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: 78

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Wallace Park

Lisburn

Address

Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 4AN

Telephone
028 9244 7300

ParksAndAmenitiesAdmin@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

The park provides a green oasis in an otherwise urban landscape and is often busy with visiting dog walkers, families, cyclists and workers on a lunchtime stroll.

Price
Free

More Info
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
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
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
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
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
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

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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
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
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)
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.

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.
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
1142 reviews
Belfast Castle Estate

Belfast

Address

Antrim Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 5GR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9077 6925

bcr@belfastcastle.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Belfast Castle estate is situated on the lower slopes of Cave Hill Country Park in North Belfast. It contains both parkland and mature mixed woodland and offers superb views of the city from a variety of vantage points.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

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

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises - Reopened May 2024 Opening hours Sunday - Thursday 12pm-7pm Friday and Saturday 12pm-8pm Booking essential (For menus and to book visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfastcastle/eat-drink/cellar-restaurant )
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi - Belfast Public Wifi on site
- Wi-fi available
Picture This: Burnfoot

Dungiven

Address

Derryork Road, Dungiven, County Londonderry, BT47 4NW

Telephone
0287776 0650

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

A pretty village nestled between the River Roe and the Bovevagh River.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Price
Free

More Info
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
40 reviews
Portmuck Harbour

Islandmagee

Address

68 Portmuck Road, Portmuck, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3TP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9336 6666

Marina.Reception@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Landscape/View

Follow the winding road down to reach this hidden gem. With its picture-book perfect stone harbour and tiny beach, Portmuck Harbour is a lovely place to while away the afternoon. See the stunning North Antrim coastline receding into the distance and…

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes

Ballynahinch

Address

Ballyburren, 143 Dromore Road, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8HZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9581 6650

info@ballyburren.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Our unique estate has over 5,000 trees with ponds, pathways and bridges nestled in 18 acres of beautiful undulating surroundings just 25mins from Belfast, near Ballynahinch in County Down. We offer mini adventures for families, individuals, couples…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available