Planning a day out in Belfast that doesn’t drain your wallet before you’ve even had a coffee can feel like a small victory. Colin Glen Forest Park offers exactly that kind of win: free entry to 200 acres of woodland, with a surprising lineup of thrill rides tucked up in the hills.

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Park size: 200 acres ·
Zip line length: Over 300 meters (approx.) ·
Alpine Coaster present: Yes ·
Cafe on site: Yes ·
Admission fee: Free (park entry)

Quick snapshot

1Location
2Activities
  • Alpine Coaster (Colin Glen – Black Bull Run)
  • Zipline (one of Ireland’s longest) (Colin Glen – Black Bull Run)
  • Woodland trails (Colin Glen – Black Bull Run)
  • Golf course and driving range (Colin Glen – Black Bull Run)
3Facilities
  • Cafe on site
  • Parking available
  • Play areas for children
4Access
  • Free entry to the park
  • Tickets required for rides
  • Public bus service available

The park’s numbers tell the story of a compact but well-equipped outdoor space.

Detail Value
Park name Colin Glen Forest Park
Location Belfast, Northern Ireland
Size 200 acres
Cafe Yes, on site
Admission fee Free (park entry)
Alpine Coaster Yes
Zipline length Over 300 meters

Is Colin Glen free?

The short answer: yes. Colin Glen Forest Park does not charge an entry fee for the park itself (Colin Glen official site). That means you can walk the trails, explore the Gruffalo Trail, and use the picnic areas without paying a penny. Parking is also free at the main car park.

What are the entry fees?

  • Park entry: free.
  • Black Bull Run alpine coaster: ticketed, prices vary.
  • Forest Flyover zipline: ticketed, prices vary.
  • River Rapid zipline: ticketed, prices vary.

Are there any paid activities inside?

Yes. While the park itself is free, the headline attractions at the mountain entrance—the Black Bull Run alpine coaster (Colin Glen product page) and the zipline experiences (Colin Glen product page)—require separate tickets. The park’s official site lists these activities with individual pricing. Check their booking portal before you go, because weekend slots for the coaster can fill up.

Why this matters

A family of four can park the car, wander the woods, and eat a packed lunch for zero cost. The paid rides become a choice, not a requirement. That’s rare for a Belfast attraction, and it makes Colin Glen one of the most accessible outdoor spaces in the region.

Is there a cafe at Colin Glen Forest Park?

Yes. The park operates an on-site cafe that serves hot and cold drinks, snacks, and meals (Colin Glen homepage). It’s located near the main entrance and is a handy pit stop before or after tackling the trails.

What are the cafe opening hours?

Opening hours tend to shift with the seasons and are posted on the park’s social media and website. If you’re planning a specific trip, it’s worth phoning ahead on 028 9061 4115 (Colin Glen mountain entrance page) to confirm.

What type of food is served?

  • Hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate).
  • Cold drinks and bottled water.
  • Sandwiches, paninis, and pastries.
  • Kids’ lunch options.

The cafe is more of a convenience stop than a restaurant — expect takeaway cups and a relaxed counter-service vibe.

The implication: pack a picnic if you want a full meal, but the cafe works well for a quick coffee break.

Where is the mountain entrance to Colin Glen located?

The mountain entrance is the base for the park’s adventure activities. It’s not the same as the main Stewartstown Road entrance, so first-time visitors need the right directions.

Directions from Belfast city centre

  • The mountain entrance address is 28 Colin Glen Road, Belfast, BT17 0LR (Colin Glen mountain entrance page).
  • From Belfast city centre, take the M1 westbound, exit at Junction 2 (Stockman’s Lane), and follow signs for the Falls Road/Andersonstown. Turn onto Colin Glen Road and follow the road uphill.
  • Drive time from city centre: approximately 12–15 minutes.

Public transport options

  • Metro bus services serve the area: routes 10A, 10B, and 10C run from the city centre to the Andersonstown/Falls area. Get off at the Upper Springfield Road stop.
  • From the bus stop, it’s about a 10-minute walk uphill to the mountain entrance.
  • Taxis from Belfast city centre cost roughly £10–£15.

The catch: the mountain entrance sits at the top of a steep hill. If you’re walking from the bus stop, allow extra time for the climb.

Is there an Alpine Coaster at Colin Glen?

Yes. Colin Glen is home to the Black Bull Run, described by the park as Ireland’s first alpine coaster (Colin Glen product page). It opened on 7 July 2021 and runs year-round, weather permitting.

How long is the coaster ride?

  • Total length: 565 metres.
  • Downhill section: 349 metres at a 12.2% gradient.
  • Uphill section: 216 metres at a 19.7% gradient.
  • Maximum speed: up to 25 mph (40 kph).
  • Features: 12 twists and 2 tunnels.

Are there age or height restrictions?

  • Minimum height to ride alone: 130 cm.
  • Children under 130 cm can ride as a passenger with an adult.
  • No maximum age limit, but riders should be able to sit upright and hold the safety bar.

What this means: the Black Bull Run is fast enough to thrill but short enough to keep the queues moving. It’s a solid family option, though taller teens and adults will get more out of the zipline.

Where is the biggest zipline in Ireland?

Colin Glen’s zipline setup is impressive, but the title of “biggest” needs some unpacking. The park operates two ziplines: the Forest Flyover (250 metres) and the River Rapid (700 metres).

Is the Colin Glen zip line the longest in Ireland?

  • The River Rapid zipline at Colin Glen is 700 metres long.
  • It’s one of the longest in Ireland, but not the absolute longest.
  • The Forest Flyover at 250 metres is a shorter, family-friendly option.

Where is Europe’s longest zipline?

  • Europe’s longest zipline is at Zip World in Wales, measuring over 1,600 metres.
  • Other notable long ziplines in Ireland include one at Zipit Waterford.
  • Colin Glen’s River Rapid is among the most scenic, given it launches from a 100ft take-off tower over the Belfast Hills.

Here is how the ziplines compare on key specs.

Zipline Length Max speed Take-off height Location
River Rapid (Colin Glen) 700 metres 50 mph (80 kph) 100 ft Belfast, NI
Forest Flyover (Colin Glen) 250 metres 35 mph (50 kph) N/A Belfast, NI
Zip World Velocity 2 (Wales) 1,600+ metres 100 mph+ N/A Penrhyn Quarry, Wales
The trade-off

Colin Glen’s River Rapid isn’t the longest or fastest zipline in Europe, but it offers a unique combination of forest views, a 100ft drop, and a 50 mph ride that most Irish ziplines can’t match. For a Belfast day-tripper, it’s a strong contender without needing to travel to the Welsh mountains.

Is ziplining safe for beginners?

Ziplining at Colin Glen is designed to be accessible for first-time riders. The park uses a “guided descent” system where trained staff attach your harness and control the braking.

Who should not go ziplining?

  • Pregnant women.
  • People with heart conditions, back or neck injuries.
  • Anyone with a fear of heights that would cause significant distress.
  • Riders under the specified weight limits (usually a minimum of 30 kg).

Has a zipline ever snapped?

Cable failures on commercially operated ziplines are extremely rare (Colin Glen zipline experience page). The zipline cable at Colin Glen is a static steel cable inspected daily. The main risk comes not from cable failure but from rider error—such as grabbing the cable or braking too early—all of which is mitigated by the guided system.

What happens if you get stuck on a zipline?

  • Staff are trained to perform a rescue descent using a secondary line.
  • Colin Glen’s setup includes safety redundancy: if the main pully stops mid-line, the harness self-locks and a staff member slides to the rider.
  • Getting stuck is very rare because the River Rapid zipline has a calculated slope that ensures momentum carries the rider to the landing platform.

The pattern: ziplining safety is less about the equipment failing and more about rider suitability. If you’re in reasonable health and under 100 kg, the risk is very low.

Related reading: River Valley Holiday Park: Caravan & Camping Guide

Additional sources

colinglen.org, colinglen.org, colinglen.org, colinglen.org, colinglen.org, colinglen.org, colinglen.org, colinglen.org, belfastmedia.com, daera-ni.gov.uk, belfastmedia.com

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Frequently asked questions

What are Colin Glen Forest Park opening hours?

The park is open daily from dawn until dusk. The cafe and paid activity areas have separate hours, typically 10:00–17:00 in spring/summer and 10:00–16:00 in winter. Always check the Colin Glen homepage for seasonal changes.

Do I need to book tickets in advance for the Alpine Coaster?

Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Tickets are available on the Colin Glen website and can be booked for specific time slots.

Is Colin Glen suitable for young children?

Yes. The park has play areas, the Gruffalo Trail, and gentle woodland walks. The Forest Flyover zipline (250 metres) has a lower height requirement than the River Rapid, so it’s a better choice for younger kids.

Are dogs allowed in Colin Glen Forest Park?

Yes, dogs are welcome on the woodland trails. They must be kept on a lead in the main park areas and near the cafe. Dogs are not permitted on the zipline or alpine coaster.

Is there parking at Colin Glen, and does it cost?

Parking is free at the main car park on Stewartstown Road. The mountain entrance has a smaller car park that is also free but can fill up on busy days.

Can I host a birthday party at Colin Glen?

Yes. The park offers party packages that include zipline or coaster rides plus access to a party room. Booking is required.

What should I wear for ziplining at Colin Glen?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Avoid loose scarves or jewellery. The park provides a helmet and harness.

For families and casual walkers in Belfast, Colin Glen offers something few free parks do: a genuine adventure upgrade that doesn’t force a spend-first decision. The paid rides are optional, well-maintained, and run by trained staff. The trade-off is that you need to plan ahead—book tickets, pick your entrance carefully, and accept that the zipline’s safety record walks the line between “absurdly safe” and “still requires your common sense”. The message for anyone within 20 minutes of Belfast city centre is clear: go, and just follow the directions to the mountain entrance to avoid ending up at the wrong gate.