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Natural attractions

Colin Glen River Entrance

4.4 · 1,429 reviews
Active and family-oriented
Colin Glen River Entrance, 163 Stewartstown Rd, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 0HW, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The park serves as a natural corridor for wildlife moving between the Belfast Hills and the surrounding urban areas.

2

The forest contains a specific trail dedicated to the Gruffalo, developed in collaboration with Magic Light Pictures.

3

The onsite alpine coaster utilizes gravity-fed technology to reach speeds of up to 25mph.

4

The park's 3G sports dome is one of the largest climate-controlled indoor athletic facilities in the region.

Overview

Colin Glen is a 200-acre forest park situated at the edge of the Belfast Hills, acting as a gateway to natural woodland environments. The site features the Ireland-first 'Black Bull Run' alpine coaster and a high-speed zipline known as the River Rapid. Visitors have access to a Gruffalo-themed trail designed for younger children, featuring large-scale wooden sculptures of characters from the book. The park includes an indoor sports dome that houses a full-sized 3G pitch for year-round athletic activities. Extensive walking trails follow the Colin River, showcasing local flora and geological features of the glen. The facility acts as an outdoor education center, hosting various wildlife and environmental workshops. The site is managed by a charitable trust focused on community development and ecological conservation. Adventure infrastructure is concentrated near the main entrance off Stewartstown Road.

Photo spot

The elevated viewing deck near the start of the alpine coaster track offering a panoramic view of the glen.

Insider tips

Book high-adrenaline activities like the alpine coaster or zipline online in advance, as slots fill up quickly during weekends.

Wear waterproof footwear, as the forest trails can become muddy after rainfall.

Check the official website for activity-specific height and age restrictions before arriving with children.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk the more rugged mountain trails in standard street shoes.

Good to know

Some outdoor adventure activities may pause operation during high winds or extreme weather conditions.

Etiquette

Maintain noise levels on nature trails to avoid disturbing local wildlife; dispose of all litter in provided bins.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings in late spring or early autumn to avoid school-holiday crowds.
Address
Colin Glen River Entrance, 163 Stewartstown Rd, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 0HW, United Kingdom
54.567, -6.015
Get directions
Details
Adventure FacilitiesAlpine coaster, zipline, and high ropes course
Park FeaturesWoodland trails, Gruffalo sculptures, and indoor 3G sports dome

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings in late spring or early autumn to avoid school-holiday crowds..

The elevated viewing deck near the start of the alpine coaster track offering a panoramic view of the glen.

Close by you'll find Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, Titanic Belfast, Botanic Gardens.