9 Best Things To Do In Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland

1. Belfast Zoo

If you want to spend your time learning and discovering animals, Belfast Zoo got it for you! Opened in 1934, Belfast Zoo is owned and operated by Belfast City Council. This wide 55-acre (22ha) land is a beautiful home to more than 120 species of animals. Make the most of your visit by interacting with your favorite animal during feeding time, and get your photos taken. This haven promises to provide the best care for the animals, raise funds for endangered species, and raise awareness on conservation and biodiversity.

Belfast Zoo

Address: Belfast Zoo Antrim Road, Belfast, BT36 7PN

Website: Belfast Zoo

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

Price: Adults (aged 17+) 18 USD, children (aged 4 to 16) 9 USD

2. Hazelbank Park

Recognized as one of the best parks in Newtownabbey, Hazelbank Park is definitely a relaxing place to visit. This lovely park is complete with camping areas, play parks, picnic tables, sports equipment for the park-goers to enjoy. People of all ages can freely enjoy cycling, walking, or running in the spacious walking route shaded by sturdy trees. This historical park also provides panoramic views of Belfast, Carrickfergus, and County Down. Strolling in this beautiful and calm park is definitely a time well spent!

Hazelbank Park

Address: Shore Rd, Newtownabbey BT37 9JQ, United Kingdom

Website: Hazelbank park

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free

3. Explore the scenery in McArt’s Fort

Get ready to walk through Belfast Castle and follow a path of lush greeneries and rugged rocks that lead to the summit of Cave Hill, where McArt’s Fort awaits. This ringfort greets you with a breathtaking view of the mountain and the city of Belfast that is almost too majestic to be true! The fort is a historically relevant spot where United Irishmen took a pledge of allegiance. With few majestic rocks remaining, McArt’s Fort continues to radiate a magical and unimaginable sight and sound.

McArt’s Fort

Address: Newtownabbey BT36 7PG, United Kingdom

Website: McArt’s Fort

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Free

4. Enjoy a grand experience at Mossley Mill and Theatre at The Mill

Initially a place for textile-related industries, Mossley Mill is an established events venue in Northern Ireland. As time went by, the Mossley site was developed and a 400-seat professional theatre was constructed. Theatre at the Mill aims to embrace the mill’s rich history while offering a wider and better arts and entertainment production. This theatre offers world-class live performances, a unique program of musicals, drama, dance, comedy, concerts, and workshops. Make sure to also check out their licensed bar and restaurant to fully enjoy a theatrical experience!

Mossley Mill and Theatre at The Mill

Address: Mossley Mill, Carnmoney Rd N, Newtownabbey BT36 5QA, United Kingdom

Website: Mossley Mill and Theatre at The Mill

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

5. Go for a walk around Lilian Bland Community Park

Newtownabbey is definitely blessed with amazing parks that locals and tourists can enjoy. One of these is Lilian Bland Community Park that is located in the heart of the urban area of Glengormley. Besides the play park and outdoor gym, this spot also includes a bowling green, tennis court, and pavilion. The park was named after a local resident, Lilian Bland, the first female to design and fly an airplane. A replica model of the airplane was constructed in memory of her.

Lilian Bland Community Park

Address: Ballyclare Rd, Glengormley, Newtownabbey BT36 5EX, United Kingdom

Website: Lilian Bland Community Park

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Free

6. Spend your day at Jordanstown Loughshore Park

Here is another beautiful park on the list! Jordanstown Loughshore Park is situated near the start of the Causeway Coastal Route. This park has an outdoor gym for adults and a modern play area for children. You can freely enjoy a picnic with an amazing view of Belfast Lough or indulge in local food and coffee near the park. If you want to appreciate art and learn about heritage and wildlife while going for a walk, art installations are positioned along the coastal path. The wide-open grass area of the park also serves as a venue for the Shoreline Festival at the end of August.

Jordanstown Loughshore Park

Address: Newtownabbey BT37 0PR, United Kingdom

Website: Jordanstown Loughshore Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

7. Satisfy your cravings at Sleepy Hollow Restaurant

A visit to Newtownabbey is not complete without indulging in modern Irish food. Sleepy Hollow, located just a short distance from Belfast City Centre, will satisfy that craving for you! This cozy place serves Irish food and desserts that are locally sourced. They offer a variety of classic dishes that are improved by their innovative techniques. Some of their signature dishes are the ‘Leaping Lamb’ beer-battered cod and 6 oz sirloin steak sandwich served in buttered bacon loaf. Now that’s appetizing!

Sleepy Hollow Restaurant

Address: 13 Kiln Rd, Newtownabbey BT36 4SU, United Kingdom

Website: Sleepy Hollow Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 4pm, 5pm - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 4pm, 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 7pm

8. Fill your belly at Knags Bar and Grill

Another exceptional food place is included on this list! Established in September 2014, Knags Bar and Grill offers bistro-inspired cuisines incorporated into their daily lunch and dinner specials. You can enjoy their signature dishes alongside prime beers, quality wines, unique cocktails, and drinks. Knags brags about their locally sourced and seasonal produce that is served to their customers. If you are looking for a spot for dates, catching ups, or family dinners, Knags is the perfect dining destination for you!

Knags Bar and Grill

Address: 373 Antrim Rd, Glengormley, Newtownabbey BT36 5EB, United Kingdom

Website: Knags Bar and Grill

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 10:30pm; Sun: 9am - 8:30pm

9. Shop till you drop at Abbey Centre Shopping Centre

Whether there’s a sale or not, get ready to shop! Abbey Centre provides its shoppers with an excellent and wide range to choose from. They feature flagship Dunnes Stores, Primark, New Look, Topshop, Boots, and more. This established retail destination also has a food court and appetizing eateries for you to enjoy if you get hungry while shopping. They also feature free WiFi, public toilets, baby changing facilities, wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and public telephones. From fashion, food, and lifestyle, Abbey Centre has got it all for you!

Abbey Centre Shopping Centre

Address: Longwood Rd, Newtownabbey BT37 9UH, United Kingdom

Website: Abbey Centre Shopping Centre

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 9pm; Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm

Satisfy your appetite for exploration

If you are looking for a place to explore and wander, you might want to consider Newtownabbey, UK. Whether you are in for a nature trip, you love the outdoors, or you want to just fill your belly, this beautiful spot is perfect for you. Start planning your trip and include this list of things to do in Newtownabbey on your itinerary.

Editor's Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of the [attractions/restaurants] may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.