Days Out NI
Play Park Newtownabbey

Jordanstown Loughshore Park Playground

A big free playground on the shore of Belfast Lough, with the water right there.

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Open dailyDaily; car park gates 8am-10pm Apr-Sept…
FreeNo charge
NewtownabbeyPlay Park
Get directions
1-3 hoursHow long
3 to 12 (separate toddler zone)Best for
FreeEntry
FreeParking
OutdoorsSetting

Jordanstown Loughshore Park Playground — A big free playground on the shore of Belfast Lough, with the water right there.

  • What's there: Large two-zone playground, open grass, shore path, café, picnic space.
  • Best for: 3 to 12 (separate toddler zone).
  • Cost: Free.
  • Parking: Large free car park on site (gates close at night).
  • Toilets: Public toilets on site (roughly 8am-8pm summer, 8am-5pm winter).
  • Dogs: Welcome on lead around the park and shore path; keep clear of the play area.
Plan your visit

Two playgrounds in one, ages 3 to 12

The play area is built for a wide spread of ages, roughly 3 to 12, and it is split into two parts. Little ones get a separate toddler section with low, gentle equipment you can hover over. Older kids get the taller climbing frames and the faster, more daring kit. It is open and easy to keep an eye on the whole lot from a bench. Around the edge there is plenty of flat grass for a kickabout, a kite or a picnic when they need a breather.

Free Toddler zone + big-kid zone Right on Belfast Lough Café on site Free car park Shore walk to Hazelbank
Good to know before you go:

The park runs seasonal events through the year, including summer band evenings and the Loughshore festival, plus the usual fun days families look out for. Dates change each year, so check what is on before you set off.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 🧥LayersOutdoor play — a coat or spare jumper covers every kind of weather.
  • 💧Water & snacksKeeps the energy up between climbs and runs about.
  • 🧻Wipes & hand gelFor sandy, muddy, ice-cream-covered hands.
  • 🛴Scooter or ballLots of flat path and green space to burn off more energy.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Cost
Free
Opening
Daily; car park gates 8am-10pm Apr-Sept, 8am-8pm Oct-Mar
Best for ages
3 to 12 (separate toddler zone)
What's there
Large two-zone playground, open grass, shore path, café, picnic space
Toilets
Public toilets on site (roughly 8am-8pm summer, 8am-5pm winter)
Parking
Large free car park on site (gates close at night)
Dogs
Welcome on lead around the park and shore path; keep clear of the play area
Accessibility
Flat shoreline path, buggy-friendly; a Changing Places facility is part of the park's upgrade plans
How long to allow
1-3 hours, longer with a shore walk
Address
Jordanstown Loughshore Park, Shore Road, Newtownabbey BT37 0PY
Questions

Before you go

Is it free to get in?
Free
Is there parking?
Large free car park on site (gates close at night)
Are there toilets?
Public toilets on site (roughly 8am-8pm summer, 8am-5pm winter)
What ages is it best for?
3 to 12 (separate toddler zone)
Can we bring the dog?
Welcome on lead around the park and shore path; keep clear of the play area
Getting there

Jordanstown Loughshore Park Playground is at Jordanstown Loughshore Park, Shore Road, Newtownabbey BT37 0PY. Large free car park on site (gates close at night). Tap below for turn-by-turn directions.

Directions on Google Maps See it on our map
Nearby

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The story

About the park

Jordanstown Loughshore Park stretches along the shore of Belfast Lough off the Shore Road near Ulster University's Jordanstown site. It is owned and run by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and as well as the playground it holds a café, a sensory garden, the Coronation Garden, and a small touring caravan and camping park that opens year-round.

The park has been earmarked for a multi-million-pound upgrade. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council approved a redevelopment including refurbished café and toilet facilities, a new Changing Places accessible toilet, extra parking and a first-floor restaurant, with works planned from 2024 onward.