Activity Centre, Ballygawley, County Tyrone
Get outdoors and spend time with family and friends with action-packed activities, including off-road driving and the 150m long ‘BigYella’ Slide.
Oakfire Adventures, Derry~Londonderry
With four epic ziplines across Faughan Valley’s woodland, water and cliffs, this is the epitome of family-fuelled fun in the great outdoors.
An Creagán, Omagh, County Tyrone
A spectacular site with a range of facilities perfect for families. Enjoy one of the many walks or cycle trails on the grounds, have a picnic by the community garden or pond and stay the night in one of its four-star self-catering cottages.
Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, County Armagh
Embrace Iron Age life as your guide explains how and why this impressive ceremonial structure was built as you come face to face with its residents.
Giant tours and experiences
Giant’s Causeway and Visitor Centre, County Antrim
From the impressive visitor centre, you can choose to take a guided tour of the Giant’s Causeway or take a personal journey of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Mourne Alpacas Experience, Dromara, County Down
Trek with an alpaca, eat your picnic in the greeting paddock, stroll around the nursery and observe stunning new life and alpaca families as you ‘Cria Watch’.
Ceoldán, the Stargazer, Giant of the Sperrins, at Davagh Forest
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Davagh Forest, County Tyrone
Star hop across the universe on a daily guided tour and learn how the landscape is linked to the astronomical and archaeological heritage of the Sperrins.
Blue Green Yonder, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
This adventure centre offers guided paddle tours around Enniskillen and land-based activities including archery, climbing walls and a skate BMX park.
Wee Buns Cookery School, Dungannon, County Tyrone
Discover the joys of traditional Irish baking and learn how to ‘cook the season’ and make soda farls and buttermilk scones with your expert guide Mary Anne Mackle.
Splash Outdoor Water Park, Moneymore, County Londonderry
Fill your day with laughter as you climb, crash and slide your way around this state-of-the-art inflatable aquapark.
Carnlough Bay Boat Tours, Carnlough, County Antrim
Enjoy spectacular views of the Causeway Coast with fisherman Davy Smith onboard his boat ‘Curiosity’. Longer charter trips are available upon request.
Long Line Surf School, Limavady, County Londonderry
Complete beginners and those looking to improve their cutback are invited to catch a wave with the fully qualified instructors at the Long Line Surf School. Disability surf lessons are available.
Maritime Mile, Belfast
Dive into Belfast’s seafaring history and enjoy the outdoor cinema as you make your way around its stunning waterfront, past the Big Fish to the Titanic Quarter.
‘The Story of Newry’ Walking Tour, Newry, County Down
On this imaginative stroll you’ll hear stories of the city’s famous people, waterways and public spaces from your guide, Sinead Rice McAleavey.
Curry’s Fun Park, Portrush, County Antrim
Eat your fill of candyfloss, take a plunge on the log flume, have a spin on the cyclone and board the Ghost Train if you dare at this cherished Northern Ireland landmark.
The Guildhall, Derry/Londonderry
Take either a self-guided or guided tour of this neo-gothic, sandstone building at the heart of the Maiden City which also houses the John Hume Peace Prize Collection.
Gruffalo and Stickman Guided Walk, Colin Glen, Belfast
Hurtle through the forest at speeds of up to 25mph on an alpine coaster, fly over the forest and river on a zip-line or stumble upon the Gruffalo in the deep dark wood.
Alpaca Farm Walk with North Coast Alpacas, Portrush, County Londonderry
Take an alpaca on a leisurely trek to the summit of the Lyons family farm and enjoy spectacular views of Slemish, Inishown, Malin Head and the Skerry Islands as you feast on a specially prepared picnic.
Portrush Surf School, Portrush, County Antrim
Enjoy two full hours of surfing time per lesson. With just eight spaces per session, you can be sure coach Martin ‘TK’ Kelly will give you his full attention.
Tayto Tours, Tandragee, County Armagh
Take a tour of Tayto Castle, where your guide will show you the modern and fully operational factory, and meet Mr Tayto himself.
Guided Parliament Building Tour, Stormont Estate, County Antrim
Discover the inner workings of the Northern Ireland Assembly on this free 45-minute tour. Booking is essential.
Island Discovery, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
Explore the waterways of Enniskillen on a pontoon-style electric boat with skipper Barry Flanagan, who will intrigue you with poignant stories from Fermanagh’s thriving Lakelands.
Titanic Belfast, Belfast
Experience this world-leading, award-winning visitor experience and learn all about Titanic’s history over 10 interactive galleries, including a shipyard ride.
Finnebrogue Woods Bushcraft, Downpatrick, County Down
Learn the basics of bushcraft under the guidance of instructor Rob Hill. Tour the woods and learn how to build a shelter, make a fire and forage for food safely.
Hometown Tours, Belfast
Travel at a leisurely pace by bike, or on foot, along the safe and scenic pathways and greenways of Belfast with sustainable travel expert Steven Patterson.
The Ark Open Farm, Newtownards, County Down
The Ark Open Farm offers a fantastic family day out featuring a wide range of farm animals and exotic residents, indoor and outdoor play areas, nature trails, cafe, and gift shop.
Battling it out at Carrickfergus Castle. Picture: Tourism Northern Ireland
Carrickfergus Castle, County Antrim
Enjoy a guided tour of this Norman castle that has stood on the shores of Belfast Lough for over 800 years. Hone your swordfighting skills and get up close and personal with 17th and 19th century cannons before you enjoy refreshments in the charming cafe.
Bike Mourne, Various, County Down
With everything you need to get started, take a professionally guided bike tour around the Mourne region or hit the trails of Castlewellan and Rostrevor Forest Park.
C.S. Lewis Trail, Belfast
Starting at The Searcher sculpture in East Belfast, this self-guided tour will take you to C.S. Lewis Square (containing 7 Narnia-inspired sculptures), St Mark’s Church and the writer’s birthplace — No.47 Dundela Avenue.
Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
Explore this underworld labyrinth with a guided tour of the Marble Arch Caves’ rumbling rivers, meandering passages and awe-inspiring stalactite and stalagmite formations.
For more inspiration, visit discovernorthernireland.com