Leisure activities in Down

Bluelough Adventure Centre
The Grange Yard, Castlewellan Forest Park
Castlewellan
BT31 9BU
028 43770714
Situated in the heart of the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty an all year round package is offered at Bluelough Adventure Centre.

A dedicated team of instructors and coaches are on hand to assist you and their professional, yet informal, approach will ensure you have a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience in whatever you wish to do.

All levels of competence are catered for, from coaching in basic 'Come and Try It' sessions through to tailored advanced skills in the following;

Abseiling
Archery
Bouldering
Camping
Canyoning
Coasteering
Hill Walking
Mobile Climbing Tower
Mountaineering
Open Canoeing
Orienteering
Raft Building
Rock Climbing
Sea Kayaking
Tyrolean's
Voyaging
White Water Kayaking

If you are fully experienced and would like to head off and have your own adventure then you can hire all the specialist equipment that you may need - even your travel arrangements can be organised with discounts available.

Bluelough can also provide Gift Vouchers for that alternative present; birthday parties, surprise party, a hen or stag party or just a thank you and vouchers can be the perfect way to celebrate.

Open to families, individuals and groups, (family and group rates are available). Booking is not always required, although it is recommended that you do so to avoid disappointment!

The Bluelough Mobile Climbing Tower can also be hired for promotions, festivals and parties. The tower can travel anywhere in the UK and Ireland and comes with its own dedicated team of professional staff.

Please contact for further information.

Down Royal Racecourse
Maze
Lisburn
BT27 5RW
028 92621256

Down Royal Racecourse has brought the 'Sport of Kings' to generations of people in Ulster since the 17th Century.

From the early 1990's the racecourse has undergone major development and modernisation and is proud to boast some of the most modern facilities for any racegoer.

The Grandstand has fourteen Corporate Boxes, a VIP Hospitality Suite, Public Bar and an elevated viewing area which overlooks the track and finishing post.

For an exciting day out individually, or with the family, visit Down Royal Racecourse and enjoy the excellent facilities.

For more details of forthcoming meetings, ticketing, and corporate entertainment please contact the course direct.

Tropicana Outdoor Fun Pool
10 to 14 Central Promenade
Newcastle
BT33 0AA
028 43725034

The whole family can enjoy the great facilities available at Tropicana Outdoor Fun Pool, especially those who enjoy the wet side of life!

Fun is guaranteed in Tropicana, Newcastle's Outdoor Heated Leisure Pool with its giant water slide and, to ensure that the toddlers are not forgotten, they have their own paddling pools with 'Nellie the Elephant' slide and a friendly 'Crocodile'.

There is a crèche for 3 to 5 year olds and a summer scheme for 6 to 12 year olds - which are organised to help keep the children entertained.

Opening Times: Daily during July and August

Please contact for details of prices and any more information you may need.

DV Diving
138 Mountstewart Road
Newtownards
BT22 2ES
028 91464671
DV Diving is a PADI Five Star Dive Centre, TDI Facility, RYA Training Centre and HSE recognised scuba assessment centre based at Strangford Lough, County Down, Northern Ireland.

Many visiting divers return every year, attracted by the clear waters around County Down, and the great diversity of dive sites with intact wrecks to explore, spectacular drop offs and exhilarating drift dives.

DV Diving will arrange packages to suit the requirements of individuals and groups combined with travel and accommodation options.

Highly qualified instructors are available to supervise all diving activities and have an extensive knowledge of local waters.

These instructors are able to show you some of the amazing scenic diving and wealth of sea-life, which can be photographed, as well as exploring some of the crystal clear underwater world of more than two thousand marine species.

Among the most exciting areas for diving enthusiasts are the unspoilt inland sea of Strangford Lough and the wreck-strewn Irish Sea coast of County Down.

All equipment can be provided and training completed during your holiday and Gift vouchers are available.

Please contact for further information, special packages and prices, or visit the website via the link below.

Exploris Aquarium
The Rope Walk, Castle Street
Portaferry
BT22 1NZ
028 42728062
This is the closest visitors will get to marine life and still stay dry!

A fun day out for all age groups can be enjoyed at this public aquarium and seal sanctuary where you will be able to view the rehabilitation of abandoned or injured seal pups at close range as well as seeing the marine life of Strangford Lough and the Irish sea displayed.

There are 'touch' tank demonstrations throughout the day at regular intervals.

Take time out to explore the gift shop, where you can purchase a souvenir to remember your visit, and call into the cafe, where you are able to take a relaxing break for a snack and refreshments during your visit.

Exploris is the perfect venue for educational or group visits for all ages with various activities including:

DISCOVERY POOLS This is a wonderful opportunity to discover a variety of living animals at close hand; Rays, Starfish and Sea Urchins. Experienced guides are on hand to help break down any inhibitions and develop an appreciation of nature.

AQUARIUM TOUR A guide will lead your group on a journey through the aquarium beginning with displays focusing on Strangford Lough before moving on to the Irish Sea via Exploris themed display tanks. You can also learn about seal rehabilitation from the rescue of seals to their release back into the wild.

SHORE WALKS Are available at certain times, depending on the tides in Strangford Lough, and give an opportunity to learn about life on the shore. Educational staff accompany groups to a local rocky shore to study living things in their natural habitat.

WORKSHOPS The 'Exploris Educational Suite' is used for themed workshops; 'Conservation', 'Pollution' and 'The Seashore'.

The aquarium is open daily all year round and the under 4's are free.

Corporate Hire Facilities are available in the Exhibition Hall.

Exploris Aquarium is a fully accessible facility incorporating lifts at both ends of the building for wheelchair access to and from the upper floor.

There are a number of courtesy wheelchairs are available at reception on arrival.

Baby changing facilities are available in the centre.

Free Car Parking is available with a limited number of Disabled Car Parking spaces closest to the building.

Please contact for further information, or visit the website via the link below.