Giant's Ring circular walk at Minnowburn

Northern Ireland

Fallen leaves on the Giants Ring trail — Passing Ned's Meadow on the Giant's Ring trail | © National trust/Kyle Lamb

A relaxing walk along the river, rising gently through woodland and farmland, via Neolithic earthwork the Giant's Ring. The route also takes in a natural amphitheatre carved by a glacier and views across the Lagan Valley from Terrace Hill garden.

Near to

Minnowburn

Start point

Minnowburn car park, OSNI grid ref J327685

Terrace Hill house

Although you can enjoy Terrace Hill garden, Terrace Hill House is privately owned and is not open to the public.

Address
Minnowburn car park, Edenderry Road, Belfast, BT8 8LD
Directions via Google Maps
On foot
From Shaw's Bridge or the Lagan towpath, cross over to the south side of the river and look for the National Trust signs. Follow the riverside path over the bridge to the car park.
By bus
From the Europa Buscentre in the centre of Belfast, take either routes 13D or 513. Get off on the Malone/Milltown Road near Shaw's Bridge and follow the on foot directions from there.
Cycling
From National Cycle Network Route 9, cross over to the south side of the river at Shaw's Bridge or the Gilchrist Bridge and look for the National Trust signs along the riverside path to the car park.
National Cycle Network information
By train
Minnowburn is 2 miles (3.2km) from Balmoral train station.
By road
From the A55 Malone/Milltown Road, south Belfast, turn off onto the Ballylesson Road at Shaw's Bridge, following the brown signs to the car park.
From Lisburn, on the B23 Hillhall/Ballylesson Road, take the first left fork signposted Giant's Ring. Go straight on, turning left onto the Edenderry Road after about 1 mile (1.6km) then follow the brown signs to the car park.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome but please keep them on a lead. Take particular care when entering fields where livestock are grazing, including the Sandpit Field.
Car park
There's free parking at Minnowburn car park on Edenderry Road, at the start of the route, which is suitable for coaches.
Toilet
The nearest toilets are in Malone House, across the River Lagan via Shaw's bridge. Owned and managed by Belfast City Council, they are open most days between 9am and 5pm.
Picnic area
There are picnic tables in Terrace Hill garden at step 5 on the route.
Kiosk
Refreshments are available from Piccolo Mondo coffee and pizza van in Minnowburn car park every day except Monday.
The route includes uneven surfaces, steps, gates and several stiles. Some areas can be slippery when wet. There are roads to cross where traffic may be passing.
Designated parking
There will be four designated parking spaces for people with mobility issues in Minnowburn car park after refurbishments are finished in mid-February 2023.
Accessible toilet
There are accessible toilets are in Malone House, across the River Lagan via Shaw's bridge. Owned and managed by Belfast City Council, they are open most days between 9am and 5pm.
Steps/uneven terrain
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Minnowburn car park, OSNI grid ref J327685
Stage 1
From the car park, follow the Lagan riverbank path upstream. After about 220yd (200m), take the first path on your left-hand side.
The River Lagan and its wildlife
The Lagan is the main river that flows through the city. It was used as a canal for more than two centuries, linking Belfast with Lough Neagh, until the navigations' closure in 1958. Today, the Lagan towpath forms the spine of the Lagan Valley Regional Park and is an important walking and cycling facility for the people of Belfast. This stretch of the river is a wonderful wildlife haven where you can see wetland birds such as little grebes, moorhens and tufted ducks. You might even spot one of the seals that commonly make their way upriver from the port.
Stage 2
Follow this path, cross the Edenderry Road and continue with the mature woodland on your left. You'll enter young, broadleaved woodland. Carry on until you reach the Ballynahatty Road. Cross the road and take the path opposite.
Minnowburn woods
The Minnowburn woods are, for the most part, fairly young. Mainly beech, much of which dates from the early 1960s. The more recently planted woods tend to be native broadleaves such as oak, ash and hazel. The most interesting variety amongst these is what we call the Belvoir oak. These were grown from acorns collected from the ancient oak trees of Belvoir forest. Eventually, as these woods mature, visitors will walk through woodland with mighty oaks that can be genetically traced back to the ancient forests of Ireland.
Stage 3
Follow the path with fields on either side for about half a mile (1km), until you reach the Giant's Ring. After exploring the Ring, make your way out through the gate at the opposite side from where you arrived. Pass through the car park and carry on down the avenue until you reach the road.
Stage 4
Cross the road, watching out for traffic. Use the access ramp opposite leading through the gap in the fence. You're now in the Sandpit Field. Follow the path around the top of the large pit until you come to a pedestrian gate beside a road.
Stage 5
Cross the road and go through the pedestrian gate opposite. Continue on the old tarmac path up Terrace Hill. This was once the main avenue to Terrace Hill house. In spring, the bank on the left is filled with daffodils and bluebells. Carry on until you reach the garden. Once you've explored this magical place, go back the way you came and take the path on the left, leading downhill through young woodland.
The view from Terrace Hill garden across the Lagan Valley to the Belfast hills | © National Trust Images/Sean Maxwell
Stage 6
Continue on the path until you reach the Minnowburn river. Follow the river downstream to Minnowburn Bridge and your starting point at the car park beyond.
End point
Minnowburn car park, OSNI grid ref J324685
Trail map
The Minnowburn Giant's Ring walking trail | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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Riverside circular walk at Minnowburn

Take a leisurely walk along the banks of the River Lagan into the heart of the Lagan Valley Regional Park, with an optional detour to the historic village of Edenderry.

A river and footpath framed by trees at Minnowburn, Northern Ireland

Edenderry Road, Belfast, County Down, BT8 8LE

02890647787

belfast@nationaltrust.org.uk

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Things to do at Minnowburn

From the majestic Minnowburn Beeches to the peaceful Terrace Hill Garden, Minnowburn is a haven just outside the city. Take a look at what you might find on your next visit.

Visitors at Minnowburn, County Down, Northern Ireland

The history of Minnowburn

We first became involved at Minnowburn in June 1945. The Minnowburn Beeches were under threat from felling when a permit application was submitted to allow building in the area.

Bridge over River Lagan, Minnowburn, Northern Ireland

Walking in Northern Ireland

Fall in love with Northern Ireland’s legendary landscapes this autumn and enjoy the warmth of the season’s welcome. From the golden sands of Portstewart Strand to the peaceful, leaf-strewn woodland trails at Florence Court, our walking routes offer something for everyone. Whether you’re strolling or hiking, iconic sites like the Giant's Causeway invite you to explore coastal paths lined with autumn’s rich hues, while ancient bogs share their stories along winding boardwalks. This autumn, let the trails through our cared-for places lead you on a journey through vibrant colours, crisp air, and the rich heritage of Northern Ireland.

Near to

Start point

Trail information

Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

Terrace Hill house

Getting here

Facilities

Accessibility

Terrain and elevation

Trail route

Total stages: 6

Total stages: 6

Start point

Stage 1

Point of interest

Stage 2

Point of interest

Stage 3

Point of interest

Stage 4

Point of interest

Stage 5

Point of interest

Stage 6

Point of interest

End point

Trail map

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