Glade
← Back🌱 Urban park

Half Moon Lake

3 ha
WildlifeBirdsInsects
Public accessFree entryDogs welcome3 ha

Visiting this summer

Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now

  • 🌞Midsummer — early morning visits most comfortable; look for deer fawns in quieter clearings
  • 🍄Mushroom foraging is at its best in summer here
  • Cafe Glen — makes this an easy full-day family visit without needing to pack food

Good to know

  • £Free to visit — no entry charge
  • 🐕Dogs welcome
CaféParking

Best for

9 activities

Wildlife

Multi-group wildlife — Amphibians, Birds, Mammals, Reptiles; Multi-group wildlife — Amphibians, Birds, Mammals, Reptiles

Free

Bird watching

Birds — Blue Tit, Robin, Goldcrest +54 more · last seen 2026; Birds — Blue Tit, Robin, Goldcrest +54 more · last seen 2026

Free

Insect spotting

Insects — Cryptic Wood White, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady +128 more · last seen 2025; Insects — Cryptic Wood White, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady +128 more · last seen 2025

Free

Seasonal nature

Plants — Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed, Lesser Celandine +27 more · last seen 2026; Plants — Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed, Lesser Celandine +27 more · last seen 2026

Free

Mushroom foraging

Fungi — Magic Mushroom, Farysia thuemenii, Pale Bramble Rust +4 more · last seen 2025; Fungi — Magic Mushroom, Farysia thuemenii, Pale Bramble Rust +4 more · last seen 2025

Varies

Dog walks

Dogs allowed with public access

Free

Trails nearby

Within roughly 5 km
🚶

Walking

10 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
Lough Trail, Belfast AreaWalking route1.5 km

Follow the gently sloping path along its length, taking in sights such as Lough Neagh & the Sperrin Mountains to the west. Curve back on yourself through open hillside & past a viewpoint highlighting the history of the region, including a rath.

Named routeLength 1.5 kmDuration 00:30Round tripLocal walking route
Giant's Ring Circular WalkWalking route
Named routeRound tripLocal walking route
Summit Trail, Belfast AreaWalking route4.8 km

Walk along the Tipperary Road through open heath & blanket bog following a waymarked trail to the highest peak in the Belfast Hills, Divis Mountain. Overlooking the city below and with panoramic views of Lough Neagh, the Mournes & Strangford Lough.

Named routeLength 4.8 kmDuration 00:50-01:30Round tripLocal walking route
Ridge Trail, Belfast AreaWalking route6.7 km

On this circular, take in 180-degree views across Belfast & further afield, including the Antrim Plateau to the north, Scotland to the east & the Mournes to the south. There's also a huge variety of wildlife and flora to look out for along the way.

Named routeLength 6.7 kmDuration 03:00Round tripLocal walking route
The Rose WalkWalking route
Named routeLocal walking route
🚴

Cycling

19 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
National Cycle Network National Route 9Cycling route

Belfast to Newry

Named routeRef 9National Cycle Network
Clarendon ParkCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
Clement Wilson ParkCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
WaterworksCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
EuroVelo 1 - Atlantic Coast Route - part Northern IrelandCycling route
Named routeRef EV1International cycle route
Musgrave ParkCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
🚵

Mountain biking

3 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
Blue TrailMountain bike route

Barnett Demense Blue Trail. For confident through to experienced mountain bikers.

Named routeRef BlueListed length 3.9 kmRound tripLocal cycle route
Red OptionsMountain bike route

Barnett Demense - Red trail options

Named routeRef RedPoint-to-pointLocal cycle route
Green TrailMountain bike route

Barnett Demense Green Trail. Aimed at beginners.

Named routeRef GreenListed length 3.4 kmPoint-to-pointLocal cycle route

Wildlife to spot

Photos

J2871 : Parish church of St. Oliver Plunkett

J2871 : Parish church of St. Oliver Plunkett

1 / 15

Weather for this location

Next 14 days

Loading local forecast…

Nearby places

Useful places within 5 km

Own or manage this place?

Claim this listing to keep details accurate, add photos, and highlight what makes it special — free.

Claim this page

How was your visit?

How useful was the information on this page?

id: 7ab1c08a-7ed0-4046-b114-0fbb362d1044