Hillsborough Forest
Hillsborough Forest is set in the picturesque Georgian village of Royal Hillsborough and sits just a few minutes walk from Hillsborough Castle, adjacent to Hillsborough Fort. A popular choice among bird-watchers, dog walkers, photographers and nature-lovers, the forest covers an area of almost 200 acres and has way-marked routes providing a variety of different walks to suit everyone.
Visitors can enjoy upgraded pathways throughout, stunning lakeside viewpoints with seating, additional picnic benches, extra car-parking facilities, and a state-of-the-art woodland-themed outdoor children's play area. The whole of the lake area is a forest wildlife sanctuary and is home to a wide variety of birds and animals. Look out for the many species of resident and over-wintering waterfowl, especially swans and several varieties of duck
Two red graded forest trails allow the casual walker access around the lake and to the back of the forest past the Fox Fort rath. Each trail commences from the entrance at the car park, where colour coded trail waymarked discs can be followed throughout the park.
THE LAKE TRAIL
This 1.8km circular route explores the lakeshore and surrounding woodland. The route is relatively flat and suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. There are many adjoining paths to explore if you wish to shorten or lengthen your route as well as viewpoints with seating for those that wish to stop, relax and enjoy the views.
FOX FORT TRAIL
This 3.4km circular route starts at the lake before exploring further into the forest around the outer boundary of the park to the Fox Fort Rath. Most of this trail is flat with wide pathways, apart from the short loop through the Fox Fort Rath which is hilly and narrower on the ascent. The woodland themed playground is accessed from the trail before returning to the lakeside and finishing back at the carpark.
DIGITAL SCULPTURE TRAIL
This flat, 1.9km circular trail allows visitors to explore 10 sculptures with an exciting, augmented reality App that takes you through the forest leading you from one sculpture to the next.
Opening times
Children's Play Park Opening Times:-
(Apr-Sept)
Monday 10:30 - 21:00
Tuesday - Sunday: 09:00- 21:00
(Oct-March)
Monday 10:00-17:00
Tuesday - Sunday: 09:00-17:00
Getting to the start by car
If travelling by car, the A1 (Belfast to Dublin) dual carriageway provides access to the village via the roundabout at the north end of the village or the flyover bridge at the south end. The Forest entrance is located at the end of Park Street, which is signposted from the main road through the village.
Directions from Town
The forest can also be accessed by public transport via Ulsterbus 38 or Goldline 238.
Location