woods and forests antrim

The forest covers an area of 336 hectares and lies over two hills. Tardee (247 metres) and Carnearny (323 metres) with a shallow connecting valley. It is one of the older state forests being first planted in 1929. Prior to its afforestation the land was maintained by Lord Massereene for grazing and shooting. Today the forest is intensively utilised. Much of the first tree crop has been harvested and wood production has averaged 1500 toones per year over the last twenty years. The forest...

Cascading down from the Antrim Plateau to the sea, the Glenariff River has cut a narrow gorge through the hard basalt rock. Spectacular waterfalls within the gorge throw up fine spray which catches shafts of sunlight in a rainbow of colours. About 100 years ago, trees were planted to enhance the native woodland of oak, hazel, ash and willow, and to make the area more attractive to visitors. Catwalks, paths and footbridges were built throughout the gorge to make the waterfalls easier to reach....

Historically Ballyboley has been used by man since early times and there is still the remains of a 'Boley House' in the south-west corner of the forest which was used when the cattle were brought up the hill for summer grazing. Today it is a good example of multiple land-use with its large catchment area supplying water to the surrounding communities and the forest with its 673 hectares growing raw material for the saw mills. The forest was first planted in 1957....

Miced conifer forest on slopes of Knocklayd Mountain. Magnificent views over town to Rathlin Island and Scotland....

Mixed conifer forest with broadleaves on banks of Glenarm River...

Glenariff Forest Park covers an area of 1185 hectares of which about 250 hectares have been left open for recreation, landscaping and conservation. In the park are two small rivers containing spectacular waterfalls, tranquil pools and stretches of fast flowing water tumbling through rocky gorges.
There's a café, toilets, and an exhibition centre. Four way-marked trails of varying length (1-9 km) wind through the forest leading you into some of the park's most beautiful wooded areas....

Peatland forest of mixed conifers. Five mile forest drive offering views of Ballycastle and Rathlin Island. Irish Bridge. Archaeological site. Beautifully situated Forest Park with many viewpoints, walks, caravan site, picnic area, a scenic drive and pony trekking. Forest Trails and Archaeogical site....