Hillsborough Forest & Car Park — Local services in Ireland

Was there for a family get together and picnic on 3/7/23. We had 5 children under 5 with us. We were very efficiently ushered to a cat park and unloaded all our “kit”. We set off to the children’s play park which was a short walk away. When we arrived we were a bit disappointed that there were only 3 picnic tables to set out our food. These were already occupied so we were left to sit on the ground. After 30-40 minutes we then got a table and set about getting everyone fed. After that there were the predictable calls for the toilets. These were absolutely horrible and looked like they hadn’t been cleaned for quite a while. There was a warden who remained inside. When the rain predictably arrived the park emptied as there was nowhere to shelter. We proceeded to walk around the park and there were lots of dogs all shapes and sizes. This was also evident from the number of piles of dogs dirt left lying on the paths. The owners should be apprehended and made clean up the mess and children’s shoes.Not in any rush back here but it is a...

Hillsborough Forest is definitely a scenic walk... We went here mainly for the young kids, as it is a pleasant area with a decent play park. There were a range of things for the kids to play on for most ages say 2 - 10. It may have been good for the bigger kids also. Unfortunately the weather was a bit hit or miss throughout the day for us but as long as the umbrella was at hand, it was still pleasant. Nice icecream near the entrance for the end of the walk to settle the kids down for the car ride home. One thing to note is that I don't think there are toilets near the entrance, with the only toilets a good bit of a walk around to the play park, so if the kids need to go on arrival, you may get the running shoes on. That plus I think that using the toilet brushes would make the poo dirtier by using it... they were mingling, but given that it is a free park, I can't complain too much. All in all, not a...

This visit was to the Christmas Lights trail in the week before Christmas and was our first time here. The trail was just over a mile and wound through the grounds. Some laid paths, but also on earth paths. Fairly easy to manage though. Saw many prams and push chairs but I do not think that it would have been suitable for wheelchair users. Variety of levels, some flat and others hilly. At the halfway point there were some refreshment kiosks to provide warm and soft drinks, also some snacks with sweets for the children. Very good lighting and The Twelve Days of Christmas displays and music was very good. The trail started at the main entrance to the grounds and returned to the same place. Given it was very busy, the car parking arrangements were very clear and efficient. Must return in the daylight to have a better view of...