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!

Time is literally all yours at Carnfunnock Country Park where you can become your own clock in the Time Garden featuring the biggest collection of sundials in Ireland. Plus there are play areas, a miniature railway or mini-golf to make sure they sleep well later.

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: 77

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
26 reviews
Kiltonga Nature Reserve

Newtownards

Address

Belfast Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4TT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

In July 2000, Kiltonga Nature Reserve became the first site in the UK to be awarded BT Millennium Miles Status. Almost 1000 metres of walkway were upgraded to enable disabled access to the reserve.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
90 reviews
The People’s Park

Ballymena

Address

Doury Road, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6JA

Telephone
+44 (0) 300 124 5000

Parks@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

45-acre urban park in the heart of Ballymena with something to do for all the family - you can check out the lake full of ducks, modern playground, urban art, sports facilities, delightful flowers and onsite community initiatives.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
176 reviews
C.S. Lewis Square

Belfast

Address

402 Newtownards Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 1HH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9045 1900

visitorcentre@eastsidepartnership.com

Type

Type:

Public Park

An exciting public space at the heart of the Connswater Community Greenway. It features over 300 native trees and 7 statues by Irish artist Maurice Harron who was inspired by characters from C.S. Lewis’ 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
6 reviews
Minnowburn

Belfast

Address

Edenderry Road, Belfast, County Down, BT8 8LE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9064 7787

belfast@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Minnowburn is 128 acres of woodland and countryside, owned by the National Trust and situated between the Giant's Ring and Lagan. A network of paths allow visitors to enjoy all of the property, including a stunning viewpoint over the Lagan Valley.

Price
Free

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Facilities

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

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Forthill Park And Cole's Monument

Enniskillen

Address

Forthill Park, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 7BA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6632 5000

fvic@fermanaghomagh.com

Price
Price Free to £3.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Public Park

Forthill Park is a pleasantly wooded town park with walks, shrub gardens and children's play area in central Enniskillen. Cole’s Monument, which stands within Forthill Park is one of the most prominent landmarks in the town’s skyline. A series of…

Dates

Price
Price Free to £3.00 Per Ticket

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Wallace Park

Lisburn

Address

Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 4AN

Telephone
028 9244 7300

ParksAndAmenitiesAdmin@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

The park provides a green oasis in an otherwise urban landscape and is often busy with visiting dog walkers, families, cyclists and workers on a lunchtime stroll.

Price
Free

More Info
Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

Downpatrick

Address

Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6GQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4000

susan.mcclay@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark is a UNESCO Global Geopark and recognised Area of Outstanding Beauty that seamlessly blends stunning landscapes, rich geological history, and vibrant cultural heritage.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
152 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.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
848 reviews
Ballintoy Harbour

Ballintoy

Address

Harbour Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6NA

Telephone
07803 505084

Ballycastle.marina@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Causeway Coastal Route

Ballintoy Harbour can be discovered in the picturesque village of Ballintoy. Known as a ‘raised beach’, it is located alongside the B15 Coast Road, 17 miles north-east of Coleraine and five miles west of Ballycastle.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
111 reviews
Carrickfergus Marine Gardens & Promenade

Carrickfergus

Address

Marine Highway, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7DN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8232

parks@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Public Park

Beautiful parkland on the waterfront of Carrickfergus within sight of the Castle featuring a children's playground (currently closed for refurbishment), special memorial area, gardens and picnic area.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Marine Gardens and Promenade has free designated accessible parking on site for cars, coaches and minibuses located at Carrickfergus Castle Car Park. A smaller free car park is also available next to the play park entrance.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
24 reviews
Edenvilla Park

Portadown

Address

The Log Cabin, 10 Bachelors Walk, Portadown, County Armagh, BT63 5BQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3833 7207

parksdevelopment@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Edenvilla Park is a town park based in the Bachelors Walk area of Portadown. It is 25.5acres of maintained grass land and forest.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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
410 reviews
Castlewellan Forest Park

Castlewellan

Address

Forest Park View, Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9BU

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

castlewellanpark@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Castlewellan Forest Park boasts a stunning Victorian Castle, incredible panoramic views, scenic walking trails, 27 km of mountain bike trails, nature play perfect for the kids, an on-site multi-activity centre, hedge maze and equestrian centre,…

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2025to30 Sept 2025Open 09:00 - 20:00

From:

1 Oct 2025to31 Oct 2025Open 09:00 - 18:00

From:

1 Nov 2025to28 Feb 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00

From:
25 Dec 2025
From:

1 Mar 2026to31 Mar 2026Open 09:00 - 18:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
35 reviews
Lisburn Castle Gardens

Lisburn

Address

Castle Street, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 4XE

Telephone
028 9266 3377

ilc.reception@lisburn.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Castle Gardens is the most historically significant open space in Lisburn and was once the site of Lisburn Castle, a 17th century fortified manor house, built by the Conway family, the landlords of Lisburn.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside - must be on a lead
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
232 reviews
Scrabo Tower

Newtownards

Address

203A Scrabo Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4SJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Tower

At the top of Scrabo Hill, overlooking Strangford Lough and the whole of North Down, is Scrabo Tower. The tower, which was built in 1857, is one of Northern Ireland’s best known landmarks and the views from the top are spectacular.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
65 reviews
Redburn Country Park

Holywood

Address

Old Holywood Road, Holywood, County Down, BT4 2HL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3621

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Country / Royal Park

Redburn Country Park is set on an escarpment above Belfast Lough. There are 7km of pathways with spectacular views of Belfast and the south Antrim hills.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

More Info
Facilities

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

Gortin

Address

Glen Park Road, Gortin, County Tyrone, BT79 7SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 300 303 17777

gortinglenforestpark@fermanaghomagh.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

There are over 10km of walking trails, a 6km scenic drive, wildfowl enclosure and deer enclosure and a new children's playpark to enjoy and explore.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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