The 124 acre wood – a remnant of extensive natural oak woods – is an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), owned and managed by the Environment and Heritage Service. It features riverside and woodland paths, with wooden steps and boardwalks, and is the habitat of many different species of wildlife and birdlife. From the main car park, follow the path through the picnic area (wheelchair accessible) and turn left onto a steep gravel trail near the Burntollet River to the Park’s main feature, a spectacular 30ft waterfall. Onward trails on either side of the river are connected by three footbridges that will lead back to the car park. The Park derives its name, based on the Irish ‘an las’ meaning waterfall, anglicised as ‘Ness’. After the last Ice Age the former Burntollet River channel was choked by glacial boulders. Eroding a new channel, the river created the magnificent waterfall, gorges, potholes and rapids which are features of Ness Wood today. The Country Park is currently undergoing development, with plans to connect Ness Wood with the nearby 50 acre Ervey Wood (also worth a visit) and newly-acquired farmland with splendid views over the wooded valley.