Discover your passion
Whether you’re a foodie, sport fanatic or interested in literature, Shauna McCrudden profiles the best activities to suit all personalities and ages
FOR THE BOOKWORM: Emily Brontë Homeland Tour / Seamus Heaney Homeplace ÷While the famous literary Brontë sisters grew up in Yorkshire, their family originated from just outside of Rathfriland. It was here that Patrick Brontë, father of Charlotte, Emily and Anne was born. Take a drive through the Brontë Homeland, starting at Drumballyroney Church near Rathfriland. You can also visit the school where Patrick taught, which is now a museum. Lose yourself in the magic of a literary world by exploring the many places in Northern Ireland associated with great authors. Another literary haven is the Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Co Derry. Here you can take a journey through the life and literature of the poet and Nobel Laureate. HomePlace includes a stunning visual exhibition of Seamus Heaney’s work. The Homeplace is filled with personal stories and artefacts, dozens of family photographs, video recordings from friends, neighbours and cultural figures, and the voice of the poet himself reading his own words. For more information on the Brontë Homeland, visit www.visitarmagh.com. Adult £3, Child £2. Seamus Heaney Homeplace is at www.seamusheaneyhome.com, Adult £7.00, Child £4.50, Concs. £4.50. Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £19 FOR THE FOODIE: St George’s Market ÷St George’s Market was named the UK’s Best Large Indoor Market 2014 and was also voted the nation’s favourite Heritage project. There are around 248 market stalls selling a variety of products including: fruit, vegetables, antiques, books, clothes and fish. The Saturday City Food and Craft Market has tempting speciality foods from around the world as well as handmade crafts. This is foodie central and it’s the mix of attractions which holds the attentions of thousands of visitors every week. Find more at www.belfastcity.gov.uk FOR THE GOLFER: Royal County Down and Royal Portrush golf courses ÷Any golfing trip to Northern Ireland would not be complete without visiting two of the greatest pieces of golf architecture in the world. The courses are numbers one and seven respectively in the World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses by Golf Digest in 2017. A visit and a round of golf is a must! While at the courses, hire a caddie and act like a real pro. Shape your golf game
and who knows, you might be the next Rory McIlroy! For more, visit www.royalcountydown.org and www.royalportrushgolfclub.com, the Championship links cost up to £200 per round FOR THE TV ADDICT: Game of Thrones® Experiences ÷ Game of Thrones® has become a worldwide phenomenon, breaking ratings records with every passing episode. While we all wait for the final episodes to air next year, why not visit Northern Ireland, home to more Seven Kingdoms locations than anywhere else in the world? Castle Ward in Co Down may just be the Holy Grail for Game of Thrones® fans as it is instantly recognisable as Winterfell, home of the heroic Stark family. While at the Stark family home, you can book a filming location cycle tour, dress up in costumes and exercise your archery skills. Stand exactly where the Starks stood and shoot medieval arrows using ancient bows. You will even receive directions from an instructor dressed up as Jon Snow! Visit www.gameofthroneswinterfelltours.com, experiences can cost up to £30pp FOR THE MUSIC MAESTRO: Belfast Music Tour ÷Van Morrison, The Undertones, Gary Moore, James Galway, Snow Patrol and many others are all part of Northern Ireland’s rich history of music. Sit back and enjoy the tunes and tales about the city’s legendary music makers with a guided bus tour through the city. The exhibition includes a series of storyboards plotting the history of Northern Ireland music and a ‘Legends’ series of wall displays hailing the all-time greats. Music fans are spoilt for choice when it comes to Northern Ireland’s music scene. You will finish the tour at the Cathedral Quarter’s Oh Yeah Music Centre, where you can take in the excellent Belfast Music Exhibition. Visit www.visitbelfast.com, exhibition is free, music tour is £8.00 with £6.00 concession FOR THE ADVENTURER: Long Line Surfing School ÷Go surfing with one of Ireland’s best surfing schools. Located in Derry, Long Line Surf instructors are all fully trained surf coaches and lifeguards. The lessons are 2.5 hours long with all equipment provided. There are up to five lessons a day during the summer season and lessons run from 6.30am to 9.00pm. From £25pp for adults and from £15pp for children aged 6-12. So, whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced surfer looking to improve your cutback, Long Line Surf School can cater for you. Visit www.longlinesurf.com