This 115 acre space currently offers 10 natural grass soccer pitches, three of which meet IFA intermediate league standards. Situated on the A22 Comber Road, about one mile from Dundonald, it is supported by onsite car parking and an amenity building with 14 team changing rooms.
The access from the Comber Road crosses the Comber Greenway and the Enler River, passing a small pond and dog exercise areas.
Key facts about Billy Neill MBE Country Park
- Billy Neill MBE Country Park was named after one of Northern Ireland’s greatest footballer’s the late William (Billy) Neill MBE 1929-1997
- Billy was a legendary local personality. He was best known for having played for Glentoran Football Club from 1947 until the early 1960’s before managing the club 1965-66 and again in 1968
- the pitches are all located to the Southern end of the site with a large area of open space to the North and East, both of which have been developed
- as well as soccer, the Billy Neill Soccer Centre hosts other sporting activities, including the International Cross-Country Championship.
Facilities
At Billy Neill MBE Country Park there are:
- 3km of accessible walking trails
- 2.2km cycle trails
- a 180 metre pump track
- two dog exercise areas
- outdoor seating
- outdoor gym equipment
Biodiversity in the park
The small pond supports some wildlife and along with the adjacent lands is a designated flood alleviation area associated with the Enler River, to assist with flood prevention in Comber.
The Northern end of the site has the Jubilee Wood, comprising about 300 native species.
The eastern proportion has 24.7 acres planted in native woodland.
Education and events
This popular park is an area our Biodiversity Officer would bring local schools to plant wildflowers as part of our biodiversity programme.
Contact details
Biodiversity Officer
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Lagan Valley Island
1 The Island
Lisburn
BT27 4RL
Email: ParksAndAmenitiesAdmin@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
Seasonal and community events are hosted by us and will be promoted on our social channels at @LisburnCastlereagh and @lisburnccc