Walking Trails at Gosford Forest Park
Gosford Forest Park is one of the top walking destinations in County Armagh. Visitors can enjoy peaceful forest trails winding through mature woodland, open parkland and scenic countryside. The extensive trail network caters for everyone from casual walkers to those looking for a longer outdoor adventure.
Perfect For:
- Family walks
- Dog walking
- Nature lovers
- Trail running
- Wildlife spotting
- Photography enthusiasts
The park’s varied terrain and tranquil atmosphere make it a year-round destination for outdoor recreation.
Family Fun and Adventure Play
One of the park’s biggest attractions is its impressive woodland outdoor play area. Stretching for approximately 3km, the adventure playground features five large play structures designed to encourage exploration, imagination and active play.
Young adventurers can climb, balance, swing and explore while parents enjoy the natural surroundings.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Cyclists can take advantage of dedicated mountain bike trails and multi-use routes throughout the park. Gosford Forest Park has long been a popular destination for mountain biking enthusiasts seeking woodland trails and exciting outdoor challenges.
The park also features a Pump Track, offering a fun and skills-focused riding experience for cyclists of different abilities.
Please note: sections of the mountain bike trail network may occasionally be closed for maintenance and resurfacing work, so visitors should check current updates before travelling.
Horse Riding
Equestrians can explore dedicated horse-riding trails through the park’s extensive woodland landscape. The scenic routes provide a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Gosford Forest Park.
See the Famous Red Deer
A visit to Gosford wouldn’t be complete without seeing its celebrated red deer herd. These magnificent animals are among the park’s most photographed attractions and offer visitors memorable wildlife encounters in a natural setting.
Accessible Outdoor Adventures
Gosford Forest Park is committed to making outdoor recreation accessible to everyone. Through the All Out Trekking programme, visitors aged 12 and over can access woodland and mountain biking trails using specially designed off-road, battery-powered mobility vehicles. This inclusive initiative helps ensure people of all abilities can enjoy the forest experience.
Stay Overnight: Camping, Caravans and Glamping
For visitors wanting to extend their stay, Gosford Forest Park offers a range of accommodation options within the heart of the forest. The campsite is open throughout the year and provides easy access to all park attractions.
Site A Features:
- 35 hard-standing caravan pitches with electricity
- 2 electric tent pitches
- 3 glamping pods
- Family-friendly camping areas including The Maple Campsite and The View Campsite
- Toilet and shower facilities nearby
Glamping Pods
The accessible glamping pods can accommodate up to four guests and include:
- Fridge
- Kettle
- Heater
- Picnic table
- Accessible toilet and shower facilities nearby
Site B
Suitable for self-sufficient campers, motorhomes and roof tents, with hard-standing pitches available.
Gosford Castle
While the castle itself is not open to the public, visitors can still admire the impressive exterior of Gosford Castle, one of the largest castles in Ireland. Built in the early 19th century by the Second Earl of Gosford, the castle gained international recognition after appearing in HBO’s Game of Thrones.
Visitor Facilities
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of amenities including:
- Car parking
- Picnic areas
- BBQ facilities
- Walking and cycling trails
- Children’s play facilities
- Event spaces
- Catering services
- Accessible facilities
Opening Times
January & February – 8.00am – 6.00pm
March – 9.00am -7pm
April – 9.00am -8.00pm
May – September – 8.00am – 9.00pm
October & November – 8.00am – 7.00pm
November & December – 8.00am – 6.00pm
