10 of the best spots to collect conkers in Northern Ireland
Kids are bonkers about conkers
Last updated 23rd Sep 2019
It's that time of year again.
For many of us, conker picking in the autumn brings back childhood memories, if you're thinking of taking your kids this year, you're in luck as the conker-collecting season is just about to begin.
Autumn in Northern Ireland is a perfect time to get outside and explore the evergreens and wondrous displays of orange, yellow, red and brown leaves.
10 of the best spots to collect conkers in Northern Ireland
Castlewellan Forest Park, Co.Down
Spread across 450 hectares, Castlewellan is one of Northern Ireland’s most well known forests. Its grounds are home to some of the most spectacular tree and shrub collections in Europe, including a unique display of rare conifers, maples, Chilean eucryphias and Chinese rhododendrons.
The forest park walking trail overlooks a mile-long lake, be sure to visit the park’s incredible Peace Maze.
Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, Co.Down
There are a variety of trees at Rowallane Garden including the horse chestnuts which will drop conkers during autumn.
Just make sure you're there early to get the good ones.
Glenariff Forest Park, Co.Antrim
The unique Waterfall Walkway, opened 80 years ago, has been significantly upgraded along its 3 mile length which passes through a National Nature Reserve.
Three waterfalls provide a rich backdrop for photographers, as do the other forest trails that offer panoramic landscapes and peaceful riverside walk.
Kilbroney Forest Park, Co.Down
Kilbroney Forest Park and Rostrevor Forest has several walking and driving routes bringing visitors to a series of spectacular views over Carlingford Lough and County Down’s most beautiful countryside. The forest contains a variety of trees including oak, ash, sycamore and hazel, making it a great area to for kicking leaves and soaking up the best of autumn.
Within the park is also Cloghmore Stone, a 40 tonne granite boulder which was deposited here at the end of the last ice age, some 10,000 years ago
Castle Coole, Co.Fermanagh
Explore Castle Coole in all it's glory during Autumn - with brown leaves and crisp fresh air all around you. Enjoy the historic estate this autumn and walk along the Beech Trail as you feast your eyes on the range of golden colours on the beech trees along the way. Don’t forget to stop-off at the 18th century Ice House. Castle Coole Lake Walk Trail is the perfect place to take a pleasant stroll around the calming Lough Coole during autumn.
Crom Estate, Co.Fermanagh
Crom is home to the largest area of oak woodland in Northern Ireland and the oldest yew trees in Ireland. It is a tranquil landscape of islands, woodland and historic ruins. Set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne.
Ormeau Park, Co.Down
Ormeau Park is the oldest municipal park in Belfast, Northern Ireland, having been officially opened to the public in 1871. It is owned and run by Belfast City Council and is one of the largest and busiest parks in the city and contains a variety of horticulture, woodland, wildlife and sporting facilities.
The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Castle Park, Bangor
In the middle of town centre and perfect for a relaxing stroll through the woods
A walk through this wooded wonderland is an exhilarating experience throughout the seasons. Obtain the Castle Park Nature Trail Guide from North Down Museum, located in the grounds of Castle Park with Bangor Castle (Town Hall), and follow the arrowed pathways
Castleward, Strangford, Co.Down
Castle Ward is particularly spectacular in autumn when the colours change and there is still plenty to discover on the estate. See the Gothic and Classic collide at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th century mansion and estate looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough.
The Argory, Co.Armagh
Deep in the countryside, the ideal location to hear all about Armagh’s famous apples and have some family fun. If you want to see the colours of autumn, it is the perfect place. The Argory was built in the 1820s and its hilltop location offers wonderful views over the gardens.