Authentic experiences in Northern Ireland
Find out how to truly discover Northern Ireland
CATCH OF THE DAY
Sail at sunrise and catch your own breakfast with the Causeway Coast Foodie Tours adventure! Get your waterproofs on and set sail from Portrush Harbour just before daybreak. If you’re used to the water you will love this adventure. Catch your breakfast in the crystal clear waters of the Causeway Coast, as the sun slowly rises over The Mull of Kintyre and Rathlin Island. Learn about the fascinating past of the area as the boat’s experienced crew teach you how to fish. After your catch, you will bring your fish (mackerel is usually the fish of the day) back to dry land and head to Babushka Café. Here, the bounty will be prepared and paired with local, seasonal produce to create an unbelievably delicious breakfast to be enjoyed while overlooking the West Strand. At this time of the morning you may well encounter dolphins and basking sharks, so it is advisable to bring along a camera. The adventure offers a truly unique experience unlike anything else found in Ireland. Visit www.causewaycoastfoodietours.com, £55pp. Booking is essential as numbers are limited to 12 on the boat
PAINTING THE TOWN
Belfast is famous for its street art and the authentic, anti-establishment and controversial stories behind it. Belfast street art has thrived over the years and artists from around the world come to paint and get inspiration from the city. Gain an insider’s view to the art, the artists, the stories, and the political and cultural history of the area during the street art tour devised and led by Seedhead Arts. Immerse yourself in the stories of how graffiti evolved from a backstreet secret to a worldwide phenomenon in this two-hour tour. The tour costs £8 pp at www.seedheadarts.com
HAIL A WATER TAXI
Travel in comfort as you are chauffeur-driven around Fermanagh’s stunning lakelands with a Lough Erne Water Taxi. This is the best way to view Lough Erne as you get to observe Ireland’s only island town while gently gliding through the waters for an hour and a half. You will get the chance to stop off at Devenish Island where you can enjoy a picnic using hamper provided to you, filled with local produce. Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you travel from shorelines to islands in the eight-seater boat that is covered to keep you warm and dry whatever the weather.
Visit www.ernewatertaxi.com , Prices are £60 per hour for the hire of the boat and driver / tour guide (1-8 persons)
SKY-HIGH ADVENTURE
If you have ever wanted to experience Game of Thrones® like one of Daenerys’ flying dragons, then look no further! Experience the thrill of a helicopter flight. Enjoy stunning aerial views and the picturesque scenery of the North Antrim coast with Cutting Edge Helicopters. Plus, explore the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. You can fly across Downhill Beach (Dragonstone), Portstewart Strand (the Coast of Dorne), Binevenagh (the Dothraki Grasslands), Larrybane (The Stormlands) and many more locations. Discover this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and become the envy of every fan across the world. From £125pp at www.cuttingedgehelicopters.com
OPEN THE DOOR TO NARNIA
Step into the magical world of Narnia in Kilbroney Park in Co Down, but without any lions or witches to scare you! The C.S. Lewis-inspired Narnia Trail brings to life the story of the Chronicles of Narnia and other legends associated with this area of the Mournes. C.S. Lewis, the beloved author of the children’s classic, is originally from Belfast. He spent his childhood holidays in the area and said this was his inspiration for the land of Narnia. The Narnia legends are interpreted along a short family loop trail, entered through a wardrobe just like the Pevensie children. The trail involves areas inspired by C.S. Lewis themes including, The Tree People, The Beavers House and The Citadels. This story land will inspire and delight the whole family and is suitable for all ages. This is an experience only found in Northern Ireland. See more at www.newryandmourne.gov.uk
FOLLOW THE MUSIC
The Belfast Traditional Music Trail is a unique way to experience Irish music. Walk through Belfast along the cobbled alleyways with professional musicians as your guides, past famous landmarks and on to bars in some of the city’s oldest buildings. At each of the three stops you will be treated to a performance of traditional tunes, songs and stories, all of which help make up your own personal ‘session’. Meet before the fire in The Dirty Onion before heading on to the Duke of York pub to learn about the instruments, customs and history of traditional music along the way. The enthusiasm and love for traditional Irish music will infect you with a passion for the songs of Northern Ireland. For more information visit www.belfasttradtrail.com