Glenariff Forest Park Antrim Ireland

Glenariff Forest Park is an 1185 hectare (2928 acre) forest situated amid the world famous Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is part of Glenariff  glen, the Queen of the Glens. The forest is managed by the Northern Ireland Forest Service, and is considered by many people to be the most beautiful of the nine Antrim Glens. Three waterfalls provide a rich backdrop for photographers and Tourists, as do the four forest trails that offer panoramic landscapes and peaceful riverside walks. A visitor centre, exhibition, interactive display, shop, caravan/camping site  and a seasonal restaurant complement this “gateway to the Glens”.

Bisecting the Park are two  rivers; the Inver and the Glenariff, containing spectacular waterfalls, tranquil pools and stretches of fast flowing water tumbling through rocky steep-sided gorges.

Along the river glens the relatively more fertile clays support a greater variety of plants and better tree growth.

Glenariff Forest Park main tree species is Sitka spruce, a North American conifer, but  Japanese larch, Douglas fir, Lodgepole pine and Norway spruce are also grown. Along the Inver and Glenariff rivers there are some beautiful areas of broad-leaved woodland mostly Oak and Beech.

Four way-marked trails of varying length wind through the forest leading you into some of the Parkís most beautiful wooded areas. These trails follow a circular route and are sign posted from the car park.
SCENIC TRAIL
This energetic trail passes through open mountain and forest crossing  the Inver River at the head of the glen. From there it follows the higher ground on the west of the Forest Park where it offers spectacular views down the glen to the coast and beyond. The latter part of the trail runs alongside the Inver River before turning uphill through the forest to the car park.

WATERFALL TRAIL

The Waterfall Trail is  the most spectacular trail of all. It follows the Glenariff River with its famous waterfalls and passes through the National Nature Reserve with its protected flora, namely mosses, liverworts and ferns.

GARDEN TRAIL

The Garden Trail  follows the edge of the grassland area from which there is a panomaric view down Glenariff Glen. It continues through the lush beautiful gardens and pheasant pens before returning to the car park.

GLENSWAY NATURE TRAIL

This beautiful trail passes through the gardens, from where it descends through an area of natural mixed woodland as it follows the Inver River down the glen.

For full touring itinerary, click here: Causeway Coastal Route Escorted Tour Itinerary