Things To Do This Valentines Day In NI

As Valentines day descends part of me realises that some people see this holiday for something other than the obvious day of consumerism it is.  The folks over at Tourism NI are , luckily, less cynical and so have put together an exhaustive list of things to rescue you from your lack of fore-planning and have a rollicking good V-Day here in Northern Ireland.

There are plenty of magical locations that make an ideal setting for a romantic day out where love will certainly bloom:  

Local myth and legend suggests that couples who canoodle over the Kissing Gate at Tannaghmore Gardens by the Craigavon Lakes in Armagh will marry within the year so take your other half along if you have marriage on your mind.  The Celtic Holestone in Doagh attracts couples all year round and tradition says that any woman who reaches her hand through the round hole in the stone, to grasp her partners, will pledge love to each other forever.
Capturing stunning views of the whole of North Down and Strangford Lough, Scrabo Tower in Newtownards has been a popular location for proposals over the years, as couples enjoy the paths through the quiet and peaceful countryside before reaching the top.

Watch the sun go down at the world famous Giant’s Causeway on the north Antrim Coast and bask in the romantic atmosphere and amazing views.

Fermanagh is ideal for a Valentine’s Day getaway as visitors can soak up the beautiful Lakeland views in the shores of tranquil Lough Erne before enjoying a picnic at Lough Navar Forest and going for a stroll around Florence Court, Castle Coole or Crom Estate.

If you and your other half love to be active then a trip to the Tyrone and Sperrins is for you as the area has lots of beautiful open spaces for walking. Options include Gortin Glen Forest Park near to Omagh or Banagher Glen near Dungiven. If you’re after a bigger adrenaline rush then try an outdoor activity centre such as The Jungle NI in Moneymore or Todds Leap in Ballygawley

There is no better place for a romantic Valentine’s stroll than on one of Northern Ireland’s stunning beaches.  Helen’s Bay Beach in Co Down is one of two excellent beaches which can be found in Crawfordsburn Country Park. These beautiful sandy beaches are exceptionally popular with excellent water quality making them ideal for dipping toes or writing a love note in the sand. The country park provides a beautiful back drop to the beach, with wooded headlands, meadows, quality walks and good facilities.Helen’s Bay Beach is one of two excellent beaches found in Crawfordsburn Country Park. These beautiful sandy beaches are by far the best within the Belfast area and as such are exceptionally popular and well used. Helen’s Bay Beach is gently shelving and has excellent water quality making it ideal for bathing. The country park provides an excellent back drop to the beach, with wooded headlands, meadows, quality walks and good facilities.

BELFAST

There are many ways to spend Valentine’s Day in Belfast, such as taking in a show at the Grand Opera House or The MAC, or visiting Titanic Belfast where visitors can sample a special Valentine’s afternoon tea.  You could enjoy a romantic dinner in one of Belfast’s many popular restaurants, such as the intimate setting of Darcy’s or a taste of Italy in The Chubby Cherub, where you can even book ‘Cupid’s Corner’ for the occasion.

ANTRIM

County Antrim is home to many beautiful attractions for romantic walks such as the Giant’s Causeway and Carnfunnock Country Park in Larne, and also several delectable places to eat, like the 17^th century charm of the Garden Restaurant in Ballygally Castle with its beautiful views, or Angelo’s in Lisburn with its delicious Italian food and special bespoke Valentine’s Day menu.

ARMAGH

The Friary Restaurant in Armagh City Hotel offers delicious local produce prepared with the latest international techniques, and is the perfect spot for a candlelit dinner for two. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed Valentine’s night in the Moody Boar restaurant, offering a special Valentine’s menu for the whole weekend. Beyond food, Armagh is also awash with places to go, such as the Palace Demesne Park and Navan Centre and Fort.

CO.DOWN

The theme for the month of February in Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016 is Love Local, so why not combine the two with a romantic dinner at Vanilla in Newcastle, which prides itself on global cuisine made with local and home-grown produce.  Also in County Down is The Boat House, where you can enjoy stunning views of Bangor Marina.  There are plenty of places to work up an appetite nearby, such as a Valentine’s Day with a difference at Clearsky Adventure Centre in Strangford where couples can enjoy a fun glamping weekend.

FERMANAGH

There are few more stunning backdrops to a romantic meal than Lough Erne, and you can enjoy these beautiful views in the Belleek Restaurant at the Manor House Country Hotel and Kove at the Killyhevlin Hotel in Enniskillen.  You could even hire a boat for the day to explore one of Fermanagh’s many secluded islands on the Lough, perfect for a surprise proposal! 

LONDONDERRY

Enjoy a glass of champagne and a delicious meal before a night out at the nearby Millennium Forum in Brown’s Restaurant and Champagne Lounge, where they offer a pre-theatre menu, or enjoy a relaxing dinner for two after a walk along Portstewart Strand at the brand new Amici Ristorante offering rustic, authentic Italian food.

TYRONE

Have a go at making a Lovers’ Knot to give to your sweetheart as part of the Valentine’s Day celebrations at the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh. Afterwards soak up the romantic lakeside surroundings at Otter Lodge in Cookstown or make your way to the secluded picturesque village of Donaghmore for a meal at The Brewer’s House, which combines the best of pub food with touches of contemporary cuisine.

For more information and ideas on romantic locations to propose, things to do over Valentine’s Day and some great offers click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/valentines  or visit your local visitor information centre.