Things to do this May Bank Holiday weekend

By ELEANOR MCGILLIE 27 April, 2017

THERE are so many things to do this Bank Holiday weekend and so many fantastic places to eat and great places to stay here in Northern Ireland. Our members offer such a fantastic experience no matter what you want to do.

EATING:

We are heading to Slemish Market Supper Club on Saturday night at 7.30pm for an evening of meeting new people and tasting food cooked with ingredients from the Slemish Market Garden. This is going to be something else really as Chef Rob Curley will introduce the food alongside the gardener who grows the food at the Slemish Market Garden, Frank McCooke. The evening will take place in Follow Coffee in Ballymena and people are asked to be there for 7.30pm. No-one will know what’s on the menu until Rob and Frank divulge all. We can’t wait! There are still some places left so book with Rob on the Slemish Market Supper Club Facebook Page or call Rob directly on 07547804975. We have never been before but we cannot wait.

Live It Experience It member Chef Rob Curley with gardener Frank McCooke. IMG_0801 - things to do this bank holiday weekend

SURFING:

Alive Surf School is offering visitors to the North Coast a special Surf & Free rental package for this weekend. Alive Surf School, ranked Number One in Ireland on TripAdvisor, is led by Hanno Windisch who runs surfing lessons, paddle boarding lessons, Paddleboard Cave and Adventure Tours, Surf Camp packages as well as Surf and Guided walking tours. This Bank Holiday weekend, why not hit the North Coast and meet the team of fully qualified instructors – Catherine, Hannah and Nick who will take you guys out on a surfing lesson. Book a surfing lesson this weekend and stay on in the water afterwards and enjoy a free board and suit rental. Book with Hanno on 07935952532 or book online at Alive Surf School – have fun! Send us your pictures!

Alive Surf School - Stand Up Paddle Tour LIEI_1000 - things to do this bank holiday weekend in Northern Ireland

MARKETS:

Naturally North Coast and Glens have two fantastic markets coming up this Bank Holiday weekend. On Sunday, April 30 from 11am – 6pm a market will take place at the Ballycastle Seafront.
With 45 artisan traders selling a wide range of hand-crafted goods from local artists and designers and the finest foodstuff from talented growers and food producers. The market will also feature live music and dance performances from Kelly Neil Dance Co. The second market will take place on Monday in Cushendun at Glenmona House from noon until 5pm. The market will be supporting the Big Arts Weekend. All markets are free to attend. For further information visit Naturally North Coast and Glens and connect with the guys on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Things to do this May Bank Holiday weekend in northern ireland - Naturally North Coast and Glens Market

PADDLEBOARDING:

If you are lucky enough to be in Derry-Londonderry you should definitely try a City SUP (Stand Up Paddle) Tour on Monday, May 1 with Far and Wild Adventure. This jump-on, jump-off two hour city SUP tour is a superb way to unwind and catch top tips on the sweet art of SUP. This tour is suitable for individuals or small groups aged 16 years and above. And just for this Bank Holiday Monday, Far and Wild are offering the tour at a 50 per cent discount per person for groups of three or more. The tour costs £80 for one person booking solo; £40 per person for 3-4 persons or 30 per cent discount for two (1 person £80, 2 people £55 each). If a group of 5-8 of you go together it’s £30 per person. This fantastic tour is part of the Saint Slow Adventure initiative. For more information visit Far and Wild Bank Holiday City SUP Tours – enjoy!

Things to do this May Bank Holiday weekend in Northern Ireland - City SUP tours in Derry with Far and Wild part of the Saint Slow Adventure initiative. Picture by Brian Morrison

WALKING TOURS:

Three words – Dalriada Kingdom Tours. And with the main man in a kilt, you can’t say no! If you love scenery, dramatic coastlines and an authentic story then you will love these walking tours of the north coast. Mark Rodgers will give you a unique insight into a way of life on the Giants Causeway Guided Tour and also the Dunluce Castle Guided Tour this Bank Holiday weekend. These tours will give you a great sense of belonging and get you out and about for a very unique outdoor experience. Book a tour with Dalriada Kingdom Tours by Clicking Here.

Mark Rodgers of Dalriada Kingdom Tours - Things to do this May Bank Holiday weekend

EXPLORE:

If you have never been to Sliabh Gullion then this is a perfect opportunity to do it. Perfect for families, cyclists, hikers, nature lovers – this stunning place has something for everyone. Slieve Gullion (Sliabh Gullion) is a mountain in the south of County Armagh. The mountain is the heart of the Ring of Gullion and is the highest point in the county with an elevation of 573 metres. You can roam tranquil woodland trails, lose yourself in the views across the Ring of Gullion, Mourne Mountains, the Cooley Peninsula and Armagh Drumlins and enjoy the top class facilities for hikers and families. We went here in January – Here’s our blog It’s well worth the visit.

BLOG - Sliabh Gullion in Co Armagh. LIEI_01 Activities in Northern Ireland - Things to do this may bank holiday weekend

Mountain Biking:

East Coast Adventure Centre operates Rostrevor Mountain Bike Centre in Kilbroney Forest Park in Co Down. We have been there quite a few times walking but mountain biking is an activity which I am definitely taking up. The centre offers a range of bike types, hard tail, full suspension and downhill for hire – seven days per week. Also in Co Down, the whole family can enjoy Castlewellan Forest Park. A stunning location with a beautiful backdrop of the Mourne Mountains. In Co Tyrone, there’s the Blessingbourne Estate – a beautiful 550 acre estate in the Clogher Valley. You can bike through the estate’s woodlands, take in the private lakes and nature reserves and you don’t have to be a pro. The trails do suit beginners and enthusiasts. A favourite for Michael Regan – MR Photography – who supplied us with this picture is Davagh Forest Park. Located six miles north west of Cookstown, Davagh offers gentle mountain biking and walking trails and it also has an impressive 16km red trail. The Sperrin Mountains too is a fantastic destination to explore. The expansive area at Beaghmore Stone Circles is stunning or indeed Tullyhogue Fort on the outskirts of Cookstown. And one not to forget, is the Lough Navar Forest Scenic Route in Co Fermanagh. We stumbled across this place a few months ago and honestly, I cannot express how beautiful it is. Lots to explore on foot and bike.

Mountain bikers at Davagh - Picture by Michael Regan MR Photography - Things To Do this May Bank Holiday weekend

Live It Experience It’ is a group of journalists and travel writers who tell the story of our members. We work collaboratively with our members, which are tourism businesses, to promote Northern Ireland through water, air and land based activities, food and drink and great places to stay. Together we let our visitors know of all of the amazing things Northern Ireland has to offer. To become a member business in of ‘Live It Experience It’ call our office on 028 3756 8436 or please submit your information through our online form. T&Cs apply – Sign Up Here Let us tell your story! Live It Experience It is the NW200 tourism partner for 2018.