Start your adventure and have a great day out any time of year! With some 240 acres of diverse woodland and open parkland set in gentle rolling drumlin countryside, Gosford Forest Park is an adventure paradise for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. With so diverse an environment this fabulous natural playground is perfect for gentle walks, challenging trails and treks, cycling as well as wildlife spotting and adventure sports.
The park highlights include a magnificent herd of red deer and seeing them up close, even if it isn’t your first time, will still catch your breath! The excitement continues with the park’s new 3km woodland outdoor play area featuring five unique superstructures, an adventure for all your little giants!
Enjoy the 16km of multi-use trails for walking, running, cycling and horse-riding. ‘All Out Trekking’ provides an inclusive opportunity for people of all abilities (age 12+) to access the forest’s walking and mountain biking trails using an off road, battery powered vehicle.
Although not open to the public, the mock Norman Gosford Castle, one of the largest in Ireland, is an impressive sight. It was built by the Second Earl of Gosford in the early 1800s and featured in HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’.
If you have queries about visiting Gosford Forest Park, then please do not hesitate to contact us by one of the methods below:
Get In Touch
Call us on +44 (0)28 3755 1277
Online Enquiry Form
ONLINE ENQUIRY FORM
January – February – 8.00am – 6.00pm
March 9.00am -7pm
April – 9.00am -8.00pm
May – September – 8.00am – 9.00pm
October – November – 8.00am – 7.00pm
November – December – 8.00am – 6.00pm
Gosford Forest Park is situated just over 7 miles from Armagh City and directions can be found at:
Little Explorers is suitable for up to 5 years old and is an open grassy area, enclosed with a willow hedge.
Climb the challenging Woodpeckers Nests, moving from one to the other
Take an aerial ride from the Castle Tower on two zip lines which give great views of the Castle itself.
Watch out for the eggs at Woodpeckers Nests and get climbing!
At the Squirrels Drey move from tree to tree using ropes, swings and ladders, suitable for age 7+.
Face the fearsome giant who stands over 6ft tall. Climb up his fingers and slide off his back.
All Out Trekking is now OPEN for taking bookings.
To find out more about All Out Trekking and to book please email or call 028 9046 9925.
This is an exciting new initiative in Gosford Forest Park offering people of all abilities access to the forest for either a relaxed experience using the Terrain Hopper to take in the scenery on the walking trails or using the Quadrix for a more adrenaline pumping experience on the mountain bike trails.
Situated in the heart of the forest, some 240 hectares of diverse woodland and open parkland, the caravan and camping park offers a place to relax, socialise and enjoy Mother Nature. Open 365 days a year, this family friendly site has something for everyone, children’s play park, walking, pony and mountain bike trails, a pump track, or simply enjoy the wildlife or learn about the history of Gosford Castle and its historical features.
Gosford Forest Park 2024/25 Prices
CARAVANNING
Site A with electricity
Peak [1 March – 31 Oct]
Caravan £24.00
Caravan & Camping [10% discount] £21.50
Off Peak [1 Nov – 28 Feb]
Caravan £18.90
Site B with no electricity
Peak [1 March – 31 Oct]
Caravan £17.80
Caravan & Camping [10% discount] £16.00
Off Peak [1 Nov – 28 Feb]
Caravan
CAMPING
Individual
The Maple £8.50pp
The View £8.50pp
Youth Site £4.30pp per night or £25.50 per day
Tent x 2 persons
The Maple £13.80
The View £13.80
Tent x 4/family
The Maple £17.80
The View £17.80
Additional adult
The Maple £8
The View £8
Site A includes:
All within a short distance to the toilet and shower amenity block
11 hard standing pitches with no electricity or toilets / shower facilities. Suitable for roof tents, motorhomes or self-sufficient caravans.
The youth site is located a short distance from the main campsite and overlooks the main event field. This area is available for youth organisation whose leaders have been AccessNI checked
Visit the Deer Park to get up close to Gosford’s resident Red Deer herd!
Originally a species of tree margins, they can adapt to life in a wide range of habitats. These can vary from exposed treeless hills and glens to sheltered broadleaved woodland to fields. They are browsers and grazers feeding on leaves, twigs, grasses and heather depending on the area in which they live in. Native to British Isles and the largest wild animal in Ireland. Descendants of the old pure strain of Irish Red Deer still exist in Co.Kerry.
As there are now no natural predators on deer, their numbers need to be controlled by man in order to prevent serious damage to agricultural and forestry crops. Since the late 1960’s the Forest Service has implemented a professional and humane deer management policy. The objectives are to achieve efficient crop protection while always considering the welfare of the deer. Other management considerations such as sport stalking and venison production are secondary.
Saddle up to enjoy a 6km route around the forest boundary starting at the Horse Trail Car Park beside the Forest Office
.
Discover the wider forest by following the green or blue graded family mountain bike trails, including optional technical sections, a skills loop and a pump track
Whether a beginner or an experienced rider, the pump track is a fun way to improve your riding skills.
Choose from four unique trails exploring the Arboretum, Deer Park, Castle and woodland over a range of distance and terrain. Follow Gosford’s 5km waymarked running loop around the woodland
All mountain bikers should be responsible towards other users of the forest and surrounds. Below are some ways in which you can be a responsible mountain biker.
The Leave No Trace programme is designed to help outdoor enthusiasts value the natural environment and to understand the impact of our activities.
The Green Dog Walkers Pledge is a friendly way to tackle dog fouling issues in the Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council area.
Express Catering Ltd operates a state-of-the-art barista coffee trailer, a hot and cold food kiosk, and an ice cream trailer in Gosford Forest Park. Express Catering has something for everyone, whether you are looking for a quick bite to eat or treating the family to a more substantial meal, chips and gourmet burgers. Vegan and gluten-free food is available. If you are holding an event in the Park, why not speak to the staff about their catering services.
Adjacent to the play park, pitch up at one of our beautiful barbecue and picnic areas as part of a fun day out in the park. From small family gatherings to larger groups, our designated areas cater for all needs.
With picnic tables and a selection of barbecue hearths, stands and spots for disposable barbecues, just bring along good food and company!
The Glaze & Roll Catering Company operate a coffee kiosk in Gosford Forest Park and specialise in artisan street food, using the finest of local ingredients so you can really treat the family on your day out.
The Forest offers two unique spaces for hire.
The field covers an area of approximately 22.6 hectors of open grassland, divided into several smaller fenced off areas. The fields are an ideal location for larger scale events including music festivals, International scout or guide camps, jamboree’s and much more. We are delighted to host the annual Armagh County Agricultural Show and its 20,000 visitors.
This field is an ideal location for small events including charity runs, community festivals and outdoor activities. This field is located adjacent to the function hall and education room providing both indoor and outdoor spaces so whatever the weather you will be able to run your event.
.
Bank Holidays will be charged at double the normal rate.
Additional staff will be charged at £15.00ph.
Please contact the office for all enquiries related to one off large scale events
Full Forest & Event Field – £656.00
Half Forest & Event Field – £327.00
‘L’ Shaped field (per hour) – £71.50
Function Hall (per hour) – £21.80
Education Room (per hour) – £13.40
Bike event regional – £5.40pp
Bike event national – £11.00pp
Fitness Event – £11.20pp
Storage (per year) – £275
The Forest offers two unique spaces for hire.
The field covers an area of approximately 22.6 hectors of open grassland, divided into several smaller fenced off areas. The fields are an ideal location for larger scale events including music festivals, International scout or guide camps, jamboree’s and much more. We are delighted to host the annual Armagh County Agricultural Show and its 20,000 visitors.
This field is an ideal location for small events including charity runs, community festivals and outdoor activities. This field is located adjacent to the function hall and education room providing both indoor and outdoor spaces so whatever the weather you will be able to run your event.
Situated in the heart of the forest, this large hall caters for large and small groups. It is an ideal location for event briefings, lunch breaks or a base to run team building sessions. Facilities include a small kitchen with a hot water boiler, tables and chairs. The hall opens out onto the ‘L’ shaped field where events and games can be played.
The Education room is a small room in the same location. The room is a perfect space for educational sessions, training courses and informal meetings. Facilities include tables and chairs.
To apply for a concession pass please download the form from our website and bring to the Forest office or pick one up on site. A concession rate is available if you meet any of the criteria below (proof is required).
A concession pass should not be purchased for family or friends, it is for your use only.
Gosford
All day – £5.00
Annual Pass – 1 car £27.00 | 2 cars £40.00
Annual Pass (Concession) – 1 car £17.20 | 2 cars £26.00
Gosford and Loughgall
Gold Annual Pass –1 car £35.20 | 2 cars £52.00
Gold Annual Pass (Concession) – 1 car £23.00 | 2 cars £34.00
Please note: If you currently have an annual or gold annual car parking pass and wish to add a second car, please contact the office on 028 3755 1277. The additional price will be calculated based on the expiry date of the existing car parking pass.
Replacement Card £2
A concession rate of 65% of full activity price should be implemented and those eligible will:
Where an individual with a disability is accompanied by a carer – free use will be granted to the carer where the caring responsibility does not allow the carer to enjoy the activity themselves (e.g. caring for an individual with a severe disability).
Where caring responsibilities allow the Carer to also participate in and enjoy activities the Carer will pay the concession rate.
Proof of concession can be shown at the Forest Office Monday to Thursdays at 9.30am.
You can purchase a standard rate pass online using a credit/debit card via this website.
You can purchase a standard or concession rate pass in the Forest Office using cash, cheque or credit/debit card.
The annual pass covers one vehicle
A pass purchased online will take approximate 2 weeks and it will be posted out to you.
A pass purchased within the Forest will be processed immediately.
No, your pass is valid 364 days a year weather permitting. The only day it does not cover is The Armagh Show day, usually the second Saturday in June.
Passes must be displayed on your vehicle dashboard at all times while in the Forest.
Please report to the Forest Office, surrender your old passes and new passes will be issued there and then.
A concession pass is available if you meet any of the following criteria.
A concession pass should not be purchased for family or friends, it is for your use only. Appropriate proof of eligibility is required.
The pass is for the vehicle/s nominated and should not be shared with others. Passes being misused will be revoked.
Please report to the hut/Forest Office on arrival and speak to a member of staff.
If lost please contact the Forest Office for a replacement.
Please keep an eye on the parking page on the website for full details.
Yes, your horse box pass allows you to park your car without having to bring a horse box.
Unfortunately we do not have staff on/near the site after closing time. We ask that you return your vehicle to the car park and make arrangements to pick it up the following day.
Please pay the daily fee at the entrance hut on arrival or at the Pay and Display machine situated in the main car park. Please display your receipt/ticket on your dashboard, clearly visible for staff to see.
When entering Loughgall please present your joint pass to the staff inside the office, only then will the barrier be opened.
Unfortunately we do not have staff on/near the site after closing time. We ask that you return your vehicle to the car park and make arrangements to pick it up the following day.
Founded in 1995, Gosford Karting has been offering excellent karting experiences ever since.
Millers Hill is a BHS approved equestrian business run by the McCrum family. It is located approximately 1.5 miles from the village of Markethill.
Lurgaboy Adventure Centre is one of Northern Ireland’s leading Team building and Outdoor pursuits providers.
Friendly little café, located in the small town of Markethill.
Here you will find a tasty range of home-made savoury dishes, cakes and scones, all of which go perfect with a morning coffee.
Give a child a brighter future
HSC NI Foster Care appeals to the sporting community to think about fostering Melanie Coffey, Senior Manager for Fostering & Adoption in the Southern Area, has emphasised the need for more foster carers to come forward. She said: “Partnerships between HSCNI and sporting bodies can be very powerful. Sports clubs and organisations are invested in…
Read MoreGet winter-ready with getactiveabc!
Shorter days don’t have to mean shorter workouts or skipping them altogether! Whether it’s morning, evening, indoors or outdoors, the key is to keep moving throughout the winter season. Let’s ‘ski’ what’s on at Craigavon Golf & Ski! A popular outdoor activity is skiing at Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre, where the team of fully…
Read More
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Health and Recreation Department
