Life Adventure Ctr

14/06/2024

🖐 HELLO!

WEEKEND AVAILABILITY UPDATE!

It’s been a busy week but we’re ready as ever for the weekend, and with a ‘not too shabby’ forecast, it’s looking good!

So if you haven’t already got plans, the sun will be out and we’ll be open as usual in the stunning Castlewellan Forest Park… so why not come and join us 😎

Full range of , , , & for all ages and abilities available to HIRE from as little as £29.50 (kids options available) 👌

Located less than 60 minutes from & 90 minutes from 🚘

Remember, no minimum numbers, no time restrictions, no experience required and no stress! We don't even need you to pre-book, though it is HIGHLY recommended to ensure availability and to get priority at check-in 😁

Got a group? Remember to use our Online Group Discount Codes... 4 or more (5% discount) - use 'OGD5' or 8 or more (10% discount) - use 'OGD10' 👍

Live availability and online booking at www.onegreatadventure.com 👏

Need advice? Simply call our crew on +44(0)2843770714 🤙

An awesome time out with family and friends couldn’t be easier! 😜

*** TOP TIP - DON'T FORGET YOUR SUNCREAM *** 🌞



Visit Mourne
Visit Belfast
Discover Northern Ireland
Discover Ireland
Tourism Ireland

Castlewellan Forest Park
Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

12/06/2024

Back to school! 🤓

It’s that time of the year again when we’ve so many awesome schools joining us in Castlewellan for Away Days as well as being invited out to so many School Events with our mobile activities, not least our Climbing Walls. 🧗🤪

Thanks to All Children's Integrated Primary School in Newcastle for inviting us back for their Sports Day… always super fun! 😀

If you’re interested in End of Term Away Days, Start of Term Team Building Days or just great Activity options, please don’t hesitate to get in touch 👍

07/06/2024

🖐 HELLO!

WEEKEND AVAILABILITY UPDATE!

Any plans? The sun's out and we’re open as usual in the stunning Castlewellan Forest Park so why not come and join us 😎

Full range of , , , & for all ages and abilities available to HIRE from as little as £29.50 (kids options available) 👌

Located less than 60 minutes from & 90 minutes from 🚘

Remember, no minimum numbers, no time restrictions, no experience required and no stress! We don't even need you to pre-book, though it is HIGHLY recommended to ensure availability and to get priority at check-in 😁

Got a group? Remember to use our Online Group Discount Codes... 4 or more (5% discount) - use 'OGD5' or 8 or more (10% discount) - use 'OGD10' 👍

Live availability and online booking at www.onegreatadventure.com 👏

Need advice? Simply call our crew on +44(0)2843770714 🤙

An awesome time out with family and friends couldn’t be easier! 😜

*** TOP TIP - DON'T FORGET YOUR SUNCREAM *** 🌞



Visit Mourne
Visit Belfast
Discover Northern Ireland
Discover Ireland
Tourism Ireland

Castlewellan Forest Park
Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

06/06/2024

It's never ending! 😆

If you're inspired to get out on two wheels, keep an eye on our online shop for a fantastic range of CUBE Ex-Rental, Ex-Demo & New Bikes & E-Bikes including adult and child options 😉

https://shop.onegreatadventure.com/bikes/instock 👌

05/06/2024

We were ‘Chewing the Cud’ today with the local Tourism Cluster! 😜

A regular gathering with the local businesses that play a crucial role in creating the exceptional visitor experience that the Geopark is known for 👍

Thanks to Bridie at Pine Tree Hollow Glamping for hosting - if you’re not aware of Pine Tree Hallow, you really should check it out 👌

Great as always to catch up with Belinda at Good Craic Gifts and Souvenirs and Tanya at Escape Glamping



Visit Mourne Visit Belfast Discover Northern Ireland Tourism Ireland Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

31/05/2024

👋 If you only do 1 thing this weekend, then this is it... 😜

Get family or friends together and 'Go' Kayaking on Castlewellan Lake... laid back or action packed it’s up to you, choose from our user friendly single or double Sit On Top Kayaks... and remember it may be called 'Sit On’ but we don't care if you kneel, lie or just swim beside them… you do it your way! 😁

Why Castlewellan? Great lakeside centre facilities, stunning sheltered waterway, top of the range kit inc. wetsuits, buoyancy aids etc, friendly and experienced crew 🤗

Book online today or feel free to call if you need any pre-booking advice 🤙

If you fancy doing more, here's our full weekend availability update! 😎

Full range of , , , & for all ages and abilities available to HIRE 👌

Remember, no minimum numbers, no time restrictions, no experience required and no stress! We don't even need you to pre-book, though it is recommended to ensure availability 😁

Got a group? Remember to use our Online Group Discount Codes... 4 or more (5% discount) - use 'OGD5' or 8 or more (10% discount) - use 'OGD10' 👍

Live availability and online booking at www.onegreatadventure.com 👏

*** TOP TIP - DON'T FORGET YOUR SUNCREAM *** 🌞



Visit Mourne Visit Belfast Discover Northern Ireland Discover Ireland Tourism Ireland

Castlewellan Forest Park
Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

29/05/2024

So is it to be ‘Bored’ or ‘Board’?

Make your time with friends and family count this weekend! 💦

Lakeside centre, friendly crew, top of the range kit, changing & showers, sheltered waters, suitable for all ages and abilities… we’ve got you covered … you just bring your sense of adventure (and a towel!)

With prices from as little as £29.50 simply book online today 👍

Www.onegreatadventure.com



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Castlewellan Forest Park
Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

28/05/2024

It’s organisations like this that underpin everything we do outdoors… they’re a key part of our community and with several of our crew being long term volunteers, we know only too well the critical role they play.

Read their appeal and if you can help them in any way whatsoever, please don’t hesitate 👍

Mourne Mountain Rescue Team Visit Mourne Discover Northern Ireland Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

URGENT… WE REALLY NEED YOUR HELP…

***NEW RESCUE BASE UPDATE/APPEAL***

Apologies in advance for the length of this post but we’d be grateful if you can read to the end… maybe grab a cuppa before starting!

When we celebrated our 50th anniversary back in 2012, we identified that one of the key challenges to sustaining Mountain Rescue in the Mournes was the lack of a ‘fit for purpose’ base. As such, we set ourselves the goal of finding ourselves a home and although we knew this was a big undertaking, little did we know how big!

After identifying our exact needs and ultimately developing a specification, we set about trying to locate a site in the Newcastle area. During this process we were exceptionally fortunate to receive an offer of a site from Lidl adjacent to where they planned their new store.

After much consultation and design work, assisted by Lidl, the scheme went forward for planning in 2017. Unfortunately, an objector ensured the process was disrupted and planning delayed. This was subsequently compounded by the pandemic.

Even when the challenges of the pandemic were removed, the objector remained, causing continuous disruption.

Thankfully, and only very recently, some 7 years later, planning for the scheme has eventually been approved. There are still some technicalities to overcome however we’re hopeful of no further delays.

But… (there’s always a but!) the planning challenges to date have caused not just delays, but also a significant funding issue for the Team. The delays have meant that we have lost two grants worth £500,000 each, and have seen considerably inflated construction costs in the market. Consequently what started as a build cost of £650,000 has now increased to £1,000,000, something over which we have no control.

On the positive side, since we first announced our plans, you have been continuously donating with a level of generosity that humbles us. So much so, that in the 12 years since we started, we have accumulated a dedicated new build fund of just over £600,000.

On the negative side, and you’ve probably already worked this out, we are almost £400,000 short of the likely project cost. With a real opportunity to get on-site in the not-too-distant future, we desperately need your support to help plug this shortfall. Our plan ‘A’ is to raise the funds and complete the build as intended without burdening the team with a significant debt. If plan ‘A’ fails we may need to look at alternatives, albeit none are ideal.

We are beyond grateful for the support received to date and reluctant to ask for more but we do need more help if we are going to achieve the new base we set out to deliver 12 years ago. Any help whatsoever from any source will be greatly received and take us a step closer to completing the project and establishing a rescue base for the region. Whilst we are appealing for your support we are still applying for grant support, but options are very limited at present and currently unreliable.

If any one of our followers was able to donate £400,000, or if all 30,000 followers were able to donate £13.33 each, or any combination in between, we will reach our target. As mentioned, if an opportunity exists to contribute either personally, via a club, business, or other avenue, we would be exceptionally grateful.

Donation options can be found here:

https://www.mournemrt.org/donate/

#100%Voluntary #100%Committed

24/05/2024

🖐 Saturday? Sunday? Or Monday? Which is it to be? 🤔

It's not your average weekend and with Monday being a Bank Holiday, you've now got an extra day to spend with Friends & Family! So with the sun making a welcome appearance and increased temperatures (even the lake!) it's the perfect time to get on or in the water! 😜

Be it Sit on Top Kayaking or Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Castlewellan offers fantastic lakeside centre facilities, calm and sheltered lake, stunning surroundings, top of the range kit inc. user friendly Kayaks & SUP Boards, Wetsuits, Buoyancy Aids etc, and not forgetting our friendly and experienced crew - the ideal location for all ages and abilities to share the fun - mild or wild, it's your choice! 😎💦

Book online today or feel free to call if you need any pre-booking advice 🤙

If you fancy doing more, here's our full weekend availability update! 😎

Full range of , , , & for all ages and abilities available to HIRE 👌

Remember, no minimum numbers, no time restrictions, no experience required and no stress! We don't even need you to pre-book, though it is recommended to ensure availability 😁

Got a group? Remember to use our Online Group Discount Codes... 4 or more (5% discount) - use 'OGD5' or 8 or more (10% discount) - use 'OGD10' 👍

Live availability and online booking at www.onegreatadventure.com 👏

*** TOP TIP - DON'T FORGET YOUR SUNCREAM *** 🌞

Video credit: Visit Mourne



Visit Mourne Visit Belfast Discover Northern Ireland Discover Ireland Tourism Ireland

Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark
Castlewellan Forest Park

18/05/2024

Slight technical glitch this morning… our internet/phones are down but our online booking is still live and we’re still open 😁

16/05/2024

Fancy joining our crew?

NEW JOB OPPORTUNITY…

Do you enjoy meeting People, have a love for our Outdoors and a passion for Bikes? 🤔

If so, we have an opportunity for the right person to join our Crew! Read on… 🤓

We have a Permanent Part-Time Hire Support Role at our Rostrevor Hub involving 3 days per week (average/weekends included) 🤗

Interested? Simply send an expression of interest and include a CV if possible to [email protected] 🤞

This could be the foot up you need into the exciting industry of adventure tourism 👌



Visit Mourne Visit Carlingford Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark Life Adventure Ctr

15/05/2024

👋 If you only do 1 thing this weekend, then this is it... 😜

Get family or friends together and 'Go' SUP Boarding on Castlewellan Lake... laid back or action packed it’s up to you, choose from our Adult, Kids or Super Boards or any combination... and remember it may be called 'Stand Up' but we don't care if you kneel, lie or just swim beside it... you do it your way! 😁

Why Castlewellan? Great lakeside centre facilities, stunning sheltered waterway, top of the range kit inc. wetsuits, buoyancy aids etc, friendly and experienced crew 🤗

Book online today or feel free to call if you need any pre-booking advice 🤙

If you fancy doing more, here's our full weekend availability update! 😎

Full range of , , , & for all ages and abilities available to HIRE 👌

Remember, no minimum numbers, no time restrictions, no experience required and no stress! We don't even need you to pre-book, though it is recommended to ensure availability 😁

Got a group? Remember to use our Online Group Discount Codes... 4 or more (5% discount) - use 'OGD5' or 8 or more (10% discount) - use 'OGD10' 👍

Live availability and online booking at www.onegreatadventure.com 👏

*** TOP TIP - DON'T FORGET YOUR SUNCREAM *** 🌞



Visit Mourne
Visit Belfast
Discover Northern Ireland
Discover Ireland
Tourism Ireland

Castlewellan Forest Park

14/05/2024

If you’ve been out with and happy to share your experience, don’t forget to tag Discover Northern Ireland with to spread the word! 🤗

Thank you! 🙏



Visit Mourne Visit Belfast Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

12/05/2024

What a day we had yesterday… from Hens on Hardtails to Families Afloat, it was fantastic to see so many out… we’d have more pics had we not been so busy! 😎

*** Remember… Don’t forget your sun cream! *** 🥵

10/05/2024

👋 HELLO!

WEEKEND AVAILABILITY UPDATE!

Any plans? The sun's out and we’re open as usual in the stunning Castlewellan Forest Park so why not come and join us 😎

Full range of , , , & for all ages and abilities available to HIRE 👌

Remember, no minimum numbers, no time restrictions, no experience required and no stress! We don't even need you to pre-book, though it is recommended to ensure availability 😁

Got a group? Remember to use our Online Group Discount Codes... 4 or more (5% discount) - use 'OGD5' or 8 or more (10% discount) - use 'OGD10' 👍

Live availability and online booking at www.onegreatadventure.com 👏

Need advice? Simply call our crew on +44(0)2843770714 🤙

An awesome time out with family and friends couldn’t be easier! 😜

*** TOP TIP - DON'T FORGET YOUR SUNCREAM *** 🌞



Visit Mourne Visit Belfast Discover Northern Ireland Discover Ireland Tourism Ireland

Castlewellan Forest Park

09/05/2024

Congratulations to Martin on completing the recent Sustainable Tourism Programme run by The Tourism Space on behalf of Tourism NI 👌

Attended by key Tourism businesses from across NI, the programme explored the importance of sustainability in Tourism and the importance of responsible and regenerative Tourism for our Environments, Communities & Economies 🌍

The sustainability journey of the other participating businesses was inspirational, with exceptional practices ensuring many were already setting industry standards without even realising as such🥇

We’ve always believed in doing ‘the right thing’ and still stand by our commitment of over 25 years to People, Pursuit & Place 🤗

Thanks again to Tourism NI for the opportunity 🙏



Visit Mourne Discover Northern Ireland Tourism Ireland

05/05/2024

BANK HOLIDAY AVAILABILITY UPDATE UPDATE!

We’re open all day in the stunning Castlewellan Forest Park.

Full range of SUP Boards, Bikes, Kayaks, E-Bikes & Canoes available to HIRE.

Live availability and online booking at www.onegreatadventure.com

An awesome time out couldn’t be easier!

***TOP TIP… book early, arrive early, avoid the BH traffic***

04/05/2024

Congratulations to our neighbour Hillyard House Hotel who’ve very deservedly scooped Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year at the annual Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 🙌

We are absolutely thrilled to win the Tourism and Hospitality Company of the Year award at the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards evening at the Crowne Plaza on Thursday night

All of us are all still on cloud 9 but we wanted to take a moment to thank you all for all the lovely well wishes and congratulations comments that you have been posting on social media. It means the world to us – so a massive ‘thank you’ to you all from the bottom of our hearts!

Given that we were shortlisted alongside some of the very best in the Northern Ireland hospitality industry, we felt like it was our David vs Goliath moment! We are extremely proud of the achievement and equally proud of our amazingly talented, hard working Hillyard team.

It has been a challenging few years for the hospitality industry in general so thank you to each and every one of you for all of your support and encouragement since we opened almost four years ago. This Tourism and Hospitality Company of the Year achievement is just the beginning and we are excited about the future and continuing to create new and memorable Hillyard experiences for all our guests whether they are staying overnight, having a wedding reception with us or coming to visit our Yard Restaurant or Mrs Coleman’s Bar.

03/05/2024

BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND AVAILABILITY 😎

If you've ever been to Castlewellan Forest Park you'll know how awesome an outdoor activity venue it is... and if you haven't you really need to! 👌

With everything from great land and water based activities there really is something for everyone... mild to wild... and it's your choice! 😜

And it couldn't be easier... we look after all your needs, with an extensive range of equipment and facilities all for your use... CURRENT AVAILABILITY for , , , or 🤟

Remember, no minimum numbers, no time restrictions, no experience required and no stress! We don't even need you to pre-book, though it is recommended to ensure availability - particularly if you're travelling with families and over the Bank Holiday... 👌

Got a group? Remember to use our Online Group Discount Codes... 4 or more (5% discount) - use 'OGD5' or 8 or more (10% discount) - use 'OGD10'

Be sure to arrive early, avoid the rush, and make a day of it... or why not make it an adventure staycation... check out our 'Places to Eat, Drink & Sleep' on our website... 😋

Live availability and booking online 👌

Any queries, we're available by telephone 9-5 daily 🤙



Visit Mourne Visit Belfast Discover Northern Ireland Discover Ireland Tourism Ireland

Castlewellan Forest Park Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

01/05/2024

We’re never not up to something!

Hats off to Thom who’s currently undertaking a challenge to raise essential funds for Medical Aid for the innocent victims of the Israel/Palestine Conflict.

And it’s not just any challenge… Thom has undertaken to cycle the equivalent distance from Ireland to Gaza in 40 days… at 4000 miles that’s 100 miles a day!

As Thom’s open to donations of money or miles, we’ve all been chipping in, and if you wish, you can too… find out more about Thom’s Challenge, the cause and how you can help at https://gofund.me/d279f26b

And/or,

Follow Thom’s Challenge on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ireland_to_gaza_in_40_days?igsh=Y204Mjl4M3U5bTg1

26/04/2024

So who's having the 'Craic' this weekend? 😁

With activities ideally suited to individuals, but likewise couples, families or groups it is very much a case of the more the merrier... and what's more, it's as easy as a simple online booking... no minimum numbers, no advanced notice (though recommended, particularly for groups) and no experience necessary... we make it easy! 🤗

Be it the fun of Kayaking, the thrill of Mountain Biking, the relaxation of Canoeing, the buzz of Electric Mountain Biking or simply achieving a balance on a SUP Board... our friendly crew are always on hand to help, give advice and get you started 👌

So why not gather family or friends and make the most of your weekend... just bring the 'Craic', we've everything else covered 👍

As usual full live availability and booking via our website - book here... https://www.onegreatadventure.com/adventure-equipment-hire/ 👈

Need advice? Just give us a call on +44(0)2843770714 🤙




Visit Mourne
Visit Belfast
Discover Northern Ireland
Discover Ireland
Tourism Ireland

Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark
Castlewellan Forest Park

21/04/2024

We recently had the pleasure in joining a contingent from the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark on a study visit to the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark Project.

John attended the very busy two day trip visiting Geopark business’s and exchanging ideas with a view to enhancing what we offer.

More recently we had the opportunity to return the welcome when our hosts visited us on our stomping ground.

Thanks to all involved in organising a fantastic exchange 👍



Visit Mourne Discover Northern Ireland Newry and Mourne District Council

18/04/2024

What a weekend we have coming up! 😁

In addition to the many great opportunities on a normal weekend, this weekend sees the addition of the Outdoor Spring Festival which includes the launch of 12 new awesome outdoor experiences! 👏

Two of which are our amazing SUP & Sip and Electric Picnic experiences which we're running on Friday for the Tourism Trade and on Saturday for you (places remaining as of time of posting) - but if this weekend doesn't suit, these will be available ongoing so please don't panic - bespoke options also available 🤗

Otherwise, be it the fun of Kayaking, the thrill of Mountain Biking, the relaxation of Canoeing, the buzz of Electric Mountain Biking or simply achieving a balance on a SUP Board... our friendly crew are always on hand to help, give advice and get you started 👌

So why not gather family or friends and make the most of your weekend... just bring your sense of adventure, we've everything else covered 👍

As usual full live availability and booking via our website - book here... https://www.onegreatadventure.com/adventure-equipment-hire/ 👈

Need advice? Just give us a call on +44(0)2843770714 🤙




Visit Mourne
Visit Belfast
Discover Northern Ireland
Discover Ireland
Tourism Ireland

Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

Bike Mourne

SUP & Sip

15/04/2024

Free Beer anyone?

Check out our promo with Bike Mourne and the Whitewater Brewing Co. Ltd… also applies to Electric Bikes hired with us in Castlewellan! 🍺



Visit Mourne Visit Belfast Discover Northern Ireland Discover Ireland Tourism Ireland Castlewellan Forest Park

13/04/2024

Heads up on a fantastic event taking place next weekend… the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark Outdoor Spring Fest… offering a range of new outdoor experiences suitable to all ages and abilities and across the Geopark 👍

As part of the Fest, we’re excited to be running our first SUP & Sip Experience… giving you the opportunity to enjoy a Guided SUP Boarding Experience including a sampling session of our local Killowen Gin 😋

Don’t miss out… check it out 👀



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Walkthemournes.com Red Kite Tours NI Mourne Shack Mountain Ways Ireland Sisters by the Sea

From the stunning coastline with Savour the Seas to breathtaking hikes to our highest peaks with Timeless Trails of the Majestic Mourne Mountains. From a journey through the heritage of…

13/04/2024

It's the weekend! 🤟

And it's never too late to get out and enjoy it... we might be just slightly biased but we believe there's nowhere better to do so than Castlewellan Forest Park 😎

Be it the fun of Kayaking, the thrill of Mountain Biking, the relaxation of Canoeing, the buzz of Electric Mountain Biking or simply achieving a balance on a SUP Board... our friendly crew are always on hand to help, give advice and get you started 🤗

So why not gather family or friends and max your weekend... just bring your sense of adventure, we've everything else covered... and it doesn't have to stop there, grab a meal on the way home or even stay over - see our website for places to Eat, Drink & Sleep - you deserve it 😁

Don't forget we've introduced our new 2 hour sessions available via our 'Hire' options 👌

As usual full live availability and booking via our website 👍

Need advice? Just give us a call on +44(0)2843770714 🤙

Book here... https://www.onegreatadventure.com/adventure-equipment-hire/ 👏

08/04/2024

After a busy but fantastic few months, this years Strangford and Lecale AONB & Ring Of Gullion AONB Youth Ranger programmes have just come to an end 👋

We’d an awesome bunch of participants who showed such a level of commitment to all aspects of the programme including their communities, their environments and their choice of activities 🙌

Congratulations to every one of you and we look forward to seeing you out and about continuing your enjoyment of the outdoors 👍

Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Visit Mourne

04/04/2024

⚠️ Safety first!

A quick heads up that due to an incoming storm on Saturday, Castlewellan Forest Park will be closed for the day ☹️

As such our Centre will be closed for the day and reopening on Sunday as normal 👍

If you have already made a booking for Saturday, we’ll be in touch shortly to sort 🤗

02/04/2024

Tired but Happy!

And so they should be… on both accounts, having just completed Castlewellan’s 20km Red MTB Trail! And not an E-Bike between them… these guys are hardcore 💪😜



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