Ballyboley Forest
Ballyboley Forest was first planted in 1957, and today provides a good example of multiple land-use with its large catchment area supplying water to the surrounding communities, and the forest growing raw material for the saw mills.
The dam at Killylane was constructed in 1955 and can supply Larne, Ballymena, Ballyclare and parts of Antrim with up to 3 million gallons a day. It is stocked annually with rainbow trout and therefore attracts many anglers to the area.
Other recreation facilities in the forest include a touring caravan site, which provides a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside; Way Marked Trails, including the Ulster Way; and pony trekking trails.
How to get there
From Larne: Take the A8 for 2.5 miles. Turn right onto the A38, Shanes Hill Road for approximately 3 miles. Turn left onto Upper Ballyboley Road. Forest entrance is signposted.
From Ballymena: Take the A36 signposted Larne (approximately 14 miles). Turn right onto Upper Ballyboley Road. Forest entrance is signposted.
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