Reconnect in the Great Outdoors

It might be tempting to stay indoors during the Winter months, but what could be more romantic than a Valentine's stroll or cycle in some of Northern Ireland's most scenic locations?

Wrap up warm and head along to one of our beautiful forest and country parks. Ideas include Glenariff Forest Park in County Antrim, with its stunning Waterfall Walk along a river gorge and past spectacular waterfalls. Another option is Castle Archdale Country Park in County Fermanagh, which offers a variety of tranquil walks along the shores of Lower Lough Erne.

Northern Ireland also has some of the most spectacular beaches in Europe, with long stretches of sand and dunes – the perfect place to fall in love all over again. Ideas include Benone Strand in County Londonderry, which has seven miles of golden sand and a magnificent backdrop of cliff scenery, and Murlough Beach in County Down which offers stunning views of the nearby Mourne Mountains.

For an alternative Valentine's excursion, why not take your loved one on a leisurely ride one of Northern Ireland's excellent cycling trails? Ideas include the peaceful (and traffic-free) Newry Canal Towpath in County Armagh, or the extensive new walking and cycling routes at Castle Ward in County Down.

For more ideas, visit Walking in Northern Ireland and Cycling in Northern Ireland.

Places To Visit

	Glenariff Forest Park, Glenariffe, Ballymena Glenariff, the "Queen of the Glens", hosts the spectacular Glenariff Forest Park. The unique Waterfall Walkway, a popular tourist attraction since it opened 80 years ago,has been significantly upgraded along its 3 mile length which passes through ...
	Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick Situated in a stunning location overlooking Strangford Lough, the lawns rise up to the unique 18th century house and its Gothic façade. Wooded walks, adventure centre & horse trails are just a glimpse of what is on offer here.
	Castle Archdale Country Park, Co.Fermanagh, Irvinestown, Enniskillen Woodland & loughshore walks. Marina, access to White Island, natural history exhibits, old agricultural history exhibits, old agricultural machinery. Castle Archdale at War exhibition on the Battle of the Atlantic.
	Benone Strand, Limavady Benone Beach, multiple recipient of the European Blue Flag and Seaside Award, is a must-see when visiting the area. With seven miles of golden sand and a magnificent back drop of mountain and cliff scenery and stunning views across to Donegal.
	Roe Valley Country Park, Limavady The park boasts Ulster's first domestic hydro-electric power station (opened 1896). The Northern section of the park is open from the visitor centre to the Radisson Hotel. All forest areas are open - dogs to be kept on a lead.
	Murlough National Nature Reserve, Dundrum, Newcastle Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile 6000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and managed as Ireland’s first Nature Reserve since 1967. It is an excellent area for walking and bird watching.
	Portrush Whiterocks Beach, Portrush Recently awarded with the prestigious 2009 Blue Flag Award, Portrush Whiterocks Beach has become a favourite with locals and a must see destination for International visitors.
	Newry Canal Towpath, This cycle and walking route from the Bann Bridge in Portadown to the Tow Hall in Newry is a 20 mile trip on part of route 9 of the National Cycle Network. The route follows the towpath on the western bank of the Newry Canal.