Move More, Live Better - What's on near you
Local councils offer a variety of sport and physical activity opportunities from swimming and gym sessions to sports clubs and fitness classes.
Local sport and physical activity opportunities
To find out more about sport and physical activity opportunities near you visit your local council's website via the links below:
- Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
- Ards and North Down Borough Council
- Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
- Belfast City Council
- Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
- Derry City and Strabane District Council
- Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
- Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council
- Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
- Mid Ulster District Council
- Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
There are lots of ways to get active and try different sports and activities across Northern Ireland. No matter what you are into there’s something out there for you. Have a look at some of the examples below to see what’s happening near you.
Throughout Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Karate Board (NIKB)
If you have an interest in learning Karate visit the NIKB website to find a club local to you.
Cycling Ireland
The Community Bike Rides programme is beginner-friendly and social, these rides take place weekly in towns and cities across Northern Ireland, led by trained volunteer Ride Leaders. They’re a perfect way for adults to get back on the bike or meet others while staying active. Ride listings can be found by joining the Community Bike Ride Club.
Park Pedal is a traffic-free initiative designed to help people of all ages build confidence on a bike. Open to balance bikes and above these short, accessible rides take place in local parks and are perfect for families, newcomers or anyone looking to try cycling in a safe supportive setting. For more information visit Cycling Ireland
Taekwon-Do Northern Ireland
The United Kingdom Taekwon-do Council offer free taster sessions to anyone who wishes to give Taekwon-Do a try, they currently have over 100 classes across Northern Ireland offering age and ability specific sessions. Classes are available for children aged 3 and over and adults, from beginner to advanced and they also offer female self defence classes.
NI Orienteering
Lagan Valley Orienteering, Fermanagh Orienteers and the Northwest Orienteering Club are the three orienteering clubs in Northern Ireland. They are running a number of taster sessions over the summer and in addition their regular orienteering activities and events are open to non-members with courses to suit all levels of experience and age. For information on upcoming events visit NI Orienteering Fixtures List - NI Orienteering Association or find them on Facebook @NIOrienteer. For more information on how to get started contact Ric Gamble on 07717297676 or rdo@niorienteering.org.uk
Special Olympics Ulster (SOU)
Special Olympics provides opportunities in a variety of sports to people of all ages and abilities with an intellectual disability at clubs throughout Northern Ireland.
To find out more about how to get involved contact SOU directly:
The National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland (NCFFI)
With clubs available throughout Northern Ireland there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in angling. The NCFFI offer a number of training programmes and events that provide an opportunity to learn to fish which are accessible to all.
Ophir Karate Club (Belfast, Crumlin, Killyleagh)
Free taster sessions throughout the year and offered at any of their clubs. An open club for all ages and abilities. For more information or to register interest contact Siobhan Leckey 07743 131 056 or message on Facebook or Instagram.
Elite Taekwon-Do NI (Bangor and Belfast)
Classes on offer range from children aged 5 and over with no upper age limit, following the Taekwon-do syllabus. In addition they also offer ‘Kickfit’ which is a class solely about fitness which aims to increase activity, mobility and flexibility. For more information or to book a class visit their Facebook page or Instagram.
Active Youth NI (Ards and North Down, East Belfast, Lisburn and Castlereagh)
Active Youth NI offers non-sport specific physical activity programmes to support children and young people’s physical, mental and social well-being. Their sessions are for children from 2-18 years of age (or up to 25 years when working with disabled young people).
They have a holistic approach to wellbeing with sessions designed to be a fun, active outlet for young people aiming to improve life skills, confidence and physical literacy, empowering them to reach their full potential. They offer both paid for and funded programmes including holiday camps, afterschool provision, events and coaching supporting disabled children, those living in deprivation, rural communities and girls.
For more information visit the following links.
Ulidia Taekwondo (Antrim & Newtownabbey and Lisburn & Castlereagh)
Based in the Valley Leisure Centre in Newtownabbey and Lough Moss Leisure Centre in Carryduff Ulidia Taekwondo offer a range of activities including Olympic Taekwondo, Combat Fit, Self Defence for Women and FUNdamental Taekwondo for p1-p4. They cater for all age groups from 4yrs up to 65yrs. You can find out more information or get in touch with the club to get involved via the following links:
Antrim and Newtownabbey
Antrim Karate Club
Antrim Karate Club offers Karate classes for ages 5-99 and Karate Fitness classes for ages 18 and over. Karate is a fun and rewarding way to get fit, build confidence and learn valuable self-defence skills. It helps reduce stress, improve focus and gives you the chance to make great friends along the way.
The Club offers classes for all ages and abilities, including age-specific children’s classes focussing on fun, discipline and basic techniques as well Senior Karate, low-impact classes which are tailored for older adults to improve mobility, balance and confidence.
For more information or to get involved visit the links below:
MG Bowling Club
MG Bowling Club is located at the Moneyglass Community Centre in Toomebridge and offers light exercise and opportunities for socialising through their indoor bowling for those aged 20 to 80+. The club encourages and promotes positive community activity through bowling and is known for their popular annual singles tournament.
For more information or to get involved give them a call or email:
- 07784 286 048
- Henrymarron65@gmail.com
Antrim Newtownabbey Disability Football Club
Antrim Newtownabbey F.C. aim to make football fun for everyone. They are a pan-disability football club and are open to both male and female players of all abilities from age 7 to adult. Offering weekly training sessions on Wednesday evenings, they aim to support their members to make new friends, have fun, get fit and improve their mental health.
For more information or to get involved visit their Facebook page:
Ballyclare Ladies’ Hockey Club
Ballyclare Ladies Hockey Club are a local club that have been active for over forty years. They cater for a range of ages Minis (age 4-11), Juniors (age 11-15) and Seniors (age 15 to senior citizen) for more information or to get involved visit their Instagram or Facebook linked below.
Naomh Séamas Clg (St James)
Naomh Séamas Clg is a GAA club based in Aldergrove, Crumlin. They offer various Gaelic games and culture for males and females aged 3-55, promoting healthy minds, healthy body and the opportunities to become part of a fantastic community.
For more information or to get involved visit their Facebook page.
St Ergnats GAC
St Ergnat's GAC is based in Moneyglass, County Antrim. They offer GAA activities and games including Gaelic Football and Ladies Gaelic Football for all ages. Additionally, they offer Mothers & Others Gaelic Football which sees women playing in a fun, non-competitive and social environment.
For more information or to get involved visit their website or Facebook page, linked below.
Ards and North Down
Enler Boxing Club (Comber)
Competitive amateur boxing club offering fundamental sessions for children aged 7-11 as well as boxers and adult sessions. For more information visit ‘Enler ABC Comber’ on Facebook or contact the club directly:
- enlerboxingclub@outlook.com
- 07897 942 933
Portavogie Coastal Rowing Club
Offer taster sessions where they will take newcomers out on their board the Roon Roak. For more information or to register an interest visit their Facebook page ‘Portavogie Coastal Rowing Club’
North Down Softball Club
North Down Softball Club is an adult coed softball club located at Ward Park Bangor. New to softball? The club welcomes newcomers aged 18 and over to come along to their regular training sessions and give it a go! The club trains on Mondays and Thursdays from 6.30-8.30pm and Sundays 2-4pm.
For more information or to register an interest contact the club directly.
- northdownsoftballclub@gmail.com
- North Down Softball Club (Facebook)
- North Down Softball Club (Instagram)
Devils MMA (Bangor)
Devils MMA teaches a number of sports including boxing, Brazilian jiu jitsu, MMA and taekwondo. They offer beginners classes for children and adults and also offer all female boxing and kickboxing classes. For more information or to register an interest visit their website or reach out to the club directly via Facebook, Instagram or via email.
Peninsula Netball Club (Newtownards)
Based in Regent House School in Newtownards the club accepts members aged 16 and over, they currently have two league teams and a social team. The club would love to welcome new members whether you have played netball before or not. For more information or to register and interest contact them via Facebook or Instagram.
Cloughey Football Club
Cloughey FC play out of Calhame Park in Newtownards and are open to all. They currently have two competitive men’s football teams and have recently founded a women’s team. For more information or to register an interest contact the team directly via their website, Facebook, or Instagram.
Ballyholme Yacht Club (Bangor)
Ballyholme Yacht Club offers a number of courses for anyone interested in taking to the water. They offer a variety of courses including learn to sail courses available for adults and children over 8 years old, Powerboat courses and learn to windsurf and wing courses and also run the Dolphins program for children aged 6 and over. To get involved contact training@ballyholme.com or 02891271467. For more information on the club and what is available visit their website, Facebook or Instagram.
Ards Ladies Hockey Club
Ards Ladies Hockey Club are based in Londonderry Park, Newtownards. The team caters for players from under 9 to adult. With season play, pre-season training and opportunities to play hockey throughout the year. For more information or to register an interest contact ardslhc@gmail.com
Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council
There are lots of opportunities to get active across ABC Borough Council, whether you are looking for a new sport to try and want to find your local club or you want to get out for a walk, run or cycle and want to know where to go. Visit the links below for more information:
- Sports Clubs in ABC Borough Council area
- Walking in ABC Borough Council area
- Running in ABC Borough Council area – Couch to 5K
- Cycling in ABC Borough Council area
- Watersports in ABC Borough Council area
- Fitness classes and gyms in ABC Borough Council area
Armagh City Swimming Club (ACSC)
ACSC are based in Orchard Leisure Centre in Armagh and offer places to local children aged 8-18 years ranging from improvers through to swimmers who compete at local, Regional and National level. Members are offered a minimum of 3 swim sessions per week. For more information or to become a member contact the club directly via their website, Facebook or email.
- membership@armaghswimmingclub.co.uk
- Armagh City Swimming Club (website)
- Armagh City Swimming Club (Facebook)
Belfast
IKIGAI Ju-Jitsu (Andersonstown Leisure Centre)
The club offers classes on Wednesday evenings, Junior 7-8pm and Senior 8-9pm.
For more information contact Senior Club Coach Master Anthory McKeown:
- anthonytonymckeown@yahoo.com
- 07762 632 478
Civil Service Tennis Club (Stormont)
The Civil Service Tennis Club are currently recruiting new members, you don’t have to be a civil servant to join the club. They offer 6 free taster sessions for anyone who wants to ‘give it a go’. They offer an ‘Always Active’ group for the older players during the week and lots of club play for everybody. For more information contact NICSLTC@gmail.com
East Belfast GAA
Based in Belfast the club offers opportunities for Ladies and Men’s Football, Camogie and Hurling. Children aged 18 months to 5 years can take part in Gaeltots, with the Youth Academy available for children aged 6+. They also have lots of opportunities for adults in both competitive play and social football through Gaelic 4 Mothers and Others. For more information or to register interest visit their website.
The Belfast City Marathon
The Belfast City Marathon is one of the most iconic sporting events in Northern Ireland, bringing together runners, walkers, and relay teams from across the world. They offer a range of opportunities for participants of all abilities, including the Marathon & Team Relay in May, Women’s 10k in June, Half Marathon in September and 5k Fun Run in November. Whether you’re aiming to smash a personal best, fundraise for a cause close to your heart, or simply enjoy a fantastic day filled with energy and community spirit, there’s a place for you at their event.
To sign up, visit the official Belfast City Marathon website. From there, you can choose your event, register online, and start your journey toward an unforgettable achievement!
Causeway Coast and Glens
Dunluce Outdoor Bowling Club (Bushmills)
Located in Bushmills directly behind Dunluce Parish Centre the clubs green is open Monday to Saturday from 9am-9pm. The sport is open to all ages and abilities. The club runs ‘Try Bowls Open Days’ throughout the year however they welcome beginners to call to their green anytime to give it a go! For more information or to register an interest visit their Facebook page and send them a message or contact Anthony Clyde on 07563 124555.
Derry City and Strabane
City of Derry Tennis Club
City of Derry Tennis Club offers adult and junior tennis participation opportunities as well as adult lessons for more information visit their website.
Fermanagh and Omagh
Lough Erne Sailing Club
Lough Erne Sailing Club offer RYA accredited courses for people interested in learning to sail. They offer youth (ages 8-16 years) and adult courses which can be arranged through the club. They also offer a Women on the Water programme aimed at getting more women involved in sailing and powerboating and their Sailability programme for children and adults who have any form of physical, sensory or learning disability. For more information you can visit their Facebook page.
If you are interested in learning how to sail contact Leah Pedersen (Sailing School Principal) on 07731 645667 or email the club at info.leyc@gmail.com
Lisbellaw St Patricks Hurling Club
Lisbellaw currently caters for children from 4 years old up to Junior and Senior level. They are also working to establish social hurling for those who played in the past as well as anyone interested in trying it out for the first time. For more information contact Club Secretary Jacinta on 07938374045 or at secretary.lisbellawstpatricks.fermanagh@gaa.ie or find them on social media.
Loughmacrory Paddlesport Club
Loughmacrory Paddlesport Club run weekly taster sessions for individuals and groups on the local Lough. Qualified instructors take the groups on a tour of the lough on a selection of kayaks, sit on boats and stand up paddleboards. Safety equipment is provided but not wet suits which are not mandatory but more comfortable. Available for all ages but under 8’s must be accompanied by a parent. For more information or to book a session visit their Facebook page or contact Keara on 07821 058394.
Lisburn and Castlereagh
Tennis in No Time
Classes are available Monday to Saturday at Wallace Park Indoor Tennis Centre teaching the fundamentals of tennis. For more information visit their website.
Mid and East Antrim
Lifestyle Gymnastics Academy C.I.C. (Ballymena)
Lifestyle Gymnastics Academy in Ballymena offer a range of structures gymnastics class for children from walking-16 years old and adult classes for aged 16+. Their classes are rolling monthly bookings however they offer a trial option before commitment. Further details and booking information is available on their app or via their Facebook page.
Con Magees GAA Glenravel (Ballymena)
Based in County Antrim the club promotes Men’s and Ladies Football, Hurling, Scór and Camogie. They offer a wide variety of activities to all age groups throughout the year. Some examples of activities include their FUNdamentals sessions held weekly for age 4-5 year old children, summer camps, Gaelic for Mothers & Others (G4MO), a Half Paced Hurling group and All Stars which offers fun activities for children with additional needs fortnightly throughout the year. For more information visit their Facebook page.
Newry, Mourne and Down
Carrickcruppen St Patrick's GAA (Armagh)
Carrickcruppen GAA club caters for children and adults of all ages. They offer a “Cruppen Cubs” programme for nursery to primary 2 age children, youth teams for male and female players from primary 2 up to Under 18’s level and also provide adult football as well as recreational football opportunities through Mothers & Others, Dads & Lads and “All Stars” which offers fun activities for children with additional needs. For more information or to register an interest contact the club through their Facebook page.
Crossmaglen Rangers
Cross Rangers G.A.C caters for Gaelic Football, Ladies Football and Camogie at St Oliver Plunkett Park in Newry. They offer Gaa4ll training every Saturday morning for children with additional needs in the local area which is a great opportunity to make new friends and learn new skills. They also offer free coaching to club members on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for all ages from 30-100 years old at their Social Gym.