Newtownabbey offers a range of options for a stay: trails along Belfast Lough, designated nature areas, historic sites and sports and cultural activities. When planning, it is worth deciding first what you would like to experience. A walk with varied climbs, a route along the coast and a visit featuring seasonal or changing programmes all have different requirements for your day’s schedule.
Nature areas with a range of trails
Carnmoney Hill was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 1996. There are more than 5 km of walking trails: easier paths run along the lower slopes, while steep climbs offer views across the town and surrounding countryside. The terrain therefore offers different types of trails, without one particular route being the obvious choice for every itinerary.
Monkstown Wood was also designated a Local Nature Reserve in 2007. The walk there is considered gentle and suitable for people of all abilities. You can reach Monkstown Wood via Monkstown Road from Doagh Road; parking is available on site. The contrast with the steep climbs at Carnmoney Hill can help you choose: the key question is whether you are looking for a gentle walk or trails with more significant elevation changes.
Shoreline trails and connections
Hazelbank Park is on the shore of Belfast Lough. The National Cycle Way connects the park with Belfast and follows the shore to the Lagan Towpath. Jordanstown Loughshore Park is also on Belfast Lough, on the Causeway Coastal Route. A coastal path connects it with Hazelbank Park, Belfast and Lisburn.
The Newtownabbey Way also has clearly named endpoints: it runs from Global Point near Corr’s Corner to Belfast Lough and connects with NCN cycle route 93. The route passes through Mossley Mill, Three Mile Water Park and Monkstown Wood, then continues through Glen Park near Whiteabbey Village. Whitehouse Lagoon, accessible from Gideon’s Green, offers an opportunity for birdwatching.
History and culture
The Theatre at The Mill is located in the restored Mossley Mill. The site began as a flax-spinning mill in 1834; today’s venue thus combines a cultural attraction with industrial history. Its programme includes musicals, dance, drama, comedy, concerts, family shows and workshops. Specific productions change, so check the current programme if you are planning a theatre visit.
The White House dates from 1569 and is on the northern shore of Belfast Lough. It houses two interactive exhibitions: “A Tale of Three Kings” looks at the Williamite and Jacobite wars from a European perspective; “Relive the History” explores the building’s history up to the present day. As the availability of individual exhibitions may change, it is a good idea to check the latest visitor information before planning your visit.
Sentry Hill is a 19th-century farmhouse in the parish of Carnmoney. The house and its contents offer a rare insight into rural life in Ulster in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Guided tours are available; be aware of seasonal closures. Check available dates before visiting.
Gardens, sport and active pursuits
At Hazelbank Park, the Coronation Garden was designed by award-winning gardener Diarmuid Gavin. It features a musical display with dancing topiary and rotating cone-shaped trees, held every 15 minutes. As operational details may change, it is worth checking the latest display information before your visit.
Lilian Bland Community Park offers bowling, tennis courts, an outdoor fitness area, a playground, and space for picnics and ball games. A sculpture commemorates Lilian Bland (1878–1971), considered the first woman to build and fly an aircraft. V36 features a floodlit third-generation pitch for football, rugby and Gaelic sports, as well as a linear park with scenic walking trails and public and community art installations.
Other activities vary considerably: Glengormley Sportsbowl has 16 ten-pin bowling lanes; Kidz Kartz complements it with an indoor kart track on a fully enclosed circuit. Newtownabbey Footgolf combines football and golf, with no clubs or lessons required. Skate 100 offers a 10-foot-deep bowl, ledges, stairs, banks and volcano features, and is suitable for skateboards, scooters, inline skates, parkour and BMX freestyle.
Accommodation and planning
If you are looking for a hotel in Newtownabbey, first choose according to the main focus of your stay: trails and nature, cultural attractions or sports activities. For visits involving changing programmes or seasonal closures, check dates in advance. Mossley West railway station is at The Glade in Newtownabbey; include this place name when planning your journey.
Discover more destinations: Ballymoney, Cushendall, Antrim, Dunadry, Carnlough, Aldergrove, Crumlin, Larne
Go to the main travel overview: Antrim.
