Overview
The Glenmakeeran River runs through Ballypatrick Forest, a mature woodland off the Causeway Coastal Route just south of Ballycastle in County Antrim. One thing worth knowing before you set your heart on it: the old scenic forest drive is no longer open to cars, closed off for tree harvesting. The walking trails are unaffected and open year-round, entry is free, and there’s a car park, toilets and a picnic site. If you have a couple of hours, the walk to do is the 3km Wildlife Trail loop along the river.
The woodland
Ballypatrick was planted from the mid-20th century, the oldest stand at the entrance dating to 1948. Decades on, it’s a layered habitat: dense spruce sheltering younger broadleaf, broken up by open glades and managed deer lawns. The higher, open ground gives views across to Knocklayd and the wider Causeway Coast.
Two landmarks on the walk
- The Irish Ford: A stone crossing where the old forest drive fords the stream. Built for farm and forestry access, it’s now a good spot for a photo and a way over the water on foot.
- The Double-Horned Cairn: A Neolithic court tomb, dated to roughly 5,000 to 6,000 years old, far older than a quick glance at the mossy stones suggests. The twin-horned plan is typical of the region’s early court cairns.
Wildlife & Seasonal Highlights
The river and its riparian zones support a steady population of native wildlife. Red deer are frequently seen grazing on the managed lawns, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. The water itself is a regular haunt for otters, which favour the slower, deeper pools away from foot traffic. Birdwatchers should listen for the sharp, whistling calls of dippers on faster-flowing sections, and keep an eye out for ducks, geese, and occasional waders along the shallows. Red squirrels are also present, favouring the broadleaf patches where canopy cover is denser.
Seasonal notes:
- April–May: Bluebells carpet the forest floor, creating strong photographic contrast against the darker conifers.
- June–August: Warmer weather and longer daylight hours improve otter visibility, and it’s the easiest time for a relaxed loop of the Wildlife Trail.
- October–November: Heather and bracken turn bronze and russet, while mist often settles in the glen during early mornings.
- December–March: Foot traffic drops significantly. The river runs clearer after winter rains, and the woodland takes on a quiet, atmospheric quality.
Walking Routes
The main starting point for most visitors is the Horseshoe car park, located near the north-western edge of the forest. From here, several options branch out:
- 2-Mile Circular Walk: A well-signposted loop that follows the Wildlife Trail along the riverbank, skirts fenced ponds, and returns via the forest drive. The route is roughly 3 km, mostly flat, and suitable for families and casual walkers.
- Extended Long-Distance Links: The western boundary of Ballypatrick Forest intersects with both the Ulster Way and the Moyle Way. Hikers can extend their journey toward the coastal cliffs of Fair Head or follow the route inland toward the ruins of Kinbane Castle. Distances and difficulty levels vary depending on the chosen extension.
- Navigation: Detailed GPX files and interactive route maps for the Glenmakeeran area are available on the Northern Ireland Walking Routes site (search “Ballypatrick Forest” at
https://gps-routes.co.uk).
Practical Information
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Open all year. The forest drive is closed to cars for tree harvesting; footpath and river access remain open year-round. |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Free parking at the Horseshoe car park |
| Toilets | Public facilities available at the main car park |
| Dog Policy | Dogs permitted on marked paths but must be kept on leads, particularly near deer lawns and nesting areas |
| Contact | +44 (0) 28 2955 6000 |
| Official Info | Visit Causeway Coast & Glens – Ballypatrick Forest |
Getting There & Nearby Attractions
The forest entrance is clearly signposted from the A2, approximately five miles south-east of Ballycastle. Follow the brown tourist signs for Ballypatrick Forest to reach the Horseshoe car park. Waymarked signage from the car park directs walkers to the Glenmakeeran River trail.
Public transport: This is Northern Ireland, so buses are run by Translink (Ulsterbus), not Bus Éireann. Services run to Ballycastle and nearby Ballyvoy, but the forest itself is a fair way out along the coast road, so realistically you’ll want a car; check current Translink timetables before relying on the bus.
A short drive south, the Vanishing Lake (Loughareema) is worth pairing with the walk: a lough that regularly drains away to almost nothing and then refills. For the coast, Fair Head’s cliffs and the ferry to Rathlin Island with its seabird colonies are both close by. Check the Causeway Coast & Glens website for current trail conditions before setting out, and don’t count on driving the forest loop.