Ballypatrick Forest

Ballypatrick Forest lies in the north east corner of Co Antrim, and is bisected by the main A2 road which, a popular tourist route between the Glens of Antrim and the causeway Coast. It is near the intriguing Vanishing Lake, Loughareema and gives access to a constantly changing series of woodland vistas and distant views as it leads the visitor through this extensive upland forest.

The woodland at the entrance is the oldest in the forest being planted in 1948. Filtered views, through these older trees, reveal the upland sheep pastures around the headwaters of the Carey River.

Initially the Drive wends its way upstream alongside the tributary Corratavey Burn to arrive at the unique Irish Ford. This impressive archway provides passage for both the Burn and the Forest Drive while high above speeds the traffic on the A2. The design of the ford compels the driver to negotiate the paved bed of the stream. Through the archway is a picnic area, enhanced by the tumbling burn alongside.

Continuing uphill the open areas among the woodland begin to display characteristic upland vegetation dominated by heather. Openings have been deliberately created in the conifer woodland alongside the drive to facilitate planting more broadleaves which benefit from the shelter produced by the hardier spruce.

The Drive then reaches its highest level (300m) with a number of vista car parks provided from which the visitor can enjoy the view towards the causeway coast.

Descending from the high level, the drive passes near the site of a 'Double Horned Cairn'. This interesting archaeological site is a form of grave dating back to 2000BC, containing two burial chambers. The common form of this structure found more frequently in Northern Ireland, consists of only one burial chamber.

The Drive now continues downhill to enter Glenmakeeran with its associated stream, which eventually flows into the Carey River. This sheltered area of the forest has been developed to provide a series of small car parks and picnic areas with views of Knocklayd Mountain. The woodland is predominantly made up of broadleaved trees including a flourishing eucalyptus, which is native of Australia.

As the Drive turns now towards the exit it passes and extensive area of open bog land which is still utilised for cutting turf to heat many of the local farm houses in winter.

The Drive finally returns to the A2 half a mile north of the entrance.

At these times the current Recreation Charges will apply, and will be collected either by the Forest Ranger or through the Ticket Machine at the main entrance.

The entrance to the 6 mile long Forest Drive is signposted from the A2 midway between Ballycastle and Cushendall.