Giant's Ring
Discover the ancient Giant's Ring, a 5000-year-old monument, surrounded by scenic forest walks along the River Lagan.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom beautifully
Giant's Ring
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the ancient Giant's Ring, a 5000-year-old monument, surrounded by scenic forest walks along the River Lagan.
"A powerful, ancient site perfect for historical exploration and beautiful nature walks."
🎯 Visit in Daylight
Prioritize daylight hours for a safe and enjoyable visit. :camerawithflash:
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the monument and surrounding forest trails. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant's Ring Barrow
Central monument
An ancient ring barrow, nearly 5000 years old, offering a powerful connection to the past.
Wedge Tomb
Center of the Ring
Discover the intriguing wedge tomb nestled within the heart of the ancient ring.
Lagan River Valley Walks
Surrounding area
Scenic forest pathways along the River Lagan, perfect for hiking and dog walking.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Daylight Visits Recommended
Explore Beyond the Ring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Giants ring - is it safe to visit?
🎯 Visit in Daylight
Prioritize daylight hours for a safe and enjoyable visit. :camerawithflash:
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the monument and surrounding forest trails. :athletic_shoe:
I visited the Giants ring a few days ago.
The Giants Ring - what is the purpose of it?
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths
A popular spot for dog walkers with well-socialized dogs. :dog:
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is available at the site, or try Shaws Bridge/Minnowburn. :car:
Edenderry, leading towards Giants Ring
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Visit in Daylight
Prioritize daylight hours for a safe and enjoyable visit. :camerawithflash:
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the monument and surrounding forest trails. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths
A popular spot for dog walkers with well-socialized dogs. :dog:
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is available at the site, or try Shaws Bridge/Minnowburn. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Giant's Ring for its historical significance and the beautiful surrounding natural landscape, ideal for walks and dog-friendly outings. While the ancient monument is a key draw, some recommend visiting during daylight hours due to safety concerns raised by a few individuals.
"Quiet and rural location not far from Belfast city centre. Idea for biking to or hiking if you fancy a long walk."
Malachy Scullion
"Wonderful Ring Barrow (Tumulus) with a Wedge Tomb (Dolmen) in the middle
Really interesting
Powerful energies"
Armel Bonsergent
"I grew up here, and the place has not changed in 45 years.
Nearly 5000 years old and four laps are exactly a mile, this place is special and great for dog walking."
James Conn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Giant's Ring is a quiet, rural location not far from Belfast city centre. It's accessible by car, and many visitors also enjoy biking or hiking to the site. You can also park at Shaws Bridge or Minnowburn and follow the River Lagan pathways.
Yes, there is parking available directly at the Giant's Ring site. Alternatively, you can park at Shaws Bridge or Minnowburn and enjoy a scenic walk along the river to reach the monument.
Absolutely! Cycling is a popular way to reach the Giant's Ring, offering a pleasant journey through the surrounding countryside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Giant's Ring is a historical site and public space, so there is no entrance fee. You can visit and explore freely.
As an outdoor historical site, the Giant's Ring is accessible at all times. However, it is recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and the best experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Giant's Ring is an ancient monument, a large ring barrow dating back nearly 5000 years, with a wedge tomb in its center. It's a significant historical and archaeological site.
While generally safe during daylight, some visitors have noted concerns about safety around dusk. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours and be aware of your surroundings.
Yes, the Giant's Ring and its surrounding areas are very popular for dog walking. Many owners are responsible and ensure their dogs are well-socialized.
Exploring the monument itself can take about 30 minutes. However, if you plan to walk the surrounding forest paths or visit nearby attractions like Shaws Bridge, you could easily spend several hours.
The Giant's Ring is a prehistoric monument, believed to have been used for ceremonial or burial purposes. Its age and preserved structure make it a site of considerable historical interest.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer beautiful, soft illumination for photographing the ancient monument and the surrounding landscape. Consider the golden hours for dramatic shots.
Yes, the ancient barrow, the wedge tomb, and the scenic forest walks provide numerous photo opportunities. The interplay of light and shadow on the ancient stones can be particularly striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the natural beauty, and consider bringing a ball or frisbee for some fun in the open field. The nearby Shaws Bridge and Minnowburn also offer accessible paths that are generally stroller-friendly, making it easier to navigate with younger children. Remember to visit during daylight hours for the most comfortable experience.
🐶 Dog Owners
Visitors consistently praise the presence of well-socialized dogs and responsible owners who pick up after their pets. You'll likely encounter many other happy dogs, making it a great social outing for your furry friend. Just ensure your dog is on a lead where required and always clean up after them to keep the area pristine.
🚶 Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Consider starting your hike from Shaws Bridge or Minnowburn and following the river upstream or downstream to connect with the Giant's Ring. This allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the area's natural beauty, including scenic river views and the chance to discover hidden spots like Ned's Meadow, especially vibrant with wildflowers in summer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Ancient Monument
Walking the circumference of the ring is a popular activity, with some noting that four laps equate to approximately one mile, making it a good spot for a brisk walk or a leisurely stroll. The sheer age and preservation of the monument are awe-inspiring, making it a must-see for anyone interested in archaeology or ancient history.
Surrounding Natural Beauty and Activities
This area is also a haven for dog walkers, with many well-socialized dogs and responsible owners frequenting the trails. The presence of bins at the gate further encourages a clean and pleasant environment for all. In the summer months, areas like Ned's Meadow are particularly lovely, blooming with wildflowers, adding an extra layer of natural beauty to the experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit