Nine nifty dog walks to burn off those festive calories

1. Lagan Valley Regional Park
12.55km

Pack a picnic and stroll along the towpath and absorb the sounds of the flowing river. This area is a beautiful patchwork of wet meadows, ponds, woodland and parkland. Keep a keen eye out for the Kingfishers and remember you can fill up the water bottles for all the family at Lagan Valley Island.

2. Hillsborough Forest
4km

Home to the recently launched Digital Sculpture Trail, Hillsborough Forest is a popular choice for bird-watchers, dog walkers, photographers and nature-lovers. The forest covers an area of almost 200 acres and there is a variety of routes to suit everyone. Your dog is welcome to be off the lead but shouldn’t be allowed to disturb the wildlife at any time of the year.

3. Billy Neill MBE Country Park
3km of walking trails/2.2km of cycle trails

 

Boasting 115 acres of beautiful countryside just outside Dundonald, this country park packs a real punch. Bring the bikes for the 180-metre pump track and be sure to let your furry family enjoy the two dog exercise areas on-site. Remember to keep your dog off the football pitches! The park also plays host to Jubilee Wood, with over 300 native species and 24.7 acres of native woodland to explore.

 

4. Glenmore Parkland Trail
2.7km

Extended in 2021, Glenmore Parkland Trail offers 2.7km of paths and habitats. The trail skirts a Site of Local Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCI) within the Lagan Valley Regional Park and offers outdoor recreation and physical activity in a natural wildlife setting.

 

5. Moat Park
2.5 km

 

Moat Park is a green oasis within the expanding townland of Dundonald. It offers idyllic walks around the historic motte and is home to a wide variety of wildlife including the tiny Goldcrest, our smallest native bird at only nine centimetres in length and weighing the same as a 20 pence coin. Please make sure your dog is safely tied up if you are using the play park or the multi-use games area, where dogs are not allowed.

6. Moira Demesne
1.5km

 

Moira Demense is nestled within the picturesque village of Historic Moira and offers 40 acres of parkland with beautiful walkways, picnic sites and a children’s play area. Spend the day in the demesne and then head to the village at night for some of the area's famous culinary delights. Like our other parks, dogs cannot join the young ones in the play park. Please do not exercise your dogs on the football pitches from 1st September to 30th April.

 

7. Wallace Park
1.2km

 

This 26-acre park is situated in the heart of Lisburn and includes walkways around Lisburn Cricket Club’s grounds and the famous duck pond, which was built in the seventeenth century as the town’s reservoir. Your dog is welcome to be off the lead in this park but not on the football pitches from 1st September to 30th April. The play park is for children only - so please keep your dog safely tied up outside while the children have a play. Only club members can access the cricket ground and dogs are not permitted in that area.

 

8. Lough Moss Leisure Centre
1.2km

 

This popular facility in the heart of the community offers a trail where you can walk or run with your four-legged friend. Please keep your dog off the multi-use games areas all year round and the football pitches during the playing season (1st September to 30th April).

 

9. Barbour Playing Fields
0.2km

 

This area hosts three football pitches, which are used by local teams and residents 12 months of the year. It has an exercise area just for dogs and you’re welcome to exercise your pooch on the football pitches off-season (1st May to 31st August). Outside of those times, please keep them on a lead.

 

We want everyone to enjoy our parks and open spaces and remind dog owners to keep your dog under your control and always clean up after it. The fine is £100 if you are caught failing to clean up after your dog.

 

If out and about with your dog and family or friends why not get a bite to eat in one of our local dog friendly places to eat.  Find out more on this link