Venture Outdoors this Summer
26 July 2010
A list of the top 8 outdoor activities and events happening across Northern Ireland this summer.
It is widely accepted that the summer is the best time of year to get outdoors and enjoy Northern Ireland’s natural environment. The days are long and the nights are clear. July and August is the perfect time to get out and try new activities, learn new skills and make new friends. With more and more people opting to holiday at home this summer, the Venture Outdoors team have put together a list of summer activities across Northern Ireland. The ‘Venture outdoors - creating healthy communities project’ is charged with helping those from disabled, minority ethnic and disadvantaged communities access the outdoors. All the activities listed below have been specifically chosen with this in mind and are suitable for people of all abilities and from all ways of life. Each activity is safe; hassle free and value for money so why not venture outdoors and try out one of the following activities this summer…
1. Healthy Gorgeous Walks
Why not get your walking boots on and join Belfast Hills partnership who are offering exclusive free tours to groups of all abilities to specific sites in the Belfast Hills. This includes Divis and Black Mountain, Carnmoney Hill, Cave Hill, Slievenacloy Nature Reserve and Colin Glen Forest Park. Belfast Hills Partnership has compiled a Healthy Walks guide that informs people of the types of paths, terrain and suitability for people with disabilities. Divis Mountain with its tarmac road straight up to the peak of Divis is a perfect place for people with all types of disabilities to enjoy and it boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland. There are also toilet and refreshment facilities at the Long Barn along the route. Just check for opening times of the Long Barn before starting off. For more information contact lizzy on 028 9060 3466 or visit www.belfasthills.org
2. Summer excitement at Craigavon Watersports Centre
Craigavon is renowned for its watersports and Craigavon Watersports Centre is the foremost facility of its kind in Northern Ireland. So why not come along and try out orienteering, cycling, canoeing, sailing, snowskiing and climbing. The location of the activities will vary and for some of the sessions they can even go to you. Active communities is an investment programme funded by Sport Northern Ireland’s Lottery Fund. For more information please contact Kelley Rushton at Craigavon Watersports Centre on 028 3834 2669 or Kelley.rushton@craigavon.gov.uk
3. Access-ability summer scheme with Belfast Activity Centre
Belfast Activity Centre has a number of places available on the Access-ability summer scheme programme which is running from Monday 26th - Friday 30th July, 2010. Persons of all abilities are welcome and during the week you will be taking part in activities such as canoeing, caving, climbing, team games, circus skills etc. If you are interested please contact the Access-Ability team at Belfast Activity Centre on 028 9060 0132 to receive a booking form and medical form. Prices from £50.00 per week.
4. Predator Combat Games at Castlewellan
Predator combat games are offering a guaranteed fun and action packed day of ultimate combat simulation at one of the largest Airsoft sites in Ireland. Predator Combat Games are offering a summer deal for families and groups with at least one adult. Prices start from £120 for group of four, which includes 8000 rounds of ammo each. Sessions will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4.30pm. To discuss groups requirements please contact Predator Combat Games on 078 2516 9631 or visit www.predatorcombat.co.uk.
5. Summer Extravaganza
Why not get away from it all during the months of July and August and take part in the exciting summer activity programmes at Share Holiday Village, Lisnaskea. Visitors can enjoy all the thrills in a variety of land and water activities; one hour, two hour or even taster sessions in sailing, kayaking, canoeing and banana skiing or archery, climbing and pedal go-karting. If you’re looking for adventure and fun this summer Share Adventure camp is now taking bookings for Sunday 15 to Sunday 22 August. For more information contact Share Holiday Village on 028 6772 2122 or email celia@sharevillage.org.
6. Life Do Summer!
What is Life? You’re asking. Well, Life is an Adventure Company with a difference! Why? Because One Great Adventure believe in People, they are passionate about Adventure and they genuinely respect our World. And thats why they have created their Do Summer! Campaign with their centres open every day throughout the summer offering a fantastic range of activities for anyone and everyone to get out and about and experience from the mild to the wild. Activities include Canoeing, Rock Climbing, Orienteering, Archery, Bouldering and loads more with prices starting at £11 per person. Check out their campaign through their events calendar at www.onegreatadventure.com. And remember, from the Little Adventures of growing up to the Big Adventures of growing out…Life is literally… One Great Adventure!
7. Horse-Riding with Mount Pleasant Equestrian Centre
It’s hard to beat experiencing the countryside on horse-back and with Mount Pleasant Equestrian centre you can explore up to 2000 acres of breath taking forest, encompassing Castlewellan and Tollymore, weather you are a total beginner or an experienced rider. Experienced guides are on hand to take you and your family on the right trek for your level of ability with all equipment and safety clothing provided. The average cost of a beginner’s lesson is £10 for 30 mins. Contact Mount Pleasant Equestrian Centre on 028 4377 8651 or visit www.mountpleasantcentre.comfor more information.
8. Summer fun with Action Outdoors
Why not send the kids to Delamont Activity Summer Scheme which will take place on Monday 16 to Saturday 21 August, a great way to get your child outside and active this summer, with an activity packed week. Activities include canoeing, archery, orienteering, team games, grass sledging and wilderness skills. Action Outdoors is also running a number of ‘Summer Sessions’ in Delamont County Park this July and August. Everything from grass sledging to archery, from canoeing to climbing. Prices vary according to activity and range from £3 - £12 per person. All activities are suitable for people of all abilities. The summer scheme and sessions are organised in association with Down District Council. Action Outdoors can also organise a fun filled programme of activities for groups of people during the summer months and will ensure that everyone comes/goes away having had fun and having developed their skills. For more information contact Action Outdoors on 077 8975 4565 or visit www.actionoutdoors.info
For more information on the Venture Outdoors – Creating Healthy Communities Project contact Maeve Curran 028 9030 3939 maeve@countrysiderecreation.comor visit www.countrysiderecreation.com.
For more information on these activities and other outdoor activities available across Northern Ireland this summer visit www.outdoorni.com
