List of parks in Northern Ireland facts for kids

Northern Ireland is home to many amazing green spaces. These include beautiful parks, peaceful forests, and special nature reserves. They are perfect for exploring, learning about nature, and having fun outdoors. This list helps you discover some of these wonderful places across Northern Ireland's six counties.

Exploring Northern Ireland's Parks and Forests

County Antrim's Green Gems

County Antrim has many fantastic parks and forests. The capital city, Belfast, has its own special list of parks and gardens. You can find out more about them there.

Outside of Belfast, there are many other great spots to visit:

• Carnfunnock Country Park: Located near Larne, this park is full of fun activities. It has a maze, a walled garden, and even a miniature railway. It's a great place for families to spend a day outdoors.
• Glenariff Forest Park: Known as the "Queen of the Glens," this park is famous for its stunning waterfalls and beautiful walking trails. You can enjoy the sounds of nature and see amazing views.
• The People's Park, Ballymena: A lovely urban park in Ballymena, perfect for a stroll or a picnic.

Many forests in County Antrim offer quiet places for walks and enjoying nature. These include Ballyboley Forest, Ballypatrick Forest, and Tardree Forest.

County Armagh's Natural Beauty

County Armagh offers a mix of historic estates and natural parks.

• Gosford Forest Park: This large park near Markethill is a popular spot. It has walking trails, horse riding, and even a deer park. It's a fantastic place for outdoor adventures.
• Craigavon City Park: A modern park in Craigavon with lakes and pathways. It's ideal for cycling, walking, and enjoying the water.
• Lurgan Park: One of the largest urban parks in Northern Ireland. It has beautiful trees, a lake, and plenty of space for sports and relaxation.
• Peatlands Park: This unique park lets you explore different types of peatland habitats. You can learn about the special plants and animals that live there. It's a great place for nature lovers.
• Slieve Gullion Forest Park: Located in the Ring of Gullion, this park offers amazing views and a famous Giant's Lair children's play area. You can also explore ancient monuments.

Other notable places include Ardress House and Derrymore House, which offer a glimpse into history with their beautiful gardens.

County Down's Coastal and Forest Escapes

Tollymore Forest Park, known for its beautiful trees and rivers.

County Down boasts a diverse range of parks, from coastal reserves to ancient forests.

• Castlewellan Forest Park: This park is home to a famous arboretum (a collection of trees) and a beautiful lake. You can enjoy walking, cycling, and even a peace maze.
• Crawfordsburn Country Park: Situated on the coast, this park offers stunning sea views and sandy beaches. It's a great place for a coastal walk and exploring rock pools.
• Delamont Country Park: Located near Killyleagh, this park has wide-open spaces, a miniature railway, and lovely views of Strangford Lough.
• Kilbroney Park: Found in Rostrevor, this park is nestled in the Mourne Mountains. It offers challenging hiking trails and incredible panoramic views.
• Murlough Nature Reserve: A beautiful sand dune system and beach near Newcastle. It's a protected area, home to many birds and rare plants. It's perfect for quiet walks and birdwatching.
• Tollymore Forest Park: The first state forest park in Northern Ireland. It's known for its unique trees, bridges, and the Shimna River. It's a popular spot for hiking and exploring.

Historic places like Castle Ward, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, and Mount Stewart House And Gardens also offer beautiful grounds to explore.

County Fermanagh's Lakelands and Caves

County Fermanagh is famous for its lakes and waterways, and its parks reflect this.

• Castle Archdale: Located on the shores of Lough Erne, this park offers stunning lake views, walking trails, and a butterfly garden. It's a great base for exploring the Fermanagh Lakelands.
• Crom Estate: A National Trust property with ancient woodlands, islands, and a historic castle ruin. It's a peaceful place for wildlife spotting, especially otters and rare birds.
• Florence Court Forest Park: This park surrounds a grand 18th-century house. It has beautiful gardens, forest trails, and a famous old yew tree.
• Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark: While not a park in the traditional sense, this amazing underground cave system and surrounding landscape offer incredible natural wonders. You can take a boat trip through the caves and explore the walking trails above ground.

Many forests like Lough Navar Forest and Big Dog Forest provide quiet places for walks and enjoying the natural environment.

County Londonderry's Scenic Spots

County Londonderry has a mix of riverside parks and dramatic coastal landscapes.

• Banagher Glen: A beautiful ancient woodland with a river gorge and waterfalls. It's a wonderful place for a peaceful walk and enjoying the sounds of nature.
• Brooke Park: A historic park in Derry/Londonderry, recently restored. It has beautiful gardens, a play area, and a bandstand.
• Creggan Country Park: A community-run park with lakes, walking trails, and opportunities for water sports. It's a great place for active families.
• Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne: This stunning coastal estate features a dramatic clifftop temple and beautiful gardens. The views over the Atlantic Ocean are breathtaking.
• Ness Wood Country Park: Home to the highest waterfall in Northern Ireland, this park offers lovely riverside walks and a suspension bridge.
• Roe Valley Country Park: Located near Limavady, this park follows the River Roe through a beautiful gorge. It's perfect for riverside walks, fishing, and exploring the old mills.

County Tyrone's Woodland Retreats

County Tyrone offers many forest parks, perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the quiet of nature.

• Davagh Forest Park: Known for its dark skies, making it a great spot for stargazing. It also has excellent mountain biking trails and walking routes.
• Drum Manor Forest Park: Near Cookstown, this park has a butterfly garden, arboretum, and walled garden. It's a lovely place for a relaxed walk.
• Dungannon Park: A popular urban park in Dungannon with a lake, walking trails, and sports facilities.
• Gortin Glen Forest Park: This large park in the Sperrin Mountains offers scenic drives, walking trails, and a deer enclosure. It's a fantastic place to experience the wild beauty of Tyrone.
• Parkanaur Forest Park: Famous for its herd of white fallow deer. It also has beautiful walking trails and a charming manor house.

Other forests like Altmore Forest and Pomeroy Forest provide peaceful environments for walks and enjoying the natural landscape.