On the approach to the small town of Portglenone, you’ll find the entrance to Portglenone forest and its ancient woodland that is home to millions of bluebells. With travel restrictions in force last May, I couldn’t visit this magical place. So it was high on my priority list this year to return as soon as the current lockdown restrictions were lifted. I simply love this place. And with Northern Ireland being one of the least wooded regions with just 8% woodland cover compared to around 37% in Europe, it’s a very precious place indeed.
A walk through the woodland
As we started our walk through Portglenone Forest, Dad and I stuck to the designated pathways, careful not to tread anywhere we shouldn’t. We enjoyed a wander round the woodland, listening to the birdsong and taking in that haze of blue. Then we followed one of the paths up through the woods which led us to an old cemetery. There we found the bluebells were slowly reclaiming that space too. And although the sun was shining, it was distinctly cool underneath the canopy. We were happy to warm up with a flask of tea when we returned to the car !
A few scenes from our wander through Portglenone Forest
Facilities at the forest
There is a small car park. Although you usually have to pay to park, I think the charges have been waived for now (although I’m not sure how much longer that will last). There are toilets on site as well as picnic tables. From Belfast it takes approximately 45 mins to get there.
Have a lovely Sunday,
Paula
Useful Links
For more information about Portglenone Forest, click here
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This looks like a beautiful spot; thanks for taking me there, Paula!
It certainly is a beautiful spot. Thank you so much for your kind comment !
It looks like a lovely tranquil walk Paula.
It is Andrea. We felt better for having visited.
With the lifting of restrictions we have visited two gardens – the desire to go somewhere, to do something! And we saw great expanses of bluebells also.
It’s great isn’t it ? Finally getting our freedom back and enjoying all the gardens!
I’ve just finished reading Secret Gardens of Somerset and how I’d love to be able to travel and visit gardens again!
So lovely ❤️❤️
Thank you pals. Hope you are all OK xx