Wild River Dog Park

Your dog's probably been cooped up in the car for hours by the time you reach Hillsborough, and Wild River Dog Park is exactly where they need to burn off that excess energy. It's a dedicated space where dogs can properly run about without leads - the sort of place that makes tails wag before you've even opened the gate.

The park itself follows the river, giving the whole setup a lovely natural feel rather than just a fenced patch of grass. There's enough space that even boisterous dogs won't feel crowded, and the riverside location means plenty of shade if you visit on a warm day. Bring water - both for you and the hound.

This is a proper godsend if you're staying at Slieve Croob Camping or Lakeside View Caravan Park nearby. Both are within easy driving distance, so you can work a stop here into a day out exploring the Lisburn and Castlereagh area. Non-dog owners won't find much to do here beyond watching their pup socialise, so it's really only worth the detour if you've got a four-legged travelling companion.

Practical bit: ring ahead or check locally in Hillsborough to confirm opening hours - details aren't widely publicised online. Most dog parks are free, though this one might charge a small fee. Allow a good hour if your dog's a social butterfly who wants to meet every other dog present. Peak times can get busy, so an early morning or weekday visit tends to be more peaceful.