Glenariff Forest Park - Image 1
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Glenariff Forest Park

4.8
·359 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Glenariff Forest Park - Image 1

Glenariff Forest Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.8
(359 reviews)

"The waterfalls are beautiful, the scenery is breathtaking."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Waterfall Trail

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

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

Woodland Wanderings

Various marked trails

Explore diverse woodlands, spot red squirrels, and enjoy the tranquility of this expansive forest park.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Trails (and the Steps!)

Glenariff Forest Park boasts stunning waterfalls and scenic views, but be prepared for steep inclines and numerous steps, especially on the waterfall trail. Comfortable, grippy footwear is a must, and consider the weather as paths can get slippery when wet. Reddit

Timing is Key for Serenity

While beautiful year-round, visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours can offer a more peaceful experience. Weekends and holidays can attract more visitors, so arriving early or later in the day might help you avoid crowds and truly soak in the natural beauty. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Golden leaves, magical atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Longer daylight, pleasant temperatures
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Glenariff Forest Park, Co. Antrim #irish #ireland
@explorewithcriostoir
13.9K likes • 329.1K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Paths can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential! Reddit

💧 Check the Weather

A dry day is best for enjoying the trails without excessive slipperiness. Reddit

A waterfall that cant be missed when you are traveling Ireland! How to calture its beauty on camera! 📍Glenariff, County Antrim #simplyireland #ireland #discoverireland #irish #visitireland #loveireland #wildatlanticway #irelandtravel #tourismireland #dublin #exploreireland #nature #photography #discoverdublin #lovindublin #travelphotography #irelandphotography #landscape #bestirelandpics #wande...
@explorewithcriostoir
9.1K likes • 209.3K views
📍Glenariff Forest Park. Antrim. Offers 5 official marked trails. This is along the waterfall trail a short and easy 3 km perfect for a family stroll in the forest. There are lots of other waterfalls dotted around the park to explore & if you fancy a longer hike add on the “scenic trail” to this loop for a 9km large loop. #thehikelife #hikingnorthernireland #glenariffforestpark
thehikelife
2.1K likes • 148.9K views

🚶‍♀️ Allow Ample Time

To explore all areas, especially the waterfall walk, dedicate several hours. Reddit

☕ Grab a Coffee

A cafe at the top offers refreshments and toilets. Reddit

You’ll want to put your sound on for this one 💚 This is one of my favourite spots in Antrim and one to add to your bucketlist 📍Glenariff Forest park, Co. Antrim #irish #ireland
explorewithcriostoir
32K likes • 889K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Paths can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential! Reddit

💧 Check the Weather

A dry day is best for enjoying the trails without excessive slipperiness. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Allow Ample Time

To explore all areas, especially the waterfall walk, dedicate several hours. Reddit

☕ Grab a Coffee

A cafe at the top offers refreshments and toilets. Reddit

📸 Capture the Beauty

Bring your camera for stunning waterfall and landscape shots. TikTok

🚗 Parking Fee

There's a pay-and-display car park available on site. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(359 reviews)

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

Stunning waterfalls
Beautiful scenery
Well-maintained trails

What People Dislike

Steep waterfall trail
Slippery paths when wet

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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

The coastal road passing through Larne and Cushendall is highly recommended for its scenic beauty, offering numerous stopping points like Ballygally. TikTokReddit

Yes, there is a pay-and-display car park available at the park. Reddit

Absolutely! Glenariff Forest Park is a fantastic destination for a day trip from Belfast, offering beautiful walks and stunning scenery. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the park itself is free, but there is a charge for parking in the designated car park. Reddit

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. Reddit

No, advance booking is not required for general entry to Glenariff Forest Park. You pay for parking upon arrival. Reddit

Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but the park offers excellent value for its natural beauty and amenities. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

You might spot red squirrels scampering up trees, especially during autumn. The park is rich in natural flora and fauna. Instagram

Absolutely! The waterfalls, lush greenery, and scenic vistas make it a photographer's paradise. TikTokInstagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

The cafe offers nice homemade cooked meals and refreshments. Reddit

Yes, there are plenty of picnic tables available throughout the park, making it a great spot for a packed lunch. Reddit

Specific dietary options are not detailed, but it's advisable to inquire directly with the cafe staff about vegetarian or vegan choices. Reddit

Yes, the Lara Lodge restaurant is located near the bottom of the waterfall walk, offering dining options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The numerous waterfalls, especially along the Waterfall Trail, offer incredible photographic opportunities. The panoramic viewpoints also provide stunning backdrops. TikTokInstagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful effects on the water and surrounding foliage. Overcast days can also provide soft, diffused light. TikTok

While a good camera helps, even a smartphone can capture stunning waterfall images. Consider a tripod for longer exposures to capture water movement. TikTok

Generally, photography for personal use is permitted. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking paths. TikTok

Autumn offers vibrant foliage, while spring brings lush greenery. Summer provides full, flowing waterfalls, and winter can offer dramatic, frosty scenes. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Glenariff Forest Park offers a wonderful outdoor adventure for families. While the main Waterfall Trail is steep and has many steps, making it challenging for very young children or strollers, there are other, more accessible paths and open areas for kids to explore and play. Reddit The park has a small playground, and the general atmosphere is very welcoming for families looking for a day out in nature. Reddit Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the many designated spots, making the most of the beautiful surroundings. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts & Hikers

For those who enjoy a good hike, Glenariff Forest Park presents a rewarding challenge. The Waterfall Trail, with its steep inclines and numerous steps, offers a vigorous workout with spectacular scenery as a reward. Reddit Combining the Waterfall Trail with the Scenic Trail creates a longer, more demanding loop for experienced hikers. Instagram Trail runners will also find the varied terrain and beautiful landscapes invigorating. TikTok

📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers

Glenariff Forest Park is a dream destination for photographers and anyone who appreciates natural beauty. The park's numerous waterfalls, lush woodlands, and panoramic viewpoints provide endless opportunities for stunning shots. TikTokInstagram Visiting during autumn offers a spectacular display of colors, while spring and summer showcase the vibrant greenery and full-flowing falls. Instagram+1 The serene environment, especially during quieter times, allows for immersive nature observation and photography. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Trails and Waterfalls

Glenariff Forest Park is renowned for its network of walking trails, with the Waterfall Trail being the most iconic. This 3km loop takes you deep into the gorge, revealing multiple stunning waterfalls like Ess-na-Larach and Ess-na-Crub. Be warned: this trail is very steep with numerous steps, making it a challenging but rewarding experience. InstagramReddit Many visitors find the descent manageable but the climb back up strenuous, though regular seating is available. Reddit For those seeking a less demanding experience, the cafe at the top provides access to views of the lower falls, and the park offers other marked trails with varying difficulty levels. Instagram

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. Instagram These trails wind through diverse woodlands, offering opportunities to spot wildlife like red squirrels. Instagram The park's natural beauty is evident year-round, with vibrant autumn colors and lush summer greenery providing different photographic opportunities. Instagram+1 It's advisable to wear appropriate footwear with good grip, as paths can become slippery, especially after rain. Reddit

While the park is a natural wonder, some areas have experienced tree damage due to disease, though recovery is evident in many sections. Reddit The park's serene atmosphere, especially during weekdays, makes it an ideal spot for a peaceful escape into nature. TikTokInstagram

Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Amenities

Glenariff Forest Park offers several amenities to enhance your visit. A pay-and-display car park is available, ensuring convenient access to the park. Reddit At the top of the park, you'll find a cafe serving refreshments and homemade meals, along with accessible public toilets. Reddit For those who prefer to dine amidst nature, numerous picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, making it a perfect spot for a packed lunch. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit The park's natural beauty is a major draw, with visitors often recommending it for its stunning waterfalls and relaxing atmosphere. TikTokInstagram+1

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