The long days of January are upon us. For many it is a month of few pleasures, a period of self denial and hibernation, an empty diary used to save and plan for funner times ahead. It is the new Lent. But it need not be so grim. Fair enough we are all broke and deflated after the festive season-but let's not waste a month of living on waiting for the next one to come. I have a simple, low-cost suggestion to help us hurdle the dreary days of January; Get up and Do Something!
Images from DiscoverNorthernIreland
Northern Ireland is often underestimated as a tourist destination by those in the south. This is a big mistake. Right on our doorstep is a region boasting incredible natural beauty, lively cities and towns, great cultural attractions and a diverse range of activities and pursuits. It is close enough to allow us visit as day tourists, or for longer if we have the time, and yet just different enough for us to feel like we are getting the real deal tourist experience. The change from Euro to Sterling or from something as simple as green post box to red, gives us that slight feeling of exoticism-even if it is literally the next step up from a domestic day trip.
If you want to break out of the January blues and break out of Ireland (technically( the here are some events happening in Northern Ireland this month.
Out to Lunch Festival 2011
the Black Box, Belfast
5-30 January
The annual festival presents a line-up of live music, comedy, spoken word, theatre, film and, of course, lots of yummy food.
Winter Race Series
Stormont Castle
20 January
Banish your winter blues and take part in the Winter Race Series. Competitors will don their head torches and light up the trails through the forests.
Belfast Electronic Festival
Warehouse, 91-93 Boucher Road, Belfast
22 January
The festival will feature 38 artists across two main rooms. It also provides a creative space for like-minded musicians of various music styles such as Electronica, House, Drum n Bass, House, Garage and more.
Introduction to Coasteering Day
Mobile Team Adventure, Millisle, Co Down,
29 January
Coasteering fast becoming a popular adventure sport in Ireland. It mixes swimming, climbing, scrambling, jumping and traversing the coastline. Not for the fainthearted!
Sperrintrek 2011 Winter Hill Walking Festival
29-30 January
Sperrintrek is a series of walking weekends in the Sperrins Mountains, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Wow at the stunning scenery around you as you walk of those Christmas pounds!
For more details on these events or for future events in Northern Ireland call: 1850 230 230, visit Northern Ireland Tourist Board's Information Office at Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 or logon to the Discover Ireland website.
