We ditched land for these 9 water activities in Northern Ireland!
Some families are more peaceful and content with matching PJs on a chill night—not mine, though. As a mum of 3 rowdy boys, our type of weekend is matching life jackets and random sunburns.
For context, my husband and I have taken our kids to almost every dry outdoor activity there is. But our boys get bored easily, so now we’ve been trying various water sports instead. And in our experience, they just love coming back to the water for more!
Here’s a handy list of the best water activities in Northern Ireland we’ve enjoyed the most. Give them a whirl below!
1. Surfing at Portrush
– Media credit: aliveadventuresportrush
Website: https://aliveadventures.co.uk/
Address: West Strand Car Park, Portrush
Contact Details: +44 7935 952532, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 9:00am – 5:30pm
Fees:
- Group Surf Lessons (2 hours for all ages) – starts at £44.52
- Private Group Surf Lessons (2 hours for all ages) – starts at £58.30
- Private Individual Surf Lessons (1 hour for all ages) – starts at £68.90
- Deluxe Surf Package (3 hours for all ages) – starts at £74.20
- Youth Group Surf Lessons – (2 hours) – starts at £20
- Stag & Hen Group Parties – £45 to £53 per person (stag or hen goes free)
Surfing at Portrush is one of the best water activities in Northern Ireland that you shouldn’t miss for an adrenaline rush.
This is best for beginners and pros alike, and lessons are offered by local schools like Alive Adventures Portrush, the longest-running one in this town.
But besides surfing solo or with friends, why not challenge yourself even more? You can also learn how to paddleboard, bodyboard, kayak, and use an electric bike!
Pro tips:
- Besides the water sports at Alive Adventures Portrush, you can use its e-bikes to explore the Causeway Coast! This is a fun way to stay active while casually cooling down. You can plan food stops around here too!
- Avoid the busy lifeguard swim zones when you surf as well. The red and yellow-flagged areas are for the swimmers and bodyboarders.
2. Cliff Jumping near Ballintoy
– Media credit: CoasteeringNI
Website: http://www.coasteeringni.co.uk/
Address: 43 Harbour Rd, Ballycastle
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Fees:
- Ballintoy Coasteering – starts at £40 to £50 per person
- Wet Bouldering (Bloody Bridge) – starts at £45 per person
Coasteering in Northern Ireland combines some of the coolest water activities you can do with a big group. It’s basically action-packed—not for the faint of heart if you’re not into cliff jumping.
You can go for Ballintoy coasteering, which combines rock climbing and swimming. Or, you can try Bloody Bridge wet bouldering, which mixes scrambling over rocks and navigating through the stream and coastal landscape.
Safety reminders:
- Let the Coasteering NI staff know your comfort level with cliff jumping from the get-go—you don’t have to do the highest jumps! But if you want to try it all, we suggest the smaller jumps first to build confidence.
- Don’t forget to reapply sun protection as well. Even when it’s fairly cool, the UV can still be pretty strong. It’s wise to have at least SPF 30 on your lip balm too!
3. Boat Tours of the Giant’s Causeway
– Media credit: causewayboats
Website: https://www.causewayboats.com/
Address: Harbour, N Pier, Portrush
Contact Details: +44 7712 115751, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Fees: Boat Charter – £300
If you’re not into the hardcore water sports, why not enjoy boat trips to the Giant’s Causeway instead? The tours include iconic spots like Dunluce Castle, lighthouses, and coastal cliffscapes.
There are loads of fun activities to do here, such as sunrise fishing, snorkelling, wild swimming, and wildlife spotting (such as puffins and dolphins).
Depending on your travel goals, you can go for a short trip or a full-day adventure for a private event or special occasion. No need to worry about feeling the cold or wind either, since its modern boats have a heated wheelhouse.
Nifty tricks:
- We recommend choosing sunrise or early morning tours at Causeway Boats! This way, you can enjoy calmer seas, spot more wildlife, get softer light for photos, and reel in more fish.
- Dealing with motion sickness? The North Atlantic swells can be unpredictable. So to combat bumpy rides that can cause this, it’s best to take your meds 30 to 60 minutes before departure.
4. Canoeing on the River Bann
– Media credit: revivenorthcoast
Website: http://www.revivenorthcoast.com/
Address: 115 Avonbrook Gardens, Coleraine
Contact Details: +44 7547 016112, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sat: 9:30am – 5:00pm
- Sun: 1:30pm – 5:00pm
Fees:
- Adults – £45 to £55 per person
- Child – £40 per person
- Family (2 adults, 2 children) – £160
Canoeing on the River Bann is fantastic for those who want a peaceful water activity. Though this is technically a water sport, canoeing only gives a small possibility of getting fully wet. Think of it as a dry activity suitable for kids and adults.
Revive North Coast, an adventure sports centre, offers 5 canoes that can hold up to 4 people each. Long-distance journeys are fun for many, but if you’re a beginner, you can go for a short taster session first.
Moreover, you can try a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as coasteering, rock climbing, abseiling (descending using a rope from a mountain or cliff), and other tailored programmes for different groups.
Good to know:
- Do some stretching or yoga before going to Revive North Coast! Even a 10-minute session can help avoid injuries—thank yourself later! It’s best to drink water and eat a light snack beforehand too.
- Keep your eye out for wildlife, such as swans, otters, and herons too! Try to paddle quietly so you won’t scare them away if you want to get closer.
5. Beach Games at Portstewart Strand
– Media credit: micko82x
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/portstewart-strand
Address: 118 Strand Road, Portstewart, County Londonderry
Contact Details: 02870836396, [email protected]
Operating Hours (can vary due to weather):
- Mon-Fri
- Beach: Dawn to Dusk
- Car Park: Closed
- Toilet: 11:00am – 3:00pm
- Sat-Sun
- Beach: Dawn to Dusk
- Car Park: 10:00am – 4:00pm (last admission is an hour before closing time)
- Toilet: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Fees:
- National Trust Members and Blue Badge Holders – Free Parking
- Other payments are made by card only.
Playing beach games at Portstewart Strand is perfect for the whole family because there’s something here for all ages. Its 2-mile golden sand spans along Northern Ireland’s north coast—a great open space for water sports and other chill options.
You can enjoy a swim, plan a tasty picnic, make a sandcastle, or play volleyball. Otherwise, you can just lie there and get a tan. There’s a lifeguard there during peak times as well.
Cool ideas:
- Bring your dogs to Portstewart Strand! There’s a dog area here that’s open between marker posts 1 and 10. Of course, you need to keep them on leads at all times in other spots.
- You can create safe play zones too! Use a bunch of items like ropes, towels, cones, or cloth to mark game areas, so game participants can be kept away from various water hazards or the crowd.
6. Diving at Rathlin Island
– Media credit: diveclubni
Website: https://www.diveclubni.com/dive-sites/lough-garry-wreck
Address: 36 Milewater Dr, Glengormley, Belfast
Contact Details: +44 7519 191911, [email protected]
Fees: Need to reach out directly
Diving at Rathlin Island is one of the most fascinating ways to learn about history. For one, you can explore the wreck of the Loughbarry, one of the reminders of the perils of maritime service during World War 2.
DiveClub Northern Ireland is a PADI-certified (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) scuba diving centre and club that offers several scuba diving courses.
Don’t worry, because beginners will start with a heated pool environment before going into a more challenging dive site. Why not add this to your bucket list?
Handy hacks:
- When diving with DiveClub Northern Ireland, it’s handy to carry a small cutting tool with you. It doesn’t have to be super sharp—just enough to free you if you get tangled in old nets or cables around wrecks and such.
- Bring cash with you too! Some island cafes and other establishments might not be able to take cards, so save yourself from the hassle.
7. Wild Swimming at Murlough Bay
– Media credit: sarahbrennan04
Address: Murlough Rd, Torr, Ballycastle
Wild swimming at Murlough Bay is a lovely Northern Ireland water activity because of the excellent water quality. You can also see the Mourne Mountains here, which adds a nice touch to the experience.
There are car parks and picnic areas too! Some families or couples bring separate beach blankets or mats so they can comfortably sit—one for casual visitors and another for those keeping themselves dry after swimming.
Should you want to take a romantic stroll, you can walk around the dunes or the pebbled areas as well. Don’t forget to take photos!
Smart pointers:
- It’s smart to wear water shoes or old trainers to avoid being cut whenever you walk around Murlough Bay.
- Though swimming here is relatively safe, we still recommend having a swim buddy. It’s best not to wander on the water alone, no matter your skill level.
8. Fishing on Lough Neagh
– Media credit: haughser
Website: https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/lough-neagh-fisheries-visitors-centre-p741321
Address: 4 Bannside, Toomebridge, County Antrim
Contact Details: +44 28 7965 0618
Want to try your luck at catching trout, eel, or pollan (freshwater whitefish)? Then, fishing on Lough Neagh—Northern Ireland’s largest lake—could be the new water hobby to try.
Suppose you want to geek out about the local heritage. In that case, you can go to the visitor centre too. You can get fascinating insights into the eel life cycle, traditional gear, and the local fishing community and culture overall.
Must-know moves:
- Get the correct rod license or permits from DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs) online before you fish at Lough Neagh! Some fish species are protected, so it’s best to follow local regulations.
- Don’t over-fish either! It’s better to observe the size of your catches and release some for conservation. At the end of the day, it’s all about the experience.
9. Walking on Water Balls at Carnfunnock Country Park
– Media credit: loughmourneglampingpod
Website: http://www.carnfunnock.co.uk/
Address: Coast Rd, Ballygalley, Larne
Contact Details: +44 28 2826 2471, [email protected]
Fees:
- Walk on Water Balls (5 minutes) – £4
- Remote Control Boats (4 minutes) – £1
Carnfunnock Country Park is a fun destination to enjoy paddle boats and water-based play for the kids. Its Adventure Playground also has a nautical theme, giving off a breezy atmosphere even if there are no swimming zones here.
It’s not mainly a water park per se, but it has a ‘Walk on Water Balls’ attraction where you’ll be inside big transparent balls—you’ll be floating on water, walking or rolling around.
Some things to remember:
- Wear quick-dry (if not waterproof) clothing at Carnfunnock Country Park! Some activities (or the occasional wet weather) can leave you damp. It’s wise to bring some spare clothes and towels too.
- If you wish to wander or play near the coastal edges, you can also bring toys like small buckets, plastic boats, or nets.