Attractions and Places To See around Ballycloghan - Top 11
Best attractions and places to see around Ballycloghan include a mix of natural features, historical sites, and recreational paths. This area, often associated with the townland near Belfast, offers diverse landscapes for exploration. Visitors can find popular walking and cycling routes, significant wetland centers, and local cultural landmarks. The region provides opportunities for outdoor activities and historical discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around Ballycloghan
- The most popular attraction is The Comber Greenway, a cycle way that connects…
Last updated: July 8, 2026
Kilmood Church
Highlight • Historical Site
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Giant's Ring Dolmen
Highlight • Monument
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The Comber Greenway
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Poacher's Pantry
Highlight • Pub
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WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre
Highlight • Natural
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Tips from the Community
The facility is of impressive size.
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The structure consists of a circular earthen ring with a diameter of 180 m and an area of 28,000 square meters, surrounded by an earthen rampart 3.5 m high. At least three of the five irregularly distributed gaps in the ring are intentional and possibly original. East of the center of the ring is a small passage grave with a westward-facing entrance.
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As you get closer, the mystical aura of the place unfolds, with its mighty, almost circular earthen wall, which measures over 180 meters in diameter and dominates the view over the surrounding plateau. This ancient henge complex is one of the largest and best-preserved monuments of its kind in Ireland - hard to miss when you get close to Shaw's Bridge. In the center of the ring, a megalithic tomb awaits you, which tells its own story with its five supporting stones and a mighty capstone. You can literally feel the thousands of years that have passed here since ceremonies and gatherings probably took place at this place. It is impressive how the Giant's Ring has survived over time, while the wooden structures of the Ballynahatty settlements are long gone.
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WWT Castle Espie is home to the largest collection of ducks, geese and swans in Ireland. Wide open spaces, and wetlands full of the sights and sounds of nature. Surprised by just how much there is to see and do including a Cafe / Gallery, plenty of walks, and places to just sit and take it all in.
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Perfect way to get out to Comber. Connecting easily with nearby tours of Strangford Lough and Ards. You will be amazed just how quite things get, and all only 30 minutes from Belfast.
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After you have rested up a while on the banks of this magical place - you can carry on through to the other side, where you will find a ride able trail taking you down in to the Lagan Valley, Connecting to the tow path that will take you all the way in to the city. Prehistoric enclosure, over 200 metres in diameter, with a dolmen in the centre. The big earthwork circle, roughly 200m across, is a beautiful example of a 'henge' monument, built in about 2700BC during the Neolithic period. Similar monuments are found elsewhere in Britain and Ireland, but this is one of the finest. In the middle is a tomb made up of 5 upright stones and a large capstone, the bare frame of what was originally a chambered grave, covered with a cairn of stones and earth.
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Open every day 9am–9pm. freshly baked goodies, takeaway coffee, and fresh produce from 'The Poachers Pantry', and some great bottles of wine. It's a one stop foodie shop! And the pub is popular with cyclists. Originally established in the 1800’s as an old coaching inn, The Poacher’s Pocket is situated in the heart of picturesque County Down. This Michelin recommended restaurant offers modern Irish pub food using the finest locally sourced seasonal produce in a restaurant oozing in modern country charm.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Ballycloghan?
Ballycloghan, particularly the area near Belfast, offers several natural highlights. You can enjoy the scenic Comber Greenway, a popular walking and cycling path that follows a disused railway line, offering views over houses and natural scenery. The WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre is home to the largest collection of ducks, geese, and swans in Ireland, providing wide open spaces and wetlands. The Knock River also traverses Ballycloghan, and the gardens of the Stormont Estate are within the townland.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit in Ballycloghan?
Yes, Ballycloghan features historical and cultural points of interest. Kilmood Church is a pretty historical church situated on a rocky knoll above the road, serving as a local landmark. While the main buildings of the Stormont Estate are in an adjacent townland, the beautiful Stormont Estate Gardens are located within Ballycloghan itself.
What family-friendly activities are available in Ballycloghan?
Ballycloghan offers several family-friendly options. The Comber Greenway is perfect for family walks and cycles. The WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre provides an engaging experience for all ages with its diverse bird collection and nature walks. Additionally, the Mo Mowlam Children's Playground, located within Ballycloghan, offers facilities for children, alongside an outdoor gym and jogging path for adults.
Where can I find good places to eat or grab a coffee near the attractions?
For refreshments, consider visiting Poacher's Pantry. It's a highly recommended pub, restaurant, and shop known for its freshly baked goods, takeaway coffee, and local produce. It's also popular with cyclists and offers a modern Irish pub food experience.
Are there good cycling routes around Ballycloghan?
Absolutely. The Comber Greenway is a popular traffic-free cycling path connecting Belfast city centre with Comber, offering beautiful scenery. For more extensive rides, you can explore various routes like the 'Strangford Lough Cycle Trail: Ballygowan Loop' or 'Saintfield to Giant's Ring loop'. You can find more details on these and other cycling routes in the Cycling around Ballycloghan guide.
What kind of walking or running trails are available?
Ballycloghan and its surroundings offer excellent options for walking and running. The Comber Greenway is a fantastic traffic-free path suitable for both. For dedicated running, trails like the 'Kin n Folk Café loop from Saintfield' or the 'Kilmood Church loop from Kilmood ED' are available. Discover more running trails in the Running Trails around Ballycloghan guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Comber Greenway?
Visitors love the Comber Greenway for its traffic-free nature, making it a perfect escape from city life. It's praised for its beautiful scenery, including wildflowers, trees, meadows, and grasslands, along with excellent views. Many find it an ideal way to get out of Belfast and into the countryside, connecting easily with tours of Strangford Lough and Ards.
Can I find views of Scrabo Tower from Ballycloghan?
Yes, you can enjoy picturesque views of Scrabo Tower from the Ballycloghan area. Specifically, the View of Scrabo Tower from Ballydrain Road offers a rolling trail through barley fields with vistas of Strangford Lough, providing magnificent colors, especially at twilight on a clear summer's eve.
Is Ballycloghan a good destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers?
Absolutely. The WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre is a prime destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers, housing the largest collection of ducks, geese, and swans in Ireland. It offers extensive wetlands and open spaces to observe diverse wildlife.
When is the best time to see spring flowers along the Comber Greenway?
If you're hoping to see spring flowers, April is an excellent time to visit the Comber Greenway. The embankments along the path are known for their beautiful display of spring blooms during this month.
Are there any places for a longer road cycling tour near Ballycloghan?
Yes, for those interested in longer road cycling tours, Ballycloghan is a great starting point. Routes such as 'Tullynakill Church Ruins – Bike Path to Belfast loop' or 'View of Portaferry Harbor – Grey Abbey Ruins loop' offer moderate challenges. You can find more detailed information and routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Ballycloghan guide.
Most popular routes around Ballycloghan
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