Loughshore Park

loughshore park bandstand

Updated On: November 07, 2023 by   Ciaran ConnollyCiaran Connolly

Loughshore Park is located near the starting point of the Causeway Coastal Route, just off the Shore Road near the University of Ulster at Jordanstown, along the shores of Belfast Lough. It is a great park with good facilities, including an outdoor gym where adults can enjoy exercising, and a kid’s play park for children from age three to twelve and a fully equipped café and an enclosed caravan park. The walk stretches for 2 km, so it’s really short and it goes between the site and Belfast, which offers great views over the Lough while taking you right into Belfast’s city centre. It’s a place where you can enjoy a picnic with family and friends with a fantastic view of Belfast Lough.

The Loughshore Park contains a large grass area which gives you a nice space for playing football, kite flying and at the end of August of every year; the park hosts the Shoreline Festival. From the coastal path from Loughshore Park to Hazelbank Park, culture lovers can explore the art installations and learn about the heritage and wildlife. The modern amenity block is kept to high standards, providing free hot showers, dishwashing area and laundry room. There is a public bus service at the entrance of the park and also a train service at Jordanstown Train Station which runs frequently.

Development of the Loughshore Park:

The plan for the park was revelled in 2010, as a part of 1.37 million to redevelop the beautiful area. Members of the Development Committee agreed to submit a planning application for the redevelopment at that time, due to the report given to members of the committee a large gateway sculpture could be put in place at the Whiteabbey end of the park. The gateway is to signify the start of the Tourist Board ‘Causeway Coastal Route’ Signature Project to develop the Antrim and Causeway Coast to become a world-class visitor attraction.

Also in the report, there will be three smaller artworks to be placed along the shoreline between Jordanstown and Hazelbank. Their designs are expected to be based on the local history, environment and community of Whiteabbey and Jordanstown. The project was funded by the council and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board also includes improvements to the caravan park and the construction of a new ‘wave-shape’ bandstand.

Newtownabbey’s Mayor, John Scott, told the Times at that time: “The Park has needed a facelift for some time and the new facilities will be state-of-the-art and will hopefully bring more tourists to the borough as they make their way along the coastal route.”

loughshore park jordanstown
Loughshore Park walk (Source: rossographer)

Things to Do Near the Loughshore Park:

Hazelbank Park:

It is located near the Loughshore Park on the shore of Belfast Lough, where u can see a wonderful view of Belfast, Carrickfergus and County Down. It’s a place where you can have a picnic, there are also free paths for walking and cycling and for wheelchairs users and for children, there is a large playing area.

Carrickfergus Castle:

The castle is 3.5 miles away from Loughshore Park in the town of Carrickfergus in County Antrim, on the shore of Belfast Lough. The castle is mostly surrounded by water, and it played an important military role until 1928 and one the best middle aged protected structures in Northern Ireland.

Cave Hill Country Park:

The park was named from 5 caves in the same place which is iron mines, located near the Loughshore Park on the side the main Belfast cliffs. The park contains many historical and natural features, and one of the greatest landmarks in Belfast. Also, in the park there are picnic areas and many vast landscapes.

Belfast Lough
Belfast Lough (Source: albert thompson)

Hotels near Loughshore Park:

Culloden Estate & Spa:

The hotel is located on the highest place of the Hollywood Hills, and it overlooks Belfast Lough and the County Antrim Coastline. It’s a 5 stars hotel and stands on 12 acres of beautiful gardens and woodland.

Loughshore Hotel:

It contains 68 bedrooms where you can start exploring Northern Ireland specially Carrickfergus town and its near sites.

Corrs Corner Hotel:

The hotel is situated in Newtownabbey Co Antrim, only 7 miles from Belfast City Centre. It’s 5.8 km away from Loughshore Park; it contains 68 relaxing rooms with 8 conference suits and two luxurious suites. It’s a 3 stars hotel but staying in it makes you feel that you are in a 5 stars hotel due to its hospitality and comfortable surroundings.

Dobbins Inn Hotel:

It is located in the heart of Carrickfergus. It’s a perfect place for all visitors to Northern Ireland. The hotel is known to date back to late 13th century and still has some remaining historic features. It contains 15 bedrooms with some of the top tourist attraction only a few hours away.

Restaurants near Loughshore Park:

Bureau by The Lough:

The restaurant was established in 2002. It’s located in Whiteabbey Village, beside Belfast Lough. At the restaurant you can enjoy great view across Belfast Lough to the County Down hills. The Bureau bar on ground floor is open daily for drinks, coffee, breakfast, freshly prepared seafood and grill dishes and entertainment. On the first floor, you’ll find Lanyon’s Restaurant which is ideal for intimate dining on the weekends, with an exquisite seafood and grill menu served against a backdrop of beautiful Belfast Lough. The place was awarded ‘Grub Club Best NI Restaurant’, ‘Pubs of Ulster Best NI Food Pub’ and ‘Newtownabbey Business Awards Best Food Venue’.

Castello Italia:

Italian restaurant and coffee shop in Carrickfergus which is located on the Causeway Coastal route with stunning views over Belfast Lough. The restaurant serves an Italian dishes and amazing desserts. Sliced cured meats, olives, hummus, sundried tomatoes, freshly baked bread and they have a stunning selection of wines, local and Italian beers.

Josh Macs:

The restaurant is located in historic Carrickfergus on the shores of Belfast lough. It is open 7 days a week and seats 125 customers. The restaurant serves flame grilled burgers, tender, slow roasted comfort food, mouth-watering marinades and a selection of sweet treats.

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