Selected Highlights
Hillsborough Forest
Description
Hillsborough Forest is set in the picturesque Georgian village of Hillsborough and sits just a few minutes’ walk from Hillsborough Castle, adjacent to Hillsborough Fort.
A popular choice among bird-watchers, dog walkers, photographers and nature-lovers, the forest covers an area of almost 200 acres and has way-marked routes providing a variety of different walks to suit everyone. With the redevelopment of Hillsborough Forest underway and the first phase complete, visitors can now enjoy upgraded pathways throughout, stunning lakeside viewpoints with seating, additional picnic benches, extra car-parking facilities, and a state-of-the-art woodland-themed outdoor children's play area.
The whole of the lake area is a forest wildlife sanctuary and is home to a wide variety of birds and animals. Look out for the many species of resident and over-wintering waterfowl, especially swans and several varieties of duck. Two red graded forest trails allow the casual walker access around the lake and to the back of the forest past the Fox Fort rath.
After your walk, enjoy some well-earned refreshments at Percy’s Coffee in the carpark or in one of Hillsborough's excellent cafes, restaurants or pubs. The Vintage Tea Rooms are ideal for coffee and cake, The Hillside is perfect for a pint by the open fire, and Hara is sure to impress with a delicious lunch or dinner of locally sourced produce.
The whole of the lake area is a forest wildlife sanctuary and is home to a wide variety of birds and animals. Look out for the many species of resident and over-wintering waterfowl, especially swans and several varieties of duck. Two red graded forest trails allow the casual walker access around the lake and to the back of the forest past the Fox Fort rath.
After your walk, enjoy some well-earned refreshments at Percy’s Coffee in the carpark or in one of Hillsborough's excellent cafes, restaurants or pubs. The Vintage Tea Rooms are ideal for coffee and cake, The Hillside is perfect for a pint by the open fire, and Hara is sure to impress with a delicious lunch or dinner of locally sourced produce.
Contact Details
Gallery
You might also like
-
Find Out More
Titanic Belfast AttractionsTitanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast is the world's largest Titanic visitor experience and a must-see on any visit to Belfast and…
-
Find Out More
Irish FA Tours AttractionsIrish FA Tours
Irish FA Tours tells the unique story of Northern Ireland football from 1880 to present day using a…
-
Find Out More
Hill of The O'Neill and Ranfurly House AttractionsHill of The O'Neill and Ranfurly House
The Hill of The O'Neill and Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre is the perfect starting point for…
-
Find Out More
Queen's University AttractionsQueen's University
Queen's University is one of the great architectural landmarks and must-see attractions in Belfast with over 160 years…
-
Find Out More
Museum at The Mill AttractionsMuseum at The Mill
Newtownabbey’s strong links with the Industrial Revolution are well demonstrated by Mossley Mill, which has a history of…
-
Find Out More
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre AttractionsWWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre
WWT Castle Espie is an extraordinary day out for the whole family. Escape the everyday, reconnect with nature,…
-
Find Out More
Barnett Demesne AttractionsBarnett Demesne
Barnett Demesne opened to the public in 1951. Today, the park, in south Belfast, retains much of the…
-
Find Out More
Titanic Public Art: The Masts AttractionsTitanic Public Art: The Masts
Eight well-known Belfast-made ships are represented by spectacular sculptured masts that line the east side of Donegall Place.
