Explore a serene waterside park perfect for bird watching, walking, and cycling with free admission and parking.

Gideon's Green is a scenic country park located in Newtownabbey, offering visitors an ideal outdoor destination for nature enthusiasts and families. The venue features well-maintained walking and cycling paths with stunning views overlooking the Whitehouse Lagoon and Belfast Lough. The park is particularly renowned for its excellent bird watching opportunities, with notable species including Great Crested Grebes, Redshanks, Oystercatchers, Dunlins, Curlews, and Black-tailed Godwits that can be spotted feeding on the mudflats and roosting along the shoreline during high tide. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including leisurely walks, cycling expeditions, and nature observation. The site connects to the National Cycle Way, allowing cyclists to continue their journey into Belfast along the waterside of Belfast Lough and onto the Lagan Towpath. A historical monument at the centre of the green commemorates Gideon Boonivert, a Huguenot soldier whose diary recorded the landing of the European army accompanying William III to Ireland in 1690. With free admission and free parking, Gideon's Green is suitable for all ages and abilities, making it an excellent choice for families seeking accessible outdoor activities combined with educational opportunities about local wildlife and history.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

L

Logan Hodder

4 months ago

Lovely, clean park by the water. Different paths leading to different places. Includes benches and a parking lot too.

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Graham

11 months ago

Asset to the Borough. Still has a dog foul bio hazard problem. Those irresponsible owners are a minority. Still a great park to visit.

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mark “korbendallas71” Houston

3 years ago

Great place for a walk, great for dogs and the beach on your doorstep.

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Jack Wilson

4 years ago

Great little spot. A few picnic tables and parking spaces, very cosy. You can sit and watch the birds flock on the water. It has a circular pathway leading to Hazelbank. I use it as my turning spot when returning to to Whiteabbey. Good view of Cavehill.

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alan stewart

5 years ago

Park at the White House car park a path takes you throughGideons green and under the motorway towards Hazel Bank beside Belfast lough. It’s very popular with walkers runners cyclists and families.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026