Jordanstown Loughshore Park is one of the first stops along the Antrim Coast when you start from the Belfast side.
Although it isn’t one of the more impressive stops on the Causeway Coastal Route, it makes a fine pre-spin-stopping-point for those looking for a blast of sea air.
The park offers beautiful views out over Belfast Lough and across to County Down. Here’s everything you need-to-know!
Some handy info about Jordanstown Loughshore Park
Although a visit to Jordanstown Loughshore Park is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
Jordanstown Loughshore Park is the first stop on the Antrim Coast Drive, sitting on the shores of Belfast Lough in Newtownabbey. It’s 5 miles north of Belfast on the A2. The Park is approximately half an hour from Belfast Airport and a mere 10 minutes from the Ferry Port.
2. Parking
There’s a free car park at Jordanstown Loughshore Park (here on Maps). The car park is open 24 hours.
3. Causeway Coastal Route
Stretching 190km between Derry and Belfast, the Causeway Coastal Route also has a further nine routes that loop off the main trail. The scenery varies from magnificent ocean views to towering mountains. Each route is different, giving unique glimpses into local life away from the hustle and bustle.
4. Café Barista
This small café is famed for its toffee ice cream, so if you’re looking for coffee, don’t be put off if you see a queue snaking out the door – it’s probably for the ice cream!
What to expect from a visit to Jordanstown Loughshore Park
If you’re debating a stop-off at Jordanstown Loughshore Park, here’s a little sense of what to expect when you arrive.
Although you wouldn’t spend hours here, it’s a nice little place to stretch the legs and soak up some views.
1. The views
Whether it’s walking or cycling you like, you can travel for miles enjoying the fabulous views along this part of the Causeway Coastal Route.
Jordanstown Loughshore Park is renowned for its magnificent views of Belfast Lough and across to County Down.
2. Decent sized playground
There’s a playground in the park that’s suitable for children aged 3-12, but some of the installations are pretty high so be aware if you have an adventurous climber.
The area is split into two spaces, one for toddlers and the other for older children. There’s also an open grass area which is great for kicking a ball or flying a kite.
3. Live events during summer
The impressive bandstand created by Skelton Rainey is a favourite among all visitors.
Featuring jazz musicians cut from sheet metal, they provide the backing for bands performing here on summer Sundays.
The kite flyers and amateur footballers on the green space make way for the Shoreline Festival at the end of August.
Things to do nearby
One of the beauties of Jordanstown Loughshore Park is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Belfast.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw away:
- Carrickfergus Castle (7-minute drive): Built by the Norman John De Courcy in 1177, this is one of Ireland’s most famous castles
- Belfast Zoo (10-minute drive): A mini animal kingdom spread over 55 acres
- Cave Hill (15-minute drive): This is Belfast’s most prominent natural attraction. It is home to Belfast Castle along with several hiking trails
- The Gobbins (20-minute drive): A very unique guided coastal walk for those with good fitness
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.