In the verdant embrace of nature, where the hustle of city life dissipates like morning mist, the neighbourhoods of Antrim and Newtownabbey welcome both four-legged companions and their human counterparts with open arms. Each dog walk here is not merely a routine; it’s an adventure and a tapestry woven from the fabric of scenic beauty, community spirit, and the rhythmic pulse of nature. Below are ten idyllic locales for dog walking that promise to mesmerise both you and your furry friend.
1. Antrim Castle Gardens
Address: Castle Grounds, Antrim, BT41 4LH
Contact: +44 28 9446 3113
Website: antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
Glistening with historical elegance, Antrim Castle Gardens flourishes like a well-tended flowerbed. With sprawling lawns and meandering paths flanked by botanical marvels, this locale invites dogs of all breeds to explore. The gardens are ideal for leisurely strolls, where the gentle rustling of leaves sets the stage for an enchanting outing filled with aromatic fragrances.
2. Lough Neagh Coast
Address: Lough Neagh, Antrim, BT41 1AA
Contact: +44 28 9448 5302
Website: visitofficialloughneagh.com
Not merely a walk, but a journey along the majestic shores of Lough Neagh—a body of water that reflects the sky like a sapphire set in a silver frame. Trails skirt the lough, beckoning dogs to run freely as the waves whisper secrets of the water. The vistas are a painter’s palette, changing with each season, ensuring every visit feels like a new chapter in an ever-unfolding story.
3. Ballyclare Country Park
Address: Country Park, Ballyclare, BT39 9BG
Contact: +44 28 9335 1812
Website: antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
In the heart of Ballyclare lies a sanctuary of tranquillity—Ballyclare Country Park. Like a hidden alcove of serenity, this park offers a mixture of woodland paths and open spaces where dogs can frolic beneath canopies of ancient trees. The serenity here allows the mind to bask in solitude, while soft crunching sounds underfoot remind you of the life that thrives beneath the surface.
4. Six Mile Waterway
Address: Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, BT37 0EU
Contact: +44 28 9034 0000
Website: N/A
The Six Mile Waterway flows like a silver ribbon, weaving dreams through the landscape. This path, perfect for leisurely walks, is ideal for dog owners who crave a touch of adventure. The tranquil waters, flanked by lush greenery, create a seamless backdrop for joggers, cyclists, and walkers alike. It’s a thriving ecosystem, where the call of birds melds harmoniously with the soft splashes of fish breaking the surface.
5. Cave Hill Country Park
Address: 12a Upper Cave Hill Rd, Belfast, BT15 5GR
Contact: +44 28 9032 0202
Website: belfastcity.gov.uk
Perched high above the urban sprawl, Cave Hill Country Park presents a spectacular panorama, inviting those who dare to ascend its rugged terrain. With trails ranging from gentle slopes to more challenging climbs, this locale encourages both exploration and exhilaration. The sense of accomplishment attained upon summiting is only rivalled by the thrilling views that unfold like a grand tapestry at your feet.
6. Glenwherry Forest
Address: Glenwherry, Ballymena, BT42 4AP
Contact: +44 28 2563 8282
Website: N/A
Glenwherry Forest envelops visitors in a lush, green embrace, where trees stand tall like guardians of forgotten tales. This destination offers an expansive network of trails that twist and turn through the woodland, perfect for dogs who relish the freedom of exploration. The aromatic earthy scent and the symphony of rustling leaves create an enchanting atmosphere that feels removed from the worries of the world.
7. Newtownabbey Way
Address: Newtownabbey, BT37 9DB
Contact: +44 28 9034 0000
Website: N/A
Emailing message to nature, the Newtownabbey Way is a pathway that threads through both town and countryside, inviting encounters with diverse wildlife. This walk offers a blend of urban and rural landscapes, where lively exchanges between dog owners and their pets create connections amidst the serenity. Each step is an invitation to observe—the vibrant blooms, the call of distant animals, and the enchanting dance of the wind through the grass.
8. Doagh River Walk
Address: Doagh Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 6NG
Contact: +44 28 9034 0000
Website: N/A
The Doagh River Walk whispers stories of time and nature as it winds along the eponymous river. Footpaths hug the banks, offering dog walkers scenic passages alongside bubbling waters. The sound of flowing water creates a melody; a musical score that soothes the heart while invigorating the spirit. Each moment spent here is a step towards rejuvenation.
9. Parkgate Village Green
Address: Parkgate, Antrim, BT39 0EA
Contact: +44 28 9446 7788
Website: N/A
In the quaint charm of Parkgate, the Village Green serves as a communal heart—a lively congregation point for residents and their pets. Its expanses of grass beckon dogs to play under watchful skies, while locals gather to trade stories and laughter. The picturesque scenery, along with seasonal flowers blooming, turns a simple walk into an engaging dialogue with the surroundings.
10. Jordans Mill Trail
Address: 3 Newtownabbey Rd, Antrim, BT41 2JY
Contact: +44 28 9442 8900
Website: jordansmill.com
This charming trail takes you through rich farmland and open spaces. As the gentle rustle of wheat fields dances with the breeze, dogs revel in the sheer splendor of nature. The path offers a rejuvenating escape from routine, making it an ideal choice for those who seek tranquillity interspersed with moments of vitality and joy.
In these ten dog walks around Antrim and Newtownabbey, each step taken resonates with the essence of exploration and joy. As you embark on these scenic adventures, may you find not just the beauty of nature, but also deeper connections—with your dog, and with the bountiful world surrounding you. Fill your days with the rhythms of the earth, an endless journey that promises discovery at every turn.
