The park was once the ancestral home of the Earls of Gosford, who resided at the estate for over 150 years.
Gosford Castle, located within the park, was used as a filming location for scenes in the television series Game of Thrones.
The park contains a specialized arboretum planted in the early 20th century, featuring rare specimen trees from across the globe.
The site includes a designated 'fallow deer park,' maintaining a population of these animals within the forest boundaries.
The estate features a distinct 'red squirrel' conservation area to protect the native population from non-native competition.
The castle is built in a distinctive 'Norman Revival' architectural style, noted for its size and turreted design.
Gosford Forest Park spans 240 hectares of diverse woodland and parkland located in County Armagh. The estate centers on Gosford Castle, a 19th-century Norman Revival structure built for the second Earl of Gosford. It holds the status of Northern Ireland's first designated Conservation Forest. Visitors can access a network of multi-use trails suitable for walking, cycling, and equestrian use. The park hosts a rare breeds farm featuring heritage livestock species. On-site facilities include a caravan and camping park with serviced pitches. Large adventure playgrounds are available for children, alongside designated orienteering courses. The grounds incorporate arboretums with a wide variety of domestic and exotic tree species.
The main courtyard and exterior façade of the turreted Gosford Castle.
Book caravan or camping pitches well in advance, especially during bank holiday weekends.
Bring waterproof footwear, as trails can remain muddy throughout the year regardless of the season.
Check the official GetActiveABC portal for temporary trail closures before departing to ensure your intended path is accessible.
Do not attempt to enter the private residential sections of Gosford Castle, as the majority of the structure is not open to public tours.
The park remains open year-round, though specific trail maintenance or forestry works may cause temporary, short-term path closures.
Keep dogs on leads in specified conservation zones, remove all waste, and adhere to the 'Leave No Trace' principles.
