GET YOUR PULSE RACING THIS WINTER IN NORTHERN IRELAND #VisitNI

Did you ever think you could experience the adrenaline of driving a car while blindfolded, the thrill of sailing across land, or the excitement of trekking with a llama through the countryside? The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is hoping to get your pulses racing this winter with a range of unique and unusual activities on offer.

Don’t let the cold spoil your fun this year and take the opportunity to have great fun with your family and friends. NITB’s Destination PR Officer, Pauline Gormley, says there is still plenty to do even during the winter months and is encouraging everyone to try their hand at something new.

“There is so much to do in Northern Ireland all year round and just because there is a chill in the air it doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors,” says Pauline.

“Why not wrap up warm and enjoy an adventure activity. There is everything from learning how to be a rally driver to going caving and exploring the fascinating underground caves in Fermanagh or taking to the skies over Newtownards in a Microlight flight on offer,” she said.

To help get you started, NITB has highlighted some unusual activities to take part in this winter;

Drive a car blindfolded, Todds Leap, Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone
Put your communication skills to the test as you navigate a car while blindfolded at one of Northern Ireland’s leading outdoor activity centres Todds Leap. This team challenge will see you totally dependent on your passengers in the back seat for directions so make sure you know your left from your right. This hilarious activity is completely safe and is under the supervision of a qualified instructor.

Blokarting, Benone Beach, Limavady, Co. Londonderry
Experience the thrill of sailing across the land in a Blokart – a mini sand yacht which is hand steered and powered by the wind. It is an exciting way to make the most of Northern Ireland’s splendid beaches in the winter when they are not packed with people. Due to the simple nature of control, most newcomers will find they are zooming about in no time and you can eventually reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.

Hovercrafting, Foylehov, Limavady, Co. Londonderry
Fly over land and water on a cushion of air and experience the thrill of controlled drifts, fast straights and hairpin bends on a purpose built track. You will require some nerve and a new set of ‘driving skills’ to make the most of this exhilarating experience as you skim in and out of water hazards at high speed.

Segway NI, Portadown, Co. Armagh
Get your adrenaline pumping and explore Craigavon Lakes like never before on a Segway. Take a tour on these two-wheeled self-balancing vehicles and test yourself around a skills course followed by an off road challenge. You can also compete against others or bring your friends and family to see who is the best.

Llama Trekking, The Jungle NI, Moneymore, Co. Londonderry
The Jungle NI is the first adventure activity centre to bring llama trekking to Northern Ireland. Prior to your journey you will be introduced to your llama and given instructions as to how best to look after him/her before you wander the purpose-made trekking paths that are mapped and colour coded. Llamas are extremely good natured, placid animals who love human company and many people find this experience very therapeutic.

Learn to be a rally driver, Rally Storm, Omagh, Co. Tyrone
If you want to experience the excitement of rally driving then this is as good as it gets. High up on the extreme terrain of the Sperrin Mountains, you can learn how to drive furiously around tight hairpins, fast straights, crests and medium corners. Rally Storm has a specifically designed and purpose built gravel rally stage which replicates the surface of a forest stage without the danger of trees and ditches.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Troggs Surf School, White Rocks cliffs and caves, Co. Antrim
Learn something new and take a Stand Up Paddle boarding session. Get ready to take part in a fully structured two hour starter lesson where you will learn awareness of the ocean environment and the flat water paddle technique and skills needed to learn how to stand up.

Caving, Corralea Activity Centre, Co. Fermanagh
The cavelands of Fermanagh are unique in Northern Ireland with a fascinating, natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers. Corralea Activity Centre organises sporting caving trips into these caves that are ideal for beginners. Explore the depths of Fermanagh’s underground passages, streams and formations by walking, crawling and swimming with a qualified cave leader.

Microlight Flying, Northern Ireland Microlights, Newtownards, Co. Down
Get the feeling of soaring across the sky like a bird on a microlight flight. Microlights are small and light but a very safe aircraft and you can enjoy either an introductory flight or book lessons with Northern Ireland Microlights, an approved training school which flies from Newtownards Airfield over some of the most interesting scenery.

Hilden bike ‘n’ brew, Belfast City Bike Tours, Belfast
Leave the city behind and take a cycle along quiet bike paths, meandering through Belfast’s University Quarter and onto the Lagan towpath before stopping at the Hilden Brewery near Lisburn. Here you will enjoy a 40 – 45 minute tour before sitting down for a light meal which often incorporates the brewery’s main asset – beer! Price includes bike tour, brewery tour, lunch and tasting.

Wilderness Adventure, Canoe Campsite, Blackwater Canoe Trail, Co. Armagh and Tyrone
The Blackwater Canoe Trail provides a trail of 20km for canoeing enthusiasts of any ability. The river lazily meanders through the beautiful countryside and now you can stop along the way at the newly launched Copney Campsite which is only accessible from the water. Located approximately half way along the trail it is the perfect overnight stop off on a two day trip along the trail.

For more information on the unusual things to do during the winter in Northern Ireland click on www.discovernorthernireland.com