Forget any ideas about team building being boring. Colin Glen Belfast is here to shake things up, offering a huge range of outdoor activities that’ll get the adrenaline pumping through your veins and put smiles on your faces. We took a group there recently and came back buzzing and a lot closer as a team. Here’s what we thought.
The Black Bull Run Coaster
The Black Bull Run coaster is the ultimate way to break the ice. It’s Ireland’s first and only alpine coaster. You strap yourself in, take control of the speed and the brakes and then zoom through the trees at up to 25mph. This experience is fun for everyone, whether you want a gentle cruise or to go full throttle and scream your way down the hill. Either way, you get three goes each and by the end, everyone’s laughing and trading stories like old mates. It’s the kind of activity that instantly knocks down barriers and sets the tone for the day.
SkyTrek High Ropes
The SkyTrek High Ropes were one of the highlights of our team building in Belfast. If you want to see who in your office is secretly fearless, stick them on the high ropes. Suspended above the forest, you’re wobbling your way across rope bridges, hanging platforms and ladders that test balance and nerve. There are two courses, one at 5m and another at an enormous 16m. You’ll hear plenty of nervous laughter and a fair bit of cheering from below, but that’s the magic of it. The group is constantly encouraging each other across each obstacle. The grand finale is a free-fall jump which is equally terrifying and exhilarating. Nothing builds trust faster than watching your manager step off a platform while yelling words you’d never hear in the workplace!
Driving Range
We loved every minute at Colin Glen’s driving read. Their TrackMan system transforms hitting balls into a competitive game, complete with targets, scores and challenges on screen. It’s a great way to encourage some friendly competition and banter. We chose a premium bay, unlimited balls and even a snack box. The laughter is as good as the golf, especially when someone takes a massive swing and the ball doesn’t move. Some of our group had never held a golf club before but still really enjoyed the experience.
The Zipline
Every workplace has a few characters who are loud in the office but suddenly quiet when there’s real adrenaline involved. The zipline sorts them out. It’s Ireland’s longest and sends you flying over the forest with views you won’t forget. It’s fast, thrilling and guaranteed to get everyone’s blood pumping. The Forest Flyover zipline is shorter if you’ve got a few nervous folk in the group, but even the cautious ones usually cave once they’ve seen their colleagues laughing like kids at the bottom. By the time everyone’s had a go, the zipline becomes a story that’ll be retold at after-work drinks for months.
Climbing Wall
There’s something about strapping into a harness and racing up a wall that brings out everyone’s competitive side. Suddenly, quiet colleagues are determined to get to the top, while the so-called sporty ones realise it’s not as easy as it looks. It’s a brilliant leveller because it doesn’t matter if you’re tall, short, strong or not. Encouragement from the group below is what gets you to the top. It’s also surprisingly empowering. The friendly staff get your kitted out and also offer plenty of tips and encouragement.
Why it Works For Teams
Colin Glen nails team building in Belfast because it combines fun, challenge, teamwork and the great outdoors without ever feeling forced. Instead of awkward icebreakers, you’re actually doing something together that gets you cheering, laughing and occasionally clinging on for dear life. You’ll see different sides to colleagues, such as the quiet one who secretly loves heights, the manager who can’t hit a golf ball straight and the intern who flies down the coaster like they’re auditioning for a Fast and Furious film. Those shared experiences break down barriers really quickly so you can all focus on bonding and having fun.
Location
One of the best things about Colin Glen is that you don’t have to trek into the middle of nowhere to find it. The park is in the Belfast Hills but it’s only about a 15-minute drive from the city centre. That means you can finish up your activities and be back at the office or heading into town for a well-earned drink in no time. For anyone driving, there’s plenty of parking on-site which makes life easier if you’ve got a big group arriving in separate cars. If your team’s relying on buses or taxis, that’s no bother either. It’s close enough that even a short ride gets you there.
For companies that like things simple, this is a huge win. You don’t need to block out a whole weekend or wrestle with complicated transport plans just to squeeze in a bit of adventure. You’re close enough to the city to keep logistics straightforward, but once you’re inside Colin Glen it feels like you’ve been whisked away into proper countryside. It’s the perfect balance that’s accessible for everyone, but still a refreshing change of scenery that gets the team out of their usual environment and into the mood for something different.
Tips for a Fun Team Day at Colin Glen
A bit of planning goes a long way. Book ahead, especially if you’re going at the weekend. Wear comfy clothes and trainers. Trust us, nobody wants to tackle a zipline in skinny jeans and loafers. Bring water because you’ll definitely need it. Check the activity requirements in advance as there are height and weight restrictions for some of the challenges. And finally, make sure someone’s in charge of photos and videos. The look on your boss’s face halfway across a rope bridge is gold you’ll want to keep.
Our Verdict
Our day at Colin Glen was a real highlight of our work trip in Belfast. It had everything we wanted, including adrenaline, laughter and friendly competition. Everyone went home buzzing, with sore muscles and lots of stories to share at the next team lunch. It’s proof that team building doesn’t have to be awkward or dull. It can be epic, energising and actually fun. So, if you’re planning a team day in Belfast, get Colin Glen on your list. It’s basically a giant adventure playground for grown-ups and one of the best ways to turn colleagues into mates.
