How To Have a Fantastic Time Visiting Delightful Ards Forest Park in Donegal

Donegal, , 73 Comments

Last Updated on the 3rd of December, 2025

Located between Dunfanagy and Creeslough in County Donegal, Ard’s Forest Park is owned by Coillte, the Irish Forestry Company, and covers 480 acres.

The park has various habitats, such as salt marshes, beaches, sand dunes, and deciduous and coniferous woodlands.

There are also forest trails with colour-coded signposts that lead to interesting archaeological features and monuments, adding to the uniqueness of this wonderful forest park.

With stunning coastal scenery, pretty woodland trails, and megalithic tombs, Ards Forest Park is a hidden gem and easily one of the most wonderful and varied forest parks in Ireland.

There is also a small cafe, a children’s playground with access to a beautiful beach, a spacious car park and a picnic area, making it a great place to spend a day.

Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to See and Do in County Donegal, Ireland

With conditions looking promising for an upcoming weekend in Donegal, we packed our bags and filled our campervan with pots, pans, hiking gear and healthy snacks. 

We made a two-hour drive up north to Dunfanaghy town and jumped at the chance to spend some time in the heart of the ancient fishing port.

The ride itself was something special. After leaving Sligo town, we slowly traversed through pretty towns and vast fields scattered with grazing sheep.

And, right after we left Letterkenny, we passed by Drongawn Lough and continued further north along the N56, where the landscape beautifully opened up.

On our way to Dunfanaghy, we had a choice between visiting either Glenveagh National Park or Ards Forest Park.  As much as we wanted to see Lough Veagh and Glenveagh Castle again, the need for new scenery was more alluring.

So we decided to spend a day at Ards Park, and we were treated to special conditions. The rugged coastline, the little white sand inlets and the textures of the rocks are something that needed to be seen.

I was so struck by the stunning scenery that I just couldn’t tear myself away from the unfolding view. This place spoke to me volumes by making me instantly happy, fuzzy and elated. I slowly took a deep breath of hot summer air, grabbed my camera a fired off a few shots.

I will never get tired of nature, that’s for sure!

Read More: Your Guide To Visiting Beautiful Slieve League Cliffs In County Donegal

One of many beautiful beaches within the park

Highlights of Visiting Ards Forest Park

– Large diversity of plant and wildlife forms

– Many historical and archaeological features

– Viewing points, sandy beaches, rivers, and nature walks

– Opportunity to observe many of Ireland’s birds 

‘Jeffry’s House’ – a folly made from thatch on a wooden frame

How to have a great time visiting delightful Ards Forest Park in Donegal

In this blog post, we are sharing a few things you could do while visiting Ards Forest Park.

Even though the list is relatively small, it took us a full day to tick off all the boxes. So, let’s get started.

#1. Immerse Yourself in Nature

It’s crucial to make some space in our busy lives to see and feel.

We don’t always have to be ahead of everything and everyone. And it’s important to let the beauty of the world refill our souls and expand our minds.

Walking around the beautiful park, we were reminded that summers in Ireland are something to get excited about. We saw more birds, bees and butterflies than we could even count.

And most importantly,  I saw how Ericeiras’s eyes lit up as she pointed to delicate creatures and wanted to know everything about them.

We were exposed to splashes of colours, and whenever we looked back on the photos from this particular road trip, we recalled the gentle humming made by insects.

Read More: Ireland Travel Guide: 8 Amazing Things To See And Do On A Trip Around Inishowen Peninsula

Pretty butterflies in Ards Forest Park.

#2. Enjoy Coastal Scenery

The proximity to the sea is one of the real treasures of Ards Forest Park.

To fully appreciate it, you can walk the Sand Dune Trail to the nearest viewpoint.

This walk is a combination of the wooden boardwalk, forest track and sand dune complex. Even though its length is just 1 kilometre, we see quite a lot of fantastic views from this stretch of the walk.

As soon as we left the car park, this peaceful and easy walk that follows the coastline took us on a very scenic tour.

We discovered fascinating views over the Back Strand and Clonmass Bay, and along the way, we caught a glimpse of soft waters and sensed a lovely pine forest smell.

The sand was so soft and so warm that once we reached the beach, we continued onwards barefoot.

Read More: How To Visit Glenveagh National Park In County Donegal: The Ultimate Guide

Coastal views from one of the trails.

#3. Go For a Walk

With the fullness and greenest of the forests and with the multiple trails to choose from, Ards Forest Park would suit every class of walker.

Those who decide to make a journey to this Park are rewarded with intriguing natural beauty.

There are 9 different trails, all of them well-kept and very well-signposted, incorporating the main features of the park. Here, you’ll find:

  • The Ards Heritage Trail, which is 3.5km long
  • The Nature Trail and the Green Trail are both 3km long
  • The Red Trail is the longest one and stretches for 13 kilometres around the perimeter of the forest park.

There is also the Salt Marsh Trail, the Binngorm Trail and the Sand Dune Trail, which offer visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty of the sea.

You could even combine various trails and hike for 5/6 hours, taking in the full circuit of the park.

*Top tip – If you are visiting in summer, make sure you bring sunscreen and bug spray.

Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to See and Do in County Donegal, Ireland

Ards Forest Park is one of the most diverse places in Ireland.

Discover Parks Archaeological Features

Within the park, you can see many features of archaeological interest.

Among them are the remnants of four ringforts and several megalithic tombs, which are believed to be the beds of Diarmuid and Grainne in their flight from Fionn Mac Cumhaill.

On the Ards Heritage Trail, you can find a Holy Well – the Ague Well – which is reputed to have curative powers. On the same trail is a Mass Rock where Mass was celebrated in defiance of the Penal Laws.

Within the park, you can also stop by ‘Jeffry’s House’ – a folly made from thatch on a wooden frame.

Created by architect Thomas O’Brien and artist Emily Mannion, it is now located on top of a rocky cliff overlooking the sea and dunes.

Read More: Your Guide to Downhill Demesne and Mussenden Temple in Northern Ireland

A folly made from thatch on a wooden frame.

Other Things To See And Do Nearby

County Donegal is known for its wild and rugged scenery, and much of the coastline around it is protected by Irish and European law as designated special areas of conservation.  

From far-out lighthouses and fairytale castles to secluded beaches and culture, art and music,  this wild expanse of Ireland offers lots to see and do.

Here are some of the places nearby worth checking out:

  • See the Horn Head |  For stunning views of Inishbofin, Tory Island and Inishdooey, head to the towering Horn Head, a 180m high quartzite cliff, wrapped in heather and bog.
  • Duntally Nature Reserve  |  is a nice mixture of oak, hazel and ash woodland. During the springtime, the forest floor is blooming with bluebells and wild garlic. And when it comes to birds, you’ll see Tree-creepers, colourful Jays, Long-tailed tits and Woodpigeons. From the car park, a 2.5-kilometre loop walk brings you into the beautiful valley.
  • Go surfing with Narosa | After a brief theory and warm-up that includes stretching and jogging, you’ll get a chance to practice paddling and board positioning on dry land before you hit the water. Using knowledge and experience, your surf instructor will help you catch the waves.

Read More: How To Spend A Brilliant Weekend in Beautiful Killarney, Ireland

The cute little town of Dunfanaghy, Donegal

How to Get to Ards Forest Park

Ards Forest Park is located 5 kilometres from Creeslough village on the N56 in County Donegal. Because this part of Ireland is made for adventurous road trips, your best option is to rent a car.

The landscape, the views and the wonders of Donegal are something that can be genuinely experienced (and accessible)  only when you are driving.

The entrance to the park is EUR 5. If you are looking for a stroll or want to explore the park on your bike, you can visit their official online site to download a trail map.

  • The parking fee | is €5.00 per car daily, and you have to pay it at an unmanned automatic barrier machine at the entrance of the park, so make sure you have the change with you.
  • Opening Hours | The car park opens from 8:00am to 8:00pm ( April to September) and 8:00am to 5.00pm (October to March)

Read More: Ireland Travel Guide: Top 9 Things To See And Do In Beautiful Connemara

Nearby Horn Head is well worth a visit

Where to Stay Nearby

The nearby town of Dunfanaghy, located just 10 minutes away,  is a great choice to stay for a night or two, as it is well served with hotel accommodation.

Here you’ll find Arnold’s Hotel, Narosa surf shop, a pottery studio and a few traditional pubs.

On the previous trip, we decided to stay in Corcreggan Mill, which is a rebuilt 18th-century Mill House with affordable accommodation and lots of character. In addition to comfortable rooms, you can stay in a Glamping Trawler, Bell Tents, a 150-year-old Glamping Carriage or pitch your tent.

  • Arnolds Hotel | Located on the main road in Dunfanaghy village, Arnold’s Hotel offers a convenient location close to all the amenities and wonderful views over the bay and Horn Head.
  • Shandon Hotel and Spa | overlooking Sheephaven Bay, the hotel boasts a bar with Donegal’s finest views and a state-of-the-art spa.

Read More: Your Ultimate Guide To The Beautiful Wicklow National Park

The Shandon Hotel in Donegal

Leave No Trace

While Ireland’s parks and wild spaces are made for exploration, it is important to remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints.

Whether you go running, birding or symply just walking in natural areas, make sure to leave minimal impact on the environment.

Here are the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

  • Plan ahead and prepare – check the weather
  • Be Considerate of others
  • Respect farm animals and wildlife
  • Travel and camp on durable ground – only use established trails
  • Leave what you find
  • Dispose of waste properly – do not leave anything behind, including banana peel and toilet paper. No exceptions…
  • Minimise the effect of fire

Read More: 7 Stunning Sligo Beaches to Visit When You’re In Need Of A Breather

Ards Forest Park is a wonderful place to stretch your legs 

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Now, over to you!

Have you been to Ards Forest Park? Let us know in the comments below!

Please let us know if you plan to visit Ards Forest Park and have any travel-related questions.

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Our Crossings follows the daily adventures of Latvian expats living in Sligo as they surf and explore the world

73 thoughts on “How To Have a Fantastic Time Visiting Delightful Ards Forest Park in Donegal”

    1. Thank you kindly, Francisco. It’s a wonderful little park to visit when you want to be out and about and enjoy the great outdoors whether for its beaches or forests. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. There is no better way to get out in nature than exploring the wonders of a forest park and we are fortunate to have a good few good ones nearby. Unfortunately, those sunny days are far and few between, although it hasn’t rained for two weeks now. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. If you want to explore some of the magical woodlands the Emerald Isle has to offer, Ards Forest Park is one of those places as you can easily lose yourself in nature. I am glad you like Dunfanaghy – it’s one of my favourite little towns in Ireland. Some of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches, cliffs, headlands, forest parks and scenery can all be found in the area around Dunfanaghy as well as one of the friendliest folks in all of Ireland. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. That’s exactly how I feel about places like these.  Ards Forest Park is a stunning woodland and what makes it unique is that it is located right beside the sea. It is a true haven for nature lovers. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  6. Simply glorious Aiva. We have been through Donegal before in 2017, stopping in Donegal town, Salthill, Killybegs and Glencolumbkille. It is a beautiful county and we wished we could have spent more time there. Thanks for showing what we missed. Happy Tuesday. Allan

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    1. I am glad to hear that you’ve been to Killybegs and Glencolumbkille as they are wonderful travel destinations. You know, given that County Donegal is one of the largest ones in Ireland, it’s taken us a good few years to almost explore every corner of it. As travellers, we often realise that there are so many places and so little time to see them all, especially for those who have full-time jobs, demanding careers and young families. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. It is a wonderful place to spend a few hours at as the coastal scenery here is renowned for its beauty and variety. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  8. I’ve not heard of Ards Forest Park, but what a beautiful slice of Ireland! Really showcases just how green the country is, and I just might have to return to Ireland sooner than later to explore it for myself. Thanks for sharing, Aiva 🙂

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    1. Getting outside and amongst nature doesn’t necessarily mean you have to work up a sweat. I love visiting Ards Forest Park as in a few minutes you can reach the viewpoints to take in the coastal scenery that surrounds the park. This place is also great for soaking in the atmosphere – something that the Japanese refer to as Shinrin-yoku or ‘Forest Bathing’. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly. This is one of our favourite hiking spots in Donegal because there’s a kids’ playground and all the trails are baby-friendly, which is important as we usually hit the trails with small kids. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. There’s so much to see and do in Dongeal that it isn’t possible to do in one trip, Marion. Ards Forest Park provides a great opportunity to reconnect with nature. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly 🙂 I love visiting Irish forest parks as they generally have a greater emphasis on providing recreational facilities than other forests and woodland areas in Ireland. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I have to agree with you – the coastlines of both Ireland and Northern Ireland are beautiful as they feature diverse landscapes from rugged cliffs and sandy beaches to dramatic mountains and picturesque islands. I hope you get to visit Ards Forest Park, it is a wonderful place to explore on a sunny summer’s day 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you, Linda 🙂 It is a lovely place to visit to recharge batteries and take in stunning coastal views. Plus, the park has well-marked walking trails, a cafe, and plenty of car parking spaces. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. County Donegal is a very scenic region in Ireland where you can experience diverse features, including beaches, cliffs, mountains, and charming villages. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. You would love exploring County Donegal as it has a vast coastline with sandy beaches, rocky inlets, and scenic coastal hiking trails along the Wild Atlantic Way. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. That’s why we are always mindful of their dwellings and sacred trees, and treat every hawthorn and hazel tree with respect, because, as you know, unlike the Disney version, Irish fairies are not inherently good or evil. They have a mix of powers and can be mischievous or even dangerous if angered or provoked. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    2. How have I not heard about this movie – it looks like the usual Irish hooey about faeries and changelings and other pesky entities dressed up in ponderous Jungian doubles theory! I’m intrigued and want to see it right away. Thanks for the wonderful suggestion, and sorry for the late reply. I took the girls to Edinburgh for Easter break and only came back last night. Lots of love and hugs xx

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    1. Thank you kindly 🙂 I love going for a walk in the woods, and this is one of my favourite places to do it. You know, while we may intuitively appreciate a walk in the woods, the benefits may seem somewhat intangible and undefined. I remember when my children were babies, a sure way to quiet them when upset was to carry them outside under the forest canopy. The silence of the still forest had a calming effect, a chirp from a nearby bird could lure the child into quiet fascination, and the air rich with earthy smells had a soporific effect on a cranky child. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you had a wonderful Easter 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much 🙂 I find that bringing ourselves and our children into nature offers significant benefits for our personal well-being. There’s just something alluring about the healing power of a walk in the woods. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you had a wonderful Easter 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. You are right –  connecting with nature has a restorative and nurturing effect on our mental and emotional well-being. That’s why I try to spend as much time in natural environments as I can, because it soothes the soul and provides a sense of calm and rejuvenation. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly 🙂 Ards Forest Park is an amazing place to explore on foot, especially if you want to do it with kids, as most of the trails are short and very scenic. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you so much 🙂 I love exploring places like these, as the sights, sounds, and smells of nature promote a sense of peace and tranquillity. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. For me, nature brings a sense of calm and quiet – it’s something indescribably serene that encourages a deep sigh and instant relaxation. That’s why I try to visit places like Ards Forest Park as often as possible. I hope you get to visit Donegal one day and connect with your roots, as it is important for fostering a sense of belonging, social connectedness, and identity. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  24. What a stunning place Aiva! It seems it has it all, from beautiful green forests, to amazing white sand beaches. It sounds a perfect getaway, I would love to visit one day!

    Have a lovely day! 🥰

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    1. Thank you kindly, Christie. Ards Forest Park is a lovely place to visit, as during quiet moments in nature, you can feel the pulse and breath of the planet in bird songs and frog calls and the wind in the trees, and know that there is something much larger than ourselves, a rhythm of life that transcends millennia. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  25. I plan to be in this region again soon, and I hope the weather will be as beautiful as in your photos. In Ireland, I generally try to opt for B&Bs, as it’s direct money for the locals, who are also usually very welcoming.

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    1. I completely support your idea of staying in B&Bs as they offer a more personal and intimate experience than a hotel, with the potential for local insights and a cosy atmosphere. I love B&Bs for their warm welcome, personalised service, and close-knit atmosphere – it offers a more home-like experience. Have a lovely time exploring Donegal, and thanks for stopping by 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you 🙂 I love exploring forests without a particular destination in mind, taking in sounds and sightings of birds, mammals, and trees, with the scent of moss and ferns on the breeze—being in nature is one of the few places I feel fully unplugged, and my cares drop away. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  30. What a stunning park! It seems like the perfect place to relax and surround yourself by nature when city life gets a bit too much, I’d love to live next to such a beautiful nature area and explore it in my evenings and weekends! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thank you kindly, Juliette. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or a scenic hike, the Ards Forest Park is a wonderful place where you can connect with nature and experience many positive benefits for the body, mind and soul, as well as take in stunning coastal views over the bay. Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  31. Thanks for taking us along. Man your posts make me want to return to Ireland. Funny how I think of the ocean as Atlantic and therefore cold but it can’t be that bad. I loved all the different options one place offered for accommodation.

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    1. Hello, Bernie, it’s nice to hear from you 🙂  The Atlantic Ocean isn’t that cold, but it’s the currents that make the water feel colder, especially in the northern and western coasts. Swimming in Ireland during the summer is possible and popular. While the sea can be cold, with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F) in July and August, many people enjoy swimming in both the sea and lakes throughout the summer months, especially during the warmest part of the day. I usually stop swimming before the autumn rolls in, but I have many friends who continue doing it all year round. Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 I hope you had a wonderful Canada Day 🙂 Aiva xx

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      1. I had a wonderful Canada Day, thanks. Apparently, there are loads of benefits to swimming year round in cold water, but one wouldn’t try that where I live! Our season is late May if you are super hardy and brave to late September (maybe). Bernie

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  32. I don’t really know this part of Donegal but we’ve visited the north of the county once or twice in recent years. This looks like a nice option for our next visit.

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