Overview
Ballypatrick Forest stretches over roughly 1,467 ha on the Causeway Coast, just south of the seaside town of Ballycastle. The A2 coastal route cuts through the woodland, giving easy access to the Horseshoe car park where a way‑marked Wildlife Trail begins. Within the forest the Glenmakeeran River winds its way through a mosaic of conifer and broad‑leaf stands, offering tranquil riverbanks, picnic spots and spectacular mountain panoramas.
History & Heritage
The forest’s story begins in the 17th century when the Stuart family harvested timber for Royal Navy shipbuilding. Over the centuries the land served as hunting ground, a mining site and a World II training area. The oldest planted section dates from 1948 and still provides a shaded canopy of oaks that shelters upland sheep pastures.
A highlight is the Double‑Horned Cairn (also known as the Dual Court), a rare 5‑6 000‑year‑old megalithic tomb with two burial chambers – one of the few such structures in Northern Ireland. It sits near the forest drive and is sign‑posted with an interpretive panel.
Conservation work in the last decade has focused on re‑introducing red squirrels, restoring native broad‑leaf habitats and protecting the elusive pine marten. The Irish Ford, a stone‑arched crossing where the Corratavey Burn (part of the Glenmakeeran River) passes beneath the road, is both a historic feature and a favourite photo‑op.
Flora & Fauna
Ballypatrick Forest is a mixed woodland of conifers (Norway spruce, Scots pine) and broad‑leaf species such as oak, birch, rowan and holly. In the higher, open sections you’ll also find a flourishing stand of eucalyptus – a non‑native tree that has become a distinctive visual feature.
The varied habitats support a rich wildlife roster:
- Mammals – red squirrels (re‑introduced), pine martens, red deer, badgers and foxes.
- Birds – jays, woodpeckers, finches, and waterfowl along the river.
- Aquatic life – otters are regularly seen in the Glenmakeeran River.
- Invertebrates & fungi – spring brings bluebells and wild garlic; autumn yields chanterelles, boletes and other mushrooms.
Visitors are encouraged to keep a respectful distance and never feed the animals.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Description | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Waymarked Wildlife Trail | A family‑friendly loop that follows the Glenmakeeran River, passes fenced wildlife ponds, deer lawns and offers chances to spot red deer, otters and waterfowl. | Starts at the Horseshoe car park; fully way‑marked |
| Loughareema (Vanishing Lake) | A moorland lake that appears or disappears with the weather, adding a touch of mystery to the walk. | Short spur off the main drive; sign‑posted |
| Double‑Horned Cairn | Rare dual‑chamber cairn dating to c. 2000 BC, with interpretive signage. | Visible from the forest drive |
| Irish Ford | Stone‑arched ford where the river and road merge, perfect for photography. | Directly on the main forest drive |
| Moyle Way | Long‑distance trail linking the Antrim coast to the Irish Sea, threading through the forest. | Trailheads at the car park; maps at the visitor board |
| Scenic Viewpoints | Vistas at about 320 yd elevation offering sweeping views of Knocklayd Mountain, Rathlin Island and the Atlantic coastline. | Small car parks at each viewpoint |
| Picnic & Barbecue Areas | Designated spots beside the Irish Ford and along the riverbank, with tables and grills. | Free use; no reservation needed |
| Cycling & Mountain Biking | Gentle forest roads and single‑track routes for all abilities. Note that forest roads are un‑marked and surface conditions vary. | Marked on the forest map |
Short Walks
- 2‑mile Circular – Begins at the Horseshoe car park, loops through broad‑leaf and conifer sections, skirts ponds and repeatedly brushes the Glenmakeeran River.
- Extended Options – The Ulster Way and Moyle Way intersect the western edge of the forest, allowing longer treks toward Fair Head’s cliffs or the historic ruins of Kinbane Castle.
Seasonal Highlights
- Vanishing Lake – Loughareema can disappear after dry spells and re‑appear after rain, making each visit a little surprise.
- Wildlife Peaks – Autumn brings the rutting season for red deer and a flurry of mushroom foraging; spring is ideal for bluebells and bird song.
- Views – Clear days in late summer and early autumn provide the best visibility of Rathlin Island and Knocklayd Mountain.
Facilities & Services
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Open daily – sections may close temporarily for forestry work; follow on‑site signage. |
| Admission | Free entry |
| Parking | Off‑road car parking at the Horseshoe car park (main entry) and small car parks at each viewpoint. |
| Touring in the Trees Caravan Site | Small caravan site located next to the main car park; basic facilities and a convenient base for overnight stays. |
| Visitor Centre | Information board and maps available at the Horseshoe car park. |
| Toilets | Toilets at the car park. |
| Picnic & BBQ | Tables and grills at designated spots; no reservation needed. |
| Accessibility | Main trails suitable for families and moderate fitness; some steep sections may be challenging for wheelchairs. |
| Safety | Forestry traffic (timber haulage) can be present on forest roads; obey all safety signage. |
| Dog Policy | Dogs must be kept under control, especially near sheep‑grazed areas. |
Getting There & Transport
- By Car – The forest entrance is sign‑posted from the A2, roughly halfway between Ballycastle and Cushendall. Follow the signs to the Horseshoe car park.
- Public Transport – Ulsterbus services to Ballycastle can be asked to stop at the forest entrance on request. Check the latest timetables on the Translink website.
- Cycling – The extensive gravel‑surfaced road network provides access to most parts of the forest; note that these roads are not way‑marked and surface conditions can vary.
- Walking – All main points of interest are reachable via the way‑marked Wildlife Trail.
Practical Information
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Open all year round. Some sections may be closed temporarily for forestry work – follow on‑site signage. |
| Admission | Free entry |
| Parking | Free parking at the Horseshoe car park (main entry) and at the small car parks serving the scenic viewpoints. |
| Visitor Centre | Information board and maps available at the Horseshoe car park. |
| Accessibility | Main trails are suitable for families and moderate fitness levels; some steep sections may be challenging for wheelchairs. |
| Facilities | Picnic tables, barbecue grills, toilets at the car park, and marked cycling routes. |
Tips for Visitors
- Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring waterproof clothing – the forest can be wet, especially near the river.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife; feeding animals is prohibited.
- Respect the archaeological sites – stay on the marked paths and do not climb on the cairn.
- Check the weather forecast before heading to the high‑elevation viewpoints for the best visibility of the Causeway Coast.
- If you’re travelling by public transport, confirm the bus stop‑on‑request arrangement with the driver.
- For a deeper dive into local history, consider the nearby Ballycastle Heritage Trail which links several historic sites in the town.
Enjoy a day of history, nature and sweeping scenery in Ballypatrick Forest and along the Glenmakeeran River – a true woodland escape on Northern Ireland’s iconic coast.