Complete Guide Glenariff Forest Park and Waterfalls
We recently visited Glenariff Forest Park and Waterfalls in Northern Ireland, and its beauty blew us away. Glenariff is one of the nine Antrim Glens, and it’s a popular destination for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling and hiking.
We started our day by hiking the Waterfall Walk, a 3-mile trail that takes you past some of the park’s most impressive waterfalls. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, and it offers stunning views of the waterfalls and the surrounding countryside.
We were particularly impressed by the Lower Falls, the tallest waterfalls in the park. The Lower Falls is a series of three waterfalls that cascade down a steep gorge. The falls are breathtaking and a great place to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
After our hike, we visited the visitor centre, which has a museum about the park’s history and natural features.
We had a wonderful time at Glenariff Forest Park and Waterfalls and would recommend it to anyone visiting Northern Ireland. It’s a beautiful place with a lot to offer and the perfect day out!
About Glenariff Forest Park and Waterfalls
Glenariff Forest Park is a beautiful place to visit in Northern Ireland. It is known as the “Queen of the Glens” because of its stunning scenery and abundance of wildlife. The park covers over 1,000 hectares and features a variety of activities, including walking, horse riding, and touring. There are also picnic and barbecue areas and a tea house.
The park has various plants and animals, including mosses, liverworts, ferns, red squirrels, hen harriers, and Irish hares. The rocky gorges of the river support plant life, which is why part of the Glen has been designated as a National Nature Reserve.
The timber walkway (boardwalk) that winds through the Glen and alongside the river gorge was built about 100 years ago and has been carefully reconstructed to provide a spectacular walk.
Getting to Glenariff Forest Park
There are many ways to get to Glenariff Forest Park. You can drive, walk, or bike from the A43 Glenariff Road. Ulsterbus service number 150 stops at the front entrance gate on Mondays through Saturdays if you’re taking public transportation.
You can drive to Glenariff Forest Park from Belfast, which takes about an hour. The drive was beautiful, and we got to see some of Northern Ireland’s stunning scenery. You can also drive here within 50 minutes from Belfast International Airport.
You can follow the Google Maps directions here.
Please note that public vehicle access to the park by the main entrance may occasionally be restricted due to forest operations work. If you plan on visiting when this may be the case, you should check the park’s website or call ahead for more information.
When we arrived at the park, we parked in the car park and went to the visitor centre. The visitor centre has a museum about the park’s history and natural features, and there are also toilets and a cafe.
Here are some additional tips for getting to Glenariff Forest Park:
The best time to visit the park is during the spring or autumn when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.
If you’re driving, be sure to park in the car park at the entrance to the park. There is a fee to park in the car park. These were the costs when we last visited:
Car £5.00
Minibus £13.00
Coach £35.00
Motorcycle £2.50
Opening Times of Glenariff Forest Park
The forest is open daily for visitors on foot, 24 hours a day, but the car park gates are locked at night.
Gates open at 8:00 AM daily and are locked at dusk.
Hiking Trails and the Glenariff Waterfalls
Glenariff Forest Park is a beautiful place to go for a walk. It’s home to many animals of conservation concern, including red squirrels, hen harriers, and Irish hares. Several trails through the forest offer spectacular views and glimpses of wildlife.
Here are the four trails available at Glenariff Forest Park:
Viewpoint Trail: This 1-kilometre trail takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the Glen. From here, you can see the sea in the distance. The trail then takes you past the café and back to the car park via the ornamental gardens.
Glenariff Waterfall Walk Trail: This 3-kilometre trail takes you to the Glenariff Waterfalls. The waterfalls are a must-see for any visitor to Glenariff Forest Park. The trail is steep in some places, so be prepared for a bit of a climb – the boardwalk near the lower waterfalls was our favourite part.
Scenic Trail: This 8.9-kilometre trail takes you along the Inver River Gorge. The trail is challenging but offers stunning views of the Glen and the surrounding countryside.
Rainbow Trail: This 0.6-kilometre trail is an optional detour from the Waterfall Walk Trail. It takes you to the Rainbow Bridge, which crosses the river.
Whichever trail you choose, you will surely enjoy your time at Glenariff Forest Park.
Touring Glenariff Forest Park
Suppose you want to stay at Glenariff Forest Park in a touring vehicle, such as a caravan, motorhome, campervan, folding caravan, or trailer tent. In that case, you can book online or check availability and costs via the following link:
There are no facilities for camping tents at Glenariff Forest Park.
Tips for visiting Glenariff Waterfalls:
- The best time to visit the waterfalls is during the spring or autumn when the weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the trails can be steep, and there is no shade at the waterfalls.
- Allow plenty of time to explore the area, as there is much to see and do.
- Be respectful of the natural environment and do not litter. Leave no trace!
- You should bring a picnic with you! There are several picnic areas in the park, and some of them have wonderful views!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the opening hours of Glenariff Forest Park?
The park is open for visitors on foot, 24 hours a day, but the car park gates are locked at night. Gates open at 8:00 AM daily and are locked at dusk.
2. How much does it cost to enter Glenariff Forest Park?
There is no charge for entering the park on foot. However, there is a charge for parking in the car park. The cost of parking is £5 for cars.
3. What are the best trails to hike in Glenariff Forest Park?
There are four trails in Glenariff Forest Park:
- The Viewpoint Trail is a 1-kilometre trail that takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the Glen.
- The Waterfall Walk Trail is a 3-kilometre trail that takes you to the Glenariff Waterfalls.
- The Scenic Trail is an 8.9-kilometre trail that takes you along the Inver River Gorge.
- The Rainbow Trail is a 0.6-kilometre trail and tour from the Waterfall Walk Trail.
4. What are the best places to see wildlife in Glenariff Forest Park?
Glenariff Forest Park is home to various wildlife, including red squirrels, hen harriers, and Irish hares. The best places to see wildlife in the park are along the trails, especially the Waterfall Walk Trail.
5. Where can I find food and drinks in Glenariff Forest Park?
There is a café in the park and several picnic areas. Several restaurants and pubs are also in the nearby villages of Waterfoot and Cargan. Alternatively, the Laragh Lodge was built in 1890 to cater to visitors of the Glenariff waterfall and Glen. It’s right next to the Ess-Na-Grub waterfall.
6. Where can I stay near Glenariff Forest Park?
Several hotels, B&Bs, and holiday cottages are near Glenariff Forest Park. There is also a caravan park in the park.
7. What are the activities available in Glenariff Forest Park?
In addition to hiking, Glenariff Forest Park offers a variety of other activities, including:
- Horse riding
- Cycling
- Bird watching
8. What are the best times of year to visit Glenariff Forest Park?
The best times of year to visit Glenariff Forest Park are spring and autumn. The weather is mild during these times, and the park is lush!
9. What are some other popular tourist attractions near Glenariff Forest Park?
There are many other popular tourist attractions near Glenariff Forest Park, including:
- The Giant’s Causeway: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique geological formation of over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns.
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: This iconic rope bridge hangs 200 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.
- Bushmills Distillery: This world-famous distillery has been making whiskey since 1608.
Overall Thoughts
I recently had the opportunity to visit Glenariff Forest Park and Glenariff Waterfalls, and the area’s beauty blew me away. The park is home to various trails, waterfalls, and wildlife and is the perfect place to spend a day exploring the outdoors.
One of my favourite things about the park was the Waterfall Walk Trail. This trail takes you past many beautiful waterfalls, and it is a great way to experience the area’s natural beauty. I also enjoyed hiking the Scenic Trail, which takes you along the Inver River Gorge. This trail is a bit more challenging, but the stunning views are well worth the effort.
In addition to hiking, there are a variety of other activities that you can enjoy in Glenariff Forest Park. You can go for a bike, fishing, or a boat ride on the river. There is also a café in the park where you can relax and enjoy a bite to eat.
If you are looking for a beautiful place to spend a day in nature, I highly recommend visiting Glenariff Forest Park and Glenariff Waterfalls. You won’t be disappointed!