Carnagh Forest

What You'll Find

If you love finding those little hidden gems that have a bit of everything for the kids, Carnagh Forest near Keady is definitely one to add to your list!

Tucked away in the countryside of County Armagh, this lovely woodland has a children's play area, walking trails, lakes and plenty of opportunities for little explorers to enjoy the outdoors.

And the best part? It's completely free!

The play area is right beside the car park, making it a brilliant place to start your adventure. There's a fun little maze for the kids to explore, a ground-level trampoline, a basket swing and some lovely animal carvings to discover.

Once everyone has had their fill of the playground, you can head off into the forest and explore one of the three walking trails.

The paths take you through the trees and around the woodland, with a nature reserve at the heart of the forest. There's plenty of wildlife to look out for, especially around the lakes, where you might spot ducks and other waterbirds.

If you're really lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an otter!

It's one of those places where you can enjoy a bit of playground fun, a woodland walk and a picnic all in the one visit, without spending a penny.

A lovely option for families who enjoy getting outdoors and discovering somewhere a little different!

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Finding their way through the little maze at the playground
• ✓Having a bounce on the ground-level trampoline and a go on the basket swing
• ✓Spotting the animal carvings dotted around the play area
• ✓Exploring the woodland trails and looking out for wildlife
• ✓Watching the ducks and other birds around the lakes

Before You Visit

Carnagh Forest is located south of Keady, just off the Castleblayney Road.

There's a small car park right beside the playground, which is especially handy when you're visiting with younger children.

You'll find picnic tables near the play area, so it's a lovely spot to bring along lunch or a few snacks.

There aren't any cafés or shops within the forest, so make sure you've packed everything you'll need before setting off.

The woodland trails are described as accessible, although forest paths can still become soft or muddy after wet weather, so sensible footwear is a good idea.

Keep little ones close around the lakes and remember that dogs must be kept on leads.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐Start with the playground before heading off on one of the woodland trails. It's a lovely way to enjoy a bit of everything without tiring out little legs too quickly!
• ⭐Bring a picnic! The tables beside the playground make it easy to stop for lunch while enjoying the forest surroundings.
• ⭐Turn your walk into a wee wildlife hunt. See how many different birds, insects and woodland creatures the kids can spot along the way.
• ⭐Pack binoculars if you have them, especially for spotting ducks and other wildlife around the lakes.
• ⭐Fancy another adventure nearby? Gosford Forest Park near Markethill is another lovely family option, with woodland walks and a fantastic adventure playground to explore!