Discover lots of ways to play in UrbanABC
From water sports and nature trails to buzzing skate parks and laser tag, you’ll never be stuck for ideas on a day off in one of our six urban centres.
But before you strap on your skates or reach for your water wings, give our blog a read to find our which adventures await you in which area… And if we’ve missed anything, be sure to let us know on our socials. Tell us your favourite places to hang out – and use the hashtag #UrbanABC so we can see for ourselves and share with the community!
Armagh City
Get your culture fix at the Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre, catch a movie at the Omniplex, or enjoy an out of this world experience at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.
Sporty types and adventurers can head over to Loughall Country Park for golf, fishing, horse riding, eco trails and playground thrills, while nature lovers should make a date to discover (or re-discover) Gosford Park’s 240 acres of diverse woodland and open parklands. Give the giant adventure trail and cycle trails, all located within its woodland, a go!
Banbridge
Banbridge is a hive of sports action – and even has its own cycling, hockey and rugby clubs. It’s home to Banbridge Leisure Centre – which is brimming with cutting-edge equipment, pools and pitches – and also has a really cool skate park. Whether you’re a pro or a plucky beginning, you won’t regret heading down there.
Heard of that show, Game of Thrones? Thought not 😉 Anyway, we couldn’t not mention it, could we? Whether you’re a mega-fan or simply GoT-curious, make sure to immerse yourselves in all things Westeros with a trip to the awe-inspiring GoT studios. Located at the series’ original filming location at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, it’s got it all: the sets, the costumes, the interactive games, and behind-the-scenes secrets. A proper feast for the eyes and senses.
Craigavon
There’s a reason people say Craigavon creates a splash. There’s a spectacular choice of watersports on offer here, all based around Craigavon Lakes. At South Lake Leisure Centre & Watersports, you can give everything from wakeboarding to an inflatable water-based obstacle course a go. Inside its leisure centre you’ll find a brand new 50-metre, eight-lane swimming pool and 1,000m2 gym (the largest in Ireland). But if you’re seeking a meditative walk amidst nature then this is the perfect place for you too.
The activities don’t end there. Round of golf or a shot at snowtubing? Head over to Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre. And make your way into town and you’ll find the Omniplex cinema, and the Airtastic Entertainment Centre – with its trampolining, bowling, mini golf and soft play. Perfect for kids and big kids alike.
Dromore
Get your activity fix at Dromore Sports Complex, which is equipped with state-of-the-art gym equipment. Got little ones? They’ll love Dromore Play Park. Or if you’d rather exercise your mind and lose yourself in a good book (or perhaps partake in a knit-and-natter session) then head over to Dromore Library located in the heart of the town centre. It’s open five days a week and offers a range of classes and get-togethers for locals (aged 1 to 100!)
Lurgan
Take a stroll, get on your bike, or pull on your skates in Lurgan Park – the largest urban park in Northern Ireland, and arguably one of the prettiest. Here you’ll find cycling routes, animal wildlife, and a playpark – all just a hop, skip and a jump from Brownlow House and the town centre.
Or give yourself permission to log off completely and head into the wilderness of the 282-acre Oxford Island National Nature Reserve. This designated National Nature Reserve has a network of walking trails, wildflower meadows, birdwatching hides and ponds to explore.
Portadown
Having recently undergone a huge makeover, Portadown Peoples Park has become an even more popular place to hang out. It features a state-of-the-art play park, with equipment that’ll appeal to toddlers to teens: climb aboard a pirate ship, whizz down a zip line, dig in a sand pit or race down slides. The themed gardens offer respite from the hustle and bustle and are perfect for a peaceful walk, meanwhile.
Feeling inspired? We’d love you to share your ideas for a great day out with the Urban ABC community out on social. Just tag us in your pics and posts – and use the hashtag #UrbanABC