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!

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: 79

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
7 reviews
Larne Town Parks

Larne

Address

Glenarm Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1DY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8232

parks@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Town Park and Chaine Park are delightful parks located on the Causeway Coastal route in Larne offering dramatic coastal views out to Scotland, pleasurable walks, unique heritage features and entertainment for all the family.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
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
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
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
365 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.
Portadown People's Park

Portadown

Address

51 Park Road, Portadown, County Armagh, BT62 1DS

Telephone
0300 0300 900

parksdevelopment@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

For a fun family day out in Portadown come on down to the People’s Park and discover all of the unique attractions, activities and events on offer.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Stormont Estate

Belfast

Address

Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 3LP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9037 8103

stormontemu@finance-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Stormont Estate is a Green Flag Award winning public park recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s best green spaces. On a visit, you can enjoy the beautiful gardens, walking and fitness trails and children’s play park.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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)
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
The Fairy Trail at Lusty Beg

Kesh

Address

Lusty Beg Island Resort & Spa, Boa Island, Kesh, County Fermanagh, BT93 8AD

Telephone
02868633300

information@lustybegisland.com

Type

Type:

Nature Trail

From October-April we do recommend bringing your wellies along as some of our fairy houses venture off the beaten path! Why not end your walk with a trip to our newly renovated play park?

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)
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
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
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: 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
381 reviews
Glenariff Forest Park

Cargan

Address

Glenariffe Road, Cargan, County Antrim, BT44 0QX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7034 0870

customer.forestservice@daera-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Glenariff, the Queen of the Glens, is one of the nine Antrim Glens in Northern Ireland. Glenariff Forest Park covers over 1,000 hectares with planted woodland, lakes, outdoor recreation spaces and conservation areas.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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
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