One of the great things about Northern Ireland is its natural beauty. Anywhere you turn, you are surrounded by incredible mountains, ethereal forests, amazing coastlines and epic sights that take your breath away.
Among this stunning scenery are the beautiful parks that offer a much-needed escape from the stress of life. Whether you want to enjoy the great outdoors, have a magical day out with the family, or seek photography opportunities, you have several parks. With that in mind, here are seven must-see parks in NI:
Botanic Gardens
- In 1828, the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society established the Botanic Gardens. It is located around the famous Queen’s University in Belfast. Originally known as the Belfast Botanic Garden, this major part of Belfast’s Victorian heritage has exotic tree species and impressive plant collections.
Tourist attractions include an early example of a glasshouse made from curved iron and glass, the Tropical Ravine’s oldest seed plants, and the Palm House’s tropical plants and birds of paradise. The Gardens has become a venue for concerts, festivals, and other events, making it popular with residents, students, and tourists.
Ormeau Park
Officially opening to the public in 1871, this is the oldest municipal park and one of the largest parks in Belfast. Located in the posh south Belfast area, the park offers a great mix of horticulture, woodland, flower displays, wildlife, a purpose-built gravel BMX track and a walking route that explores the historic parkland overlooking the River Lagan.
The park features eco trails, orienteering courses, horticultural displays, a children’s playground, seasonal bedding, and specimen trees. The park is also a great place for sports, offering a range of facilities, including tennis courts, soccer pitches, two bowling greens, basketball and netball courts, and tennis courts. These are located at Ormeau Park Playing Fields. The park is also used for several concerts and band performances every year including the popular Belsonic festival. The park won the Green Flag Award, which recognises the UK’s best open spaces, every year from 2011 to 2022.
Tollymore Forest Park
This spacious park has both elaborate gardens and unspoiled wooded areas. Established on June 2, 1955, it was the first state forest park in NI. Tollymore offers incredible views and unique features like Shimna River Valley sections and ornate stone bridges.
With over 13 miles of trails, it’s a popular spot for hikers, runners and families. The park appeared in the popular Game of Thrones series as the Haunted Forest, where the Stark children found the Dire Wolves.

Kilbroney Park Forest
This beautiful forest features riverside walks, an arboretum (botanical garden devoted to trees), panoramic views, a Play Park with children’s play area and tennis courts, an Information area and a café. There is the opportunity to climb to Cloughmore, ‘the big stone’, which geologists say was deposited during the ice age. However, local folklore claims it was thrown here by Finn Mac Cool during a fight with a Scottish Giant.
This park is extra special because of the Narnia Trail, which brings the popular Chronicles of Narnia to life with features like the ‘Wardrobe Door’, intriguing creatures, ‘The Lamp Post’, ‘The Beaver’s House’, and ‘Aslan’s Table’. The Narnia Trail weaves through a forest path, offering many opportunities to interact and take photos/selfies.
See Also: Here Are 5 Fun Things To Do In Northern Ireland
Prehen Wood
Get lost in one of NI’s rare and irreplaceable ancient woods. This beautiful woodland has a magical feel, with carpets of bluebell, celandine, and wood anemone in the spring. It offers terrific views overlooking Derry/Londonderry city and the River Foyle. Look out for the red squirrels, foxes, hedgehogs, butterflies, sparrowhawks, long-eared owls, and stunning wooden sculptures created.
Silent Valley Mountain Park
Surrounded by mountains, this park offers a magical landscape, wildlife, lakes, and a pond—no wonder it attracts around 50,000 visitors per year. A major highlight is the impressive Mourne Wall, a 22-mile dry stone wall built in the 20th century. The park has seven walking routes, catering to varying abilities, including easy-to-complete and difficult trails with rough terrain and steeper gradients.
Davagh Forest Park
Located approximately six miles northwest of Cookstown in the Sperrin Mountains, this park stands out for its scenic beauty, beautiful bird species like the buzzard and peregrine falcon, a diverse range of flora and fauna, oak, beech and ash trees, mountain bike trails, and walking trails.
The park is perfect for families because the green trail is gentle for kids and people who want to try mountain biking. The park’s visitors centre offers insightful information about the park’s interesting history and ecology. You can hire bikes and equipment.