Its Fathers Day on Sunday 16 June, and we know how difficult sometimes Dad is to shop for, so we've put together a few unique and fun ideas to help you create a memorable day.
1. Experience Days
Make your Dad's special day unforgettable by gifting him an experience he wont forget. Try Mourne Dew Spirit Experience in Fearons Bar, Rostrevor, where you can enjoy a generous sampling of Mourne Dew's award-winning spirits and learn about the stories of Irish poitín, whiskey and gin. Explore The Shortcross Gin Discovery and Tasting Experience in Crossgar, enjoy tasting and get a lesson on how to pour the perfect G&T as well as creating a bespoke label and wax dipping for your own personalised bottle of gin to take home.
For anyone with a sweet tooth, the NearyNógs Master Craft Chocolate Experience at NearyNogs, Kilkeel is a definite delight.
2. Go to a gig
Everyone loves a good bit of live music, and we dont spend enough time enjoying concerts and performances with our family. So why not book tickets for Fiddlers Green Festival, Rostrevor and immerse yourself in the rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere as the village comes alive during this world-renowned annual event.
3. Get outdoors
Enjoying the great outdoors has been proven to be one of the best ways to boost mood and bring family together, so book a Kayak Sunset Session - Each week during the summer months June, July and August there will be a kayak sunset sessions on the amazing Carlingford Lough.
For a fun filled day in the outdoors, get active with a Come & Try Electric Mountain Biking session in Castlewellan Forest Park which will definately get your adrelin going!
For those Dads who love to walk and explore nature, Castlewellan Forest Park, Kilbroney Forest Park, Delamont Country Park and Slieve Gullion Forest Park have tranquil woodland trails and stunning views for all the family to enjoy.
If cars is his thing, why not combine a walk with the Classic Cars event at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch.
4. Pamper him!
Many busy Dads enjoy a good pamper day with no dinner to make, so let him unwind and enjoy a day of leisure.
Book an outdoor experience to Forage in the Foothill, Forkhill. Re-discover this ancient art, learn about edible weeds and medicinal wild plants once used by our ancestors at Slieve Gullion's foot.
Get truly pampered with creative menus and seasonal ingredients at The Cuan Restaurant, Strangford, with quality food to suit all palates. Or historic Denvir's Coaching Inn, Downpatrick where meals can be served in the restaurant, the bar, and in either of two function rooms. In The Old Mill Restaurant, situated on the first floor of the Canal Court, you can savour some of Northern Ireland's finest cuisine. Sample the finest produce at Killeavy Castle Estate, they are passionate about creating mouth watering menus with the finest, seasonal ingredients sourced from their working farm, walled garden and from carefully selected local suppliers.
5. Try something new
Why not try the Saint Patrick's Way Camino and Canoe adventure. This half day, 6 mile canoeing and walking event is guided and includes lunch and transfers.
Or if water is his passion, how about a voucher for Carlingford Lough Cruises, with a selection of Sunset or Music and Dance Cruises. In addition to these there's a range of bespoke ‘Meet the Maker’ Cruises where they combine cruising with a range of food and drink experiences. These cruises include Summer Gin Cruises, Tastes of the Lough Cruises and Whiskey & Beer Tasting Cruises.
As you can see there are lots of ways to treat, not only the Dads, but the whole family, in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion.
Check out What's On for other exciting things to do for the rest of the year.
Art, craft and history blend together at Shortcross Distillery, to create an unforgettable experience on the beautiful grounds of Rademon Estate. Join founders Fiona and David to learn about their award-winning gin, which also happens to be Northern Ireland’s first craft gin.
NearyNogs is a small family-run business that produces some of Northern Ireland’s finest, most irresistible chocolate, and they’re ready to welcome you in and show you how it’s made.
Rostrevor, a picturesque village, lies at the southern entrance to the Mournes and along the shores of Carlingford Lough. In 1612 Sir Edward Trevor married Rose Ussher, daughter of the Archbishop of Armagh and it is said that he named the village after his new young wife. The village has a number of beautiful walks through Rostrevor Forest and Kilbroney Park. Rostrevor is an area of historical interest and has lots of associated folklore. On the slopes of Slieve Martin in Kilbroney Park you will find the ‘Big Stone’ (Cloc Mor, anglicized to Cloughmore). St Bronagh’s 6th Century Church and Bell and Giant Murphy’s Grave are also located in the village.
East Coast Adventure Centre - Newry & Mourne Mountain area. Water sports, Cycling, Hiking, School Activities - Family Fun - Glamping - a perfect location outside Rostrevor Village and 5 mins from Warrenpoint
Epic adventures are on offer all year round at Life Adventure Centre. Their extensive range of activities include mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, wet bouldering, rock climbing, sit on top kayaking, coasteering, electric biking and open canoeing - something for everyone!
Located on Forest Park View, Castlewellan, County Down, in a dramatic setting of mountains and sea, Castlewellan Forest Park has one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe. The beauty, vigour and perfect shape of the trees in the National Arboretum attract tree enthusiasts from around the world.
Kilbroney Park features riverside walks and an arboretum. There is a two-mile forest drive which showcases panoramic views over Carlingford Lough. There is also a Play Park with children's play area and tennis courts, an Information area and a café all on site.
Follow Fionn's Giant Adventure (previously known as the Giant's Lair) at Slieve Gullion Forest Park. Follow the trail, there's so much to explore. Seek out fairies, spells, music and more. Help is at hand as you'll have fairies and warriors to help you follow the trail.
Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch is a mystical and enchanting estate, set in magnificent natural surroundings. Visitor experience includes access to the estate's beautiful gardens; historic walks and trails and an exciting play area where children can engage, explore and learn.
The success of The Cuan has been built on consistently serving excellent food and drink coupled with exceptional customer service. A strong emphasis is placed on using fresh ingredients and sourcing our produce locally. Stay over in our bedrooms.
A charming Coaching Inn dating from 1642 providing bed and breakfast with restaurant service daily and entertainment four nights per week. Meals can be served in the restaurant, the bar, and in either of two function rooms, suitable for larger parties.
Enjoy fresh, home cooked food in the opulent surroundings of the Old Mill Restaurant where our dedicated team of servers will ensure that you have a truly special dining experience.
Welcome to Killeavy Castle Estate, the perfect antidote to the modern fast paced world. Named winner of the Luxury Castle Hotel (Europe) Award at the prestigious World Luxury Awards 2021, it’s the ideal place to escape and unwind, and is located just 10 minutes outside Newry City.
The Avoca has 20 exquisite, thoughtfully designed guest rooms with comfort in mind, including Superking Family suites, Kingsize and Superking Double rooms that can accommodate from 4-5 guests. Built in the 1800’s from Mourne granite and local stone, the Avoca, Newcastle, County Down, is situated at the base of the Mourne Mountains with undisturbed views of the Irish Sea. Indulge in the comfort of our cosy log fire while dining in The Avoca's elegant, spacious restaurant, which offers menus that highlight the best locally produced cuisine. Looking for a fun and lively place to enjoy some weekend music? Look no further than The Wild Hare! With live music every Friday & Saturday and a full Cocktail Menu. The perfect stay beside the sea!
A two and a half hour sunset passenger cruise which offers a rare opportunity to enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Carlingford Lough and the iconic Haulbowline Lighthouse, guarding the entrance to the Lough.
Country manor set in the heart of County Down. All rooms are en suite with televisions and tea and coffee making facilities. In close proximity to many centres offering both indoor and outdoor sports, including golf, fishing, pony trekking.
