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Minnowburn
Close to the city, in the heart of the country
Edenderry Road, Belfast, County Down, BT8 8LE
Opening times for 11 December 2023
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Free parking at Minnowburn Car Park, Edenderry Road
Dogs
Dogs welcome on a lead, particularly when entering fields where livestock are grazing
Free parking at Minnowburn Car Park, Edenderry Road. No toilets. Uneven ground in places, various surfaces, mainly gravel, grass or woodbark. Steps and steep slopes in places. Dogs on leads welcome.
Steps/uneven terrain
Uneven ground in places, various surfaces, mainly gravel, grass or wood bark. Steps and steep slopes in places
By road
From North/Belfast: From A55 Malone/Milltown Road, in south Belfast, at Shaw's Bridge, follow the brown signs, turning off onto the Ballylesson Road, then right onto the Edenderry Road. The car park is just over the bridge. From South/Lisburn: On the B23 Hillhall/Ballylesson Road, take the first left fork signposted 'Giant's Ring', then straight on, turning left onto the Edenderry Road after about 1 mile. The car park is just over the bridge.
Sat Nav: Edenderry Road is Sat Nav postcode BT8 8LD
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.
By train
2 miles from Balmoral Station. Follow Musgrave Park Court to the A55 (Stockman's Lane) and turn right. Follow the A55 (Stockman's Lane and Balmoral Avenue) for about 1 mile to the Malone Road and turn right. Walk along the Malone Road for about 1 mile, taking the left branch of the roundabout (A55) to Shaw's Bridge. Turn right onto the Ballylesson Road, then right onto the Edenderry Road.
By bus
From the Europa Buscentre in the centre of Belfast, take either routes 13D or 513 and stop on the Malone/Milltown Road near Shaw's Bridge. Follow the path under Shaw's bridge on the south of the river Lagan.
By bicycle
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.
Planning your visit
Highlights
Countryside
Minnowburn is on the southern edge of Belfast, its meadows and woodlands rolling down to the Lagan river – perfect for a short stroll or the start of a longer walk.
Terrace Hill Garden
Climb Terrace Hill and discover the garden built by linen merchant Ned Robinson, where you can have a picnic or take in the views across the Lagan valley.
Riverside
Wander along the burn that gives the area its name, beeches towering above, where generations of children fished for minnows.
Things to see and do
Article
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.
Top trails
Trail
Giant's Ring circular walk at Minnowburn
Take a relaxing walk along the river, through woodland and farmland, to a Neolithic earthwork, a natural amphitheatre and views across the Lagan Valley.
Trail
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.
About Minnowburn
Minnowburn is on the southern edge of Belfast, its meadows and woodlands rolling down to the Lagan river - perfect for a short stroll or the start of a longer walk.
Dander along the burn that gives the area its name, beeches towering above, past where generations of children fished for minnows.
Climb Terrace Hill and discover the garden built by linen merchant Ned Robinson, where you can have a picnic or take in the views across the Lagan valley.
The old avenue curves back down the hill to the Sandpit field, which in once reverberated to the sound of ‘Pop for Peace’, a concert in 1969 endorsed by John Lennon.
On the other side is a short walk to the Giant’s Ring, a huge neolithic earth henge and tomb where you can imagine scenes of ancient gatherings and rituals.
Paths wind through fields, past the mill village of Edenderry and back to the river, to its first historical crossing at Shaw’s bridge, named after an officer in Oliver Cromwell’s army.
Keep an eye out for sculptures and natural art along the path and see if you can catch the blue flash of a Kingfisher, or an Otter poking its head above the water.
History
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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.
Support us
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Volunteering with the National Trust in Belfast
Discover a variety of volunteer opportunities in Belfast, with something to suit everyone.