Online Dating in County Armagh

Portadown in Northern Ireland is a shoppers’ paradise; with not one, not two but three shopping malls to contend with as well as bustling local markets at the weekends it’s clear to see where it’s picked up this reputation. But there is more to Portadown than just shopping; nearby Loch Neagh is a great place for spotting wildlife and walking around the Loch, as is Moneypenny’s Loch, a local hidden gem. There’s a wildlife centre here too and a bevy of restaurants which have attracted the crowds, so there’s plenty of things to be doing on a first date here. Image via Iker Merodio on Flickr.

Walking at the Loch

Loch Neagh is the largest in Northern Ireland, and luckily it’s very close to Portadown. There are many parks dotted along the vast shoreline of the Loch including Craigavon Lakes which is very close to the town of Portadown. Here you can take your date out on the water in a variety of boats or book a sailing or kayaking course for the two of you at the Craigavon water sports centre as something really different. Moneypenny’s Loch is a little-known gem of which the locals love to show off about. There are some lovely walks here! Image via bram2204 on Flickr.

Take a boat trip

A romantic trip on a boat would make a lovely first date, especially on Loch Neagh with its vast unspoilt views and calming waters. The Maid of Antrim is the most famous of the boats and a voyage will take you to visit the islands of the Loch if you so wish. Take a trip to Coney Island, formally a Norman outpost. Now owned by the national trust, boat trips to Coney depart from Maghery Country Park or Kinnego Mairna but booking in advance is necessary. Image via nightskyhunter on Flickr.

A place for animal lovers

If your date is a bit of an animal lover then what could be more perfect than a date at an animal sanctuary? C & J’s Animal Park is a family-run rare breeds farm with over 100 animals all looked after by expert staff. What’s nice about C & J’s is the very fact that it’s not a large zoo, so the experience feels more intimate whilst you’re walking through the purpose-built walkways. Don’t miss the reptile house.

For adventure lovers

With the incredible scenery surrounding Portadown it’s no surprise that there are plenty of adventure activities to be done here. Why not something completely different like mountain boarding? Basically sliding down big hills on boards with wheels – and exhilarating first date which you can book with the Surfin’ Dirt Mountain Boarding centre. For something a little less intense try Sky Trek based in the Belfast hills – high ropes, a rock climbing wall and zip lines will make a memorable date. Image via outfitmoray on Flickr.

Italian Meal

Zio’s is one of the most talked about eateries in Portadown, and for good reason. The simple Mediterranean dishes are created with a contemporary flourish to match the relaxed but elegant dining room. Their trump card is the wood fired oven, offering authentic pizzas cooked to perfection by the chef. Book in advance to secure your romantic meal reservation.
There’s more to Portadown than it’s shopping opportunities, the Loch and the beautiful surroundings make this the perfect place to take a date who loves animals, the great outdoors or fantastic food.

Background image via GreyHobbit on Flickr.