Wildlife & Zoos

It’s time to have a chat about the birds and the bees. Now, before you drop down in a faint, don’t worry. We’re just here to tell you the best places in Northern Ireland to catch sight of our great wildlife. You don’t even have to be an avid birder, twitcher or ‘the next David Attenborough’ to get friendly with fabulous fauna (but if you are, lucky you). All you have to do is visit any of our amazing parks and forests for access to our wonderful Ulster wildlife. Or have a day out at one of our great zoos, farms, aquariums or animal sanctuaries. Well, that’s what a little birdie told us, anyway.

Bring your cheeky little monkeys to Belfast Zoo

At Belfast Zoo, you have 55 acres to roam around and over 100 species to see. Get up close with Cheetahs, Rothschild’s giraffes, Barbary lions and Sloths, California sea lions as well as an array of gorillas, chimps and gibbons. You’ll also see native red squirrels and barn owls. Book in advance and you could feed a penguin or lunch with a lemur. (From October 2025!)

There’s loads at Exploris Aquarium… so dive in

You’ll find this awesome aquarium in Portaferry where you’ll get a diver’s view of marine life from around the world. Ever tickle a shark’s belly or feel a sea urchin’s spikes? You will! Visit the Seal Sanctuary, the Tropical Ocean - home to over 100 species - and meet a family of Asian Short Clawed Otters…always a big hit.

We’ve special places reserved just for you

Derry-Londonderry’s Magilligan Point Nature Reserve is the tip of one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles. In summer, you’ll notice wild flowers adding a splash of colour to the dunes, like harebells, bird's-foot-trefoil, thyme and pyramidal orchids. On warm days, spot butterflies like the Common Blue or Meadow Brown - or even the rare six-spot Burnet moth. If you’re a birder, waders and wildfowl are in abundance.

Crom Estate in Fermanagh is one of Ireland's most important nature conservation areas. Here, you’ll find wild deer, pine marten and many rare species of butterflies. You can also get a close look at all eight species of native bats!

What can your little nature detectives do in Spring/Summer?

Apart from quacking the case, they can spot puffins, dolphins, butterflies and badgers in some brilliant wildlife parks.

In Derry-Londonderry, you’ll find Ness Country Park alive with birdsong from willow warblers, black caps, chiffchaffs and resident thrushes. In its Burntollet river, watch dippers bobbing away or go in search of the unusual Purple Hairstreak butterfly. On Antrim’s Rathlin Island, spot gannets, dolphins or seals basking on the rocks. Take the Rathlin Trail where volunteers will help you spot the comical antics of puffins. Watch seabird chicks perch precariously on cliff edges as well as guillemots, kittiwakes and razorbills.

Oxford Island in Armagh is a fantastic family day out on Lough Neagh. With miles of walking trails, you’ll walk through woodland past ponds and wildflower meadows. Explore its bird hides and see if you can spot mute swans, mallards or grey herons. Or watch out for sparrowhawks and buzzards soaring over the treetops.

Listed in the top ten gardens of the world, County Down’s Mount Stewart is a treasure trove of wildlife. Your gang will be fascinated by everything from bees buzzing in the blooms to ducks, swans and tadpoles starting life on the lake. Or visit The Lookout to spot seals in Strangford Lough through telescopes.

Things for nature detectives to do in Autumn/Winter

At Castle Espie in Down, pick up a bag of seeds and have rare and endangered ducks and geese eating from your hand. In the same county, Tollymore Forest Park is where you can spot the elusive red squirrel. Game of Thrones® fans will also spot that it’s the Haunted Forest where the direwolves lived! Gosford Forest Park in Armagh is the perfect place to get up close to three varieties of red deer found in Ireland. Stroll down the boardwalk at Antrim’s Portmore Lough to spot greylag geese, whooper swans and thousands of ducks. You’ll also find a herd of Konik ponies that graze the land and help create perfect conditions for lapwings. At the stunning An Creagan in Tyrone, keep an eye on tree trunks for passing buzzards, sparrowhawks and brown long-eared owls. Or go batty at Castle Caldwell in Fermanagh - a great place for a bat safari.

Time for some fun on the farm

You’ll also find Open Farms dotted around where your gang can muck about all day. Like Antrim’s Laganvale Farm near Lisburn, Rosepark Farm in Ballymoney, or Kilcreggan Urban Farm in Carrickfergus. At Streamvale Open Farm outside Belfast, your kids can cuddle puppies, rabbits and chicks. Or for a hoot of a time, the World Of Owls in Randalstown is Northern Ireland’s only owl, bird of prey and exotic animal education centre. In Down, The Ark Open Farm in Newtownards is perfect for some family farm fun. Meet and greet the gentle alpacas at Cranfield Alpacas in Kilkeel (Winner of Best Tourism Experience (Small) at the Giant Spirit Awards 2022). Over In Fermanagh, have fun on the farm at the Fun Farm in Enniskillen. Or give it welly in Armagh’s Tannaghmore Gardens Farm & Museum in Craigavon.

So, what are you waiting for? Time to go wild in Northern Ireland!

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Number of results: 78

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
38 reviews
Fermanagh Fun Farm

Lisbellaw

Address

4 Slate Quarry Lane, Lisbellaw, County Fermanagh, BT94 5EE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6638 5060

fermanaghopenfarm@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Open Farm

Fermanagh Fun Farm is the place where families love to come to make lasting memories. We offer a real hands on experience and a range of activities to keep all the family assumed and having fun.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
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
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
385 reviews
The Ark Open Farm

Newtownards

Address

296 Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7PH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 0445

info@thearkopenfarm.co.uk

Type

Type:

Open Farm

The Ark Open Farm is a fantastic family day out; the farm itself is set in 40 acres of beautiful countryside between Newtownards and Bangor. It’s home to a huge selection of farm animals and some that are a little more exotic.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
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.

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Scrabo Country Park

Newtownards

Address

203A Scrabo Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4SJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 1491

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Country / Royal Park

This charming park is situated around the upper slopes and top of Scrabo Hill, near the area of Newtownards. When visitors come and explore, they will be able to view the panoramic sights of Strangford Lough as well as the surrounding countryside.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Eastwell Farm Alpacas

Carrowdore

Address

6 Ballyblack Road East, Carrowdore, County Down, BT22 2HH

Telephone
+44 (0) 7734 905 152

eastwellfarm@gmail.com

Price
Price £5.00 to £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Whether you're on holiday, celebrating a special occasion, looking for a unique adventure with the kids or just mad about alpacas, this experience will be one to remember and a great activity for all to enjoy. All visits are personal and cater to…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Price £5.00 to £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car 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
406 reviews
Crawfordsburn Country Park

Helen's Bay

Address

Bridge Road South, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1JT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3621

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Country / Royal Park

With tranquil walks through peaceful meadows and wooded glens and a stunning waterfall, Crawfordsburn Country Park provides a relaxing natural retreat.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Car Parking is available at the Main Car Park, exit road lay by, Fort Road Car Park, Grey Point Fort and Sea Park, Coastguard Avenue.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
217 reviews
Rosepark Farm

Ballymoney

Address

98 Bravallen Road, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 7DU

Telephone
+44 (0) 7961124136

rosepark_farm@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Open Farm

Rosepark Farm is a family run attraction spread over 70 acres, situated in the North Antrim area, approximately 4 miles outside Ballymoney.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
5 reviews
Carrickfergus Urban Farm & Garden Centre

Carrickfergus

Address

Elizabeth Avenue, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7UY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9336 4294

angela@kilcreggan.org.uk

Type

Type:

Open Farm

Carrickfergus Urban Farm and Garden Centre at Kilcreggan is a free popular attraction for local families and visitors. Visitors can handle and feed a variety of animals, enjoy our picnic areas, explore the bug hut and play area plus relax in our…

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
24 reviews
Broughshane Waterfowl Park

Broughshane

Address

Little Acorn Wood, Broughshane, County Antrim, BT42 4RZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2586 2777

broughshane@nacn.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Special waterfowl pond and woodland in Broughshane, run by volunteers with lots of wildlife and outdoor fun for all the family. It's quite unique, being one of only two places in the world where all seven species of swan can be found.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Kebble and Kinramer Nature Reserves

Rathlin Island

Address

Rathlin Island, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6RT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7035 9963

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Rathlin is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited off-shore island and is thought to come from the Irish word ‘Reachlan’ meaning ‘rocky reef’.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Magilligan Point Nature Reserve

Limavady

Address

Magilligan Point, Point Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0LP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7035 9977

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Magilligan Point is the tip of one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles. The way the coastline constantly changes here is of particular interest and is one of the main reasons the site has been declared a nature reserve.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

Newtownards

Address

Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
02842787769

strangford@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

The Lookout is a wildlife interpretative centre, showcasing the wildlife around the Strangford Lough area. Telescopes and remotely controlled camers allow close up views of basking seals and breeding seabird colonies.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
237 reviews
Portstewart Strand and Barmouth

Portstewart

Address

Portstewart Strand, Portstewart, County Londonderry, BT55 7PG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7083 6396

portstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Between Portstewart and the mouth of the River Bann lies the golden sands and domineering sand dunes of Portrush Strand Beach. This area of natural beauty and of scientific interest is owned and managed by the National Trust.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1 reviews
Larne Promenade

Larne

Address

Tower Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8222

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Enjoy a lovely walk along a one mile long stretch of Promenade running from Larne Leisure Centre, parallel with the Causeway Coastal route. Pass by Waterloo Bay, view lots of bird life and dramatic scenery or walk to Town Parks and the Coast Road.

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
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
Laganvale Farm

Lisburn

Address

55a Sandy Lane, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 5TL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9460 0116

laganvalefarmplay@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Open Farm

Laganvale Farm caters for all weather offering a super indoor soft play centre which can also be combined with our outdoor attractions down on the farm! Animals, pedal tractors and go-karts, sandpit fun and outdoor play for a great day out.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking