Rest and Relaxation

Rest is an integral part of any training programme. Northern Ireland offers Olympic athletes and their families wonderful opportunities to take time away from their PGTC and rest, relax and recuperate; exploring the region’s breath - taking scenery and experiencing the richly varied culture.

There is an immense variety of landscapes and cityscapes to discover in this compact country, from the wave-swept Causeway Coast and heather-clad Mourne Mountains; to wine-dark lakes and historic towns and villages. There’s always a warm welcome and a friendly smile.

Northern Ireland’s roads are safe and well sign posted, so touring and day trips are a delight. Try the Causeway Coastal Route. It is one of the world’s top drives and takes in miles of beautiful coastline, passing through unspoilt villages, past golden strands, fantastic rock outcrops and mysterious castles, to reach the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy leisurely drives around the enchanting lakelands of Fermanagh and stop off to explore the subterranean world of the Marble Arch Caves Geopark. The Sperrins region is one of Northern Ireland’s most scenic regions - a striking landscape unaffected by the passage of time.

Parts of the region are steeped in history. The countryside around Downpatrick and Armagh is the cradle of Christianity in Ireland, where Saint Patrick began his mission. Visitors can follow in his footsteps from Saul, where he preached his first sermon, to Armagh, where he founded his ecclesiastical capital and to Downpatrick, where he lies buried. Accounts of his life and work are revealed at the Saint Patrick’s Trian Visitor Centre in Armagh and at the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick.

The beautiful Mourne Mountains stand sentinel over Northern Ireland. Energetic athletes might care to test their fitness by walking (or running) the 22 mile-long Mourne Wall, which runs like a roller coaster from peak to peak. To the north, Strangford Lough’s unique micro-climate supports wonderful gardens. Those at the 18th-century mansion, Mount Stewart, offer the opportunity for a leisurely stroll in one of the great gardens of the world. Families will love a visit to Exploris, the aquarium and seal sanctuary in Portaferry.