If you’re craving the kind of thrill that leaves your stomach fluttering and your heart racing—in the very best way—then buckle up. Ireland is home to more than haunting castles, rolling green hills, and cozy pubs.
Hidden amidst its forests and valleys is one of the most exhilarating experiences in the country: Ireland’s longest zipline.
This isn’t just a weekend activity—it’s a ticket to defy gravity, conquer fear, and experience the Emerald Isle like never before. Whether you’re seeking a new adrenaline rush or planning a family day out with a twist, the zipline adventures across Ireland offer something unique. But there’s one that stands above (and over!) them all.
Where Is the Longest Zipline in Ireland?
The title of Ireland’s longest zipline goes to Colin Glen Forest Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Nestled within this 200-acre stretch of woodland lies a breathtaking aerial journey known as River Rapid Zipline—an absolute must for thrill-seekers.
Stretching an incredible 700 meters, this zipline lets you soar high above the Colin River, offering panoramic views of the Belfast Hills and the lush forest canopy. It’s a heart-thumping ride that launches from the top of Black Mountain and speeds down toward the valley floor in seconds that feel like suspended eternity.
This makes the River Rapid Zipline not just the longest in Ireland but also one of the longest urban ziplines in all of Europe.
How Long Is the Zipline at Colin Glen?
Colin Glen’s River Rapid Zipline spans 700 meters (almost half a mile). It is the longest zipline on the island of Ireland, and it’s no leisurely coast either—it’s a high-speed flight that propels you at up to 50 miles per hour, making it both the longest and one of the fastest ziplines in the country.
Colin Glen’s zipline is part of the park’s extensive outdoor adventure complex, which also includes laser tag, alpine coasters, Ireland’s only Gruffalo Trail, and climbing walls. It’s perfect for thrill-seekers and families alike.
Colin Glen Forest Park Opening Hours
Before you pack your gloves and helmet, here are the current Colin Glen Forest Park opening hours (always check their website before visiting, as times can vary seasonally):
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Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last activity bookings typically around 4:30 PM)
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Closed: Christmas Day and some bank holidays
Booking in advance is essential, especially for the River Rapid Zipline, which is one of the park’s most popular attractions.
Ireland’s Longest Zipline Price
The price for experiencing Ireland’s longest zipline at Colin Glen is surprisingly reasonable for the sheer adrenaline rush it offers.
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Standard Ticket: approx. £25 per person
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Combo Deals: Often include access to multiple park activities (such as the Black Bull Run alpine coaster or high ropes)
Discounts are sometimes available for group bookings, students, or children (minimum age applies), so check Colin Glen’s official website or booking portals.
Considering the length, speed, and unforgettable view, the Ireland’s longest zipline price is more than worth it for adventure lovers.
Zipline Ireland: Other Must-See Adventures
While Colin Glen holds the crown, Zipline Ireland has more than one jewel in its outdoor adventure crown. Here are some other incredible options across the country:
1. Castlecomer Zipline – Kilkenny
Located at the Castlecomer Discovery Park, this 140-meter zipline might not be the longest, but it’s one of the most scenic. You’ll fly over a shimmering lake surrounded by leafy trees—a picture-perfect setting for families and first-time zipliners.
The park also features Ireland’s longest wooden boardwalk bridge and Europe’s only tree-top high ropes course, making Castlecomer Zipline an unmissable all-day destination.
2. Zip Line Wicklow – Clara Lara Funpark
Hidden in the forests of Wicklow, Clara Lara’s zipline is a hit among kids and nostalgic adults alike. The park’s zipline isn’t the longest, but its rugged terrain and splash zones make it an immersive adventure experience.
For those browsing a zip line to buy in Ireland for private use or events, local suppliers based in Wicklow and Kildare offer portable and professional zip line kits—perfect for festivals, team-building events, and large gardens with lots of courage.
What Is the Longest Zipline in Europe?
Now that we’ve conquered Ireland, let’s broaden our horizon. So, what holds the record for the longest zipline in Europe?
That would be the Val Thorens “La Tyrolienne” Zipline in the French Alps. It stretches a staggering 1,300 meters (1.3 km) between mountain peaks, suspended at an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level. Riders glide from one snow-covered peak to another, with the sensation of floating above the clouds.
While Ireland’s Colin Glen zipline is shorter in length, it’s still one of the longest urban ziplines in Europe and offers year-round thrills without the need for a ski pass or oxygen tank.
What Is the Largest Zipline in the World?
Globally, the title of largest or longest zipline goes to the Jebel Jais Flight in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. It holds the Guinness World Record for the longest zipline in the world at 2.83 kilometers (1.76 miles).
Suspended high above the rocky Jebel Jais mountains—the UAE’s highest peak—riders hit speeds of up to 100 mph. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for true adrenaline junkies, but not everyone wants to travel halfway across the globe to get their fix. That’s where Zipline Ireland options like Colin Glen fill the gap with stunning nature and equally thrilling rides.
Where Is the Longest Zipline on the Garden Route?
Heading to South Africa? The Garden Route offers spectacular ocean views and thrilling canopy rides. The Tsitsikamma Zipline—in the lush Tsitsikamma Forest—is among the region’s best. While it’s not the longest zipline globally or even in South Africa, its jungle-safari-meets-coastal-adventure feel makes it unforgettable.
Each of its eight cables stretches between 100 and 211 meters, carrying you over rivers and gorges that teem with exotic wildlife and plant life.
Where Is the Longest Urban Zipline?
Colin Glen’s River Rapid Zipline doesn’t just claim the longest in Ireland—it is also one of the longest urban ziplines in the world.
The zipline is embedded in an urban forest within Belfast’s city limits. It’s uniquely placed to combine the serenity of nature with the convenience of the city. You could be sipping coffee in a Belfast café in the morning and screaming down a zipline that same afternoon.
Very few urban zip lines worldwide can match that length, convenience, and backdrop—making this an experience that’s hard to beat without boarding a plane.
Zip Line to Buy Ireland: Want to Bring the Thrill Home?
If you’re dreaming of building your own zipline course or planning a summer event, there are several suppliers across Ireland offering zip line kits for sale. These range from small backyard versions for kids to commercial-grade steel zip lines suitable for longer distances and higher speeds.
Top suppliers can be found in:
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Wicklow (specializing in adventure playgrounds)
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Dublin and Cork (outdoor event gear)
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Northern Ireland (equipment rental and safety-certified setups)
When searching for a zip line to buy Ireland, be sure to check for certifications, safety harnesses, braking systems, and proper installation guidance.
Ireland’s Zipline Scene Is Growing
As outdoor tourism and adventure sports continue to grow in Ireland, so does the country’s range of high-octane offerings. From small but scenic forest runs to Europe’s leading urban zipline, Ireland proves you don’t need tropical islands or snowy peaks for unforgettable outdoor thrills.
Highlights Recap:
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Longest Zipline in Ireland: Colin Glen’s River Rapid Zipline at 700 meters
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Fastest Zipline in Ireland: Also River Rapid—up to 50 mph
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Best Family Option: Castlecomer Zipline, Kilkenny
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Best for Young Kids: Clara Lara Funpark’s Zip Line Wicklow
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Price Point: Colin Glen starts at approx. £25 per person
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Urban Zipline Bonus: Belfast-based and easy to access via public transport
Final Word: Why Colin Glen Should Be Your Next Adventure
When you think about ziplining, you might imagine rainforests in Costa Rica, snowy peaks in the Alps, or tropical cliffs in Thailand. But what if the adventure of a lifetime was waiting in Belfast, just a short drive or train ride away?
Colin Glen Forest Park isn’t just a place—it’s a gateway to flight. The River Rapid Zipline gives Ireland a spot on the global zipline map, and whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your wild side or a visitor searching for something extraordinary, this is one experience that should not be missed.
Ready to fly? Grab your gear, book your slot, and prepare to zip through the Irish skies.
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