ACTIVITIES

A Golfer's paradise: Including some of the world's finest links courses are… Royal Portrush - 6 miles (10km) - http://www.royalportrush.com/ Gracehill - 8 miles (14km) - http://www.itup.fsnet.co.uk/home.html Portstewart - 10 miles (14km) - http://www.portstewartgc.co.uk/ Ballycastle - 13.5 miles (22km) - http://www.ballycastlegolfclub.com/ Castlerock - 15 miles (24km) - http://www.castlerockgc.co.uk/ Royal County Down - 89 miles (143km) - http://www.royalcountydown.org/ .

Cycling:

Recommended is the local leg of the Ballyshannon - Ballycastle cycle route - described as the most scenically dramatic section of the network. From Limavady you climb towards Binevenagh with views over Magilligan beach and the Atlantic ocean before starting the descent to Colerain via Downhill and Castlerock. After crossing the Bann at Coleraine, the route heads via Portstewart and Portrush and on to the Giant's Causeway. More information is available on the NITB's website: www.discovernireland.com See "Things to Do" - "Activities".

 

Watersports:

 

Diving:

The north coast region isn't just fascinating above sea level, it also offers some spectacular diving. There are wrecks and reefs to suit everyone - and more than enough to occupy even the most dedicated divers. For more information, see www.aquaholics .org

 

 

 

 

Riding:
All-weather and indoor equestrian facilities as well as a 20-fence cross-country course extending over 1.5 miles is available at Maddybenny Riding Centre. The centre (which is British Horse Society approved) is located near Portrush (distance 8 miles). For more information, telephone +44 (0)28 7082 3394

Walking:
Perhaps one of the best ways of exploring the local area is by foot and to help, there are "Waymarked" routes which take you along the dramatic coastline. You'll find all the information you need about the areas covered, maps and guides at www.discovernorthernireland.com/causeway.cfm

Events:
The Milk Cup - an international youth football tournament held in the North Coast area every year. It's run on a single match knock-out basis and teams from anywhere in the world can compete. A few former participants may be familiar - David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney - and in the 2002 Football World Cup, there were 30 Milk Cup veterans playing. http://www.nimilkcup.org/

 

The Oul' Llamas Fair - has been an annual event in Ballycastle for nearly four centuries. Held on the last Monday and Tuesday of August, it's best known for the sale of "dulse" (an edible seaweed) and "Yellowman" (a local honeycomb confection".

 

 

 

 

 

The North West 200 - a motorcycle race held each May around local roads in the "Triangle" of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine. Considered among the fastest in the world with speeds topping 200mph, it's the highest attended sporting even in Ireland. Enthusiasts may also be interested to visit the Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden in nearby Ballymoney which celebrates the life of one of the most successful riders of all time whose motorcycle career included 5 Formula One World Championships.

 

For full information on the many sports and activities available in the area, we highly recommend you explore the CAAN (Countryside Access and Activities Network) website - www.landwaterair.co.uk