Tollymore Forest Park Extended Circuit
County Down
Tollymore Forest Park is the oldest state forest park in Northern Ireland and the extended circuit is the pick of the bunch for a proper dog friendly day out. The trail stitches the arboretum, the Shimna River gorge and the Drinns viewpoint over a rolling 9 kilometres with repeated glimpses of the Mournes above the canopy.
Dogs are welcome on a lead throughout, and the park's wide forest tracks and stone bridges are kind on both big and small paws. Deer live inside the park so tighten the lead on the wilder back sections, and bikes and horses share some of the trails. Parking is at the main car park on Tullybrannigan Road with toilets, a seasonal cafe and picnic lawn; the barrier pay station costs about 5 pounds per car.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.4 km (5.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Forest, Woodland, River, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- None
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toilets, seasonal cafe, play park and picnic lawn at the main entrance.
- Parking
- Main pay and display car park at Tullybrannigan Road entrance, around 250 spaces, approximately 5 pounds per car.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tollymore Forest Park Extended Circuit dog friendly?
Tollymore Forest Park is very dog friendly, earning a 9 out of 10 rating on Wildpack Collective. Dogs are welcome throughout the park, and the wide forest tracks and stone bridges make for comfortable walking for dogs of all sizes. The extended circuit covers around 9 kilometres, taking in the Shimna River gorge, the arboretum and the Drinns viewpoint with views over the Mournes.
Can dogs be off lead at Tollymore Forest Park Extended Circuit?
Dogs need to be kept on a lead throughout Tollymore Forest Park. This is especially important on the wilder back sections of the trail, where deer live within the park boundaries. Bikes and horses also share some of the trails, so a lead is sensible for everyone's safety.
What should I know before visiting Tollymore Forest Park Extended Circuit with my dog?
Parking is at the main car park on Tullybrannigan Road, which has around 250 spaces and costs approximately £5 per car via a barrier pay station. There are toilets, a seasonal cafe and a picnic lawn at the main entrance, making it a good base for the day. Keep a close eye on your dog in the back sections of the trail where deer are present, and be aware that cyclists and horse riders use parts of the route.
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