Giant's Ring
Discover the ancient Giant's Ring, a 5000-year-old monument, surrounded by scenic forest walks along the River Lagan.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom beautifully
Giant's Ring
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the ancient Giant's Ring, a 5000-year-old monument, surrounded by scenic forest walks along the River Lagan.
"A powerful, ancient site perfect for historical exploration and beautiful nature walks."
🎯 Visit in Daylight
Prioritize daylight hours for a safe and enjoyable visit. :camerawithflash:
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the monument and surrounding forest trails. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 473 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant's Ring Barrow
Central monument
An ancient ring barrow, nearly 5000 years old, offering a powerful connection to the past.
Wedge Tomb
Center of the Ring
Discover the intriguing wedge tomb nestled within the heart of the ancient ring.
Lagan River Valley Walks
Surrounding area
Scenic forest pathways along the River Lagan, perfect for hiking and dog walking.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Daylight Visits Recommended
Explore Beyond the Ring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Giants ring - is it safe to visit?
I want to visit the Giants ring to photograph it, I hear the location is used for dodgy activities such as dogging. Is it safe to visit during day light? Read a review online of someone claiming to be harassed by a group of middle aged men but I’m assuming this happened when it…
🎯 Visit in Daylight
Prioritize daylight hours for a safe and enjoyable visit. :camerawithflash:
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the monument and surrounding forest trails. :athletic_shoe:
I visited the Giants ring a few days ago.
The wife and I stayed at Crowne Plaza one night and decided to see what the Giants ring was. Parked in the car park and witnessed a lot of men parking up and disappearing together into the bushes, in broad daylight no less
The Giants Ring - what is the purpose of it?
The Giants ring is a monument in a secluded area near Shaws Bridge, it is older than the Pyramids of Giza and is believed to have been there since the Neolithic era. I have been to this area and it is surrounded entirely by trees and fields, I am curious to know were the trees…
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths
A popular spot for dog walkers with well-socialized dogs. 🐕
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is available at the site, or try Shaws Bridge/Minnowburn. 🚗
Edenderry, leading towards Giants Ring
That from the rose garden just past Minnowburn? Lovely spot if so.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Visit in Daylight
Prioritize daylight hours for a safe and enjoyable visit. :camerawithflash:
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the monument and surrounding forest trails. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths
A popular spot for dog walkers with well-socialized dogs. 🐕
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is available at the site, or try Shaws Bridge/Minnowburn. 🚗
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Giant's Ring for its historical significance and the beautiful surrounding natural landscape, ideal for walks and dog-friendly outings. While the ancient monument is a key draw, some recommend visiting during daylight hours due to safety concerns raised by a few individuals.
"Quiet and rural location not far from Belfast city centre. Idea for biking to or hiking if you fancy a long walk."
Malachy Scullion
"If you are in the area it is absolutely worth a stop. Really not sure where else you would ever see something like this. It is absolutely massive."
Ever1881
"Has anyone else meditated here and if so what did you sense/percieve?
I initially enjoyed walking around on a sunny day but got spooked when I connected with the land. I'd love to hear other people's views on the energetics of the place."
JP
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Giant's Ring is a quiet, rural location not far from Belfast city centre. It's accessible by car, and many visitors also enjoy biking or hiking to the site. You can also park at Shaws Bridge or Minnowburn and follow the River Lagan pathways.
Yes, there is parking available directly at the Giant's Ring site. Alternatively, you can park at Shaws Bridge or Minnowburn and enjoy a scenic walk along the river to reach the monument.
Absolutely! Cycling is a popular way to reach the Giant's Ring, offering a pleasant journey through the surrounding countryside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Giant's Ring is a historical site and public space, so there is no entrance fee. You can visit and explore freely.
As an outdoor historical site, the Giant's Ring is accessible at all times. However, it is recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and the best experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Giant's Ring is an ancient monument, a large ring barrow dating back nearly 5000 years, with a wedge tomb in its center. It's a significant historical and archaeological site.
While generally safe during daylight, some visitors have noted concerns about safety around dusk. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours and be aware of your surroundings.
Yes, the Giant's Ring and its surrounding areas are very popular for dog walking. Many owners are responsible and ensure their dogs are well-socialized.
Exploring the monument itself can take about 30 minutes. However, if you plan to walk the surrounding forest paths or visit nearby attractions like Shaws Bridge, you could easily spend several hours.
The Giant's Ring is a prehistoric monument, believed to have been used for ceremonial or burial purposes. Its age and preserved structure make it a site of considerable historical interest.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer beautiful, soft illumination for photographing the ancient monument and the surrounding landscape. Consider the golden hours for dramatic shots.
Yes, the ancient barrow, the wedge tomb, and the scenic forest walks provide numerous photo opportunities. The interplay of light and shadow on the ancient stones can be particularly striking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit