If you’re planning a hen in Belfast and don’t fancy spending the whole time drinking cocktails, we’ve got just the place. Colin Glen Belfast gets you exploring the great outdoors, taking part in a fun range of activities that’ll have you laughing, competing and achieving things you didn’t know were possible. Here’s the lowdown from our recent visit.
Colin Glen Belfast
Colin Glen is a huge forest park in the Belfast Hills. Spread over 200 acres, it’s jam-packed with trees, trails and outdoor fun, so you get that fresh air and proper escape from the city vibe without having to travel far. It’s perfect for hens who want a day out that’s a little different.
Colin Glen has a huge range of activities that make it impossible not to have a blast, whether you’re after thrills, lighthearted competition or just somewhere to get outdoors and have a laugh. The park is packed with adventurous activities, ways to challenge yourself and chances to enjoy the great outdoors together. It’s designed to keep the whole group entertained, from the ones who love testing their limits to those who just want to soak up the atmosphere and join in the fun.
The Climbing Wall
We started our day with the climbing wall. Cue the competitive streaks coming out. Suddenly, everyone’s transformed into Spider Woman, racing to the top as fast as possible. Some of us were graceful, some of us less so. It is surprisingly empowering too. You might think that you won’t get far but the girls screaming encouragement from below really helps. The friendly staff also gave us plenty of tips, making this activity suitable for all abilities.
SkyTrek High Ropes
Next, it was time for the SkyTrek high ropes. This activity instantly sorts the hens from the chickens! You’re strapped in, up in the trees and taking on a range of wobbly rope bridges and obstacles. With your mates cheering, heckling and taking photos, it feels like you can do anything. You might feel nervous at the start but by the end, you’ll be swinging across obstacles like Tarzan, or at least giving them a good go.
There are two sets of high ropes to try, one at 5m and one at a whopping 16m. Both had challenging obstacles that really get the adrenaline pumping. You could even do a free-fall jump at the end if you’re feeling brave (harness still attached, of course). The instructors were great fun, lighthearted while keeping us safe and pretending not to laugh when we screamed.
Black Bull Run Coaster
The Black Bull Run was one of our favourite parts of the day. It’s Ireland’s first and only Alpine Coaster and it zooms through the trees where you’re in charge of the speed and brakes. You can reach speeds of up to 25mph which is accelerating. Our squeals were unreal as we enjoyed three turns each. By the time you hit the bottom, you’re begging to go again. It’s fast enough to give you that rush but not so scary that anyone should be too scared.
Driving Range
Now, before you roll your eyes at the idea of golf, hear me out. This activity is surprisingly fun for a hen party in Belfast. We had a premium bay with unlimited golf balls and a tasty snack box. We were then tasked with hitting the ball as far as possible. Some of us had literally never picked up a golf club before, which made it even funnier as balls went everywhere or occasionally nowhere at all!
Colin Glen’s driving range has TrackMan, which helped to turn our experience into a big interactive game. Using screens, you can aim at a range of targets and rack up points. Some swings were wild but that’s all part of the fun! Some of us were crying with laughter while the other were strutting like Tiger Woods. Plus, you have somewhere to sit and snack and heckle your mates between turns. It was the perfect cool down after the climbing.
Zipline
Ladies, if you want a bit of heart-pounding fun to kick off your hen party, Colin Glen’s zipline is where it’s at. It’s actually Ireland’s longest zipline. The River Rapid is where the real thrill is. You climb up a tower, take a deep breath and then off you go, flying over the forest with views that make it feel almost magical. It’s fast, exhilarating and completely addictive. Even if you’re normally a bit scared of heights, the instructors make you feel totally safe, leaving you free to just shriek, laugh and wave at your mates below.
The Forest Flyover is a shorter, lower version that’s brilliant for easing into it. You still get that rush and the chance to cheer each other on, but it’s a little less intimidating, perfect for the more cautious hens in the group.
Hen Parties at Colin Glen Belfast
Hen parties at Colin Glen Belfast are spoilt for choice. There’s so much to do, whether you’re clinging on for dear life in the trees, racing on a forest coaster, trying to scale a climbing wall or experiencing golf banter for the first time. It’s a proper rollercoaster of a day, literally.
And the best part is that it’s not your run of the mill hen do. Anyone can book a cocktail class. But when you’ve spent the afternoon swinging through the trees and screaming your lungs out, you’ve suddenly got inside jokes, stories for the wedding speech and a bond that only comes from seeing your maid of honour push herself to the limit.
Top Tips for Your Visit to Colin Glen Belfast
- Dress for the weather and wear comfy clothes you don’t mind sweating in and trousers, rather than shorts. Trainers or walking boots are a must. High heels or flip flops are not your friend here.
- Remove all jewellery and tie long hair up.
- Book your activities in advance because it gets very busy, especially at weekends.
- Some activities have height and weight restrictions. Check these before you book.
- Bring water. You’ll need it.
- Colin Glen is spread across several different sites so you might need to drive or arrange transport between your activities.
- Take loads of photos!
Our Review of Colin Glen Belfast for a Hen Party
Colin Glen was a highlight of our trip to Belfast. We came away sore from climbing and laughing. It’s the ultimate mix of adventure and fun with enough variety to keep everyone happy. Fearless hens, cautious hens, sporty hens and hungover hens all have something to enjoy here.
So if you’re planning a hen in Belfast and you want something that’s a bit wild and different, add some activities at Colin Glen to your itinerary. It’s basically a giant playground for grown ups, and the perfect way to kick off a last weekend of freedom in style!
