Belleek Woods

It's Free!

Belleek Woods is an area of great tranquillity, peace and beauty where you can enjoy the natural forest pathways running both through the forestry and along the River Moy. Check out the old  SS Crete Boom, Ballina’s mysterious concrete ship, or explore the many trails through the forest, which will throw up a few big surprises, not least the majestic Belleek Castle itself.

You can see flowers and plants such as bluebells, irises, primroses, foxgloves, Snow in Summer, wild garlic and cuckoo pint. If you’re lucky you might spot  but also spot foxes, hares, pine martins, herons, wagtails and robins among others!

Feed the ducks at the duck pond (make sure to give them healthy snacks like grapes, wheat, barley, oats, rice (cooked or uncooked) birdseed (any type or mix) or nuts, but not bread as it is bad for them!).  The woods also boasts a squirrel sanctuary, where the rare Red Squirrel is getting a new lease of life in a protected area thanks to the efforts of the Belleek Woods Enhancement Committee.

Walking and Cycling in Belleek
Run, walk, cycle or mountain bike your way through this wonderful natural amenity. The forest, with over 22,000 trees holds up to six miles of natural forest pathways, two of which are along the banks of the River Moy.  The woods also marks the start of the as yet unfinished Monasteries of the Moy Greenway route.

Parking
There is a small car park at the duck pond when you follow the main road towards Belleek Castle. Alternatively there is more parking available outside the Ballina Town FC Clubhouse grounds.

Stay up to date 
The Belleek Forest Park Facebook page always has amazing images and live video footage of the various wildlife in the woods.

Deep in beautiful Belleek Woods (one of the largest urban woods in Europe!), a tiny new community has taken up residence among the trees. As you follow the Belleek Woods Fairy Trail, you’ll see their tiny little fairy houses, high in the trees and hidden in tree roots. Colourful and miniature, each house reflects the character of its tiny resident!

Ballina fairies are secretive and shy and like to be left alone, so do feel free to visit and admire their houses, but please do not disturb them. They love children and if you treat them well they may grant your wish. Remember to be quiet as you approach and you might just catch a glimpse!

The little fairy houses on the Belleek Woods Fairy Trail are an initiative of the Ballina Men’s Shed, spearheaded by William Maughan, and Niamh Allen of St. Muredach’s College.

And of course, Belleek Woods is home to lots of other things to see and do including a lovely looped walk lots of wildlife as documented on their Facebook page, the stunning Crete Boom concrete ship and the lovely River Moy.

Admission – both to beautiful Belleek Woods and Belleek Fairy Trail – is free for everyone to enjoy!