Glenariff Forest Park
Dubbed the 'Queen of the Glens', Glenariff is the most dramatic of the nine Antrim Glens — a short drive from Ballymena that rewards visitors with thundering waterfalls, mossy gorges and ancient oak woodland. The Waterfall Trail is one of Northern Ireland's great short walks, and it genuinely earns every superlative thrown at it.
The Waterfall Trail
The 3 km circular Waterfall Trail winds through a steep river gorge past three named falls — Ess-na-Larach, Ess-na-Crub and the Mare's Tail — each one louder and more photogenic than the last. Timber boardwalks hug the cliff face, keeping your boots dry while putting you close enough to feel the spray on your face.
Even on a grey Northern Irish morning the gorge glows green, the canopy filtering light onto the white water below. Autumn is particularly special when the beech and oak turn gold against the dark basalt rock.
Beyond the Falls
Above the gorge the forest opens into wide picnic meadows with views down the glen to Red Bay and the sea — a classic Antrim panorama that stops most walkers dead in their tracks. The tearoom at the visitor centre serves decent soup and soda bread, which feels exactly right after a wet trail.
Glenariff is also the start point for the longer Moyle Way long-distance route, so serious walkers can extend the day considerably. Birdwatchers regularly spot dippers and grey wagtails working the river shallows.
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