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 41 to 60.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
116 reviews
Dungannon Park

Dungannon

Address

8 Ballynorthland Demesne, Moy Road, Dungannon, County Tyrone, BT71 7DS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8772 8690

parks@midulstercouncil.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Dungannon Park is a seventy acre oasis centred round an idyllic stream fed lake. The magnificent scenery invites the spending of your leisure time, whether you’re a resident of South Tyrone, or a visitor from anywhere in the world.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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

Garvagh

Address

Northern Ireland Forest Service, 6 Forest Road, Garvagh, County Londonderry, BT51 5BQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2955 6003

customer.forestservice@deara-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Travel 3 miles west of Garvagh town and you will begin to enter Gortnamoyagh Forest, which straddles the North Sperrins ridge. Gortnamoyagh Forest provides a rewarding experience for anyone looking to enjoy unspoilt and often remote areas of forest.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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.
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)
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
9 reviews
Hillsborough Forest

Royal Hillsborough

Address

22 Large Park, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AL

margaret.mcavoy@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

The looped walk around the forest lake is a popular choice among bird-watchers, dog walkers, photographers and nature-lovers. Enjoy free entry to the forest, with on site parking available, and almost 200 acres with way-marked routes providing a…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Substantial free parking is available for 137 cars. There are 6 dedicated marked bays available for disabled visitors. Overflow parking is also available during weekends and school holidays. Bicycle racks are available for visitors who wish to cycle to the park, however bicycles are not permitted on the forest trails.
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
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.

More Info
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
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
Ballymenoch Park

Holywood

Address

Bangor Road, Holywood, County Down, BT19 6JF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

A lovely park perfect for families located only a short distance from Holywood.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
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
364 reviews
Gosford Forest Park

Markethill

Address

7 Gosford Demesne, Markethill, County Armagh, BT60 1GD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3755 1277

Gosfordforest@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Start your adventure and have a great day out any time of year. With some 240 acres of diverse woodland and open parkland set in gentle rolling drumlin countryside, Gosford Forest Park is an adventure paradise for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - A parking charge is payable on arrival at Gosford Forest Park. Annual passes are also available. Please see up to date pricing at this link - Gosford Forest Park Markethill - Get Active ABC – At busy times, overflow carparking is available. Weekends are generally busier at the forest. The weblink provides information on opening times.
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
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

More Info
Facilities

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