Glenariff Forest Park

Glenariff Forest Park covers over 1,000 hectares with planted woodland, lakes, outdoor recreation spaces and conservation areas.

Glenariff Forest Park is open to the public and caters for many outdoor activities including walking, horse riding and touring. It has picnic and barbeque areas as well as a tea house.

The rocky gorges of the river support a wide range of mosses, liverworts and ferns. Due to the richness and diversity of these plants, part of the Glenariff Glen has been designated as a National Nature Reserve. The timber walkway (boardwalk) that winds through the glen and alongside the river gorge was first built about 100 years ago and has been carefully reconstructed to provide a spectacular walk.

Glenariff Forest is home to many animals of conservation concern, most notably the red squirrel, hen harrier and Irish hare. There are several walking trails through the forest which give spectacular views and glimpses of wildlife. These include Rainbow Trail (0.6km), Scenic Trail (8.9km), Viewpoint Trail (1km) and Waterfall Walk Trail (3km).

Dogs are welcome, keep them on a lead on the boardwalks and busy sections. The Waterfall Trail features steps and tight paths, but other trails like the Scenic Trail and Glensway Nature Trail are suitable for dogs. 

*The forest is open daily for visitors on foot, 24 hours a day, but the car park gates are locked at night. Gates open by 08:00 daily and are locked at dusk.