‘Touring in the Trees’ permits
Demand has been high for ‘Touring in the Trees’ permits for the 2019 season. To avoid users being unable to secure a pitch during the busiest periods, it has been necessary to close the application process. Forest Service apologises for any inconvenience. Forest Service will continue to monitor use of the sites as well as feedback from customers to decide whether further permits can be sold.
Camping and touring online booking
You can now book online if you'd like to camp or stay in a caravan, motorhome, campervan, folding caravan or trailer tent at the following forest parks in Northern Ireland:
- Castlewellan Forest Park camp/ touring online booking
- Drum Manor Forest Park camping/ touring online booking
- Glenariff Forest Park touring online booking
- Tollymore Forest Park camping/ touring online booking
Over 100 forests to explore
Northern Ireland has over 100 public forests you can visit. They’re great places for walking, exercising dogs, running, orienteering. In some you can organise events, go camping, caravanning, picnicking or horse riding. Find out more:
Gosford Forest Park
Gosford Forest Park's visitor facilities are in the process of being improved. This is as a result of close cooperation between Forest Service and 'Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council' who will manage visitor facilities at the forest from 1 January 2019.
This will mean better walking, cycling and horse riding trails. New forest signage and map displays will also give you a better understanding of the forest and facilities available.
Works are ongoing and therefore some areas of the forest may have restricted access as work progresses. Visitors are asked to follow all health and safety notices and signs.
Ballyboley Forest, County Antrim
The 'Touring in the Trees' site has been closed due to issues with the water supply. Other supply arrangements are being considered and a final decision will be taken when this information is available. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Forest recreation charges
On event days, some charges apply to particular forests. There are also charges for the use of additional facilities in some forests - these apply to vehicles, people and to some activities and organised events. The link below has details of concessions for charities and community groups, caravanning and camping.
Report wildlife sightings online
In Northern Ireland, the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR) collates wildlife records for both native and non-native species.
You can record your sightings on its website either as a single record event or you can register with them and send details through a free online account.