My Visit to
Carnfunnock Country Park
AUTISM FRIENDLY MEA
Welcome to Carnfunnock Country Park Everyone feels different when visiting a new place or trying something new. There are new sounds and smells, and you may not know what to expect. This guide will help you get ready for your visit to Carnfunnock Country Park – there is lots for you to do and see! We are here to help
Here are some of the staff you might meet on your visit. They are our Autism Champions. You can ask them, or any staff you see, for help while you are with us. You will know who the staff are as they will have our Council logo on their uniform. Sometimes, in cold or wet weather, the staff will be wearing a hi-vis jacket – this makes them even easier to spot!
Emma Morrow
Megan Roberts
Noel O’Neill
Carnfunnock Country Park Manager
Carnfunnock Country Park Supervisor & Park Attendant
Carnfunnock Country Park Warden
Help Keep #OurMEA Safe
Since the covid-19 pandemic began, we have all had to make adjustments to what we do in public places. Parks and open spaces have been open throughout the pandemic as they provide an important space for people to keep fit and active in a safe place.
20 SECS
Wash hands
However, you should still remember the rules – keep 2m social distance, wash your hands regularly and wear a face mask if indoors. We expect these rules to be in place for a long time. It might be annoying, or it might feel strange, but it also means you can relax in the knowledge that we are making the park as safe as we can for everyone to enjoy.
Cover face
Thank you for your cooperation.
Make space
Getting to Carnfunnock Country Park
Carnfunnock Country Park is located on the Coast Road between Larne and Ballygally.
Getting to Carnfunnock Country Park
By Car If you arrive by car, you can park in the car park at Carnfunnock. There is a fee to park on site payable at the barrier on entry. A member of staff will be in the barrier hut to take payment. This fee is payable only at peak times so if the barrier is up simply continue straight ahead into the car park. There are two free car parks close to Carnfunnock – one opposite the main entrance and one at Drains Bay. It is a short walk from these car parks to the country park.
Finding Your Way Around
W
To Ballygalley by Public Road
b
Wifi is available at various locations
c
E
a
N
S
Carnfunnock Country Park
d
Walled Garden Key to Symbols
Chaine’s Wood
Information
e
Cairndhu Golf Course Private Property
f
Parking View Point Caravan Park
Ice House
h
Camp Site Picnic Site
9
BBQ Site to Hire
j
Private No Access
Golf Course Path
Private Property
2
Steps Steep Slope
a. Flower Garden b. Butterfly Garden c. Scented Walkway d. Herbaceous Border & Sundials e. Time Garden f. Heather Garden g g. Rock Garden h. Amphitheatre i. Relaxation i Garden j. Fairy Village
Key Attractions
Motte
3
Refreshments Toilets
Private Property
8
Lime Kilns
1 Visitor Centre - Café - Education Room
2 Maze
First Aid
1
Building
Family Activity Centre
Motte
3 Walled Garden
4
4 Family Activity
Historic Monument
5 9-hole Golf Course
Bus Stop
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4
Fitness Equipment
6 Family Fun Zone
Entrance
7 Games Field with
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5
t as
Co
Golf Course
ad
Ro
To Ba
2)
llygalle
(A
y
Carnfunnock Bay
covered BBQ area
8 Touring Caravan Park & Camping Ground
9 Red Squirrel Garden
rains
To D
Bay
rne
& La
Waymarked Trails Garden Trail (1.3km/0.8miles - 20 mins approx.) Heritage Trail (2.6km/1.6miles - 35 mins approx.) Shore Trail (2.4km/1.5miles - 30 mins approx.) Woodland Trail (4km/2.5miles - 60 mins approx.) Biodiversity Trail (1km/0.6miles - 20 mins approx.)
Carnfunnock Country Park is a large site with lots of things to see and do. This map shows you how to get around the park.
Areas of Interest
Walled Garden After parking, the first place you will find is the walled garden. This is a quiet, peaceful area with lots of interesting gardens and seats throughout to rest and enjoy the colour and smell. Sometimes there are events in the amiptheatre including puppet or magic shows and band concerts which can be quite noisy.
Areas of Interest
Visitor Centre The Visitor centre is where you can speak to a member of staff about your visit and find out if there are specific events on during your visit. You can pick up maps which will lead you on an adventure around the site. A shop and toilet facility are also available at the visitor centre.
Areas of Interest
Parklands Café Beside the visitor centre is Parklands café where you can enjoy something to eat or drink. Seats are available both inside and outside the café. This area can get very busy during school holidays and at weekends however you can enjoy lovely view over the sea.
Areas of Interest
Adventure play park, snack stop and activity area The play park is a large play area and can often be quite busy and noisy with lots of children having fun. There are private hire BBQ areas, a snack stop and toilets available.
Areas of Interest
Family Fun Zone The family fun Zone is full of lots of fun acitivites to try including minigolf, a train and bungee trampolines. This area is very popular and there are often lots of children having fun.
The Maze Our maze is a fun experience however there are a few tight turns and dead ends. It isn’t too tricky but can get busy with not much space!
Areas of Interest
Walks and trails There are lots of walks and trails of different distances and abilities around the park, and maps are available at the visitor centre. Some of our walks take longer, are quite steep and are a bit rough underfoot. These are marked in orange and pink on the map. These can be tricky but lots of fun and often peaceful. When you are walking, you might be lucky to see some of our local wildlife. Keep an eye out for red squirrels which are a very important native species which have been reintroduced to the park. There are also lots of birds such as robins who are very friendly and might even be interested in sharing your picnic! If you want to stop and enjoy the views, there are picnic benches and seats along the walks.
Useful Information
We are committed to welcoming everyone to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s facilities. As well as producing this guide, we have signage in place around the site to help people with additional needs or accessibility requirements find their way around. The park is very popular and can be very busy and noisy especially at weekends and during school holidays. The park operates seasonal opening – please see our website and social media pages to find out current opening hours and any events.
Thank you for reading our guide, and we hope it is has helped you prepare for your visit. If you have any questions when you are here, please speak to a member of staff. Our staff can assist you while at the park and help you with any of the facilities if required. If you have any suggestions for improvement, please ask to speak to either the Duty Manager or one of our Autism Champions.
Contact Details Carnfunnock Country Park 0300 124 5000 reception@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
AUTISM FRIENDLY MEA