Clare Glen Woodland is a delightful walk along the banks of the River Cusher in Co Armagh. Many of the trees in the wood are multi stemmed. Throughout the woodland, hazel is abundant, with the perfect opportunity to spot wild garlic and bluebells, along with many different species of orchid.There are a number of colour coded waymarked trails within Clare Glen so you can either follow one of these trails or mix and match them, depending on your fitness preference. The linear Glen View Trail lasts 1.1 miles and is on the eastern side of the Cusher River. This trail gives a birds eye view of the unique landscape of the Glen.placeholder image
Clare Glen Woodland is a delightful walk along the banks of the River Cusher in Co Armagh. Many of the trees in the wood are multi stemmed. Throughout the woodland, hazel is abundant, with the perfect opportunity to spot wild garlic and bluebells, along with many different species of orchid.There are a number of colour coded waymarked trails within Clare Glen so you can either follow one of these trails or mix and match them, depending on your fitness preference. The linear Glen View Trail lasts 1.1 miles and is on the eastern side of the Cusher River. This trail gives a birds eye view of the unique landscape of the Glen.

11 places in Co Armagh to experience wildlife and the natural world

By Rebecca Sayers
Published 17th May 2024, 19:50 GMT

Co Armagh offers a diverse landscape, filled with natural wonders and striking wildlife. From breathtaking forests to fun petting zoos, this picturesque county offers a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers alike.

Step into the woodlands of Gosford Forest Park, where the ancient trees each present a story of their own, or venture to the shores of the Oxford Island Nature Reserve, where wetlands provide a vital habitat for many bird species.

Here are 12 of the best places to encounter the beauty of Armagh’s natural world.

As the longest running planetarium in the British Isles, the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium was opened in 1968 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018.The 12m diameter dome has witnessed the development of planetarium technology over the past half century. Initially equipped with a starball Goto projector, Armagh then pioneered the introduction of the video revolution into planetaria in the 1970’s. Today, Armagh Planetarium is equipped with a state-of-the art digital projector system providing an immersive experience under the full dome.Armagh’s Education team deliver a variety of presenter-led educated shows for up to 95 people under the dome, taking the audience on journeys around the solar system and the stars. These are accompanied by full dome digital planetarium shows that can take the viewer anywhere in the cosmos.

5. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, College Hill, Armagh

As the longest running planetarium in the British Isles, the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium was opened in 1968 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018.The 12m diameter dome has witnessed the development of planetarium technology over the past half century. Initially equipped with a starball Goto projector, Armagh then pioneered the introduction of the video revolution into planetaria in the 1970’s. Today, Armagh Planetarium is equipped with a state-of-the art digital projector system providing an immersive experience under the full dome.Armagh’s Education team deliver a variety of presenter-led educated shows for up to 95 people under the dome, taking the audience on journeys around the solar system and the stars. These are accompanied by full dome digital planetarium shows that can take the viewer anywhere in the cosmos. Photo: Discover NI

Managed by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Gosford Forest Park comprises some 240 hectares of diverse woodland and open parkland and is open 365 days per year.The park is an adventure paradise for all the family to enjoy with many different facilities including play parks, mountain bike tracks, horse and walking trails and a pump track.For play parks, Little Explorers is suitable for up to five years old and is an open grassy area, enclosed with a willow hedge. Take an aerial ride from the Castle Tower on two zip lines which give great views of the castle itself. Aside from the wide ranging activities, visitors should keep their eyes peeled for the woodland animals, birds and insects that live here including red squirrels, woodpeckers, deer and butterflies. Gosford Castle itself still remains, and is now a private residence which once featured in Game of Thrones.

6. Gosford Forest Park, Gosford Demesne, Markethill

Managed by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Gosford Forest Park comprises some 240 hectares of diverse woodland and open parkland and is open 365 days per year.The park is an adventure paradise for all the family to enjoy with many different facilities including play parks, mountain bike tracks, horse and walking trails and a pump track.For play parks, Little Explorers is suitable for up to five years old and is an open grassy area, enclosed with a willow hedge. Take an aerial ride from the Castle Tower on two zip lines which give great views of the castle itself. Aside from the wide ranging activities, visitors should keep their eyes peeled for the woodland animals, birds and insects that live here including red squirrels, woodpeckers, deer and butterflies. Gosford Castle itself still remains, and is now a private residence which once featured in Game of Thrones. Photo: Discover NI

Based in the Bachelors Walk area of Portadown, Edenvilla is 25.5 acres of maintained grassland and forest. The park hosts Portadown Hockey Club and also Portadown Tennis Ltd, and has many visitor attractions including sculpture trails, play park, open space for games and picnics. One thing that makes this nature spot stand out from the rest is the secret garden with fish pond and bird aviary.The secret garden layout includes a pond for wildlife exploration as well as havens for wildlife. With many unusual and scenic places to rest, the kids can enjoy a roam around the badger tunnels in a safe enclosed environment, while the adults take a break. The whole park has nature paths between the trees as well as forming part of the national cycle route linking Portadown and Lurgan. It is a busy and popular park with something for all of the family.

7. Edenvilla Park and Edenvilla Secret Garden, 10 Bachelors Walk, Portadown

Based in the Bachelors Walk area of Portadown, Edenvilla is 25.5 acres of maintained grassland and forest. The park hosts Portadown Hockey Club and also Portadown Tennis Ltd, and has many visitor attractions including sculpture trails, play park, open space for games and picnics. One thing that makes this nature spot stand out from the rest is the secret garden with fish pond and bird aviary.The secret garden layout includes a pond for wildlife exploration as well as havens for wildlife. With many unusual and scenic places to rest, the kids can enjoy a roam around the badger tunnels in a safe enclosed environment, while the adults take a break. The whole park has nature paths between the trees as well as forming part of the national cycle route linking Portadown and Lurgan. It is a busy and popular park with something for all of the family. Photo: Discover NI

Something a bit different is the Unleashed Dog Adventure Park. This nature area is the perfect place to come with your furry friends. With a huge lake with sloped access so that pups can enter with ease. Along with the activities, there is an adventure park and a fenced field so that you and your dog can enjoy a day in nature, without the fear of them getting lost. If you feel like you have had enough or if the weather isn’t great on the day you visit, but your pet still wants to roam around then you can sit and admire the views from the rain shelter, which provides cover and a place to sit and relax.

8. Unleashed Dog Adventure Park, 29 Bridge Road, Kilmore, Lurgan

Something a bit different is the Unleashed Dog Adventure Park. This nature area is the perfect place to come with your furry friends. With a huge lake with sloped access so that pups can enter with ease. Along with the activities, there is an adventure park and a fenced field so that you and your dog can enjoy a day in nature, without the fear of them getting lost. If you feel like you have had enough or if the weather isn’t great on the day you visit, but your pet still wants to roam around then you can sit and admire the views from the rain shelter, which provides cover and a place to sit and relax. Photo: pexels

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