Ards Forest Park

With breathtaking coastal scenery, beautiful woodland trails, rivers, lakes and megalithic tombs, Ards Forest Park is easily one of the most beautiful and varied of Ireland's forest parks with trees down to the water's edge.

Find this undiscovered national gem on the N56 between the pretty towns of Creeslough and Dunfanaghy. Its 1,000 acres are home to many plants and wildlife with nine signposted trails to suit all ages, picnic areas and a playground near the beach - you could easily spend the day here.

Discover wild Atlantic coastal views on the Binngorm Trail, follow the easy Sand Dune trail which takes around 90 minutes or try the 5km Arts Heritage trail. The Red Trail winds through 13km of forest and along Manus Lough but has shortcuts back to your starting point if you want to finish sooner. There are lots of places to stop along the walks and trails to take in spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and the Atlantic Ocean. Watch out for wildlife as you go or make for the special hide at the end of the salt marsh trail and watch for birds feeding on the salt marsh.

Ards Forest Park has many historical treasures - four ring forts together with a holy well and a mass rock. Check out the map on the notice board for their locations. And remember to bring coins for the car park.