What's closed during Storm Amy?

A large wave crashes against a wall in BallintoyImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

A wave crashes against a wall at Ballintoy Harbour during a previous period of stormy weather

  • Published

Schools in counties affected by Storm Amy will close on Friday afternoon, and ferry services to Scotland have been cancelled as the country braces for high winds.

Parks and outdoor spaces will also close, including Cuilcagh Board Trail, Gosford Forest park and Ballintoy Harbour.

So what exactly is due to close? Here's what we know so far.

Ards and North Down

A Shorelife Celebration event that had been scheduled for Saturday at Castle Espie WWT near Comber and at Mount Stewart outside Newtownards has been cancelled due to the weather.

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon

All parks and recycling centres will close from 13:00 on Friday until 13:00 on Saturday.

This includes Clare Glen, Gosford Forest Park, Kinnego Marina and Oxford Island.

For a full list of closures, visit the council website., external

Causeway Coast and Glens

Sites closed include Ballintoy Harbour, Ballycastle Harbour and Marina and Ramore Head.

The council has said all sites will reopen on Saturday afternoon following safety inspections.

Some alterations are being made to the schedule of the Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival, which runs from 6 to 8 October.

For a full list of closures, visit the council website., external

Derry and Strabane

All parks, greenways and play areas will be closed.

Cemeteries will be closed on Friday and Saturday, except in the case of funerals.

All council-run courts and outdoor pitches will also be shut until at least Sunday.

Leisure centres will remain open, except for Brooke Park. Its users are advised to use facilities at Templemore Sports Complex until Sunday.

For a full list of closures, visit the council website., external

Oxford Island. A board walk leading into water.
Image caption,

Oxford Island is due to reopen on Saturday afternoon

Fermanagh and Omagh

The council has advised people not to visit outdoor council facilities, including recycling centres, during the weather warning.

A number of council facilities and outdoor spaces will be closed, including the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail and Gortin Glens Forest Park.

There may be some delays in the reopening of these sites to enable safety inspections.

For a full list of closures, visit the council website., external

All other council services, buildings and facilities are scheduled to operate as normal.

The 2025 Lakeland Gravel Grinder has been postponed, Ireland's largest gravel cycling event, which was scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday.

Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, a long wooden staircase winding down through a green mountain.Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail will be closed during the weather warning

Mid and East Antrim

All council parks will close at 14:00 BST on Friday.

This includes all play parks, Sentry Hill and Memorial Park and Carnfunnock walking paths.

For a full list of closures, visit the council website., external

Mid Ulster

The council has advised the public not to visit any of its outdoor open spaces until the high winds subside.

Buildings and facilities including the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory in Davagh and the Tobermore Golf Centre are closed for the duration of the amber warning and will reopen after safety inspections.

Cemeteries are closed to public access except for burials, and recycling centres will clsoe at 14:30 BST on Friday.

Other councils

No other councils have published details of closures so far.

Will Storm Amy affect flights?

Belfast City airport are advising passengers to check the status of their flight before travelling. Weather conditions may cause disruptions to flights to and from Belfast City Airport. Passengers are advised to monitor the status of their flight and contact their airline directly for the latest updates.

City of Derry Airport users are advised to allow extra time for their journey to and from the airport and to check online in terms of flight arrival and departure times.