Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Roe Valley Country Park
Limavady, County Londonderry

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Forests & Parks

If you ever want to feel at one with Northern Ireland’s giant spirit - well, it’s a walk in the park, really! Explorers and adventurers young and old love coming here. For some it’s the rare feeling that you have the whole place to yourself. For others, it’s discovering hidden lakes, magical ruins or secret spots. For parents, it’s where kids can run free and their fun imaginations run wild. Whatever your reason for getting out and about, Northern Ireland’s forest parks and play parks are waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

Get down and dirty in County Londonderry

Just outside the city of Derry-Londonderry, you’ll find the ancient woodland of Prehen Wood. Around since at least 1600, it has seen its fair share of visitors and is now a precious wildlife habitat.

So, follow some ancient and historical footsteps in this place of rare beauty. For the little ‘uns, Playtrail is a fun educational play spot in the city. It has a junior play park, adventure play area, sensory garden and a woodland fairy walk. Loads of ways to tire them out!

Find yourself (and Fido) in County Fermanagh

One of the jewels in the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark is Lough Navar Forest. It is a walker’s paradise with loads of marked trails of varying lengths offering stunning views of Lower Lough Erne, Donegal Bay, the Blue Stack and Sperrin Mountains.

Happy together or perfectly alone in County Tyrone

Picture yourself catching secret glimpses of sika deer among the trees. Imagine having the virtually untouched landscape of Sperrin Mountain hills and sweeping forests all to yourself. Or a choice of walking and mountain biking trails that are so easy to explore and enjoy. That’s the beauty of Davagh Forest near Cookstown.

Davagh Forest is also where you’ll find the brand new OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience the night sky as it is rarely viewed - and as it would have been seen centuries ago by our ancestors.

For fun a bit closer to home, Drum Manor Forest Park is where the kids can bring bikes or jump around the old manor ruins. They can feed ducks, explore the butterfly and Japanese garden or burn off energy on the slides, swings, climbing frames and tunnels in the play area.

Find the precious ring in County Armagh

Alive with geology, archaeology and over 2,000 years of legend and history, Slieve Gullion Forest Park is home to one of the most famous ring dykes in the world. Take a trek to the summit of Armagh’s highest peak and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views across the Ring of Gullion, Mourne and Cooley mountain ranges and the Armagh Drumlins.

If you’re with the kids, the magical living storybook of the Giant’s Lair Children’s Story Trail and Adventure Playgound will keep them enthralled for hours on end. For bikers, cyclists and walkers, Gosford Forest Park’s 550 acres is a godsend.

For a more sedate workout, Loughgall Country Park’s trim trail is made up of 13 outdoor exercise stations spread out around a bridle path to help look good and feel good.

The Glens are alive with the sound of…laughter

The Glens of Antrim are jam-packed with family fun, adventure and the joys of the great outdoors. In spring, Portglenone Forest’s display of millions of flowering bluebells is a jaw-dropping sight. As is the Waterfall Walkway in Glenariff Forest Park, the crowning glory of what’s called the ’Queen of the Glens’ and largest of the nine Glens of Antrim.

Colin Glen Belfast is more than just a beautiful woodland river glen, it’s also home to a series of amazing aerial adventure walks and climbs. Closer to ground, your smallies will love taking the Gruffalo Trail and meet their 8ft-high hairy friend!

Plenty of surprises in the land of Narnia

Imagine the surprise when the door of a wardrobe pops out of nowhere in Kilbroney Forest Park. The Narnia Trail weaves through a forest path, with citadels, tree people and a beaver’s house along the way. C.S. Lewis’s inspirational county of Down has loads to keep kids and grown-up kids enthralled. Connect with nature in a big way at the Secret Swamp at Castle Espie where it’s all about active and imaginative play.

Pickie Fun Park in Bangor is the perfect place for an exciting day of family fun activities. Treat the kids to a day at Animal Wood in Castlewellan Forest Park where they’ll lap up playing on a series of wild woodland animals. Or check out the Peace Maze – one of the world’s largest permanent mazes.

For Game of Thrones® fans, Tollymore Forest Park doubled as the Haunted Forest and home of the direwolves. Or for tree lovers, a leisurely walk along its many trails and Arboretum will throw up lots of surprises and delights.

You’ll be there in no time

Whether you’re on four wheels or two legs, on your own, with family or friends, Northern Ireland’s great outdoors has something for you. This land of make-believe, stunning scenery and spirit-lifting pursuits is only a few hours away. No time like the present!

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Number of results: 78

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1342 reviews
The Gobbins Cliff Path

Islandmagee

Address

The Gobbins Visitor Centre, 68 Middle Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3SL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2318

info@thegobbinscliffpath.com
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Outdoors

Although currently closed (updated November 2025), this is one to bookmark for future. On the thrilling Gobbins Experience, nature isn’t content to just sit back and be admired. It completely engulfs you: from the all-enveloping Irish Sea winds and…
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
148 reviews
Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Adventure Playpark and Fionn's Giant Adventure

Killeavy

Address

89 Drumintee Road, Killeavy, County Armagh, BT35 8SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

slieve.gullion@nmandd.org
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Slieve Gullion is Ireland's Mountain of Mystery. The Forest Park offers walking trails, a scenic drive, an Adventure Playpark, Fionn's Giant Adventure children's story trail and family friendly walk.
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (charge)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1562 reviews
Marble Arch Caves

Enniskillen

Address

43 Marlbank Road, Legnabrocky, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT92 1EW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6632 1815

mac@fermanaghomagh.com
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Cave

Marble Arch Caves- Magical, Unique and Memorable. The Marble Arch Caves is a major tourist attraction, set in the picturesque foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain, just a short journey from the Island town of Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, Northern…
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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Free, on-site parking. Please note car park closes outside of operational hours.
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
226 reviews
Kilbroney Park

Rostrevor

Address

Kilbroney Park, Shore Road, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3AA

Telephone
+44(0)33 0137 4046

kilbroney.park@nmandd.org
Gradings
- Three Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Kilbroney Park on the northern shore of Carlingford Lough is a wonderful escape for all the family no matter their different ages and stages.
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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (charge) - Parking Charges apply
Ebrington

Derry~Londonderry

Address

71 Ebrington Square, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT47 6FA

yourebrington@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Ebrington, a former military barracks just across the Peace Bridge, with a rich history, recently transformed into a vibrant, public space and event venue with impressive views over the City.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
263 reviews
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

Belfast

Address

Upper Malone Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 9LA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 0202

parksinfo@belfastcity.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Public Park

The beautiful Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park comprises rolling meadows, woodland, riverside fields and formal gardens which includes the famous rose garden.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - The park is served by two car parks which are both on the Upper Malone Road. There is no charge for parking or admission.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
16 reviews
Lagan Valley Regional Park

Belfast

Address

3 Lock Keeper's Lane, Belfast, County Antrim, BT8 7XT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9049 1922

admin@laganvalley.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Lagan Valley Regional Park is recognised as Northern Ireland's only Regional Park. It covers an area of 4,200 acres and extends 11 miles along both sides of the River Lagan between Stranmillis, Belfast to Union Locks, Lisburn.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1142 reviews
Belfast Castle Estate

Belfast

Address

Antrim Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 5GR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9077 6925

bcr@belfastcastle.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Belfast Castle estate is situated on the lower slopes of Cave Hill Country Park in North Belfast. It contains both parkland and mature mixed woodland and offers superb views of the city from a variety of vantage points.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises - Reopened May 2024 Opening hours Sunday - Thursday 12pm-7pm Friday and Saturday 12pm-8pm Booking essential (For menus and to book visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfastcastle/eat-drink/cellar-restaurant )
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi - Belfast Public Wifi on site
- Wi-fi available
Ness Country Park

Killaloo

Address

50 Oughtagh Road, Killaloo, County Londonderry, BT47 3TR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7133 8838

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Country / Royal Park

In the steep, wooded Glen of the Burntollet River, south-east of Derry/Londonderry, lies Ness Country park. Enjoy over 7km of riverside walks and there's a visitor centre, a natural themed play park, stunning waterfall and picnic tables.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking - All car parking detailed is free and open at all times.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
23 reviews
Ecos Nature Park

Ballymena

Address

Kernohans Lane, Broughshane Road, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 7QA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2564 4046

parks@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Ecos Nature Park is an oasis of wildlife, close to the heart of Ballymena town with 8 kilometres of flat footpaths leading visitors around 220 acres of parkland that includes maturing woodland, peaceful lake and ponds, grazed meadows and hay meadows.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Ecos Nature Park has free designated accessible parking on site for cars, coaches and minibuses.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
48 reviews
Castle Park

Bangor

Address

Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Stroll through this beautiful wooded wonderland which is an exhilarating experience throughout the seasons.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
90 reviews
Castle Archdale Country Park, Countryside Centre & War Museum

Irvinestown

Address

346 Killadeas Road, Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, BT94 1PP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6634 4803

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The country park boasts beautiful woodland and lough shore walks, an insect garden and wildflower meadow. Castle Archdale was the main flying boat base during WWII, highlighted in an exhibition in the visitor centre entitled ‘Castle Archdale at War’.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Killeter Forest Trails

Killeter

Address

Killeter Forest, Tullycar Road, Killeter, County Tyrone, BT81 7YB

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Pull on your walking boots and come enjoy a truly wonderful walking experience - one which has been defined by nature and refined by the seasons to provide an ever changing backdrop to the Killeter story.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
815 reviews
Tollymore Forest Park

Newcastle

Address

Bryansford Road, Tollymore Park, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0PR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 2428

customer.forestservice@daera-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Covering an area of almost 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne mountains, Tollymore Forest Park has panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at Newcastle. It's open to the public all year.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking - There is a charge for parking in Tollymore Forest Park.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
154 reviews
Silent Valley Mountain Park

Kilkeel

Address

Head Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4HU

Telephone
+44 (0)345 7440 088

waterline@niwater.com

Type

Type:

Lake / Reservoir

The Silent Valley Reservoir was built to gather water from the Mourne Mountains and is the main water supply source for most of County Down and a large part of Belfast. The famous Mourne Wall was constructed to enclose the reservoir's catchment area.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
79 reviews
Ormeau Park

Belfast

Address

Ormeau Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 3GG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9049 1813

parksinfo@belfastcity.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Ormeau Park is the oldest municipal park in Belfast, officially opening to the public in 1871. It is still one of the largest parks in Belfast and offers a great mix of horticulture, woodland, flower displays and wildlife.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Riverside Park

Ballymoney

Address

8 Armour Avenue, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 7AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2766 0230

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

A pleasant urban 40-acre Park in the heart of Ballymoney Town, in which to enjoy a variety of riverside walks and natural biodiversity.

Dates

From:

1 Oct 2025to31 Mar 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00

From:

1 Apr 2026to30 Sept 2026Open 09:00 - 21:00

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Spelga Dam

Hilltown

Address

Kilkeel Road, Hilltown, County Down, BT34 5XL

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Lake / Reservoir

Spelga Dam Reservoir sits in the heart of the Mourne Mountains, located approximately 10 miles outside of Newcastle, County Down. A man-made reservoir built in the 1950s by the Belfast engineering firm, R Ferguson and Son. It supplies water to…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Picture This: Garvagh Forest

Garvagh

Address

Main Street, Garvagh, County Londonderry, BT51 5NJ

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

A 200-hectare forest containing many species of trees, wildlife – and even a pyramid…

Price
Free

More Info
Gruffalo & Stickman Guided Walk

Belfast

Address

163 Stewartstown Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0HW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9061 4115

reception@colinglen.org

Type

Type:

Nature Trail

It’s Ireland’s only official Gruffalo Trail; a Julia Donaldson-endorsed walk. Step into the glorious world of the Gruffalo. Enter the deep, dark wood, meet the clever little mouse, the fox, the owl, the snake, before stumbling upon those knobbly…

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking