Carnfunnock Biodiversity Walk
One of a whole host of great walks on offer through the picturesque surroundings of Carnfunnock Country Park.

County Antrim
Distance 1.5 miles
OS Map Sheet 9
Terrain Flat, hilly, slopes and steps.
Nearest Town Larne, Drains Bay & Ballygally.
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference D384066
Route Type Coastal, Hill, Parkland & Grassland, Woodland
This is a circular route suitable for wheelchairs giving great views of the coast and taking you right beside the giant bird table. Also incorporates a dedicated fitness trail with various stations of outdoor gym equipment. This walk is suitable for people with limited mobility.
Giant bird table and Outdoor gym equipment
On Antrim Coast Road (A2), 3.5 miles north of Larne. Walk from the main car park following sign posts directly to the Carnfunnock Visitor Centre.
Larne parkrun starts and ends at Drains Bay car park.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Dogs are allowed. However, park operates dog zones. Dogs are not permitted in the maze, walled garden, activity centre, family fun zone, golf course or inside buildings. Dogs must be under control at all times. Use bins provided for waste.
“The Cafe and Visitor Centre, with tourist information and novelty goods for sale, are open daily from mid March-October. The Cafe is open at weekends throughout the year. (Tel: 07933 884350 for confirmation of cafe opening hours) There is a charge to use the car park in the summer season, although registered blue badge holders can park for free on production of their badge. Parking is also available in Carnfunnock Bay and Drains Bay. Toilets are open all year (excluding Christmas Day).”
Grade 4
- The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 10cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 80cm wide for its entire length.
- The path gradients and cross slopes will be greater than 6°.
- Obstacles such as steps or stiles are to be expected and surface breaks may be larger 75mm in width.
- There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
- Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
Comments will be reviewed and those that cause offence will be removed. This is at the discretion of WalkNI.
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the walking routes listed on WalkNI safely and easily.
If you have come across any problems whilst walking a route, please let us so we can pass on any issues to the appropriate management body responsible for maintaining the walk.
Walk Route
Carnfunnock Biodiversity Walk
Biodiversity walk around the Carnfunnock Country Park taking in some of the woodland areas, the walled garden, the upper path and down by the coast around Carnfunnock Country Park. Plenty of other areas you can also explore including Chaine’s Wood (Local Nature Reserve), the pond area and down by Drains Bay as well. Opportunities to see Red Squirrels, rabbits, birds, and even dolphins along the coast.