If you’re planning a stag in Belfast and you don’t fancy just sitting in the pub, Colin Glen has got your back. It’s time to rediscover their inner child as you compete, laugh and take the mick out of each other across a range of adrenaline-pumping activities. We tried it out and here’s the lowdown.
Colin Glen Belfast
Colin Glen is a sprawling forest park set across 200 acres in the Belfast Hills. That means loads of trees, trails and space to run riot. The beauty of it is that it feels like a proper escape into the wild but you’re only a short drive from the city centre. So you can blast around the outdoors by day and be propping up a bar by night. It’s a stag do double whammy. And there’s so much to do here.
Climbing Wall
We kicked things off with the climbing wall. There’s nothing like a bit of competition to warm up a group of lads and get them feeling like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. The wall is tall enough to give you a wobble when you’re halfway up but the ropes and instructors make sure no one’s in real danger of falling. Some people will scramble up like naturals and others will look more like they were wrestling the wall rather than climbing it. Either way, it’s a proper laugh. You’ll definitely hear some heroic roars when someone reaches the top and plenty of heckling when someone chickens out halfway.
SkyTrek High Ropes
From there, it was straight into Colin Glen’s famous SkyTrek high ropes. This is where lads start pretending they’re not scared of heights while their knees are visibly shaking. You’re strapped in with a harness, so it’s completely safe, but it doesn’t feel that way when you’re tiptoeing across a rope bridge swaying a whopping 16m in the air. The course is split into two levels, one at 5m and one at 16m. Both are loaded with wobbly bridges, swinging steps and obstacles designed to test your balance and nerve. It’s hilarious watching your mates cling on for dear life, and there’s always someone in the group who sprints across it like nothing phases them. The best bit is the free-fall jump at the end if you’re feeling brave. You step off, your stomach flips and then the harness kicks in. Cue more laughter!
The Zipline
The zipline is where you go from banter to proper adrenaline. Colin Glen boasts Ireland’s longest zipline and once you’re strapped in at the top of the tower there’s no going back. You launch yourself off and suddenly you’re flying through the air over the trees with Belfast laid out below. It’s fast, high and guaranteed to get a few shouts of pure joy (and a few swear words). For the lads who aren’t keen on heights, there’s also the shorter Forest Flyover, which still gives you a taste of the action without being as intimidating. But honestly, once you see your mates grinning like kids at the bottom, you’ll want to give the big one a go.
Black Bull Run Alpine Coaster
Next up, was the Black Bull Run. It’s Ireland’s first and only alpine coaster and it flies through the trees at up to 25 miles per hour. You control the brakes, which means you can choose between cruising like a Sunday drive or bombing it like you’re in Formula 1. No surprise, that everyone in our group wanted to go as fast as possible. The squeals and laughter coming down the track were hilarious. You get three goes each, which is a blessing because once just isn’t enough. It’s pure fun and even the lads who don’t usually go for this kind of thing were buzzing to give it another run.
Driving Range
You’d think golf would be a breather in the middle of all this, but it turned out to be one of the funniest parts of the day. Colin Glen’s driving range isn’t your typical set-up. It’s fitted with TrackMan, which is a fancy bit of tech that turns it into a proper interactive game. The screen gives you challenges and keeps score so of course, we made it competitive. Some lads were channelling their inner Rory McIlroy while others couldn’t hit the ball to save their lives. One shot actually went backwards so watch out! In our premium bay, we had unlimited balls and a snack box on the side which made it even better. You can munch and rip into your mates while waiting for your turn. Perfect Belfast stag do banter.
Stag Parties at Colin Glen Belfast
What makes Colin Glen so good for a stag is the huge range of activities to try. One minute you’re dangling from ropes, the next you’re racing through the trees, then you’re blasting golf balls while eating snacks. There’s no time for anyone to be bored and it keeps the energy up even if half the group is still slightly hungover. It’s not your usual stag activity and that’s what makes it stand out. After a day like this, you’ll have inside jokes for the wedding speech, stories to wind each other up with and maybe even a few heroic photos of the groom screaming mid-zipline.
Tips for Stags
If you’re booking Colin Glen for a stag weekend in Belfast, a bit of prep makes the day run smoother. Wear comfy clothes that you can actually move in. Trainers or boots are a must. Leave the tight jeans and white trainers for the night out. Bring a bottle of water because you’ll work up a sweat. Book your activities in advance as it gets busy, especially on weekends when every stag and hen in the city seems to have the same idea.
Some of the activities have height and weight restrictions, so double check before you book to avoid awkward moments. Oh, and tie your hair up if it’s long because no one wants it caught in a harness. Transport between different parts of the park can be handy to arrange too. Most importantly, take loads of photos and videos. You’ll thank yourself later when you’ve got blackmail material for the speeches.
Our Verdict
Colin Glen hugely delivers for stag groups. It manages to strike the perfect balance between adrenaline and banter. You don’t have to be a fitness nut or thrill seeker to enjoy it. There’s enough variety for everyone, from the fearless lads to the hungover ones who’d usually prefer a pint. By the end of the day, you’ll be aching from climbing, your cheeks will hurt from laughing, and you’ll already be planning your next trip back.If you’re putting together a stag in Belfast, get Colin Glen on the itinerary. It’s the ultimate playground for grown men, packed with challenges, laughs and enough adrenaline to keep the whole group buzzing.
