Main Features of Glenariff Forest Park
There are 9 Glens on the Antrim coast and Glenariff is the ‘Queen of the Glens’. The Glen has classic features of glacial formation; steep sided ‘U’ shaped valley, with hanging waterfalls over the upper, sheer edges. In the Glen, the Glenariff and Inver rivers tumble down over precipitous falls and rapids. Glenariff Forest comprises 1182 hectares.
The Forest contains a mixture of original tree and scrub species (such as oak, elm, hazel and ash) and other introduced tree species (beech, larch, Scots pine, Douglas fir and rhododendron) from about 100 years ago. There are some mature stands of Larch, Spruce, Pine and Fir in Glenariff, some dating from 1921.
Bisecting the forest are two small but beautiful rivers; the Inver and the Glenariff, containing spectular waterfalls, tranquil pools and stretches of fast flowing water tumbling through rocky steep-sided gorges.
People have been using the Glen for recreation since 1889. The Dobbs family built & moved into a lodge in Glenariff in the late 19th century. The current ornamental garden is a legacy of that time. The Glenariff Glen was previously owned by the Ulster Transport Authority, and the main park area by the Dobbs Family. The current area of the estate came to the Forest Service between 1950 and 1971. The Forest Park was developed and opened for recreation in 1977.
The forest has a restaurant with a refurbished wheelchair friendly terrace and a craft shop which are open every day during high season and at weekends during low season.
The Visitor Centre which has recently been refurbished is open all year round and contains an exhibition detailing the history and geology of the area as well as the work of the Forest Service. The wildlife display is of particular interest to young children.
