parks around north antrim

Cascading down from the Antrim Plateau to the sea, the Glenariff River has cut a narrow gorge through the hard basalt rock. Spectacular waterfalls within the gorge throw up fine spray which catches shafts of sunlight in a rainbow of colours. About 100 years ago, trees were planted to enhance the native woodland of oak, hazel, ash and willow, and to make the area more attractive to visitors. Catwalks, paths and footbridges were built throughout the gorge to make the waterfalls easier to reach....

Miced conifer forest on slopes of Knocklayd Mountain. Magnificent views over town to Rathlin Island and Scotland....

Mixed conifer forest with broadleaves on banks of Glenarm River...

Glenariff Forest Park covers an area of 1185 hectares of which about 250 hectares have been left open for recreation, landscaping and conservation. In the park are two small rivers containing spectacular waterfalls, tranquil pools and stretches of fast flowing water tumbling through rocky gorges.
There's a café, toilets, and an exhibition centre. Four way-marked trails of varying length (1-9 km) wind through the forest leading you into some of the park's most beautiful wooded areas....

Peatland forest of mixed conifers. Five mile forest drive offering views of Ballycastle and Rathlin Island. Irish Bridge. Archaeological site. Beautifully situated Forest Park with many viewpoints, walks, caravan site, picnic area, a scenic drive and pony trekking. Forest Trails and Archaeogical site....

20 acres of parkland with riverside walks, trim trail, boating lake, children's play area, toilets and facilities for canoeing, picnicing, transit caravans and car parking....

In the Glen of Glenariff lies one of the most popular Forest Parks in the country, while at the coast is the golden one mile (1.5 Km) curve of Waterfoot Beach. The river flowing down the valley is fed by streams which fall hundreds of metres over the cliffs. Is it any wonder visitors have been coming for over a century to this jewel of the North?...

High on the slopes of Slieveanorra Mountain are four plots of peat bog which show different stages in the formation and erosion of peat. The owennaglush plot is a rare example of a raised bog in which the peat is actively growing, while the Orra Bog and Slieveanorra plots show what happens when shallow blanket peat is eroded. The plant life varies from heather and deer grass in drier areas, to damp patches where sphagnum moss, sedges and cotton gras grow. Bog asphodel, bog-bean and insect-eat...