Not so Lazy Weekend

A not so lazy in weekend Northern Ireland

Who says weekends have to be lazy? In Northern Ireland, there’s no shortage of things to do, places to see and brekkies to eat on a weekend morning. Here’s a few places worth rising early for.

Belfast Bike Tours

Belfast is a small city with a big heart. So what better way to get around it than by bike? If you’re new to the city, it’s a great way to get to know it. Join Belfast City Bike Tours on their terrific guided threehour bicycle tour of the city. Along the way, you’ll take in the historic Cathedral Quarter, the Titanic Quarter, the University, St. George’s Market and more. Saddle up!

Colin Glen

Colin Glen is more than just a beautiful woodland river glen, it’s also home to a series of amazing aerial adventure walks and climbs including SKYTrek, a fantastic new aerial adventure centre. Closer to ground, your little ones will love taking the Gruffalo Trail and meeting their 8ft-high hairy friend.

Peace Bridge and Brunch

at Primrose on the Quay When in Derry~Londonderry, start your day sunny side up with a dander across the iconic Peace Bridge on your way to Primrose on the Quay. As late morning sunshine flickers across the River Foyle, their incredible brunch menu is sure to have you beaming too. With freshly cooked local ingredients, all lovingly prepared in this family run bistro, you’ve set the day up right starting here. And don’t worry if the rest of your Sunday isn’t stacked with plans, the pancakes are stacked enough as it is!

Florence Court

For an experience with the family that won't soon be forgotten, there's Florence Court in the beautiful surroundings of West Fermanagh, at the foot of Benaughlin Mountain. This 18th-century stately home on a sustainably-run estate offers fascinating features of a bygone era, like a water-powered sawmill and blacksmith's forge. You can also walk around the gorgeous grounds of this National Trust estate, and learn about the Cole family that have called Florence Court home for over 250 years.

Golf

There’s no better way of seeing off the last week - and seeing in the new one – than with a round of golf on one of the world’s best links or parkland courses. Northern Ireland is not a big place but when it comes to golf, make no mistake, this place is giant! 90 clubs – and champions like Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell – are there to prove it. discovernorthernireland. com/things-to-do/golf

Murlough National Nature Reserve

Flanked on both sides by the Mourne Mountains and Dundrum Bay, Murlough National Nature

Peace Bridge, Derry~Londonderry

Reserve is in an enviable position where stunning views are concerned. Owned by the National Trust, this nature reserve comprises a complex sand dune system that’s over 6,000 years old, and makes for excellent walking with the family. It is also of international significance to wildlife, with a collection of butterflies.

Beaghmore Stone Circles

Make your Sunday an intriguing one with a visit to the wonderful Beaghmore Stone Circles. These timeless beauties will pull you back to an era when people marked time by the sun, stars and planets. With a local storyteller as your guide, hear ancient tales connected with the stones and see the stars as our ancestors would have done 6,000 years ago.

Oxford Island Nature Reserve

Explore the stunning beauty of Oxford Island, a designated national nature reserve sitting pretty on the peninsula in the southern shores of Lough Neagh. You’ll be spoiled for choice with miles of walking paths, birdwatching hides, ponds, meadows and play areas. See if you can spot mute swans, mallards or grey herons. Or watch out for sparrowhawks and buzzards soaring over the treetops. Ulster Folk Museum Step back in time and uncover a way of life from a century ago as you wander through the beautiful parkland of the Ulster Folk Museum. Explore thatched cottages, farms, schools and shops, chat to a period-dressed guide, admire traditional crafts and meet farm animals. Set in over 170 acres of rolling countryside in Holywood overlooking Belfast Lough, the museum tells the story of life from a bygone era that is still a vital part of us.

Glen Park Estate

Take a walk through history exploring the beautiful grounds of Glen Park Estate, just outside Omagh in the stunning Sperrins region. There’s something for all the family too, with an open farm, Den in the Glen children’s soft fun play area and fab farm shop. Even the doggie is welcome…on a lead. Park yourselves here and enjoy!

World of Owls

For a real hoot of a day, visit World of Owls, a delightful owl sanctuary at Randalstown Forest. Get to meet lots of owls from all over the world – and some of their furry bird-of-prey buddies like eagles, falcons, hawks and vultures! Meet the birds up close, have guided tours or witness the conservation work that this charity-funded sanctuary are involved in. Who-hoo are you going to bring along with you?

Hill of the O'Neill Stand on Tyrone’s ancient Hill of The O’Neill and you stand on one of the most important sites in Northern Ireland’s history. From this hill in Dungannon, the chieftain dynasty ruled for over three centuries but was at the centre of a nine-year war that changed everything. A site – and sight – to behold… for history buffs or the plain curious!

Belfast Shopping

You always have time to nip around the very walkable city centre for a spot of retail therapy. CastleCourt on Royal Avenue is a fab experience with over 90 great stores and places to eat under one roof. Check out Victoria Square, housing almost 60 stores and restaurants over four floors and home to the iconic glass dome viewing gallery with stunning views across Belfast. Remember on Sundays, retailers don’t open until 1pm. If you do arrive a little early, why not dig into a tasty brunch and coffee at the quirky Curated Kitchen & Coffee on Donegall Street, or the hit Sunday brunch eatery, the Neighbourhood Café in the Cathedral Quarter. Popular with the locals, it is known for its Turkish eggs and whipped ricotta toast.

Glen Park, Co. Tyrone Oxford Island, Co. Down

Don't plan for “some weekend”, make it next weekend!

There’s never a dull moment in Northern Ireland, and the weekends are no exception! So, wherever you want the weekend to take you, get ready to plan a cracking summer break away.