Lagan Valley Regional Park is recognised as Northern Ireland's only Regional Park. It covers an area of 4,200 acres and extends 11 miles along both sides of the River Lagan between Stranmillis, Belfast to Union Locks, Lisburn.
It was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is rich in natural features, biodiversity and a range of historically important sites. The Giant's Ring is an ancient Neolithic site which predates the Egyptian Pyramids; Lagan Meadows boasts a local nature reserve and all along the 11 mile towpath a variety of different species have been spotted - from Kingfishers to Otters! There are facilities to suit everyone from angling and kayaking to canoe slalom and mountain biking or an easy dander down the towpath for those after a more relaxing visit.
Attractions within the park include:
- Lagan towpath (Stranmillis, Belfast to Union Locks, Lisburn)
- Lock Keeper's Cottage
- Original Lagan canal barge on site at the Lock Keeper's Cottage
- Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park
- Malone House
- Belvoir Park Forest
- Barnett Demesne
- Giant's Ring
- Minnowburn
- Lagan Meadows
- Shaw's Bridge
- Edenderry
- McIlroy Park
NB. This map is based on the postcode and so may not reflect the exact location.
Start Point:
Govenors Bridge (Belfast).Finish Point:
Union Locks (Lisburn).Distance:
10 miles of Towpath.Terrain:
A place for families, joggers, walkers and others to learn and enjoy themselvesView points:
What wildlife should I watch out for?
Lagan Meadows is home to many fascinating species of plants and animals, including: reed bunting, song thrush, greater tussock, sedge pink waxcap, reedmace, long tailed tit, large bitter-cress, yellow flag iris, orange-tip butterfly.Time:
The Towpath is open to the public at all times however, there are restricted opening times for various car parks and buildings along the route. For information please contact Lagan Valley Regional Park office, Tel: (028) 9049 1922.Walking Route:
Lagan Valley Regional Park is a linear park that stretches from Stranmillis, Belfast to the Union Locks at Lisburn with various points of access to the different attractions along the way.Opening times:
The Regional Park does not close as such, but some of the Parks within it close in the evening, for more details see our website.Prices:
No charges
Location / Directions
Lagan Meadows is situated approximately two miles from Belfast city centre.
By car – From Belfast city centre, take the Malone Road, and turn left down Bladon Drive, just after the Stranmillis Road junction. Lagan Meadows is immediately at the end of the road, where on-street parking is possible.
By bus – From Belfast city centre, take bus 8A, 8B or 8C to the Malone Road or 8A to Stranmillis Road.
By foot – There are entrances to Lagan Meadows nature reserve from Knightsbridge Park, Sharman Road, and from the Lagan towpath.
The Lagan towpath, running adjacent to the reserve, is suitable for wheelchair access, and disabled parking is available at the Sharman Road entrance.
Inspiring Shortbreaks
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