Moira is a busy Co Down village which is famous for McCartneys butchers with its award winning sausages as well as a wide array of delicious eateries. But behind the bustling Main Street lies Moira Demesne or Moira Park as the locals call it. It’s a quiet oasis to escape to after some shopping, the school drop-off or a coffee with friends in the village.
Popular with the buggy patrol, local residents, dog walkers and runners, Moira Demesne has over 40 acres of parkland including a football pitch, a beautiful walkway and a playpark. There are many very old trees including horse chestnut, oak and beech.
Key Facts
| Location | The first entrance is at the bottom of the Main Street opposite St John’s Parish Church. A tree-lined avenue will bring you to a car park beside the play park. The second entrance is beside Moira Library which is just off the top of the Main Street across the road from Boot’s Chemist. |
| Cost | Free |
| Car Parking | There are two car parks available and there is no charge for them. |
| Refreshments | Percy’s coffee wagon is available in the car park which offers teas, coffees and buns. Moira’s Main Street is only a short distance away and there are many eateries there including the Fat Gherkin, Fine Coffee and the Quirky Bird. |
The Walk
It is a circular walk which takes about 20 minutes to complete and it is 0.8 miles. The path is smooth and relatively flat although there are parts where there is a slight gradient. You can walk in an anti-clockwise or clockwise direction from the car park. I usually prefer to walk in a clockwise direction.
History of the Park
Sir Arthur Rawdon, MP (1662-1695) designed Moira Demesne with trees and exotic plants from Jamaica which made it one of the leading European botanical gardens in the 17th century.
What not to miss
- The play park – provided you are aged between 1 and 14!
- Outdoor gym equipment for adults
- Wooden sculptures dotted around the park – I particularly like the dragonfly and the owl
- Squirrels are easy to spot as you walk around the park
The Verdict
- Scenery – mature woodland and green space which is well maintained by the local council – 2/5
- Toilets – located within play park and quite basic – 2/5
- Car parking – plentiful spaces – 5/5
- Walks – a nice flat path on a circular route which can be repeated if you would like a longer walk – 3/5
- Refreshments – coffee van is very good but there are other options within the village – 3/5
- Value for money – it’s free – 5/5
Overall verdict – a good place for an easy 20 minute walk in nature – 20/30
