Active Pursuits

Fishing

The 9km (5 1/2-mile) stretch of the Lagan River from Stranmillis weir to Shaw's Bridge offers decent coarse fishing, especially on summer evenings. From May to July, Lough Neagh has good shore and boat fishing. For fishing equipment and contacts try Get Hooked, 49 Suffolk Rd., Belfast (tel. 028/9062-3431). For info, tackle, and bait, try the Village Tackle Shop, 55a Newtownbreda Rd., Belfast (tel. 028/9049-1916).

Golf

The Belfast area offers four 18-hole courses within 6km (3 3/4 miles) of the city center. Some 5km (3 miles) southwest of the city, there's the Balmoral Golf Club, 518 Lisburn Rd., Belfast (tel. 028/9038-1514; www.balmoralgolf.com), with greens fees of £27 weekdays (except Wed), £40 weekends and Wednesdays. About 6km (3 3/4 miles) southwest of the city center the Dunmurry Golf Club, 91 Dunmurry Lane, Dunmurry, Belfast (tel. 028/9061-0834; www.dunmurrygolfclub.co.uk), costs £27 weekdays, £30 weekends. About 4.8km (3 miles) south of the city center is the Belvoir Park Golf Club, 73 Church Rd., Newtownbreda, Belfast (tel. 028/9064-6714; www.belvoirparkgolfclub.com), £65 weekdays, £75 weekends; and 4.8km (3 miles) north, the Fortwilliam Golf Club, Downview Avenue, Belfast (tel. 028/9037-0770; www.fortwilliam.co.uk), £22 weekdays, £29 weekends (quaintly, we think, women are charged a few pounds less). Weekdays are usually better for visitors, and each club has preferred weekdays. Phone ahead. Club pros offer lessons, usually for about £25 per hour; book at least 2 days ahead.

Horseback Riding

Saddle up at the Drumgooland House Equestrian Centre, 29 Dunnanew Rd., Seaforde, Downpatrick, County Down (tel. 028/4481-1956 or 07718/658-666). It offers half- and full-day forest treks and beach rides starting at around £35. Full equestrian holidays are available.