Location: Craigavon
Top Things to do in Craigavon
6 Things to Do in Craigavon That You Shouldn't Miss
Craigavon (/kreɪˈɡævən/ kray-GAV-ən; Irish: Creag Abhann) is a planned settlement in northern County Armagh, Northern Ireland. Its construction began in 1965 and it was named after Northern Ireland's first Prime Minister: James Craig, 1st Viscount Craigavon. It was intended to be the heart of a new linear city incorporating Lurgan and Portadown, but this plan was abandoned and less than half of the proposed work was done. Among locals today, "Craigavon" refers to the area between the two towns. It is built beside two artificial lakes and is made up of a large residential area (Brownlow), a second smaller one (Mandeville), plus a central area (Highfield) that includes a substantial shopping centre, a courthouse and the district council headquarters. The lakes, a wildlife haven, are surrounded by woodland with walking trails. There is also a watersports centre, petting zoo, golf course and ski slope in the area. In most of Craigavon, motor vehicles are completely separated from pedestrians, and roundabouts are used extensively.
Restaurants in Craigavon
1. Lough Neagh Discovery Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By Gaeilgor - Ireland
This is one of the treasures of North Armagh, just off Junction 10 on the M1. Day or evening, the views are spectacular and a must for any budding or established photographer! The bluebells are just out of bloom but they provide a beautiful setting!
The area teems with wildlife, paths are well signposted and after a long or short walk, there is a restaurant with a view to die for overlooking the largest fresh water lough in Ireland! One problem- watch out for large portions!!
2. Oxford Island Tourist Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By FaircriticBelfast - Belfast
I had wanted to visit here for some time so took a long diversion to get there. The weather was overcast but the views of the Lough were pleasing from the car park. We visited the centre and found some visitor information which was informative and helpful. The cafe was basic but perfectly nice. We just had coffee and sweet treats but these were fine. Good to see some gluten free cake and bakes even if packaged. The shop had the usual Guinness gift stand and some nice watercolours as well as pottery from Kilkenny. Why no local pottery we wondered. Must be some around though the products stocked were of high standard.
We went for a walk which took us into the wooded areas nearby but we kept wondering if we were on the right track as the signage was mostly faded or missing throughout. Signage that is carved into wood stops vandals from removing plaques. Something to consider. The local flies were very tiresome to be honest though they are harmless. It was hard to converse in some areas as they could get into your mouth if you opened it. On return the car had a light covering of them. The flies detracted from the experience to be honest but I guess that you just have to embrace them for another species that lives there. Not easy. Eating an outdoor picnic would be hellish on some days and it isn't even warm yet! Good to see a decent children's play area though. We didn't explore too far and missed some parts. With a bit more attention to detail it could be better. It all feels a little dated and underfunded but worth a visit. Kids would enjoy the open spaces too.
3. Omniplex Cinema
Overall Ratings
4 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By rosaleenmartin - Craigavon, United Kingdom
Very good children would enjoy I enjoyed it to was really good film Staff very friendly and lovely complex
4. RSPB Portmore Lough
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Daytripper24182 - Belfast, United Kingdom
It's a fair distance from Belfast, about 40 minutes travel by car, but it's definitely worth a visit. The interesting background of Portmore Lough, which would include mentions of a castle and windmill, are displayed on a board inside the shelter. There's also up-to-date information about Portmore too, along with other leaflets. You can see a lot of work has gone into a garden area, and there is outdoor Seating as a toilets. The only disappointment for me, was the short walk, I had thought there was a much longer walk available i.e. around the Lough. However, you can glimpse the Konik Ponies from a safe distance and still have a nice walk.
5. Brownlow Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
6. Belong
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
A cutting-edge Gaming Arena where you get the chance to play hard, test the latest tech and join other likeminded gamers across multiple platforms including PC, PS4 and Xbox One. It’s an opportunity to catch up and challenge pals in person, not over a headset, because gaming together is altogether better. It’s time to BELONG.
Reviewed By gillian l - Portadown, United Kingdom
At 1st glance I thought party package was expensive but after research I felt it was best and after the party I now believe it was all worth every penny (or pounds) every child loved the experience nothing was to much trouble for the staff and after 9 parties this was definitely the best party so far I have done for my child the gift voucher included in price I used instead of party bags and we used McDonald’s across way for food which staff were happy for boys to eat at their stations I could not recommend the place or the staff enough thank you to you all one happy 9 year boy
