A Guide To The Adventure-Packed Colin Glen Forest Park In Belfast

Colin Glen Forest Park has something that’ll appeal to young and old alike!

With a wealth of things to do, stunning countryside to gawk at and plenty of adventures to embark on, it’s not hard to see why one of the most popular things to do in Belfast for families.

The park is home to everything from a Gruffalo Trail and golf to an Alpine Coaster, Ziplining, heritage walks and much, much more.

Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Colin Glen Forest Park

Although a visit to Colin Glen Park is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Colin Glen Forest Park sits on the edge of the Belfast hills. It’s a 15-minute drive from Titanic Belfast, a 10-minute drive from Belfast City Hall and a 25-minute drive from Belfast Castle.

2. Three different entrances

There are different entrances to the park, depending on what you want to do, which we will outline below, so you know which one to take – the River Entrance, the Mountain Entrance and the Leisure Entrance.

3. Endless things to do

Pick any outdoor activity and you’ll probably be able to do it at the Colin Glen Park. From rounds of golf for members, to nature and history walks, laser tag, archery and combi adventure packages. Bring yourself and a shed-load of energy and enthusiasm.

About Colin Glen Forest Park

You’ll find Colin Glen Forest Park situated on a stretch of land just outside of the city.

The wooded river glen sits on the edge of Belfast and Lisburn and is made up of some 200 acres of scenic woodland, open grassland, the Colin River, waterfalls and wildflowers.

The Colin Glen area was a major player in Belfast’s linen industry, at one point the biggest producer of linen in the world, with the flax and beetling mills along the Colin River established by the McCance family.

You can see the remains of one of the mills at the Weir Bridge. Nowadays, Colin Glen Park is a community trust run by a voluntary board of directors.

It is backed by The Prince’s Trust and is dedicated to creating and maintaining natural open spaces that everyone can enjoy.

It offers educational opportunities, state of the art sports facilities and Ireland’s longest zipline for thrill seekers. You’ll also find Ireland’s only official Gruffalo Trail there, a walk always popular with kids.

The best things to do at Colin Glen Forest Park

There’s plenty of things to do at Colin Glen, from kayaking and a driving range to the Gruffalo Trail, an Alpine Coaster and more.

1. The Gruffalo Trail

The Gruffalo Trail is one of the best family walks in Belfast. It plays tribute to the beloved children’s picture book that has sold millions of copies world-wide.

The trail encourages little ones to search for the famous characters, and the price includes a Julia Donaldson and friends book, sticker and certificates.

2. The Black Bull Run

The Black Bull Run is Ireland’s first and only Alpine Coaster. It’s a thrilling adventure ride where you hurtle through the Colin Glen Forest, twisting and turning, going up hills and down them, through tunnels and in and out of the trees.

The speed is controllable, and the ticket price allows for three goes per person. It’s more than 500 metres in length, with 12 twists and two tunnels.

3. The Forest Flyover Zipline

Located at the Mountain Entrance, the Forest Flyover Zipline is an amazing ride through the forest as you soar over the Black Bull Run and the forest below your feet.

It travels at up to 35 miles per hour over an impressive 250 metres. The sessions last about 45 minutes.

4. Nature, History and Heritage walks

For those who like their outdoors accompanied by a decent dose of education, the Nature, History and Heritage Walks offered at the Colin Glen Forest are ideal.

The heritage walk is a circular one that crosses five bridges. You can discover more about the Colin River’s all-important role in Belfast’s linen industry in the 18th and 19th centuries, and you can find out about Colin Glen and Belfast Hills’ cultural heritage, including the local folklore and myths.

The different entrances to Colin Glen Forest Park (important!)

Before heading to Colin Glen Park, it’s important to take note of the entrances, as they’re situated near/next to specific attractions.

1. River Entrance

The River Entrance is the one you take for the afore-mentioned Gruffalo Trail, but it is also where the guided nature, heritage and history walks start.

2. Mountain Entrance

At the Mountain Entrance, you can try the Black Bull Run, sign up for the Mountain Adventure Package or try the Forest Flyover Zipline.

3. Leisure Entrance

As you might expect from the name, the Leisure Entrance is for those who want to play golf (members and visitors), play football under the 3G dome or outdoor five-a-side, or visit the gym.

Things to do nearby

One of the beauties of Colin Glen Park is that it’s a short spin away from a clatter of the best things to do in Belfast.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the park:

1. Divis and the Black Mountain (10-minute drive): A steep 1 – 3 hour trail with breath-taking views
2. Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park (10-minute drive): The park attracts flower fiends every year as it is home to the City of Belfast International Rose Garden
3. Key Belfast attractions (10-minute+ drive): Visit the Belfast Cathedral Quarter or take the the Black Cab Tours that take you along the Falls Road and the Shankill Road to see the Belfast Peace Wall and the political murals