Ards Forest Park Donegal Guide to Trails, Walks and Beaches

Donegal has no shortage of stunning scenery, but Ards Forest Park is genuinely something special. Tucked away on the N56 between Creeslough and Dunfanaghy in north Donegal, this 1,200-acre woodland paradise is one of Ireland’s most underrated days out.

You have beaches, forest trails, wildlife and archaeology all waiting for you in the one place. It is the kind of spot that ticks every box, whether you are after a gentle stroll, a proper hike or just a peaceful few hours out in nature.

Not many places in Ireland pack this much variety into a single visit. Ards Forest Park absolutely does, and it deserves far more attention than it gets.

What Is Ards Forest Park?

Ards Forest Park is a Coillte-managed forest park sitting on a peninsula that juts out into Sheephaven Bay.

What sets it apart from other forest parks around Ireland is the sheer variety of habitats you get all packed into the one place. You have got sand dunes, salt marshes, rocky shoreline, oak woodland and freshwater lakes, and you can take it all in on a single visit.

It covers around 1,200 acres and offers nine marked trails of varying difficulty. Whether you are a casual walker or a seasoned hiker, there is something here with your name on it.

It is also one of the finest hidden gems in Ireland that many visitors simply drive straight past without even knowing what they are missing.

Getting There and Parking

The park sits right on the N56, roughly 10 minutes from Dunfanaghy and about 30 minutes from Letterkenny. You honestly cannot miss it.

Parking costs €5 and it is contactless only, so leave the cash in your pocket and have your card handy. There is no cash machine on site, so do not say you were not warned.

Ards Forest Park Opening Times

Opening times change with the seasons. From April through to September the car park is open from 8am to 9pm.

October through March it closes at 5pm. If you are planning a winter visit, get there early and make the most of the daylight while you have it.

The Trails at Ards Forest Park

This is where things get really exciting. There are seven well-marked trails and they vary massively in length and challenge, so there is genuinely something to suit everyone.

Sand Dune Trail (1km, Easy)

A lovely gentle walk that hugs the coastline through woodland and sand dunes with gorgeous views over Clonmass Bay. Perfect if you are after a short, scenic stroll.

Nature Trail (1.5km, Easy)

This one loops from the car park out toward Rinnlack Point and Jeffry’s Lough with brilliant views of the Back Strand. Another great option for families and first-time visitors.

Yellow Trail (4km, Easy)

Takes you past Rinnalack Hill and out to the beautiful shores of Lough Lily. A step up in length but still very manageable for most walkers.

Heritage Trail (5km, Moderate)

A looped route through lush woodland that passes a ring fort, a holy well and a mass rock. History lovers will absolutely be in their element on this one.

Binngorm Trail (3.5km, Hard)

Not one for the faint-hearted. This trail skirts around Ards Hill out to Binnagorm Point with spectacular views of Sheephaven Bay. The effort is well worth it though.

Red Trail (13km, Challenging)

The park’s longest trail and a serious undertaking at around four hours. It flanks the entire park perimeter and takes you through a whole range of habitats along the way. 

These trails honestly rival some of the best hikes in Ireland for sheer variety and scenery.

Wildlife and Nature

Keep your eyes peeled as you walk. Ards Forest Park is home to red squirrels, foxes, badgers, hedgehogs and rabbits.

The oak forest is thick with blackberry and bramble, and Lough Lily is absolutely gorgeous with its white and yellow water lilies floating on the surface.

Along the coast you will find golden sandy beaches in true Donegal style, perfect for a paddle on a warm day.

The salt marshes, sand dune systems and rocky shoreline all sit within the park boundaries, making it one of the most ecologically diverse spots along the entire Wild Atlantic Way.

Facilities at Ards Forest Park

There is a decent playground for the kids, several picnic tables and clean toilets at the car park.

The Ards Coffee Tree café is on site too, which is just the job for a warm drink and a bite to eat after your walk. It is one of those places that makes a family day out genuinely hassle-free.

What’s Nearby?

After your walk, the area around Ards is packed with brilliant things to see and do.

Glenveagh National Park is roughly 40 minutes away and absolutely worth the trip if you have not been. The charming village of Dunfanaghy is just 10 minutes down the road with great pubs and restaurants.

Doe Castle and Ards Friary are both close by if you fancy a bit of history. If you are exploring the northwest, Ards Forest Park fits beautifully into any Donegal itinerary.

Annual Pass and Admission

Single visit parking is €5 contactless. If you are planning to visit Coillte parks regularly throughout the year, the annual pass works out at €50 and uses a QR code system.

You can pick it up online through the Coillte website.

FAQs

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