We Are On The Road!

Just a quick update, with limited wifi! We are on the road, having driven over 500 miles since Sunday. I've lots to share with you soon of destinations here in Northern Ireland to visit as a tourist, or like us a tourist-at-home.

We've seen a fairy village, had a space adventure, shopped ourselves silly in the kitschest shop I've ever found, and slept in a cottage amongst the mountains with no-one around for miles except some sheep. 

I'm looking forward to sharing with you homely and wonderfully welcoming Mourne Lodge,  where the Game of Thrones crew stayed whilst filming down this direction. I also have to show you Dan White's Cottage, where we've been staying the past two nights; it's a self catering gem. But for now, it's time to hit the sack. Another hundred miles or so to travel tomorrow and more adventures ahead!

Today We Went on the Strangford Sea Safari

The folks at NITB had asked me would we like to take part in one of the activities this Adventure Weekend. With me being unwell I couldn't see us canoeing, and with the little man being aged six we couldn't choose the Segways at Titanic, so we opted for the Sea Safari at Strangford, with it's promise of being suitable for ages 3 - 103!

The Safari departs from a little pier to the left of the main ferry dock on the Strangford side. I would allow approx. an hour to drive there from Belfast, and although you book ahead and the guide waits as long as possible for late comers, there is a cut off point and we set off five minutes late after waiting for the other group to arrive. 

We left plenty of time to get there and arrived 45 mins early and had a picnic, so as we weren't in any rush. The town also has pubs and fish & chip shops should you want to tuck into something warm before your trip. 

Little Michael was a bit nervous at first, but the guide made us all feel at ease and it's easy to see the boat isn't exactly a rickety rowing job, it's a safe speed boat and even going high speeds you feel completely safe.

Fifteen minutes before departure you'll be given an extra coat and life jacket. I was just wearing a tshirt on the drive down, but I wore my cardigan, wool duffel coat AND the coat they provided and still felt the chill. Make sure you wrap up and wear decent footwear in case you get wet.

The Safari takes you out seaward first, past birds and seals to a lighthouse where you have a view of the mountains of Mourne. I couldn't take many photos as I was holding tight to Michael, but if you are a photographer there are plenty of chances to get unique shots from the sea.

You also witness these crazy whirlpools, formed by a cliff face below the lough. For Game of Thrones fans, you get to see some of the outdoor filming locations from the sea, pretty impressive photos to bring home to show your friends and make them jealous!

After 45 mins of zipping around the lough, the guide does some pretty impressive doughnuts with the boat (the boys seem to love this bit) and then it's back ashore.

The guys also do Belfast Sea Safaris, so for information on booking a trip for your family, or any other of the outdoor activities in the area, get in contact with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board at 

http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/

It's Adventure Weekend in Northern Ireland!

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), in association with OutdoorNI.com, is challenging everyone to get out and experience Northern Ireland’s great outdoors by taking on an exciting outdoor activity during the annual Adventureland Weekend which takes place on April 5 and 6.

Northern Ireland Adventureland Weekend is offering families, friends, beginners and adrenaline seekers, over 55 fun outdoor events at a lower rate of either 50% off or £10pp.  Over the weekend, events will takeplace at locations right across Northern Ireland meaning there is something for everyone.

Find out which activities are available near you on the website & watch the blog for our trip on the Strangford Sea Safari.