FORMER winner of a farm diversification award, Magherafelt adventure centre, The Jungle, has zip-lined its way to two more accolades in the Outdoor NI Awards.
Jungle managing director Robert Carmichael picked up awards for best thrill-seeking provider and 'best unique outdoor experience at the 2015 event which coincided with the centre's 10th anniversary.
The former farmer now employs 60 staff at the 200-acre site which has attracted more than 250,000 visitors since sprouting up on Desertmartin farmland where the farm-to-jungle transformation has represented an investment of more than £2 million over the past decade.
"It's hard to believe we have been in business for 10 years and I feel proud to have built up The Jungle into a destination that offers something for everyone," Mr Carmichael said. "We constantly strive to improve, develop and expand upon existing facilities."
Originally offering a paint balling experience, The Jungle now has zip-lining, zorbing and llama-trekking on its ever-growing activity list, while the site is home to Ireland’s first high wire tree top adventure course.
A number of seasonal events also feature throughout the year, including a Christmas Wonderland, Easter egg hunt and 'Fright Nights' at Halloween.
Winner of the 2006 Magherafelt Business Award for Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Award for Best Farm Diversification the same year, Mr Carmichael attributed his success to "an ethos of hard work" with the catalyst to provide "an exciting escape from the drudgery of daily life".
It is the second time the business has been recognised by Outdoor NI.
