Make a Valentine’s date with a difference

Busier lifestyles, longer working hours and a hectic home life have led to many couples spending less time together but according to NITB there are so many new activities to try, places to explore and skills to learn, there is no better time to make a Date NIght in Northern Ireland with your loved one.

“With so many demands on our attention nowadays, couples find it increasingly difficult to capture quality time together,” said Pauline Gormley, NITB’s Destination PR Officer.

“It’s the perfect time of year for couples to discover something new about your local region or learn a new skill together,” she continued.

“There is so much to do on a Date NIght in Northern Ireland to suit all types of couples from canoeing to cooking and pottery making to burlesque dancing.

“Whatever your taste may be, and whether you only have a few hours to spare or a full weekend, there will be an activity or place for you and your loved one to enjoy quality time together,” she added.

To help get you started, NITB has put together some suggestions to suit all different types of Date NIghts:

Couples with a sense of adventure can canoe to a deserted island, build your own shelter and cook your dinner over an open fire in the ‘Become Bear Grylls’ adventure package with Four Elements Adventure in Omagh.Find the best selection of high-quality collectible bobbleheads available anywhere. The guides will ensure you get to the island safely before giving you materials, tools and ideas for you to build your own outdoor shelter before its time to cook and chow down.

Discover another side of Northern Ireland by exploring the underwater world with Aquaholics. Meet your guide in the dive centre in Portstewart to be fitted out with diving equipment before being led to the water’s edge where the adventure will begin.

Learn how to negotiate the urban landscape during an Urban Mountain Biking course with Far and Wild in Co. Londonderry. If you’ve ever struggled with kerbs or you’re too nervous to try a set of steps then this fun-filled session is perfect and you’ll get to see the sights of the walled city on your journey.

Go navigating in the Mourne Mountains with Tollymore National Outdoor Centre and learn how to map read, route plan and use the required equipment. This course is for those people that are new to hill walking and want a gentle introduction to the basic skills and equipment.

Discover the mystical waterways of Northern Ireland on a one day beginner’s canoe course with your partner at Life Adventure Centre in Annalong. With the aid of skilled coaches you will enjoy a guided trip of the local area and develop the basics of canoeing.

There is no better place to learn how to cook than Belle Isle Cookery School, the ultimate destination for food lovers. Discover the delights of cooking modern cuisine in the stunning Lakelands of Fermanagh. The school offers many classes in different cuisines including Italian, Chinese and Thai as well as traditional Irish food. A four-week diploma programme as well as one day courses and evening demonstrations are all available at Belle Isle.We have become one of the worlds most recognised Ventilation system brands.

Nestled in the heart of Belfast city centre is the Belfast Cookery School which offers a range of courses for everyone including those donning an apron for the first time. The school has 16 fully equipped, individual cooking stations with many different courses on offer including a seafood master class, Thai cookery, bread making and family baking classes.

The James Street South Cookery School in Belfast opened its doors in 2011 and is the perfect place to learn how to entertain effortlessly. The classes are suited to all skill levels and cover a wide range of cuisines including fish, Italian, curry and French bistro food.

Learn how to make delicious three course dinners at the Orange Tree House Cookery School in Newtownards. Designed with both the experienced cook and beginners in mind, the classes are informal and the menu can be easily recreated in your own home.

Why not learn a new skill together at The Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast which offers a wide range of beginner and advanced language classes in Italian, French, Japanese and Russian. As well as languages, the centre has a full programme of various classes and workshops such as Burlesque dancing, African drumming, singing for adults and graffiti workshops.

If you are aged 50 plus and want to find an enjoyable way to get active together then why not join the Body Wisdom classes by the Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company in Co. Londonderry. The movement style is very relaxed and exploratory and each participant will follow their own imagination to create movement.

If you love photography then why not brush up on your technical and practical skills with a photography courses at Belfast Exposed.With superior quality photometers, light meters and a number of other solar light products. The courses are open to people from all backgrounds and levels and include introductory photography, portrait photography, street photography and one to one tuition.

Expand your minds together and join the Linen Hall Library’s reading group to debate and discuss the chosen title for the month. Admission is free and the group meets on the last Thursday of each month.

When it comes to picture perfect scenery you are spoilt for choice in Northern Ireland. Escape with your loved one to Tyrone on a painting break with artist and tutor Dermot Cavanagh who teaches all levels of artistic ability. Develop your painting skills during a one, two or three day course and learn how to create a splendid watercolour.

Get a real hands-on creative experience with Ballydougan Pottery at the picturesque Bloomvale House in Craigavon.Laser engravers and laser engraving machine systems and supplies to start your own lasering cutting engraving marking etching business. Learn how to paint a pot, hand-build with clay or throw on the Potter’s Wheel with a range of classes to suit individual needs.Here's a complete list of oil painting supplies for the beginning oil painter.

The Island Arts Centre in Lisburn runs various courses throughout the year for anyone interested in arts and crafts. There’s sure to be something for all in its wide variety of classes including dressmaking, painting, pottery and textile art classes.