Ness Country Park – includes Ervey Wood

Overview

Tullydermot Falls, Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, Co Cavan Courtesy Adrian Donohoe Photography

Ness Country Park, set in the Burntollet Valley near Killaloo, is a 55‑acre sanctuary of water, wood and wildlife. The park’s headline attraction is the 30‑foot Ness Waterfall, one of Northern Ireland’s highest cascades, framed by steep gorges and rapid river sections. Over 4.5 miles of off‑road, way‑marked trails wind through two nature reserves – Ness Wood and Ervey Wood – providing routes for gentle meadow strolls, rugged river‑side climbs and quiet woodland walks. Free entry, ample parking and a modern visitor centre make the park an ideal destination for families, bird‑watchers and anyone seeking a tranquil escape.

History & Background

The name Ness derives from the Irish an las, meaning “waterfall”. After the last Ice Age, glacial deposits blocked the ancient Burntollet River, forcing the water to carve a new channel through the rock. This erosion created the spectacular waterfall, deep gorges, portholes and rapid sections that dominate the landscape today. The surrounding woodlands, including Ervey Wood, developed over millennia on the rich alluvial soils left by the river. Ervey Wood is an ancient woodland designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI); it is the only site in Northern Ireland where the rare Welsh pocket moss occurs.

What to See & Do

Trails

River Erne, Belturbet, Co Cavan Courtesy Caroline Gallagher

Waterfall Trail (3 km / 1.9 mi) – Starts at the visitor centre, follows the Burntollet River past Hone’s Bridge, Shane’s Bridge, The Gorge Crossing and Stevenson’s Bridge, offering dramatic waterfall viewpoints before looping back.
Meadow Route (0.75 km / 0.46 mi) – A flat, asphalt‑surfaced loop around wildlife ponds and wild‑flower meadows, wheelchair‑friendly and perfect for families with strollers.
Meadow Plus Route (1.5 km / 0.93 mi) – Extends the Meadow Route with a short gravel section and a linear stretch toward Ness Wood, remaining largely flat.
Ervey Wood Trail (3 km / 1.9 mi) – A linear, rugged trek that follows the Burntollet River downstream, climbs steeply to the Ervey Car Park and showcases ancient oak, ash and beech stands. Highlights include:
- Brown’s Bridge – Historic stone bridge with river views.
- Interpretation panels – Explain the geology, flora and fauna of the glen.
- Woodland viewpoints – Small clearings for admiring the canopy.
- From the car park walkers can link onto the broader Faughan Valley Woodland Trails.

Flora & Fauna

Glenveagh National Park Donegal 05 Tourism Ireland by Gareth McCormack

Spring – Bluebells, wood sorrel and a carpet of wildflowers blanket the forest floor.
Summer – Bilberry, hazel and purple‑hairstreak butterflies flutter above oak leaves.
Autumn – Rowan berries, holly and golden foliage create a vivid backdrop.
Winter – Red‑berryed holly and lingering rowan berries.
Wildlife – Red squirrels, badgers, otters and a variety of songbirds (warblers, tits) are regular sightings. The rare Welsh pocket moss is confined to Ervey Wood.

Activities

Bird‑watching and butterfly spotting.
Picnic in the designated tables scattered throughout the woods.
Family‑friendly play area near the visitor centre.
Educational visits using the interpretation panels and visitor‑centre exhibitions.

Getting There & Parking

Ness Country Park is accessed via the A2 road, just a few minutes’ drive from the coastal villages of Portstewart and Portrush. The main car park opposite the visitor centre provides free, unrestricted parking for cars and coaches. A secondary car park at the Ervey Wood entrance is also free and is reached via Ervey Road. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop is in Killaloo, served by Ulsterbus routes linking Derry and Coleraine. For cyclists, the park is linked to the Faughan Valley Cycle Route, offering a scenic, low‑traffic ride into the glen.

Nearby Attractions

Burntollet River – The river that shapes the park’s landscape; follow its course for further walking routes and angling spots.
Ballymacran Coastal Walk – A short drive north brings you to the Lough Foyle shoreline, where the coastal path offers sea‑views and bird‑watching opportunities.
Bann Estuary – A renowned bird‑watching haven, ideal for a day‑trip after exploring the park’s woodland habitats.
Bellarena – A charming village on the Causeway Coast, perfect for a coffee stop or exploring local heritage sites.

Practical Information

Entry: Free, open year‑round.
Parking: Main visitor‑centre car park and Ervey Wood car park (both free).
Visitor Centre: Exhibitions on woodland biodiversity, free public toilets (including disabled facilities) and information desks.
Accessibility: Meadow Route is wheelchair‑friendly; other trails are unpaved and involve steep sections, suitable for able‑bodied walkers.
Facilities: Picnic tables throughout the park, disabled‑friendly toilets, and a children’s adventure playground.
Way‑marking: Trails are marked with red way‑markers; maps are available at the visitor centre and online.
Safety: Stay on marked paths, especially near the river and steep climbs; watch for wet stones on the waterfall trail.

Enjoy the blend of dramatic water features, ancient woodland and family‑friendly amenities that make Ness Country Park and Ervey Wood a standout natural attraction in County Londonderry.