30 | FATHERS DAY
June 2026
FATHERS DAY EXPERIENCES: TRAILS, TOURS & TEE TIMES
The guide to the perfect Fathers Day experience...
BY CARA THOMPSON
cara@nitravelnews.com
FOUND yourself asking ‘when is father’s day again?’ It seems to creep up so quickly every year once Mother’s Day & Easter celebrations are finished with. This year Father’s Day will be celebrated across the UK on Sunday 21st June - dedicated to all of those fathers and father figures out there!
This year, why not just forget the random gifts and last minute socks, get ahead of the game this year and find out what Northern Ireland has to offer that will mean so much more to him and will give you the chance to do something that will be much more memorable.
From world class golf courses, scenic
hikes, experience brewery tours for beer and whiskey tasting or you could check out the top fishing spots across the province, there is definitely no shortage of adventures for families looking for the perfect adventure across the region. For those golf-loving dads the Royal
Portrush Golf Club is set in the Causeway Coast & glens of Northern Ireland the 36 hole golf course is home to The Open 2025 and is considered as one of the
worlds greatest
links challenges but equally as enjoyable with beautiful views and scenery. This would be a day your dad won’t forget! And don’t forget if you fancy a stay, as a BOOKIT By NI Travel News member,
you
can now receive 15% OFF your accommodation at the Portrush Atlantic Hotel! (See Pg 18 & 19 for more information). The Portrush Atlantic Hotel is just a 10 minute drive from the Royal Portrush Golf Club.
If you’d prefer to surprise your dad with a golf stay abroad there are lots of resorts that offer play and stay packages including Jet2holidays and easyJet holidays. Your dad can experience playing on sun-soaked courses in destinations such as Antalya, The Algarve, Greece, Majorca and Canary Islands.
For the dad’s who prefer a good catch over
a 9 iron, a fishing experience would be the perfect gift. There are many options across Northern Ireland when it comes to fishing, lough Erne is a well-renowned angling spot, famous for it’s trout and pike. Boat tours are also available across the region where dads can enjoy a three hour fishing trip in Carnlough or Glenarm on board the Amberjack. You can also embark on an exciting guided fishing trip in Fuengirola with drinks and gear, this experience is perfect for families as the trip is tailored for both
beginners and experienced anglers.
Food and drink experiences are always a popular choice when it comes to Fathers day with brewery tours proving increasingly popular as they offer something slightly different. In Belfast’s historic Titanic Quarter, Titanic Distillers is located in the well-known Thompson Dock pump house combining history with guided whiskey tours and tasting in an industrial setting. If this is something your dad would love don’t forget that as a BOOKIT By NI Travel News
member, you can enjoy a fabulous 20% OFF the Titanic Distillers Tour which includes a fully guided tour of the distillery and pump house followed by a sensory experience and tasting of their award winning Irish spirits. For more active dads, Northern Ireland has plenty of trails for the perfect excuse to get outoors! The Mourne Mountains remain a popular place for hikers who are experienced and trails for famillies. Dads can also enjoy climbing Slieve Donard with amazing views of the coast. The Giants Causeway is another coastal spot that attracts visitors all year round and is perfect for full family days out. Fathers Day is
becoming more focused on family time and shared experiences rather than traditional
Whether that is teeing
off at top NI golf courses, casting a line in Carnlough, enjoying a tour of a disillery or enjoying a family day in the outdoors, there are plenty of ways to make this Fathers day one to remember!
Nothing to want for: The Greek Resort That’s
Ticking All The Boxes
IKOS Resorts has announced its opening of its newest hotel development, Ikos Kissamos, located in Crete. The opening marks the largest hospitality investment on the island as Ikos Resorts expands its offering, establishing its significant presence in the Mediterranean. NI Travel News’ Sarah Kelly caught up with Regional Director Sales & Marketing UK, Scandinavia & Americas, Lee Barker, to discover what the premium property has to offer…
“I think in particular for Ikos, all- inclusive is something that people are really looking for now. But all inclusive with no restrictions. And that’s exactly what we offer.” explains Lee as we sat down to chat about the new property. “We have started to use the strapline, serial beyond luxury, because we are beyond all inclusive”. Lee explains how the new resort goes beyond others as zero restrictions of hidden costs are applied to the holiday. “We have a la carte restaurants in all of our resorts, which you can eat at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Your room services included. There’s no wristbands on arrival, premium drinks included, Michelin starred chefs oversee the menus. There is nothing you can want for when you’re at Ikos.” With the exception of spa treatment, the five star property boasts its relaxed atmosphere and peace of mind on arrival due to the missing element of hidden costs. “It’s a property that offers choice.” Lee goes on to say. “I think that’s the big thing that this resort can be the perfect resort for nearly every client because we have something for everybody.” Across the entire portfolio, Ikos highlights a total of 42 restaurants and bars, whilst also showcasing elevated activities such as tennis at the Ruffin Adele Tennis Academy, football for the children at the Chelsea Football Academy and experiencing the wild through the Bear grills Survival Academy. “ We use these great brands that are lined with an amazing product and an amazing resort; that offers choice and space and everything that anybody could possibly want.” I wanted to get to know what it is that really makes the Ikos brand stand out to its customers;
“I think it is our people in our resorts and I know it’s easy to say that but our people make the holiday and you can see this time and time again.” said Lee. He mentions feedback across social media,
where gifts.
customers speak of their return and look forward to seeing particular staff again. “It’s their attention to detail and welcoming our guests into our home as if it was their home. And I think there’s a lot to be said for that when people feel that they can walk in and they can just relax.” He continued, “When you come to our properties, you’re able to have a break. The kids are able to have a break and that’s what makes it so special. There’s always something to do for the family together.” The resorts heavily
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
