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

Davagh Forest

Cookstown

Address

Davagh Road, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT79 8JH

Telephone
+44 (0) 3000 132 132

tourism@midulstercouncil.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

The true definition of a hidden gem, Davagh Forest is an International Dark Sky Park and lies approximately 6 miles north west of Cookstown in an untouched rural landscape of rolling hills and sweeping forests.

Price
Free

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)
Lough MacNean Sculpture Trail

Enniskillen

Address

Lough MacNean, Enniskillen, Fermanagh

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6632 3110

janiecrone@care4free.net

Type

Type:

Nature Trail

Situated along the boundaries of Fermanagh, Cavan and Leitrim and this trail consists of unique sculptures, each with its own significance to its location. The art pieces, all carried out by renowned Irish artists, are representative of their ...

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)
Garvagh Forest

Garvagh

Address

6 Forest Road, Garvagh, County Londonderry, BT51 5EF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2955 6000

customer.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Covering 200 hectares, Garvagh forest is situated on the Western outskirts of Garvagh, with trees from over 80 years onl to those only planted at the turn of the century.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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.
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
66 reviews
Lough Navar Forest

Derrygonnelly

Address

Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, Derrygonnelly, County Fermanagh, BT93 6AQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6634 3165

customer.forestservice@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Seven-mile drive through the forest to a magnificent panorama over Lough Erne. Viewpoints, picnic sites. Red deer, wild goats. Marked trails. Wheelchair access limited.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2005 reviews
Belfast Botanic Gardens and Palm House

Belfast

Address

College Park, Botanic Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1LP

Telephone
028 9031 4762

parksinfo@belfastcity.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Public Park

First established in 1828, the gardens have been enjoyed as a public park by the people of Belfast since 1895. There is an extensive rose garden and long herbaceous borders and the tree enthusiast can seek out the rare oaks planted in the 1880s.

More Info
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
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
Moira Demesne

Moira

Address

110 Main Street, Moira, County Down, BT67 0DS

Telephone
028 9244 7300

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Moira Demesne is a parkland offering beautiful walks, picnic sites and a children's play area.

Price
Free

More Info
Stricklands Glen

Bangor

Address

Bryansburn Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 3SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

An enchanting park leading onto the North Down Coastal Path.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
417 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 Nov 2025to28 Feb 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00

From:
25 Dec 2025
From:

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

From:

1 Apr 2026to30 Sept 2026Open 09:00 - 20:00

From:

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

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Pomeroy Forest and Magic Trails

Pomeroy

Address

56 Tanderagee Road, Pomeroy, County Tyrone, BT70 3DS

Telephone
+44 (0) 3000 132 132

tourism@midulstercouncil.org

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Journey through nature and spark your imagination all year round. A diverse 176 hectare woodland offering gentle trails and an unparalleled experience for both young and old on the outskirts of Pomeroy.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Free parking is available on site within the Courtyard and in front of the new Pomeroy Forest. Disabled access parking for cars, coaches and minibuses is available.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
44 reviews
Portglenone Forest

Portglenone

Address

Ballymena Road, Portglenone, County Antrim, BT44 8BN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7034 0870

customer.forestservice@daera-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Portglenone Forest continues a history of tree cover on this site established since records began. As such, the 26 hectare main area contains extensive colonies of ancient woodland flower species.

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
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