Autumn is a perfect time for crisp and refreshing walks among the evergreens and wondrous displays of orange, yellow, red and brown leaves on other varieties of trees. Northern Ireland offers endless forests to explore and enjoy before winter hits. With that in mind, below is a list of the best places to soak up autumn in all its wonder and beauty.
5 Great Forests in Northern Ireland to Visit in Autumn
Spread across 450 hectares of land, Castlewellan is one of Northern Ireland’s most well known forests and parks. Its grounds are said to hold some of the most spectacular tree and shrub collections in Europe, including a unique display of rare conifers, maples, Chilean eucryphias and Chinese rhododendrons.
The forest park walking trail overlooks a mile-long lake and makes for a magical experience, especially when finishing with a wander through the park’s incredible Peace Maze.
Slieve Gullion forest park offers several walking trails among its trees of many varieties, as well as an adventure play park and Giant's Lair children's story trail. Much of the forest park and its wildlife are protected, with a Red Squirrel Safari giving visitors an opportunity to spot the rare animal in its natural habitat.
After a walk in the forest why not challenge yourself to reach Slieve Gullion’s summit, Armagh’s highest peak, and enjoy breathtaking views over the countryside below.
Kilbroney Forest Park and Rostrevor Forest has several walking and driving routes bringing visitors to a series of spectacular views over Carlingford Lough and County Down’s most beautiful countryside. The forest contains a variety of trees including Oak, Ash, Sycamore and Hazel, making it a great area to for kicking leaves and soaking up the best of autumn.
Within the park is also Cloghmore Stone, a 40 tonne granite boulder which was deposited here at the end of the last ice age, some 10,000 years ago.
At the foot of the Mourne Mountains, Tollymore is a popular spot for walks among its tree-lined trails and along the Shimna River. It is certainly the place for the tree lover with its expanse of Deodar Cedars, Eucalyptus, Monkey Puzzle, Monterey Pines and tall Redwood trees.
The forest is also said to hold the oldest tree in any arboretum in Ireland – the Picea Abies “Clanbrassiliana” sp make sure to spot one whilst you’re there!
Gortin Glen Forest, set among the Sperrin Mountains, is a wonderful expanse filled with coniferous woodland and beautiful views over County Tyrone. A forest drive is possible and various walking trails are available for walkers of all levels - from its Nature Trail, a trail taking in the wildlife and nature of the glen, to the Ladies Trail, a tougher trail which rewards walkers with a stunning waterfall and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape from its 350-meter peak.
Have you a favourite forest in Northern Ireland? Share your favourite forest using the hashtag #SmarterLiving on Facebook and Twitter.