When the opportunity to visit the Jungle came up a couple of weeks ago we had no hesitation in agreeing to go and road test a couple of the many activities on offer.
My 11 year old twins Charlotte and Joseph and I headed off to collect my partner in crime Emma McCann and arrived full of anticipation at 12.45pm at the Jungle NI‘s office. We were greeted by Jamie and Rob – as well as some adorable pups and more importantly TEA!
After a perfect cuppa and signing ourselves in we were taken to get strapped up for the Tree Top Adventure. There is a ground level practice course to get you used to the safety harnesses which is a great idea as well as a mini zip line.
Luckily the kids were big enough to come on the adult course with me where we were given clear instructions how to complete the course and Jamie and Rob were with us for the whole time coaxing and encouraging me and the children.
It was like something like “I’m a Celebrity” – exciting, scary and a whole lot of fun! The course is a series of over 40 challenging ways to get from one tree top to another through rope bridges, platforms, nets, jumps and a zip line. At some points you can find yourself over 70 ft above ground so there was a lot of screaming (good screaming!) with excitement.
The zip line was the climax at the end of the course – approx 200 m zipping through the trees, followed by the The King Louis Descent – Powerfan drop where you can experience an adrenaline freefall drop in safety.
At no point during our Tree Top Adventure were we ever not securely attached by our SSB so we all felt 100% safe which made the course easier to approach.
The Jungle NI is located in the heart of Mid Ulster and the Sperrins – perfectly located for easy access from anywhere in Ireland.
Following our Tarzan and Jane adventure we were lucky enough to take part in the Llama Trekking through past the areas for the other activities on offer – clay pigeon shooting, past the archery, paintball, fright night course, the Fairy Woods, the Zorbing course, the glamping huts where guests can sleep over and party round an open fire, the bbq hut, the boating lake and outdoor hot tubs before arriving back at the farm with Llamas Ant, Dec and Bobby.
Quotes from the kids:
Charlotte “an amazingly awesome day. Favourite part of the day was the zipline“.
Joseph “epic! Favourite part was the King Louis Decent“.
More about the Jungle NI
The Jungle was opened in July 2005 as Northern Ireland’s first paintball site. Since then The Jungle Paintball has won the Magherafelt Business Award for 06 Young Entrepreneur and the Rural development Best Farm Diversification 2006.
The Jungle is set in 200 acres of enchanted woodland, right in the centre of Northern Ireland, just off the A29 between Cookstown and Magherafelt.
The site is run by Robert and his enthusiastic team of marshals and with such a young team we really understand how to provide the greatest adrenaline rush you will ever experience!
At The Jungle we are never content so are constantly expanding and conjuring ways of making our facility even better. Therefore we are proud to be the first and only Zorbing site in Ireland!
- Large sheltered picnic area – ideal for forest parties
- Toilets
- Snack bar
- Hot tubs
- Showers
- BBQ facilities
- Changing area
- Accept all major credit/debit cards
- All equipment and protective kit provided
- Experienced, qualified staff on hand at all times
- Northern Ireland Adventureland weekend offers discounted prices on a range of adventure activities on March 23 – 24. More than 1400 people are expected to enjoy and take advantage of over 65 outdoor activity events offered by 21 different activity providers including canoeing, surfing, horse riding and hovercrafting across Northern Ireland during the action packed weekend. The exciting two-day event is perfect for families and groups of friends, with no previous experience necessary and all activities are either £10 per person or 50% off their normal price.
- Activity:
Northern Ireland’s only tree top adventure course and Llama Trekking at Jungle NI in Magherafelt. www.thejungleni.com t: 028 867 48881
- More information: Jacqueline’s trip was organised courtesy of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Outdoor NI. A full list of Adventureland activities and an online booking system is available at www.discovernorthernireland.com/adventure
