Lady Dixon Park is a park located in South Belfast. The park spans almost 130 acres and is accessible from the Upper Malone Road.
NORTHERN Ireland is jam-packed with exciting places to stay during the winter months and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is encouraging families to brighten up the gloomy nights by trying out one of the many short break offers that are available all over NI.
You can experience an atmospheric night at a lakeside cottage, a short break in a quaint Georgian town house or the buzz of a city centre escape at a great hotel – there is so much variety to choose from in Northern Ireland, explained NITB’s Destination PR Officer, Pauline Gormley.
“The evenings may be getting darker earlier and the weather is chillier but there is no need to go into hibernation just yet as the winter months are a great opportunity for families to enjoy quality fun time together and explore all the hidden gems that are available across Northern Ireland. Many hotels and guesthouses have special offers in place over the next few months to ensure that families can create fantastic memories without breaking the bank,” said Pauline.
“There truly is something for everyone, so whether you want a break from a busy life with your feet up or an active time away with the kids to explore their surroundings, Northern Ireland has it covered,” added Pauline.
Some of the many places available to stay this winter include;
Co.Antrim
For those who would like to enjoy a break based in the hustle and bustle of the city, the Ramada Plaza in Belfast is ideal. This offer is available until December 31 and for only £190 (based on one night’s stay in an interconnecting room for a family of four), visitors to the city can enjoy dinner in the Green Room restaurant or Suburbia Bistro and an Irish breakfast for all the family. Couples or families can explore all the sights and sounds that Belfast has to offer including a meander around St George’s Market and taking in the history at Titanic Quarter.
La Mon is hosting a fantastic event called La MONster break which is available now and runs up to June next year. From only £179 based on two adults and two children sharing, families can enjoy a fun filled break which includes an overnight stay, breakfast and an evening meal. On arrival, children will receive a La MONster’s local activity guide, complimentary goodies and a selection of family friendly board games to play with throughout their stay. A night time snack of milk and homemade cookies is provided before bed time to help the kids get a restful night’s sleep.
Co.Armagh
De Averell House, Armagh is a restored 18th century Georgian town house located in the heart of Armagh city and is perfect for families who would like to explore everything that Armagh has on offer. Until the end of November, visitors can enjoy two nights bed and breakfast for only £69 per person sharing and Mums and Dads can treat their kids to a trip to the Armagh Planetarium or County Museum. The guesthouse is less than 5 minutes away from the mall, courthouse and Gaol and there are lots of fun activities to keep families entertained throughout their stay.
The Loft Cottage, Banbridge is the perfect getaway for couples and can be enjoyed from only £200 for two nights untilNovember 30. The cottage has three bedrooms, sleeps six people and is set in its own private grounds and gardens. The tranquil and peaceful surroundings offer spectacular panoramic views of the rolling countryside, ensuring a stress-free and relaxing break, with your feet up.
Co.Derry~Londonderry
Derry Farm Cottages, Managhmore. Available until December 20 and from only £575, families or groups of friends can enjoy seven nights for the price of five in this beautiful cottage which is an ideal base for walking, golfing, cycling and fishing. The cottage sleeps five so groups can enjoy the scenic location which overlooks the river Faughan valley or take a short drive into Derry~Londonderry to visit must see destinations such as the Waterside Theatre, Ebrington Square and Peace Bridge.
Lodge Hotel, Coleraine is offering a great value break from only £79 for two adults and two children sharing a family room. The offer is available until the end of March 2015 and families can create fantastic memories by exploring all that the area has to offer including the Coleraine Marina, Castlerock beach, Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne and much more.
Co.Down
Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in Newcastle is offering one night’s bed and breakfast including dinner from only £99 per person up until November 30. Visitors can soak up the cosy, friendly atmosphere of the hotel and sample the delicious dining options in the Percy French restaurant. The Spa is perfect for those who would like to relax and unwind from the stresses and strains of everyday life and the seaside town of Newcastle is only a stones through away so families and couples can explore the cafes, restaurants and bars or try their hand at the penny amusements!
Enjoy family fun at The Mourne Lodge, Cnocnafeola in the Mournes. Until November 15, from only £195, based on two adults and two children sharing, families can enjoy a two night midweek break which includes breakfast each morning, a free pass to Silent Valley, free WiFi and free bicycle hire. The Silent Valley is the perfect place to bring children for a walk as it is an area of outstanding natural beauty bustling with wildlife.
Co.Fermanagh
Forest of Fright at the Finn Lough Lakeside Cottages is the ideal location for family fun this October. There are activities for the whole family to enjoy including pumpkin carving, bike rides, fireworks, fancy dress and fire side barbecues. Mums and Dads can bring their children into the haunted forest for a walk – if they dare! And make their way along the winding trails trying to avoid any spooks that may lurk behind the trees. From only £60 per person sharing up until November 2, families can enjoy a two night stay in a lakeside lodge with a balcony, one day of bike or boat hire, one breakfast, a barbecue which will include a burger and drink for everyone.
Leginn Cornmill and Millars Cottage in Enniskillen is offering a midweek deal allowing guests to stay in the beautifully renovated 19th Century Cornmill for 3 nights for only £150 and for 4 nights for only £175. The cottage sleeps six and is perfect for families or groups of friends who would like to relax for a few days or to explore everything that Co. Fermanagh has to offer from a visit to Lusty Beg Island or a tour around a stately home such as Castle Coole or Florencecourt House.
Co.Tyrone
Evishatrask Cottage in Omagh is the perfect place for a relaxing get away over the next few months. From only £180 couples or families can enjoy a two night stay in this three bedroom cottage with free bike hire for one day (usual price £10). This offer is available until November 30 and will allow families to explore the town by foot or by bike and sample the delicious food available in the restaurant conveniently located on the premises. Other things to do nearby include a visit to the Strule Arts Centre or McKenna Art Gallery.
The Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh is offering a special Family Folk Trip experience which means that families can enjoy the luxury of the hotel surroundings and a visit to the nearby Ulster American Folk Park where they can immerse themselves in the history of Irish emigration. From only £120 until December 23, based on two adults and two children sharing families can enjoy accommodation, dinner, bed and breakfast and tickets to the Ulster American Folk Park where they will meet an array of costumed characters, traditional crafts and show and tell stories.
For information log onto www.discovernorthernireland.com or www.discovernorthernireland.com/short-breaks/family-breaks-northern-ireland.aspx
