Overview
Lurgan Park is a sprawling green space that dominates the landscape behind the market town of Lurgan in County Armagh. Spanning more than 250 acres, it is the largest urban park in Northern Ireland and the second-largest on the island, surpassed only by Dublin’s Phoenix Park. The grounds are centred on a man-made lake and criss-crossed by five kilometres of well-maintained paths that wind through mature woodland, open grassland, and formal avenues.
Holders of a Green Flag Award, the park is recognised for its high standard of management. It serves as a vital recreational hub for locals and a welcoming stop for visitors, offering free entry and a wide range of activities from fishing and rowing to golf and heritage walking.
History & Heritage
The park sits on the grounds of the historic Brownlow estate, which were laid out in the early 19th century. The estate is anchored by Brownlow House, an imposing Elizabethan-style mansion that overlooks the park from the north-west. The house has a rich history, serving as a military headquarters during both World Wars, and local lore suggests it may be linked to the town by a hidden tunnel.
In the early 20th century, the estate was purchased by the Lurgan Loyal Orange District Lodge and opened to the public, evolving into the multifaceted recreation area seen today. A standout historic feature is the Coalbrookdale Fountain, which crowns the main avenue. It is one of only four surviving cast-iron examples of its kind in the world, a rare piece of industrial heritage set amidst the park’s natural beauty.
Lakeside Leisure
The central lake is the heart of the park’s recreational offering. Anglers can take advantage of twenty newly constructed fishing stands that line the water’s edge. The lake is stocked with roach, bream, and tench, though a fishing licence is required to cast a line.
For a more active experience, rowing boats are available for hire. The cost is £2 per person for a 30-minute session. Life jackets are supplied with every hire, and children under 16 must be supervised by an adult while on the water.
Sports & Play
Lurgan Park caters to a wide range of sports and family activities:
- Tennis: Six flood-lit courts are available, four of which are all-weather. Courts can be booked online at least 48 hours in advance via the council’s Outdoor Bookings calendar.
- Team Sports: The park includes a bowling green, a cricket wicket, and several football pitches for community use.
- Super Play Area: Families with young children will appreciate the modern, fully fenced playground, which features equipment suitable for children of all ages.
Walking Trails
The park is a walker’s paradise, with several marked routes to suit different fitness levels and interests:
- Lake Circuit: A 2-mile loop that follows the shoreline, offering peaceful views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
- Woodland Loop: A shorter 0.8-mile trail that winds through the mature trees, ideal for a quick, refreshing stroll.
- Lurgan Park Trail: A 1.5-mile route that connects key heritage points, including the fountain and the main avenues.
For those who enjoy navigation, the Lagan Valley Orienteers maintain a free orienteering course and an Ecotrail within the park. These are suitable for beginners and intermediate participants looking for a bit of adventure.
Lurgan Golf Club
On the park’s edge lies Lurgan Golf Club, a classic parkland course that complements the natural surroundings. Founded in 1893 as a modest nine-hole layout, the club expanded to its present 18-hole configuration in 1970. The course was designed by Frank Pennink and measures 6,298 yards with a par of 70.
The layout blends long, open stretches with tighter, tree-lined sections and spectacular lake views. The greens are known for being quick and true, rewarding accurate approach shots. The club has invested heavily in recent years, featuring a modern clubhouse and a Golf Academy recognised as a GUI Regional Development Centre.
Golfing Experience
- Green Fees (2026):
- Summer (until 31 Oct): £40 for 18 holes; £22 for 9 holes.
- Winter (1 Nov 2025 – 28 Feb 2026): £30 for 18 holes; £20 for 9 holes.
- Society Rate (Mon–Fri): £30 for 18 holes.
- Society Rate (Sunday): £35 for 18 holes.
- Buggy Hire: Visitors can hire a buggy for £30 (power caddies available for an additional charge).
- Golf Academy: Open to members and visitors. Practice balls are available in tokens of 30 balls for £3. Tokens can be purchased at the Pro Shop or Bar until 20:30.
- Dining: Bunker 43 serves locally sourced dishes. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday 12:00–21:00, and Sunday 12:00–20:00. Tables can be booked by calling 028 3832 2087 ext 3. The Club Bar overlooks the 10th, 18th, and 1st holes and screens major televised sporting events.
Practical Information
- Parking: Free on-site parking is available for both park visitors and golfers.
- Getting There: The park is a short walk from Lurgan town centre and is well sign-posted from the M1. Bus routes 10 and 11 stop at the park entrance. The nearest railway station is Lurgan (NI Railways), offering regular services to Belfast and Dublin.
- Accessibility: All main pathways are paved and suitable for wheelchairs. Accessible toilets are located off the main avenue at the Cush Pavilion. Mobility scooters are available free of charge but require pre-booking via the Parks Development Officer at +44 0 7766 740427.
For golfers, the Pro Shop is the best place to check tee times and course conditions. Walkers should note that the lake circuit offers the best vantage points for spotting wildlife, particularly in the early morning light.