Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Roe Valley Country Park
Limavady, County Londonderry

You are here: Home > Things to Do > Outdoors, Nature & Wildlife > Forests & Parks

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!

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

What's On Search

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Food & Drink Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Shopping Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Number of results: 79

, currently showing 21 to 40.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
129 reviews
Antrim Lough Shore Park and The Gateway

Antrim

Address

Lough Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4DG

Telephone
0300 123 7788

culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Situated on the shores of Lough Neagh, Antrim Lough Shore Park is an area steeped in natural beauty, with an outdoor play park, caravan park and The Gateway Exhibition Centre to explore.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

More Info
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
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
46 reviews
Slemish Mountain

Broughshane

Address

Carnstroan Lane, Broughshane, County Antrim, BT43 4PF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2563 5010

tic.reception@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Outdoors

Slemish Mountain is about 1,500 feet above sea level and is located close to Broughshane in County Antrim. It is the legendary home of Saint Patrick and is actually the central core of an extinct volcano. Hike to the top and enjoy fantastic views!

Price
Free

More Info
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’.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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

More Info
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

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
434 reviews
Colin Glen

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9061 4115

reception@colinglen.org

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Colin Glen is Ireland’s leading adventure park - a land of storytelling and a state of the art sports park with world class attractions. From Alpine coasteering to laser tag, golfing to the Gruffalo Trail, Colin Glen has adventure for everyone.

More Info
Facilities

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

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
33 reviews
Lurgan Park

Lurgan

Address

Windsor Avenue, Lurgan, County Armagh, BT67 9BG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3832 3795

parksdevelopment@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Lurgan Park is the second largest public park in Ireland, and is enjoyed by as many as 2000 people every day. The beautifully landscaped parkland contains a number of well maintained paths which provide excellent walking and running ground.

Price
Free

More Info
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
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
The Palace Demesne Public Park

Armagh

Address

Palace Demesne, Armagh, County Armagh, BT60 4EL

Telephone
0300 0300 900

parksdevelopment@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk"

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Situated within walking distance of the City Centre, for over two hundred years the undulating parkland of the Palace Demesne has been one of the glories of Armagh.

Price
Free

More Info
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…

Price
Price Free to £3.00 Per Ticket

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.

More Info
Ring of Gullion

Killeavy

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

Type

Type:

Landscape/View

Slieve Gullion Forest Park is in the heart of the Ring of Gullion. The Ring of Gullion is a unique geological landform – unparalleled elsewhere in Ireland or the UK – and was the first ring dyke in the world to be geologically mapped. The ring of…

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
116 reviews
Drum Manor Forest Park

Cookstown

Address

Drum Road, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 8UN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6634 3165

customer.forestservice@daera-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

The attractive eighteenth-century demesne is now a forest park. Colourful in spring and autumn with a shrub, butterfly and Japanese garden, arboretum, ponds and mixed woodlands.

More Info
St Columb's Park

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Limavady Road, Waterside, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT47 6JY

Type

Type:

Public Park

St Columb’s Park is a 70 acre park located on the Limavady Road. Within the grounds of the park you will find beautiful wooded walkways, the ruins of a medieval church and 18th century Manor House - St Columb's Park House and a Walled Garden

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Free car parking including disabled access parking is available in St Columb’s Park (Off St Columb’s Road). Free on road car parking is also available on St Columb’s Road. Parking is also available located within Ebrington Square for visitors.   
Ness and Ervey Woods Nature Reserves

Killaloo

Address

Ness Country Park, 50 Oughtagh Road, Killaloo, County Londonderry, BT47 3TR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7133 8417

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Set in the Burntollet Valley within Ness Country Park, this nature reserve provides the opportunity to explore peaceful woodland, a gorge and high waterfall.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

Killyleagh

Address

90 Downpatrick Road, Killyleagh, County Down, BT30 9TZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

delamont.park@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Public Park

Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. The stunning views across Strangford Lough and the relaxing atmosphere make Delamont…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Charges apply for the parking of vehicles.