The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to start making plans to try out something different and exciting to fill the months ahead so whether you plan to spend time with friends at an event, get outdoors for an active break or enjoy some ‘me time’, Northern Ireland has it all.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has listed some wonderful ways to make 2015 a memorable one in what promises to be an eventful year ahead.
“With the new year well and truly upon us, 2015 is shaping up to be a great year for action-packed, world famous golfing events and thrilling motor races, to name a few. Northern Ireland is literally jam-packed with fun activities, unforgettable events and interesting things to see and do,” said NITB’s Destination PR Officer, Pauline Gormley.
To help get you started, NITB has highlighted a range of things to try in Northern Ireland this year;
Exciting Events
Banish the post Christmas blues with lunch time helpings of theatre, music and comedy at the Out to Lunch Festival. All events are served up with a delicious hot lunch and take place in the Cathedral Quarter from January 2 – 25.
If it’s a thrilling new event you’re after then the Red Bull Crashed Ice at Stormont Estate on February 20-21 is the place to be. This is an extreme winter sporting event of ice cross downhill which will see over 140 competitors race down a heart pumping, specially designed assault course in what is sure to be a breath taking spectacle.
Bring the kids along and treat your family to a fantastic day out at the Belfast Children’s Festival from March 6 – 13. The festival is aimed at children up to 14 years old and events take place both in and out of school time for schools, groups and families to attend. The outstanding international and local productions cover a range of genres that will excite and inspire children.
If it’s international arts and culture that you’re after then Féile an Earraigh will be right up your street. The festival takes place in Belfast from March 10 – 17 and is a celebration of Irish music and language.
Golf lovers everywhere will be looking forward to the Irish Open 2015 which returns to Northern Ireland once again this year. The event will be hosted at the Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle from May 28 – 31 and attendees can watch golfing heroes such as Rickie Fowler and Rory McIlroy as they battle it out at the foot of the Mourne Mountains.
Following the huge success of the Giro d’Italia in May 2014 the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Northern Ireland will take place this year and the prestigious cycling sportive will consist of two routes through Northern Ireland’s stunning landscapes. The event will start from Titanic Belfast on June 21 so be sure to mark this very special date in your diary.
For all things nautical, The Tall Ships Race will return to Belfast from July 2 – 5 and the event will see up to 80 magnificent ships anchored in the Belfast harbour and Titanic Quarter areas. The festivities will be accompanied by the LIDL Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, with fun activities for all the family to enjoy.
The beautiful island town of Enniskillen will host the Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival from July 23 – August 3. The festival will host a range of engaging arts activities for all ages to experience and is inspired by the work of Nobel Prize writer Samuel Beckett
The Galgorm Castle Golf Club will also be hosting the Northern Ireland Open Challenge from August 6 – 9 which is a great opportunity to see some of Europe’s top golfers take on one of Ireland’s finest golf courses.
European Heritage Open Days will take place throughout Northern Ireland from September 12-13 and offer a unique opportunity to visit some of our most intriguing buildings, many of which are not normally open to the public, and all for free
Explore the Great Outdoors
If you’re New Year’s resolution is to get outdoors and be more active then Northern Ireland is the perfect place to be as it is just brimming with exciting places to see and explore.
The Slieve Gullion Forest Park in Co Armagh will see the opening of the Giants Lair early in 2015, an exciting new children’s story park and kids will be further entertained at a new adventure playground at Belfast Zoo.
2015 will see the launch of some unmissable new visitor attractions in Northern Ireland. The Gobbins at Islandmagee will be welcoming visitors Summer 2015 and is set to be one of Northern Ireland’s must-visit destinations. The Gobbins recreates a major attraction from the early 20th century which has been updated and reopened allowing visitors and outdoor types with a sense of adventure to experience the Irish Coast in a way not seen since it was first built in 1902. The challenging, dramatic, two-mile-long cliff-face path will include spectacular tubular and suspension bridges, a staircase, caves and tunnels carved through the rock and spectacular views
For something a little less taxing, take a refreshing winter walk along the Lagan Towpath which runs between Belfast and Lisburn through a variety of wetland, riverside meadows and mixed woodland or alternatively explore the Sperrins in Co Tyrone where you can take in the stunning unspoilt countryside of the Glenelly Valley or Gortin Glen Forest Park.
Get Sporty
If you’re a sports enthusiast then there are lots of events for you to look forward to this year. The Circuit of Ireland Rally will run from April 2 – 4 in counties Antrim and Down and allows motor enthusiasts the chance to watch Europe’s top drivers pit their skills against testing roads amidst stunning landscapes.
The Vauxhall International North West 200 takes place on the Causeway Coast from May 10 – 16 and is one of the world’s top motorcycle races which follows a famous triangle circuit between the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine.
If it’s a fun filled day out with lots of exciting things to do all in the one place then why not try out We Are Vertigo near Belfast. It is Northern Ireland’s premium indoor adventure centre and only indoor trampoline park and is home to a range of exciting activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
If you feel like being a bit of a dare devil, Todd’s Leap in Ballygawley or The Jungle in Moneymore offer activities including clay pigeon shooting, zipline ,zorbing as well as off road driving.
Learn Something New
For something a little different why not try the Long Line Surf School in Limavady, Co Derry~Londonderry. Make this year the year you learn to ride the waves with fully trained surf coaches with ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors) and Beach Lifeguard qualifications.
If you would like to become a ‘master chef’ and impress your friends and family with delicious meals, the Belle Isle cookery school in Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh offers private cookery lessons as well as themed classes such as Family Favourites, Fresh from the Sea and Made in Italy.
Welig Heritage Crafts in Portaferry is perfect for anyone feeling crafty and adventurous in 2015 as they teach a whole host of workshops including basketmaking, blacksmithing, felting, wood or stone carving and spinning.
Treat Yourself
It might be something you always say you will do so be sure to make a date with one of Northern Ireland’s luxurious spas. Special spa offers are currently available at the Galgorm Resort & Spa in Ballymena, Corick House & Spa in Clogher, Lodge Hotel in Coleraine, and the Merchant Hotel in Belfast.
Take things down a notch and enjoy a scrumptious Afternoon Tea with friends or loved ones as you unwind with a selection of finger sandwiches and delicate pastries. Afternoon Tea is available around Northern Ireland at the Killyhevlin Hotel in Enniskillen, Corick House in Clogher, the Everglades Hotel in Derry, The Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh, The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, the Slieve Donard in Newcastle, the Argory in Dungannon and the Merchant Hotel in Belfast.
For more information on things to do in Northern Ireland click on www.discovernorthernireland.com or visit your local tourist information centre.