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: 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

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 the dolphins dancing off the coastline. Pull on your walking boots and enjoy this 2…
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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
335 reviews
Carnfunnock Country Park

Larne

Address

Coast Road, Ballygally, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 2QG

Telephone
+44 (0) 7748 623 227

carnfunnock@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Public Park

Packed full of fun family activities and attractions, Carnfunnock Country Park offers over 191 hectares of mixed woodland, colourful gardens, way-marked walks and spectacular coastline, with panoramic views of the Antrim Coast and North Channel.
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Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1529 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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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
147 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.
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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (charge)
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Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
224 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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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (charge) - Parking Charges apply
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

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Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Castlewellan Peace Maze

Castlewellan

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

castlewellanpark@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Maze

Castlewellan Peace Maze, is one of the world's largest permanent hedge mazes representing the path to a peaceful future for Northern Ireland.

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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.

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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

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
806 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.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
151 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
58 reviews
Belvoir Park Forest

Belfast

Address

Belvoir Drive, Belfast, County Antrim, BT8 7QT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 2240

customer.forestservice@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Managed by the Forest Service, Belvoir Park Forest is unique in the UK as it is a working forest within a city. Walks within the forest link to the Lagan River 'Towpath' and the Lagan Valley Regional Park.

Price
Free

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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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Picture This: Swann's Bridge

Limavady

Address

Seacoast Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 9EF

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

Picturesque riverbank area overlooking the River Roe beneath Binevenagh Mountain – a wonderful place to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Price
Free

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Ballintempo Forest: Aghanaglack Walk

Boho

Address

Boho Road, Aghanaglack, Boho, County Fermanagh, BT74 5DA

Telephone
+353 (0)71 9853692

info@cuilcaghlakelands.org

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Ballintempo Forest is predominantly coniferous forest with large areas of open bog land and wooded gullies. The forest is strewn with outcrops of rocky crags and upland lakes including the well-known Brimstone Rock, a large outcrop of sandstone…

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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
Picture This: Portneal, Kilrea

Kilrea

Address

Bann Road, Kilrea, County Londonderry, BT51 5RZ

Telephone
0287776 0650

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

A beautiful and historically important bridge within tranquil woodland, just outside the picturesque village of Kilrea.

Price
Free

More Info
Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark

Address

County Fermanagh

Telephone
+ 353 (0)719 853 692

info@cuilcaghlakelands.org

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark is located in the rugged mountainous uplands and the gentle rolling lowlands of Counties Fermanagh and Cavan, stretching from the northern shores of Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh to the southern shores…

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Parking (free)
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
489 reviews
Cave Hill Country Park

Belfast

Address

Antrim Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 5GR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 9629

parksinfo@belfastcity.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Country / Royal Park

Cave Hill Country Park gets its name from five caves, which could be early iron mines, located on the side of the main Belfast cliffs. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views across Belfast from vantage points on the hillside.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)