The best running trails around Johnstown

The Gosford Forest Park near Markethill offers an impressive mix of dense forests, open parks and hidden paths on around 240 hectares. As soon as you enter the park, you can feel the special atmosphere, which is enhanced by the mighty Gosford Castle - a building that appears between the trees and is reminiscent of times gone by. The paths are varied and lead you through a wide variety of landscapes. Sometimes you cycle on narrow forest paths lined with tall trees, sometimes you cross open meadows where sheep roam. On sunny days, the light falls through the leaves and bathes everything in a pleasant play of shadow and light. There are both easy family routes and challenging mountain bike routes, so there is something for everyone. The signposting remains a small challenge, however - it is easy to get lost. But discovering new corners also has its charm, and in the end every detour is worth it. There are several benches scattered around the park for breaks, and every now and then you'll come across a food truck offering welcome refreshments.

Gosford Forest Park with XC MTB Trails, hiking gravel paths, a Deer Park, an ancient Castle, Woodlands, Ponds, Streams, Caravan/Camping Park, water taps and catering trucks

A spacious deer enclosure in which an impressive herd of red deer moves freely and majestically. With graceful movements and calm looks, the deer roam the open grassland that spreads out before them. What makes this experience even more impressive, however, is the background against which the scenes take place: a dense backdrop of mighty oak trees that seem to tell stories from times long past, and the dark green tips of the Norway spruces stretching towards the sky. The contrast of the bright grass where the deer graze with the rich, deep color of the forest creates an atmospheric panorama that remains in the memory.

The impressive property tells stories of a time when the Earls of Gosford ruled these green lands. The renowned London architect Thomas Hopper worked on its construction, which began in 1819 and reached its magnificent end in the 1850s. His visionary talent gave the castle its characteristic Norman Revival style - a contemporary witness to the architectural greatness of the 19th century. Considered Ulster's largest listed building, the mighty walls of Gosford Castle have witnessed numerous historical turning points. The Earls of Gosford lived here until 1921, after which the castle's fortunes changed. In 1958, the Department of Agriculture acquired the property and transformed the surrounding countryside into the picturesque Gosford Forest Park - a nature lover's paradise spanning 240 hectares where Ireland's flora and fauna flourish in their full glory. But the years were not kind to the castle and it rapidly fell into disrepair. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it was acquired by the Boyd Partnership in January 2006. At a cost of around £4 million and under the watchful eye of a government-appointed commission, the castle was lovingly restored and converted into elegant private apartments. Today, Gosford Castle shines in new splendor and attracts admirers from far and wide.

The Palace Demense is an important part of Armagh's history. Between 1770 and 1975 the palace was home to the Archbishops of the Church of Ireland. A number of paved and gravel trails will lead you around the park and invite you to discover the nature and history of this 300-acre oasis. The park also features an outdoor gym if you feel like taking your activity up a notch.

The Mall is a beautifully-kept recreational area in Armagh. It's tree-lined edges and flat paved paths make it the ideal spot for a jog. Enjoy sights of beautiful georgian buildings and colourful flowerbeds as you pass through.

Gosford Forest Park features a deer enclosure home to a beautiful herd of Red Deer. The deer can be seen grazing on an open grassland against a backdrop of stunning oak and Norway spruce plantation.

Gosford Forest Park features a deer enclosure home to a beautiful herd of Red Deer. The deer can be seen grazing on an open grassland against a backdrop of stunning oak and Norway spruce plantation.