Travelmania Ireland - Ards Forest Park and Beach, County Donegal

Ards Forest Park and Beach, Co. Donegal

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Description

The park is situated on the shores of Sheephaven Bay on the Donegal coastline in Ireland. It's to be found on the N56 road, between Creeslough and Dunfanaghy. Ards Forest Park is 481 hectares in area and contains a range of wildlife and plant forms. It also has nature walks, sandy beaches, viewing points as well as a picnic and play area.

Ards Forest Park has many features of historical and archaeological interest. The remains of four ringforts and a number of megalithic tombs are to be seen in the park. Legend has it that these were the beds of Diarmuid and Grainne in their flight from Fionn Mac Cumhaill. There is also a well called the Ague Well, which is alleged to be holy and have remedial powers; it can be seen on Bealach na hArdaigh walk. On the same walk there is a mass rock. Mass was celebrated here in defiance of the Penal Laws. There is also a car park and a children's play area.

Ards Forest Park has many signposted forest walks integrating the main features of the park. These include the Ards Heritage Trail, which is around 3.5km long, the Nature Trail and the Green Trail, which are both approximately 3km long, and the Red Trail, which is 13km long, though this walk does give provisions for a shortcut back to the starting point should it be needed. There are various viewing points on the walks and trails with views of the surrounding countryside.