LIFESTYLE: Budget Friendly Day Trips in Northern Ireland

Rebekah Williams

Exams are over for most of us, we’ve submitted the final pieces of our coursework, and the early alarm clocks are no more…which only means one thing: summer has arrived!

Maybe you have already made some big plans for the summer, but have no clue how to fill your free days in between? Thankfully, we are incredibly lucky that Northern Ireland boasts numerous attractions that will fill this role. Also, all of these ideas are suited to a relatively low budget, essential for the majority of us students. Whether you prefer dining like royalty, or vibing with alpacas, there’ll be something on this list for you!

Glenarm Castle

The ancestral home of the Earl of Antrim, this stunning castle, built in 1636 and its premises will be the perfect day out for any Bridgerton fans due to its aristocratic, historical feel.

For just £10 per adult, you can walk around the beautiful Walled Garden, and complete the stunning Woodland Walk. However, the Milk Parlour also offers the perfect post-walk refreshments such as ice cream and gelato. For those who are especially interested in soaking up the sophisticated vibes that the castle offers, you can even book afternoon tea in the Tea Room. Though maybe not just as fancy, the castle’s Pizza Pavilion is also incredibly delicious!

Not only that, but  Camp Delfast will be held here on July 16th and 17th 2022, featuring musical appearances from acts such as Melanie C and Scouting for Girls. Also, there will also be many food and market stalls to complement these fabulous performances.

Glenarm Castle, Ballymena (Source: Glenarm Castle website)

Cranfield Alpacas

Just learning about Cranfield Alpacas, never mind visiting, is enough to give someone a massive serotonin boost.

Based in Newcastle, you can take an alpaca for a walk either along a beach or around a field featuring views of the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough. Also, if walking isn’t really your thing, you can also book a ‘Meet and Mingle’ session, during which you get to meet a whole family of alpacas in a more relaxed way. While this is £25 per adult, and the most expensive suggestion on this list, it is entirely worth it due to the completely unique experience that is on offer.

Cranfield Alpacas (Source: Cranfield Alpacas.com)

Lagan Valley LesiurePlex

Have you just bought a new swimming costume for the summer, and waiting for the weather to be good enough to use it? Lagan Valley LeisurePlex is the solution. While the other activities mentioned up until this point are more suited for good weather, Lagan Valley LeisurePlex is the perfect option for a rainy day.

For just £11.75 per adult for a session, you can take part in Mission Inflatable, an inflatable obstacle course. Or, if you’ve already been to Let’s Go Hydro recently and are looking for something a bit different, there are also several exhilarating water slides.

Adrenaline and constant action not really your thing? You can chill in the 25m swimming pool. Also, Lagan Valley LeisurePlex offers ‘Disability and Autism Friendly Sessions’, making them an inclusive business that is worthy of your time and money.

Lagan Valley LeisurePlex (Source: Lagan Valley LeisurePlex website)

Exploris Aquarium

Situated in Portaferry, Exploris Aquarium is another great option that isn’t weather-dependent.

Interestingly, what sets this aquarium apart from others is its focus on including wildlife that is common in the Irish Sea and Strangford Lough. Therefore, this makes Exploris Aquarium an interesting endeavour, as connecting the public to the animals in the aquarium, could make people more passionate about preserving the environment for these creatures.

For only £11.35 per adult, this is guaranteed to ensure a highly entertaining day out. Also, you can grab a bite to eat at Percy’s Pitstop after seeing all of the animals. Good food and cute animals- sounds like a win-win!

Exploris Aquarium (Source: Exploris Aquarium)

So there you have it! Hopefully these suggestions can provide inspiration for your next road trip. As you probably know, supporting the local tourism sector is so important, and it doesn’t even feel like an effort with all of these fabulous destinations!

So which one sounds more up your street? Will you be taking it easy in a castle, rushing down waterslides, or chilling with some wildlife?

Rebekah Williams is a health and lifestyle reporter for The Scoop. She is a second-year English and Creative Writing student at Queen’s University Belfast.