Welcome to Lagan Valley Regional Park and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

From the headwaters of Slieve Croob in the peaks of Dromara, beyond the Mountains of Mourne, the River Lagan grows in its vastness and arrangement of tributaries as it sweeps and meanders down to the Lagan Navigation and out to the Irish Sea. The patchwork of valley landscapes from wet meadows, ponds and ditches to mixed beech woodland, parkland and pine plantation provides a network for wildlife and a passage to our past.

Step out onto the towpath and immerse yourself with the sounds of the ebb and flow of the river. An alarm call from a shy moorhen as it quietly stalks the riverbank reeds and twists of overhanging willow. The mallard duck and little grebe can be seen along the river. The many willows, looming beeches and hawthorn hedgerows provide their own music as they creek in the wind during the winter months, laden heavy with lichens.

Breathe in the pine scents of Belvoir Forest, the musky aroma of ancient oaks and fields of Meadowsweet at Lagan Meadows in the spring when you can also discover carpets of bluebells in Minnowburn. Gasp at the hugeness of Ballyskeagh High Bridge and uncover the long history at Shaw's Bridge. Step on to the 'Industry Lighter' or let smells of the open fire at Lock Keeper's Cottage, where you will be transported back to another time.

Enjoy a picnic by the river or warm up with a hot drink at one of the few cafes. Pick a trail and explore the rose garden at Terrace Hill with superb views across the valley of the Belfast Hills, finishing the day as the sun casts a long shadow over the ancient stones of the Giant's Ring.

 

 

Notice regarding Lagan Towpath: Gilchrist Bridge at Edenderry will be closed to the public each day from 12th to the 14th April 2021 between 9am and 4pm for essential maintenance work. 

 

Events on hold at the moment - we will be posting details here as soon as we can run any events

 

For more details, see our Events Calendar

 

FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND BOOKING PLEASE CONTACT THE PARK OFFICE - Tel: 028 9049 1922 or email: admin@laganvalley.co.uk

 

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The Lock Keeper's Cottage and the Industry Lighter have been fully restored through a range of Heritage Lottery, European, Government and Council funding.

The Regional Park opens these facilities to the public as part of our living heritage through Volunteer Heritage Guides.

Generally the cottage and barge will be open from 10am to 4pm, but this may vary as it is dependent on the availability of our volunteers.

The opening times at present apply from Monday through to Friday with weekend opening on the last weekend of the month.

We would like to extend a big thank you to all the hard work and dedication of our Volunteer Heritage Guides.

Please note that these times are not written in stone and may vary depending on volunteer availability - if you have arrived and found one of the facilities closed, please ask at the office, we may be able to help.

Lock Three

Works have been completed on Lock No.3. This project was delivered as part of the Laganscape Project with our partner Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL) now the Department for Infrastructure (DfI). Work commenced in June 2009 and involved the replacement of stone work on both sides of the canal chamber, removal of the watermain pipe and re-introduction of working Lock gates.

Along with the restoration of the Lock Keeper's Cottage, this site is the only authentic example of lock, cottage and original bridge anywhere in the Lagan Valley.

In 2014 the restored 'Industry' lighter was installed downstream of Lock No. 3 and visitors can board the barge and learn about the history of this fine vessel.

Calling all wildlife spotters

We have identified a number of key species that we would like to monitor and we're hoping that you can help us by taking a note of where and when you see them as you walk through the Park. The information we receive will help us to gain a better understanding of our local wildlife and will help us to direct management of the Regional Park to maximise its value for biodiversity. All recordings can be reported to the Lagan Valley Regional Park office by telephone (02890 491922) or email - admin@laganvalley.co.uk

Volunteer Willow

Lagan Valley Regional Park has an exciting range of volunteer opportunities. You can get involved in:

  • Saturday Conservation Volunteers
  • Volunteer Heritage Guides
  • Volunteer Rangers
  • Wildlife Surveying and Monitoring

For more information on all of these opportunities check out our volunteering section, or to speak to our Volunteer Co-ordinator: call us on 02890 491922.

 

The Industry: An Original Lagan Lighter

In August 2014 the lighter 'The Industry' once again felt the waters of the Lagan lap against her hull as she was finally returned to her original working place. She now rests at the site of the Lock Keeper's Cottage at Lock No.3 and can be seen from the towpath. Take a dander down and immerse yourself in the local history. The Industry is now open to the public Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and the last weekend in the month (Saturday and Sunday 11.30am to 1.30pm). Opening is dependent on our Volunteer Heritage Guides. If you find the barge or cottage closed please call at the Lagan Valley Regional Park office where our staff may be able to help.Barge being positioned