#GetActive Outdoor Extravaganza Weekend

On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Ring of Gullion team joined forces with a number of activity providers in the area to host a ‘#GetActive Outdoors Extravaganza’ at Slieve Gullion Forest Park, in order to promote an active society that is healthy, happy and inclusive.

The event was organised as part of the ‘European Week of Sport’ to promote sport and physical activity across Europe. With the sun beating down, the crowd got to enjoy a number of free outdoor activities that are available in the Ring of Gullion such as a climbing tower provided by ‘LIFE’ adventures, archery, canoeing provided by Gullion Adventures, hill walking with the Gap of the North walking group, ‘Creepy Crawlies’ demonstrations with Shealgh Henry from Red Kite Tours NI, Tai Chi Tasters with Claynrye Group and a historical cycle with Delia Van Der Lenden.

Little ones were entertained throughout the day with face painting and Warrior School with FootstepsNI while Sharon Carroll from Enspire took children on a fairy filled walk around Hawthorn Hill Woods.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said, “The #GetActive Outdoors was a fantastic weekend for all of those who attended. It was great to see so many people come to Slieve Gullion to enjoy the wide range of activities that were on offer. I would like to thank all the activity providers and hopefully we can make this an annual event. There is so much to offer in this area and it is great for this to be showcased with events such as this. 

#GetActive Outdoors Extravaganza was a free event supported by Newry Mourne and Down District Council and Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Upcoming Ring of Gullion events include Red Squirrel Fun Day in October and Winter Solstice in December. For further information please visit www.ringofgullion.org.