1. Newry & Mourne District Council Swimming Pool
City/Town: Newry
Postal Code: BT35 6EH
Street Address: Clanrye Avenue
Country: UK
2. Oak Creative Water Engineering
City/Town: Newtownabbey
Postal Code: BT37 0UR
Street Address: 25 Meadowlands
Country: UK
3. Oasis Leisure
City/Town: Crumlin
Postal Code: BT29 4NJ
Street Address: 10a Crewe Park Rd
Country: UK
4. Aquasun Leisure Products
City/Town: Ballymena
Postal Code: BT44 9PU
Street Address: Unit 6, 232 Frosses Road
Country: UK
5. Outback 365
City/Town: Bangor
Postal Code: BT19 7PP
Street Address: 2a Balloo Park
Country: UK
6. Belfast Swimming Teacher (Julia Kelly)
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT15 3HF
Street Address: Grove Leisure Centre, 120 York Rd
Country: UK
7. City Baths
City/Town: Londonderry
Postal Code: BT48 9AD
Street Address: William St
Country: UK
8. JEM Swim School
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT9 6BY
Street Address: Methodist College, 1 Malone Rd
Country: UK
9. Seven Towers Leisure Centre
City/Town: Ballymena
Postal Code: BT43 7BL
Street Address: Trostan Avenue
Country: UK
10. Water Refreshers
City/Town: Craigavon
Postal Code: BT62 2GD
Street Address: 44 Market St Court
Country: UK
11. Canadian Spa Ireland
City/Town: Dungannon
Postal Code: BT70 1RE
Street Address: 14 Tullydraw Rd
Country: UK
12. Hydropool Hot Tubs & Swim Spas
City/Town: Lisburn
Postal Code: BT27 5BE
Street Address: Dobbies Garden Centre, Saintfield Rd
Country: UK
13. The Newry Sports Centre
City/Town: Newry
Postal Code: BT35 6AU
Street Address: Cecil St
Country: UK
14. Cossum Swim Schools
City/Town: Antrim
Postal Code: BT41 4DJ
Street Address: 4 Firfields
Country: UK
15. Adrienne Bell Swimming Specialist
City/Town: Hillsborough
Postal Code: BT26 6NG
Street Address: 60A Glebe Road
Country: UK
16. Adrienne Bell Swimming Specialist
City/Town: Lisburn
Postal Code: BT28 1YW
Street Address: 2 Nicholson Gardens
Country: UK
17. Aquasun
City/Town: Ballymena
Postal Code: BT44 9PU
Street Address: Unit 6 Logans Centre, 235 Frosses Rd
Country: UK
18. Bodyscape Health Club Shaw’s Bridge
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT8 7XP
Street Address: 117 Milltown Rd
Country: UK
19. Riversdale Leisure Centre
City/Town: Strabane
Postal Code: BT82 9DQ
Street Address: Lisnafin Park
Country: UK
20. Lagan Valley Leisureplex
City/Town: Lisburn
Postal Code: BT28 1LP
Street Address: Unit 18 Lisburn Leisure Park
Country: UK
21. Mode1 Fitness
City/Town: Bangor
Postal Code: BT19 7HB
Street Address: Unit 5, South Circular Rd
Country: UK
22. Ballysillan Leisure Centre
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT14 7QP
Street Address: Ballysillan Rd
Country: UK
23. Lisburn Omniplex
City/Town: Lisburn
Postal Code: BT28 1PP
Street Address: Governors Road
Country: UK
24. Four Seasons Leisure
City/Town: Coleraine
Postal Code: BT52 1AP
Street Address: 12 Church Street
Country: UK
25. Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing & Leisure Complex
City/Town: Newtownards
Postal Code: BT23 4DB
Street Address: 1 Dairy Hall Lane
Country: UK
26. Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex
City/Town: Bangor
Postal Code: BT20 4TH
Street Address: 3 Valentine Rd
Country: UK
27. Craigavon Lakes Leisure Centre
City/Town: Craigavon
Postal Code: BT64 1AS
Street Address: Lake Rd
Country: UK
28. Dungannon Leisure Centre
City/Town: Dungannon
Postal Code: BT71 6BE
Street Address: Circular Rd
Country: UK
29. The Valley Leisure Centre
City/Town: Newtownabbey
Postal Code: BT36 7LS
Street Address: Church Rd
Country: UK
30. Templemore Baths
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT5 4FP
Street Address: Templemore Ave
Country: UK
31. Andersonstown Leisure Centre
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT11 9AH
Street Address: 39 Andersonstown Rd
Country: UK
32. Omagh Leisure Complex
City/Town: Omagh
Postal Code: BT79 7EG
Street Address: Old Mountfield Rd
Country: UK
33. Cookstown Leisure Centre
City/Town: Cookstown
Postal Code: BT80 8QF
Street Address: Fountain Rd
Country: UK
34. Cascades Leisure Complex
City/Town: Portadown
Postal Code: BT62 3NU
Street Address: Thomas St
Country: UK
35. Greenvale Leisure Centre
City/Town: Magherafelt
Postal Code: BT45 6HX
Street Address: 20 Magherafelt Rd
Country: UK
36. Shankill Leisure Centre
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT13 2BD
Street Address: 100 Shankill Rd
Country: UK
37. The Lakeland Forum
City/Town: Enniskillen
Postal Code: BT74 7EF
Street Address: Broadmeadow
Country: UK
38. Banbridge Leisure Centre
City/Town: Banbridge
Postal Code: BT32 3JY
Street Address: 15 Downshire Pl
Country: UK
39. Ballymoney Leisure Centre
City/Town: Ballymoney
Postal Code: BT53 7DB
Street Address: 33 Garryduff Rd
Country: UK
40. Antrim Forum Leisure Centre
City/Town: Antrim
Postal Code: BT41 4DQ
Street Address: Lough Rd
Country: UK
41. Coleraine Leisure Centre
City/Town: Coleraine
Postal Code: BT52 1PE
Street Address: Railway Rd
Country: UK
42. Lough Moss Leisure Centre
City/Town: Carryduff
Postal Code: BT8 8HR
Street Address: Hillsborough Rd
Country: UK
43. Lisnaskea Leisure Centre
City/Town: Lisnaskea
Postal Code: BT92 0HZ
Street Address: 30 Drumhaw Park
Country: UK
44. Maghera Leisure Centre
City/Town: Maghera
Postal Code: BT46 5BN
Street Address: Coleraine Rd
Country: UK
45. Down Leisure Centre
City/Town: Downpatrick
Postal Code: BT30 6LZ
Street Address: Market St
Country: UK
46. Valley Leisure Centre
City/Town: Newtownabbey
Postal Code: BT36 6QU
Street Address: O’Neill Rd
Country: UK
47. Larne Leisure Centre
City/Town: Larne
Postal Code: BT40 1AB
Street Address: Tower Rd
Country: UK
48. Newcastle Centre
City/Town: Newcastle
Postal Code: BT33 0AA
Street Address: 10-14 Central Promenade
Country: UK
49. Ballyclare Leisure Centre
City/Town: Ballyclare
Postal Code: BT39 9AG
Street Address: 39 Ballynure Rd
Country: UK
50. Grove Wellbeing Centre
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT15 3HF
Street Address: 120 York Rd
Country: UK
Northern Ireland is home to a diverse array of swimming pool facilities, offering both indoor and outdoor options for residents and visitors. From leisure centers and public pools to private health clubs and hotels, there are numerous places to swim across the region. Swimming is not only a popular recreational activity in Northern Ireland but also an essential part of fitness and well-being for many people. This article explores the various types of swimming pools available, the benefits of swimming, and some notable locations to visit in Northern Ireland.
Types of Swimming Pools in Northern Ireland
- Public Swimming Pools Public swimming pools are widely accessible throughout Northern Ireland, primarily operated by local councils or leisure trusts. These pools are often part of larger leisure complexes and offer a variety of swimming programs. Most public pools cater to people of all ages and abilities, offering lanes for lap swimming, family swim sessions, and lessons for children and adults. Public swimming pools also serve as important community hubs, providing an affordable way for locals to stay active.
- Private Health Club Pools Private health clubs, gyms, and fitness centers in Northern Ireland typically feature high-quality indoor swimming pools. These pools are often used by members as part of their overall fitness regimen, and they are ideal for those looking for a quieter, more exclusive swimming experience. Many of these clubs offer swimming lessons, aqua aerobics classes, and dedicated swim lanes for serious swimmers. The ambiance of private pools tends to be more luxurious, with added amenities such as saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs.
- Hotel Swimming Pools Many hotels in Northern Ireland offer swimming pools as part of their spa and wellness facilities. These pools are designed for guests looking to relax and unwind, with a focus on leisure rather than intense fitness. Hotel pools can range from large, luxurious indoor pools to smaller, more intimate pools found in boutique hotels or spa resorts. Guests can enjoy a swim in a serene environment, often complemented by spa treatments, massages, and health-conscious menus.
- Outdoor Swimming Pools While the weather in Northern Ireland may not always be ideal for outdoor swimming, there are still some outdoor pools that are open during the warmer months. Outdoor swimming pools are typically found at leisure parks, resorts, or seasonal recreational centers. These pools often cater to families and those looking to enjoy a swim under the sun, and many are equipped with water slides and other fun features for children.
- Specialized Pools Some swimming pools in Northern Ireland are specifically designed for therapeutic or specialized use. These include hydrotherapy pools and rehabilitation pools used for medical or recovery purposes. Hydrotherapy pools are equipped with jets and warm water to provide therapeutic benefits for individuals with injuries or chronic pain. Additionally, some sports centers and rehabilitation clinics offer pools with adjustable temperatures and depths to suit various physical needs.
Benefits of Swimming
Swimming is a full-body exercise that provides numerous health benefits. Here are some of the reasons why swimming is such a popular activity in Northern Ireland:
- Cardiovascular Health Swimming is a fantastic way to improve cardiovascular health. It increases heart rate and improves circulation, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Swimming can also lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
- Low-Impact Exercise Unlike some forms of exercise, swimming is low-impact, which makes it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. It is an ideal exercise for individuals with joint problems or those recovering from injury, as the buoyancy of the water reduces stress on the body.
- Full-Body Workout Swimming engages almost every muscle in the body, offering a comprehensive workout. It tones and strengthens muscles, enhances flexibility, and improves coordination. It is particularly beneficial for building core strength and improving posture.
- Mental Health Benefits Swimming can help reduce stress and anxiety. The repetitive motions and soothing qualities of water have a calming effect on the mind. Many swimmers report feeling more relaxed and mentally rejuvenated after a swim, making it an excellent activity for boosting mood and mental well-being.
- Weight Management Swimming is an excellent way to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. The resistance of water provides a challenging workout, helping individuals to burn fat and build muscle at the same time. Swimming also increases metabolism and improves overall fitness levels.
- Improved Flexibility Regular swimming promotes greater flexibility, as it involves a range of motion across different joints and muscles. Swimming strokes like the backstroke and breaststroke particularly help to improve flexibility in the shoulders, hips, and ankles.
Notable Swimming Pools in Northern Ireland
Here are some popular swimming pool venues in Northern Ireland that offer a variety of swimming experiences:
- The Olympia Leisure Centre (Belfast) Located in the heart of Belfast, The Olympia Leisure Centre is one of the city’s premier swimming facilities. The center features an impressive 25-meter swimming pool with six lanes, making it suitable for lap swimming, leisure swimming, and lessons. The facility also offers a separate shallow pool for children and beginners. Additional amenities include a sauna, steam room, and fitness classes.
- The Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex (Bangor) Situated in Bangor, County Down, The Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex offers one of the largest swimming pools in the region. The complex features a 25-meter pool, a learner pool, and a fun pool with water features for children. In addition to swimming, the complex offers a wide range of fitness classes, a gym, and a café, making it a great spot for families and fitness enthusiasts alike.
- Lisburn Leisure Park (Lisburn) Lisburn Leisure Park is home to a spacious 25-meter swimming pool with a range of swimming programs, including lane swimming, family swim times, and swim lessons for all ages. The complex also offers a learner pool, a jacuzzi, and a steam room, making it a popular destination for those looking to relax after a swim.
- The Village Hotel (Belfast) The Village Hotel in Belfast features a luxurious indoor swimming pool that is part of its spa and wellness offerings. The pool is available to guests and members of the hotel’s leisure club. Guests can enjoy a relaxing swim in the tranquil environment and make use of the spa’s other services, including a sauna, steam room, and fitness center.
- Corinthian Leisure Club (Belfast) Corinthian Leisure Club, located within the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast, offers a well-maintained indoor swimming pool. The pool is ideal for those looking for a relaxing swim in a quieter, more exclusive environment. Guests can also enjoy access to the hotel’s spa and fitness center.
- The Mountsandel Leisure Centre (Coleraine) The Mountsandel Leisure Centre in Coleraine features a 20-meter swimming pool that caters to a wide range of activities, from swimming lessons to family swim sessions. The center also offers a gym, fitness classes, and other sports facilities, making it a popular destination for locals.
- Dunsilly Leisure Centre (Antrim) The Dunsilly Leisure Centre, located in Antrim, offers a 25-meter swimming pool that is perfect for both fitness swimmers and families. The center has a number of swimming programs and provides excellent facilities for both recreational swimming and formal swimming lessons.
Conclusion
Swimming pools in Northern Ireland provide a wide range of opportunities for locals and visitors to enjoy swimming, whether for fitness, recreation, or relaxation. From large public pools to exclusive private health club facilities, there are pools to suit all needs and preferences. The benefits of swimming as an exercise are well-documented, offering a low-impact, full-body workout that is beneficial for both physical and mental health. The region’s diverse pool offerings ensure that swimming remains a popular activity for people of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely dip, a challenging workout, or a fun day out with the family, Northern Ireland has the swimming pools and facilities to meet your needs.