Glenariff Forest Park
Discover cascading waterfalls and lush woodlands on scenic trails in Glenariff Forest Park, a true gem of the Glens of Antrim.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Glenariff Forest Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover cascading waterfalls and lush woodlands on scenic trails in Glenariff Forest Park, a true gem of the Glens of Antrim.
"The waterfalls are beautiful, the scenery is breathtaking."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential!
💧 Check the Weather
A dry day is best for enjoying the trails without excessive slipperiness.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Waterfall Trail
Glenariff Forest Park
Follow the path past three breathtaking waterfalls, including Ess-na-Larach and Ess-na-Crub. A must-see for nature lovers!

Panoramic Views
Higher trails
Ascend to higher vantage points for stunning vistas of the park and surrounding Glens of Antrim. Worth the climb!

Woodland Wanderings
Various marked trails
Explore diverse woodlands, spot red squirrels, and enjoy the tranquility of this expansive forest park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails (and the Steps!)
Timing is Key for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential!
💧 Check the Weather
A dry day is best for enjoying the trails without excessive slipperiness.
🚶♀️ Allow Ample Time
To explore all areas, especially the waterfall walk, dedicate several hours.
☕ Grab a Coffee
A cafe at the top offers refreshments and toilets.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential!
💧 Check the Weather
A dry day is best for enjoying the trails without excessive slipperiness.
🚶♀️ Allow Ample Time
To explore all areas, especially the waterfall walk, dedicate several hours.
☕ Grab a Coffee
A cafe at the top offers refreshments and toilets.
📸 Capture the Beauty
Bring your camera for stunning waterfall and landscape shots.
🚗 Parking Fee
There's a pay-and-display car park available on site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Glenariff Forest Park for its breathtaking waterfalls and well-maintained trails, offering a beautiful natural escape. While many enjoy the scenic walks, some find the Waterfall Trail particularly steep and challenging. The park provides good amenities like a cafe and picnic areas, making it a worthwhile destination for nature lovers.
"Lovely place, good clean trails. You do need a lot of time to do all the area, there is a small restaurant there, clean toilets and easy to access parking. You do need a dry day tho cause it can get quite slippery"
Ionut Olteanu
"Wonderful place for an enjoyable walk. Has a nice coffee shop on site which does nice homemade cooked meals. Also a short stroll down to lara lodge restaurant. Has a very small kids park but plenty of areas for the kids to run around. The waterfall walk is amazing but the high walk has stunning views. Plenty of picnic tables. Has public toilets. Pay and display at the car park."
Darren Stevenson
"Amazing place to spend a day at. There are some beautiful waterfalls and just nature in general it’s astonishing there. The trails are kept quite good and it’s easy to walk. Although bare in mind, there are some steep trails. I’ve been there in the summer and in the end of autumn both times it was beautiful and relaxing. Recommending for a nice, energizing walk in nature."
Ernesta Šimkė
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Glenariff Forest Park is approximately a 54-minute drive from Belfast. You can take the coastal road for scenic views, passing through charming towns like Carnlough.
While public transport options exist to reach the general area, direct and frequent service to the park entrance might be limited. Driving is generally the most convenient way to visit.
The coastal road passing through Larne and Cushendall is highly recommended for its scenic beauty, offering numerous stopping points like Ballygally.
Yes, there is a pay-and-display car park available at the park.
Absolutely! Glenariff Forest Park is a fantastic destination for a day trip from Belfast, offering beautiful walks and stunning scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park itself is free, but there is a charge for parking in the designated car park.
The park is generally open year-round during daylight hours. The cafe at the top has specific operating times, and the toilets are usually accessible even when the cafe is closed.
No, advance booking is not required for general entry to Glenariff Forest Park. You pay for parking upon arrival.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but the park offers excellent value for its natural beauty and amenities.
The restaurant at the bottom of the waterfall walk typically requires you to be a customer to use their facilities. The cafe at the top has accessible toilets.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most popular is the Waterfall Trail, a 3km loop featuring three stunning waterfalls. For a longer hike with panoramic views, consider adding the Scenic Trail for a 9km loop.
The Waterfall Trail involves many steps and can be very steep in sections, making it challenging for some. It's not considered accessible for wheelchairs and can be tough for larger prams.
There is a very small kids' park, but plenty of open areas for children to run around and explore. The shorter trails are also suitable for families.
You might spot red squirrels scampering up trees, especially during autumn. The park is rich in natural flora and fauna.
Absolutely! The waterfalls, lush greenery, and scenic vistas make it a photographer's paradise.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at the top of the park that serves refreshments and homemade meals. A restaurant, Lara Lodge, is also located near the bottom of the waterfall walk.
The cafe offers nice homemade cooked meals and refreshments.
Yes, there are plenty of picnic tables available throughout the park, making it a great spot for a packed lunch.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but it's advisable to inquire directly with the cafe staff about vegetarian or vegan choices.
Yes, the Lara Lodge restaurant is located near the bottom of the waterfall walk, offering dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
The numerous waterfalls, especially along the Waterfall Trail, offer incredible photographic opportunities. The panoramic viewpoints also provide stunning backdrops.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful effects on the water and surrounding foliage. Overcast days can also provide soft, diffused light.
While a good camera helps, even a smartphone can capture stunning waterfall images. Consider a tripod for longer exposures to capture water movement.
Generally, photography for personal use is permitted. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking paths.
Autumn offers vibrant foliage, while spring brings lush greenery. Summer provides full, flowing waterfalls, and winter can offer dramatic, frosty scenes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts & Hikers
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails and Waterfalls
Beyond the main waterfall route, Glenariff offers other marked trails, including the Scenic Trail, which can be combined with the waterfall loop for a longer, approximately 9km hike. These trails wind through diverse woodlands, offering opportunities to spot wildlife like red squirrels. The park's natural beauty is evident year-round, with vibrant autumn colors and lush summer greenery providing different photographic opportunities. It's advisable to wear appropriate footwear with good grip, as paths can become slippery, especially after rain.
While the park is a natural wonder, some areas have experienced tree damage due to disease, though recovery is evident in many sections. The park's serene atmosphere, especially during weekdays, makes it an ideal spot for a peaceful escape into nature.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Amenities
While the park itself is free to enter, it's important to note that the restaurant at the bottom of the waterfall walk typically requires patrons to purchase food or drink to use their facilities. The park is well-maintained, with clean trails that are generally easy to navigate, though the steepness of the waterfall trail is a significant factor to consider. The park's natural beauty is a major draw, with visitors often recommending it for its stunning waterfalls and relaxing atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit