Fun for all the family
Whether it’s touring a haunted prison or going walking with llamas, here are some of the incredible experiences which will satisfy all age
A SPOOKY EXPERIENCE
Take a guided tour of one of Belfast’s most historic buildings, the Crumlin Road Gaol. Learn about the history of the site. From the time when women and children were held as prisoners, to the political segregation of republican and loyalist prisoners. During the tour of the gaol, you will be taken to visit the underground tunnel that used to connect the gaol to the Crumlin Road Courthouse. Your guide will talk you through the history of the gaol and how the prisoners lived day by day. Sit in the Governor’s chair and pay a visit to the condemned man’s cell. Then, visit the execution cell where the majority of the 17 condemned men were hanged. There are also ghost walk tours in this spooky building. There is history and a little bit of horror for all the family at Crumlin Road Gaol. Tours can be booked online at www.crumlinroadgaol.com
TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Come and meet some lovely llamas in Co Derry! Enjoy a gentle walk with a llama at your side with Jungle NI’s Llama Trekking. You’ll walk your llama through readymade treks while surrounded by Mother Nature. Suitable for all ages, the llamas are good natured animals who enjoy human company. If you want to continue your llama adventure, you can take the picnic option. A picnic hamper is provided filled with goodies, so you’re ready for your next adventure. For more information and to book, visit www.jungleni.com
GET ON YOUR BIKE!
If you are planning a family adventure, look no further than a family cycling trip. The Castle Archdale Family Cycling Trail in Co Fermanagh is a traffic-free route which is perfect for the little ones. Starting from the Marina in Castle Archdale Country Park, follow the arrows through the secluded enclosure of the forest. This is a great introduction for all ages and abilities (as long as they can ride a bike!). Along the route lies the Old Castle, destroyed during the 17th Century Irish Rebellion, the shore of Lower Lough Erne, and panoramic views across to Davy’s Island and White Island. In the summer, you can take a boat trip to White Island to see the famous carved figures of masks believed to date back to the 9th century. Pack a picnic or stop at the café and playpark on the way. This route has everything you need for a fun day out on the bike. For more information, visit www.cycleni.com
AN EGG-CELLENT ADVENTURE
Easter is a time to spend with all the family and the perfect time to bring them to visit Northern Ireland. Treat your little ones to the magic of a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt from the 1st-2nd April in Coleraine. This weekend of fun involves following Bunny’s clues and finishing the adventure with a delicious, Cadbury treat. With face-painting and family games, the weekend is filled with activities. Plus, every time you head out on a Cadbury Egg Hunt, you will help fund vital conservation work to protect special places with the National Trust. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk, hunts are £1.50 per child
A FESTIVAL OF FUN
The 20th birthday of Belfast Children’s Festival will take place from 9th-14th March 2018. There will be a programme of theatre, music, dance, literature, and visual art, to inspire creativity in all who attend. Artists from all over Europe, along with homegrown talent, will be presenting shows and interactive experiences in venues and locations across Belfast. To view the whole programme of events, visit www.youngatart.co.uk
A MAGICAL STORYBOOK
Explore Hawthorn Hill Nature Reserve within Slieve Gullion Forest Park in Co Armagh. A magical living storybook is brought to life through a trail of fairy houses creating a land populated with dragons, giants and fairies. Follow in the footsteps of Flynn the mischievous fairy. Drop in for a cup of dandelion tea and then grab a seat at the Giant’s Table. The Giant’s Lair is a piece of enchantment and mystery in the beautiful setting of Slieve Gullion Forest Park. There are magnificent views of the Ring of Gullion mountains including Croslieve, Slievebrack and Mullaghbane Mountains from the path. The Giant’s Lair is inspired by legend and mythical folklore set on over a mile of woodlands at Slieve Gullion Forest Park. It is free to walk around and explore and is a great day out for adults and kids alike. Visit www.walkni.com, entry is free of charge
THE AMERICAN FRONTIER
Follow the emigrants trail at the Ulster American Folk Park in Co Tyrone. Wander through the thatched cottages and meet costumed characters who will act out how the emigrants lived all those years ago. They will show you traditional crafts and tell you a few tales. With 30 buildings and exhibits to explore, from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale emigrant sailing ship, to the log cabins of the American Frontier, the Ulster American Folk Park is a truly unique experience. Visit www.nmni.com, adults £9, children £5.50