The woods contain an 'Ice House' built in the 19th century to store ice and keep salmon fresh for transport to London.
The forest houses a 'Fairy Trail' featuring dozens of small, hand-carved wooden doors and houses nestled into tree trunks.
It was historically part of the Belleek Estate, which served as a residence for the Knox-Gore family.
The River Moy, bordering the woods, is internationally renowned for its salmon fishing, influencing the development of infrastructure within the forest.
The site hosts a rare combination of mature broadleaf woodland and commercial forestry, preserved as a public amenity.
Belleek Woods is one of the largest urban forests in Ireland, encompassing over 200 acres of woodland along the River Moy in Ballina. The forest features a diverse ecosystem of old-growth trees, including oak, beech, and Scots pine, alongside a mix of coniferous plantations. A dedicated Fairy Trail provides interactive wooden carvings and small structures designed for families. The woods contain historical remnants such as the ruins of the Belleek Castle gatehouse and an old ice house used for the salmon industry. The path network connects directly to the Belleek Castle grounds. The terrain is largely flat and consists of well-maintained gravel and earthen forest floor trails. Wildlife in the area includes red squirrels, foxes, and various bird species such as herons and kingfishers.
The old stone Ice House ruins overlooking the river.
Wear waterproof footwear as the forest floor can be soft and muddy after rainfall.
Follow the designated paths to protect the sensitive woodland habitat.
Use the trail maps located at the entrance to navigate the loop trails effectively.
Attempting to explore off-trail areas, which can be dense and prone to uneven, muddy terrain.
Keep dogs on a lead at all times and leave no trace of litter in the woods.
