Bluebells under the trees in Portglenone Forest, County Antrim

Where to go · County Antrim

Forest bathing at Portglenone Forest

Ancient woodland on the edge of Portglenone, a remnant of one of Ulster's great oak forests, with carpets of bluebells in spring.

The whole of Portglenone Forest is classed as ancient woodland. It was once part of a much larger oak forest that took in Mountreivelen, Killetra and Glenconkeyne woods; in 1607 the Irish Attorney-General described the area as nearly as large as the New Forest. The main part was known as Decoy Wood before the Forest Service opened it to visitors in 1969.

This is a place to visit on foot and take your time. There are no other recreational facilities, so it tends to stay quiet. The entrance is on the right as you leave Portglenone towards Ballymena, about half a mile from the town centre. Come in April and May for the bluebells, wood anemone and wild garlic, which grow in large colonies here and take centuries to establish. Forestry work occasionally closes parts of the wood, so follow the signs.

Practical

Managed by
Forest Service (DAERA)
Parking
Car park at the entrance; car entry charge payable on entry, annual permit available
Terrain
Woodland paths
Nearest station
Ballymena, about 20 minutes by car
Opening and entry
Open to walkers; car charge applies
Official page
nidirect.gov.uk

Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.

Guides who run sessions here

No guides listed at Portglenone Forest yet

Search for a guide near you. If you guide here, list your practice for free and add Portglenone Forest to your venues.

More woodlands in County Antrim

All venues in County Antrim
View from the top of Breen Forest towards Knocklayd in winter, County AntrimBreen ForestRemote Glenshesk forest with a small reserve of ancient native oakSunrise over Cave Hill Country Park, BelfastCave Hill Country ParkWoods and heath above north Belfast, with the Belfast Castle estate and gardensView across the wooded Colin Glen towards Hannahstown, west BelfastColin Glen Forest ParkWooded river glen on the edge of west Belfast, with ponds and small waterfalls

Photos: Breen Forest, Northcoast1985 (CC BY-SA 4.0); Cave Hill Country Park, Gareth James (CC BY-SA 2.0); Colin Glen Forest Park, Eric Jones (CC BY-SA 2.0).