Ards Forest Park
A stunning coastal forest park in Donegal with diverse trails, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly facilities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Ards Forest Park
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning coastal forest park in Donegal with diverse trails, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly facilities.
"Ards Forest Park truly delivered a full day of fun for our family! We had an absolutely brilliant time exploring everything this gem has to offer."
Card Payment for Entry
Pay the €5 entry fee by card or phone at the barrier; no cash needed! :credit_card:
Bring Insect Repellent
Essential for forest trails to ward off midges and other biting insects. :bug:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Diverse Walking Trails
Throughout the park
Explore nine signposted trails, from short strolls to a 13km hike, through woodlands and along the coast.
Stunning Beaches
Coastal areas
Enjoy beautiful beaches and sand dunes, perfect for a relaxing walk or soaking in the coastal views.
Children's Playground
Near the beach
A fantastic playground, including a wheelchair swing, offering hours of fun for younger visitors.
Ards Coffee Tree
Main car park
Grab a coffee and a treat at this popular spot, perfect for a break during your park exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Entry Fee & Parking
Best Footwear & Insect Repellent
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Card Payment for Entry
Pay the €5 entry fee by card or phone at the barrier; no cash needed! :credit_card:
Bring Insect Repellent
Essential for forest trails to ward off midges and other biting insects. :bug:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from woodland to beach; good footwear is key for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Pack a Picnic
Plenty of picnic tables available, making it a great spot for a family meal. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
Card Payment for Entry
Pay the €5 entry fee by card or phone at the barrier; no cash needed! :credit_card:
Bring Insect Repellent
Essential for forest trails to ward off midges and other biting insects. :bug:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from woodland to beach; good footwear is key for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Pack a Picnic
Plenty of picnic tables available, making it a great spot for a family meal. :sandwich:
Explore Multiple Trails
With 9 trails, plan your route to see diverse landscapes from forest to coast. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Ards Forest Park, highlighting its incredible variety of activities for all ages and its stunning natural beauty. The reasonable entry fee and excellent facilities, including a playground and coffee shop, make it a perfect destination for a full day out. Some visitors note the need for insect repellent on forest trails.
"Ards Forest Park truly delivered a full day of fun for our family! We had an absolutely brilliant time exploring everything this gem has to offer. The €5 entry fee per car is incredibly reasonable for the sheer amount of enjoyment you get.
First off, the facilities are excellent. The toilets are clean and easily accessible, a must-have when you're out with little ones. We were delighted to find a shop available for coffee and ice cream, open until 6 pm, which was perfect for those much-needed refreshment breaks.
The kids' playground was a huge hit and kept our children entertained for ages, allowing us to relax a bit and take in the beautiful surroundings. For the more adventurous, there are fantastic mountain and forest trails. We opted for a forest trail walk, and while it was incredibly scenic, a top tip for anyone planning to do the same: don't forget to get insect repellent! It definitely came in handy.
The park boasts stunning beaches, offering a wonderful change of scenery and a chance to enjoy the coastal air. We loved that you can move from forest to sand so seamlessly.
Overall, Ards Forest Park offers an incredible variety of activities for all ages. It truly is a place where you can spend an entire day. Just remember to check for good weather before you travel to make the most of this fantastic Donegal destination!"
Sethuraman Mahadevan
"A great forest park easily accessed from main road. Payment is by card on entry at barrier (€5 per car). Long 2.5km drive to car park which has plenty of spaces. There is a small coffee shop and toilets at the car park. A variety of marked walks of varying lengths are available from the car park. There is a beautiful beach and kids play park near the car park also. There are lovely walks along the beach over the sand dunes. We only spent a few hours there but you could easily spend the whole day and and only see a small part of the park which has a great mixture of wooded forest walks, clearly marked trails and a great beach."
Noel M
"Lovely forest park with lots of different routes varying in length and difficulty level. The blue route brings you to a beautiful quiet bay with turquoise waters."
Ingrid Van Veen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ards Forest Park is located in County Donegal, Ireland. It's easily accessible by car, with clear signage from the main road. The park entrance is marked, and you'll pay the entry fee at a barrier. Parking is available within the park, with a drive to the main car park.
You can find the parking coordinates on Google Maps at 55.15872° N, 7.88883° W. The park is well-signposted from the surrounding areas, making it straightforward to navigate to.
Information on public transport to Ards Forest Park is limited. It is primarily accessed by private vehicle. It's recommended to check local bus routes or consider a taxi service if you are not driving.
Yes, you can park on the main road outside the park entrance for a longer stroll into the park if the main car park is full or if you prefer a more extended walk.
Ards Forest Park is located just outside Dunfanaghy, making it a convenient and popular destination for visitors staying in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for Ards Forest Park is €5 per car. This fee is payable at the barrier upon entry.
Payment for the entry fee is cashless. You can pay using your card or phone at the barrier.
Currently, there is no information available regarding discounts for Ards Forest Park entry. The standard fee is €5 per car.
Ards Forest Park has extended summer hours, typically from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. In winter, the hours are usually 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check for any seasonal variations.
While you can park on the main road and walk in, the official entry fee of €5 per car applies for access to the main facilities and parking areas within the park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Ards Forest Park offers nine signposted walking trails of varying lengths and difficulties. Popular options include the nature trail, woodland walks, and coastal paths with stunning views. The Red Trail is the longest at 13km. +1
Absolutely! Ards Forest Park is a fantastic destination for families, featuring a well-equipped playground, picnic areas, and a variety of trails suitable for all ages. +1
Yes, there are essential facilities including clean toilets and a coffee spot located at the main car park. Picnic tables are also scattered throughout the park. +1
Dogs are generally welcome in Ards Forest Park, but they must be kept on a lead, especially around wildlife and other visitors. Always check local signage for specific regulations.
The park boasts a rich variety of natural habitats, including coniferous and deciduous woodlands, golden beaches, extensive sand dunes, salt marshes, and freshwater lakes.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a coffee dock called Ards Coffee Tree located at the main car park, offering coffee and treats. It's open until 6 pm during peak times. +1
Definitely! Ards Forest Park has numerous picnic tables and benches throughout the park, making it an ideal spot for a picnic lunch.
There are no formal restaurants within Ards Forest Park itself. The Ards Coffee Tree offers refreshments, but for full meals, you'll need to visit nearby towns like Dunfanaghy.
Ards Coffee Tree offers a selection of coffee and treats, perfect for a pick-me-up during your visit. Ice cream is also available during the summer months. 
Bringing your own food for a picnic is highly recommended, especially if you plan to spend a full day exploring. This gives you flexibility and ensures you have plenty to eat.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers numerous scenic spots for photography, including the diverse walking trails, the beautiful beaches with their sand dunes, and the coastal views over Sheephaven Bay.
Yes, Ards Forest Park is excellent for landscape photography due to its varied terrain, from dense woodlands to open coastlines and dramatic sand dunes.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The golden hour can be particularly stunning over the beaches and bay.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the park authorities or local aviation guidelines before flying a drone in Ards Forest Park to ensure compliance.
Yes, the park has historical elements like ancient ring forts and a Mass Rock, which can add an interesting dimension to your photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring insect repellent for the woodland walks and ensure everyone has comfortable shoes for exploring the diverse terrain. The Ards Coffee Tree offers a welcome break with coffee and treats, and ice cream is a must in the summer!
+1🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery, and be prepared for varied terrain by wearing sturdy footwear. The park's rich biodiversity and historical sites add an extra layer of interest to your exploration.
📸 Photographers
+2Aim for the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. The historical elements, such as the ancient ring forts, also offer unique subjects for your lens.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Ards Forest Park
The trails wind through a variety of natural habitats, offering a dynamic walking experience. Expect to wander through coniferous and deciduous woodlands, emerge onto golden beaches, traverse extensive sand dunes, and skirt salt marshes and freshwater lakes. Many routes provide spectacular coastal views over Sheephaven Bay, making every step a visual reward.
When planning your hike, remember to wear appropriate footwear, as some paths can be uneven or sandy. For those venturing into the denser woodland areas, especially during warmer months, bringing insect repellent is highly recommended to ensure a comfortable experience.
Family Fun and Facilities
Beyond the playground, the park offers ample picnic areas with tables and benches, perfect for family meals amidst nature. The Ards Coffee Tree at the main car park provides convenient refreshments, including coffee, treats, and ice cream during summer, ensuring everyone stays energized.
+1The park's accessibility also contributes to its family-friendly appeal. The variety of trails means that even families with very young children or those with strollers can find suitable routes, such as the shorter, flatter paths. The combination of play areas, scenic walks, and convenient facilities makes Ards Forest Park an ideal spot for a full day of family adventure.
A Glimpse into History
Among the historical remnants are the remains of four ring forts, ancient defensive structures that speak to the area's long-settled past. Additionally, visitors can find a Mass Rock, a historical site used for religious services during times of persecution, and an ancient Holy Well, which often holds cultural and spiritual significance.
Exploring these historical features adds another layer of depth to a visit to Ards Forest Park. It allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the area's heritage, blending natural beauty with a rich historical narrative.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit