If you are lucky enough to have some time off this summer, make sure you use the time to head out in the car and enjoy some fun activities with your pals. We have checked out some activities to keep you entertained when you have some free time!
Drive in cinema
You may have only ever seen drive in cinemas in movies but now they have become the new trend. Keep an eye out in your local area too as pop up drive ins have been happening across Ireland.
Retro Drive in Cinema Leopardstown. Leopardstown Racecourse has been transformed to cater for the old classics from Top Gun, Titanic and Pretty Woman to more recent hits like The Greatest Showman and A Star is Born.
The Big Drive Inn with locations in Antrim, Derry/Londonderry and Fermanagh you can catch some of the biggest movies from A star is Born, Grease, Dirty Dancing and some of Disney’s favourites The Lion King, The Jungle Book, Beauty and The Beast and Monia.
Drive in Cinema - Let's Go Hydro - just outside Belfast, you can catch lots of the best movies mid-week to weekends. You can also tuck into some pizza, street food or sweet treats. This is a perfect date night.
Forest walks
Over the past few months, everyone has taken to the great outdoors with forest walks proving to be super popular.
How lucky are we to have such plentiful parks and trails to explore! Whether you want something local or fancy somewhere new, here in NI we are spoilt for choice. We have found some perfect forest parks where you can enjoy a day out. Don’t forget to bring a picnic.
Colin Glenn Forest Park – Belfast is a lovely short drive from many locations so if you are looking for a day trip this could be the very one. The forest park has a range of activities from laser tag, ziplining, walking trails and more.
Tollymore Forest Park – Newcastle the forest park runs over a little river which is perfect for a lovely walk, you can even bring your dog along. Also, the grass areas are plentiful which is perfect for a nice picnic or you can even use some of the BBQ areas. Of course remember to bring your own things.
Gosford Forest Park – Markethill another beautiful location 25 minutes from Newry and less than 15 minutes from Armagh city. Enjoy nature walks, picnics or bbqs. You decide.
Beach walks
Summer 2020 is all about the staycation, although we cannot guarantee the sun, sea and sand, we can give you some of the best beaches. Whether you are planning a staycation, weekend break or just a day trip, you can walk some of the beautiful beaches on the north coast or travel a little further to Donegal or Dublin and take in their scenic views.
Murlough Beach, Newcastle is very central to many locations and easily found. There is a nice boardwalk to the beach which is roughly 3Kms. So, if you are bringing along a picnic remember to pack light.
Whiterock Beach, Portrush along the coastal route. In 2015 this beach was awarded a The Blue Flag award and is ranks one of the local’s favourites. We can see why.
Ballycastle Beach, another beautiful beach which is only 5 minutes from the town centre, so you can stroll along the beach before enjoy lunch in a nearby café or restaurant
Boyeeghter Bay also known as Murder Hole Beach, Donegal. Some refer to this as a secret beach as when the tide is in n there are two beaches, which merge into one, when the tide is out. There is also a cool stone cave like structure, make sure you get your Instagram photo here.
Sandy Cove, Dublin is a beautiful beach on the suburbs of the city with a famous Martello Tower. This is a perfect location to splash about if you are a water baby. Or stroll the beach and take in the seaside breeze.
Skerries beach, Dublin is in Skerries a very picturesque town which is easily accessed by car. Or if you are in the city centre you can get the bus or train.
Adventure sports
Feeling energetic and want something a little competitive? Here are some fun outdoor activities to check out:
Let’s go Hydro is the next best thing to a sunny holiday water park. At Let’s go Hydro you can splash into a range of water sports from their large inflatable obstacle course, wakeboarding and knee-boarding or open outdoor swimming.
If you love the outdoors and activities that will get your heart racing, make sure to visit Carlingford adventure centre or Lurgaboy Adventure There are all sorts of things to do - kayaking, paddle boarding and water trampolining to offshore activities such as laser combat, rock climbing, foot golf, zip wiring and rock climbing, plus lots more. Check out their websites for group bookings and more information.
Tayto Park isn’t just for the kids as it caters for all ages. From their theme park to zoo and circus shows, you can fill your day all in one location. Be sure to check out their website for bookings as this is a very popular attraction this summer.
Indoor fun
Unfortunately, we cannot always be sure of what the weather will bring so we have some options for indoor fun.
Thankfully, cinemas are back open, so you can take some time out and enjoy a movie, popcorn, and your favourite sweet treats in front of the big screen. Check out your local Omniplex for booking and screen listings.
Or if bowling is more your thing, why not take on your friends at the local bowling alley.
Sheepbridge Fun Entertainment Centre has 10 state of the art, glow in the dark lanes and a retro bowling theme, plus a bar and restaurants. So you can work up an appetite on the bowling lanes before heading to the restaurant. Make sure to book in advance to avoid any disappointment.
The Ice Bowl Dundonald just outside Belfast, this is an easy drive for fun with a difference. You can decide to play a game of bowls or take to the ice rink for some ice staking. Again, we recommend you book ahead of travelling.
If you are a keen golfer, inject some fun into your skills with a game of mini golf at The Lost City Adventure Golf where you can enjoy a round of mini golf, plus pizza.
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