This is probably one of the nicest children's play parks in Carrickfergus, and strangely, a lot of…read morepeople don't know about it, as it is quite secluded! There are two entrances to Legg Park, one along the main Belfast Road, just up from the Model Primary School, and another entrance facing the Windrose. The park is fully fenced off and really well equipped with soft flooring, swings, slides and climbing frames. The park is also really nicely landscaped with lots of benches making it pleasant to sit around on a sunny day.

The Glenn (Glas-Na-Bradan -Irish for Green of the Salmon ) is a pathway part of Ulster Way walking…read morepath. You'd hardly know it was here (look out for the signs) but it's a delightful wee walk along by the riverside under some giant trees, animals scampering by, and will eventually lead you out at various exits (either at The Valley Leisure Centre or The Abbey Centre or on the Shore Road at Whitehouse Park, which will take you on to Hazel Bank) at the bottom exit at Shore Road, there's an old property called Rantalard House. This house was a 19th century old family home with a large walled garden and sheltering trees. It's now owned by the Housing Executive and used as part of their offices. The Glenn isn't not exactly a walk you MUST go on, but it is a nice wee dander if you're around these parts. I have to warn you though it's probably best to stay away from here when it gets dark. You might think it's maybe just me cause I'm a young girl who obviously shouldn't' walk around alone at night, but trust me, male or female I wouldn't fancy a dander round here in the dark, even if you're just using it for a short cut when night falls. I'm only warning as a precautionary measure. Be careful! You never know who's out there.

I live only a stones throw away from this beautiful park and so I've many great memories from my…read morechildhood of running around in the summer sun playing chasies on the grass, sledding down the snow covered hills during the chilly Winter months or kicking up the leaves on a beautiful Autumns evening. It's a brilliant place to take a walk to clear your head, I've done that only a few thousand times. It's great for somewhere to bring your dog (but clean up any mess, there's a number of special bins for this purpose) or come on a Sunday if you fancy a quick stroll along the sea front, though beware you'll be joining the masses. The path leads from Carrick to Whiteabbey to Hazelbank then you can follow the brilliant new cycle path all the way in to Belfast. Either follow the winding path or stroll along the sandy beaches where you'll often find some intriguing driftwood or some interesting shells. (I love doing this!) There's a new mural on the walls of the tunnels (at the exits leading to Gideons Green or to the Shore Road) that was done recently by a local artist called Michael Dunn and depicts various events and locations around the area, such as the Belfast marathon which follows this route. These tunnels used to be covered in some nasty graffiti from local kids thinking they're funny, so it's great now to see this space being used for some proper art work. Have a look at my pictures to see the mural.

We live close to this amazing park, so we have a chance to spend time here often. Hazelbank is…read moregreat for walking and playing with your dog, there is a children's play area for the kids, many picnic tables and big grass fields as well as outside gym equipment and huge car park. Usually there is an ice cream van as well to treat yourself :) Was in the park in the last few days, the number of pokemon go players are shocking, there are several pokestops so they are sitting in the car and keep collecting the balls & eggs etc. you will see all generations walking there like zombies looking at their phones trying to catch all the pokemons. If you are playing as well, visit the park, Im sure you wont go home without some rare creatures.

This is a great walk on the outskirts of Belfast. It is well hidden from the Manse road entrance…read morebut don't be put off its worth the view! It takes roughly 30 - 40 mins to ascend depending on fitness level. The path leads from a quaint bridge along a stony lane running behind Lagan college. It has quite a steep incline half way through - really gets the heart pumping. The vista over Belfast and the lough are breath taking. I usually catch a plane or ship coming in. Tip 1. Parking can be tight, i recommend parking in local estate Garland Hill and adding to the dander Tip 2. If you don't fancy the strenuous walk up hill there is another entrance with parking on the Lisnabreeny road itself.

I love finding different places to walk without having to travel too far and this is another such…read moreplace. 10 mins by car from my house in Carryduff and nestled in the Castlereagh hills. There's a small car park off Manse Rd easy to miss as it's not signposted. Entry to the walk is through a wooden gate on the left. You are on a par with Cavehill height- wise and when it's clear you can see right down to the port of Belfast or over to the spectacular Mournes. There's a Rath surrounded by trees which is eerily quiet and the gravelled path leads you down towards Cregagh Glen and waterfalls. You walk past the back of Lagan college and enter the Glen via an underpass. Be careful as the old railway sleeper path ways can be treacherous as I found out to my cost recently! They look dry but can be slippery as I ended upon my ass. Fortunately nothing damaged except ny dignity! You can take a detour to visit the monument to American soldiers who served in NI during WW2 or walk on down the Glen which is beautiful especially after rain when the water is really flowing. It is quite a steep walk back up to the car park but there are a few benches dotted around. Hard to believe you are right in the heart of urban Belfast. This place is well worth a visit with kids (there's a little adventure playground) or its a haven for dog walkers or even just on your own.

This is an excellent park. It suits all age groups from youngest of the young to the elder folk!!!…read morePlenty of well kept flower beds, the place is spotless and lots to see and do. Love the lake but didn't get to see the inside of the Pavillion. Great toddlers play area and there are tennis courts and bowling green. There are also tables on which one can Bbq. The colours of the flowers and kiddies play area are wonderful and this is a wonderful gift left by Sir Frederick Adair in 1909.

Great place to camp! Beautiful scenery, a lake and a castle…read moreon the grounds. Big field where you can pick where to pitch your tent. Friendly wardens. A small cafe on the grounds. Absolutely lovely!

The sun doesn't even have to be shining to put the massive grounds of Castlewellan to good use…read more There is quite a bit of natural shelter from wind and rain. When it is sunny however this place gets very busy, especially by the lake where people don't just picnic - and indeed BBQ - but kayak, fish, walk, cycle, and bring their dogs for a swim. There are plenty of amenities on site or very nearby, such as plenty of parking, clean public bathrooms, a small cafe, and a large shop within easy walking distance. There is also a huge maze for you to try and find your way out of and that alone could take up a good hour. Entrance fee per car is £4.50 - a bargain for a full day's outing. Tip: there are some rubbish bins but not a lot; people tend to take their rubbish with them. The grounds are kept exceptionally clean.

We took our toddler here today for a day in victoria park and I'm impressed by how it has changed,…read moreit looks a lot tidier and there's a lot of work has been put into the park making it great park to go to. Theres a automatic toilet unit which is 20p to get in, it self cleans as I waiting on the door to open it said wait self cleaning, pretty cool for a toilet. The toilet has a baby changing table and automatic soap dispenser, water and air and automatic flush. Also the voice inside reminds you to lock the door and to bring all your belongings with you. Handy toilet. I think you have a 15 minute time allowance in the toilet as I saw a timer display for 15 minutes. The children's park has been changed and its way better theres a massive climbing frame, baby swings, slides and spinning seats. Really good park most of the ground around the slides etc have rubber flooring which is handy if baby falls. Theres also a picnic table in the play area. This park is great for a walk or a run theres also outdoor gym equipment for adults placed around the park in different areas.

I love this park. Must be the best if not one of the best around…read more The work they have done on it over the last few years is awesome. Great wide flat path that is easy walking /cycling/wheeling for all. There is also a more sort of nature trail on the outside bank and on the inside islands. Views of Harland and Wolff are great. Also the airport to see the planes. The inside island has has outdoor gym equipment and grass pitches. They have a great kids park and also a basketball court beside it. There is a bmx track next to it. There's plenty of ducks etc to see. The parking is good also. My face thing about the park is that there is no way you can get lost as it's an easy loop to follow. There's also a gate with walking access at 2 points to the Sydenham bypass. There's another entrance via the new Sam Thompson bridge over by the docks.

Mesmerisingly beautiful forest park located in South Belfast which is less cultivated and more…read morenatural in style. Really comes into its own during autumn when leaves turn golden. There are numerous trails to follow whether your walking, running or just aimlessly wandering. The air is filled with birdsong and sounds of running water from the Lagan River; I never listen to music or podcasts when walking through Belvoir as the sounds of nature are so relaxing. This is fast becoming one of my favourite locations in Belfast.

Let me start by clarifying the name of this forest park. Despite the spelling, its name is…read morepronounced 'Beaver'. Yes, it's odd I know. So, anyhoo, it's got an odd name, what else can I tell you about Belvoir? Well, it's a beautiful green space close to the centre of Belfast and in my experience, one that not that many people know about. Obviously, there is plenty of space taken over by lush green trees and shrubs which is ideal for kids and dogs. I think dogs are meant to be kept on leads but not everyone sticks to that and as long as the dogs behave, no-one gets too bent out of shape. There's also a river running through the forest park which dogs can splash about in although I don't let the kids go in it as I have a little bit of a rat phobia. Squirrels are everywhere, so take some nuts and they will come quite close to you to eat them. Cultured types will also be interested in the historical aspects of the forest like the 12th century motte. More simple types like me will just enjoy the fresh air, the greenery and the squirrels.

The Glengormley Park is a great area for both kids and grown ups to come and enjoy on a sunny day…read more There's a play park for the kiddies (and not so kiddies who want to play) and there's a huge lawn area to walk the dog or take a gentle stroll around. This area can be a bit dodgy, so personally I'd stay away at night as I'd say it's probably frequented by the local hoods for their late night drinking sessions, but look on the bright side, go in the day and it's a gorgeous park. We should all try to help keep our local parks in good order and keep the vandals out. Glengormley isn't' maybe quite as nice as Hazelbank or the Cave Hill but it's great for those in the area to enjoy a bit of fresh air. Plus, the kids park has all sorts of amazing rides (I'm a big kid, I would know!) It also includes the following facilities; Toilets, Car Park, Dog Bin, Bowling Green, Pavilion, Walking Routes, Historic Feature, Picnic Area, Playground, Tennis Court and Basketball Court.

Glengormley Park does the job. It's not huge, so there are no great hikes to be had, nor is there…read moreany interesting plant life that would warrant a visit. No, Glengormely Park is simply a green space in the middle of a pretty dreary village, designed to give the residents somewhere to go, and, to be fair, it does that pretty well. As the aunt of 4 children, I can honestly say that Glengormley Park is a childminders' dream. The play area is pretty well equipped and keeps the kids occupied for hours at a time. So, while it might not be spectacular, Glengormley Park provides a service - one for which I'm sure mothers all over are glad!