Hikes in Northern Ireland
Situated in the northeast corner of the island of Ireland, Northern Ireland is a visually stunning destination that is shrouded in a rich history, fascinating legends, and picturesque landscapes. Beautifully scenic forests, rugged mountain peaks, dramatic coastlines, and historic castles can be found throughout the country, meaning that an exciting adventure is never too far away.
Whether the aim of your Northern Ireland adventure is to climb the country’s highest peak of Slieve Donard or explore the world famous Giant’s Causeway that is said to have been built by the Irish giant Finn MacCool, you can rest assured that there will be countless opportunities to get outside and experience this magical place.
Featuring a population of just over 1.8 million people, Northern Ireland is a fairly small nation that borders the Republic of Ireland to the south. Created in 1921 after the partition of Ireland, Northern Ireland remains a part of the United Kingdom, although culturally it shares similarities with both nations. The most popular tourist attraction in the country is the aforementioned Giant’s Causeway, although the various natural and historical locations have risen dramatically in popularity after being used to film the HBO series Game of Thrones.
The 25 Best Walking Routes In Northern Ireland
Whether you are looking to experience the rich history, culture, and architecture of the city or head out further afield to explore the forests, mountains, and coastlines of this picturesque island nation, there are so many different ways to take in the beauty of Northern Ireland on a fun walking adventure. It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, a beginner walker, or a young family looking to get outside and explore nature with the kids, there are countless routes that can be found here that cater to all skill levels, allowing you to worry less about planning your adventure and focus more on living it. Check out this list of 25 amazing Northern Ireland walking routes that we’ve put together below:
- Mount Stewart Lake Walk: This quick adventure in County Down is filled with historic architecture and extravagant gardens. The laid back nature of the route and its historical charm make it ideal for a relaxing weekend walk.
- Glenariff Gorge Circular Walk: A family-friendly route in the Antrim Coast & Glens AONB, the Glenariff Gorge Circular Walk will lead you through an exceptional woodland landscape to take in some stunning views of nearby waterfalls.
- Glenariff Forest Park Scenic Trail: Another route within the serene expanse of the Glenariff Forest Park, this trail still visits the waterfalls in the area, but takes a longer loop through the forest to better experience the plant and animal life.
- Comber Greenway Trail: This fantastic trail in Belfast follows along a green corridor through the city in order to take you into the countryside to reach the nearby town of Comber. The route utilizes an old railway line, meaning you won’t encounter any vehicles on your walk.
- Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail: An iconic walking route in Northern Ireland, this trail will take you on a wooden boardwalk across a UNESCO-designated global geopark in order to reach the top of Cuilcagh Mountain for some stunning views.
- Castle Ward Shore Trail: The Castle Ward Shore Trail is an awesome walking route in County Down that will let you experience some stunning historical architecture that was featured as a filming location in the HBO series Game of Thrones.
- Castle Archdale Circular Walk: This family-friendly adventure offers a great mixture of nature and history, allowing you to explore the grounds of a 17th Century castle that was set along the shores of a charming lake.
- Gosford Forest Park Circular Walk: Another lovely forest walk, the Gosford Forest Park Circular will take you around the grounds of a 19th Century castle to take in views of the architecture, ponds, and well-manicured gardens that can be found along the trail
- Glenariff Forest Park Rainbow Trail: This is yet another walking route within the beautiful Glenariff Forest Park; however, this short route will take you across the Rainbow Bridge that spans the Glenariff River, allowing you to experience some lovely woodland views.
- Castle Espie Wildlife Wander: A great family-friendly adventure, the Castle Espie Wildlife Wander will lead you around a wetland area that boasts beautiful views and a variety of wildlife. The paths here are laid back and well-maintained, making the route suitable for all ages.
- Benone Strand Walk: If you are looking for a fantastic coastal walking route, then the Benone Strand Walk is a great option. Beautiful views across the water and a variety of wildlife, such as porpoises and seals, await on this lovely beach adventure.
- Fairhead Circular Walk: A rugged coastal adventure along the north edge of Northern Ireland, the Fairhead Circular Walk will see you traverse the terrain along one of the largest rock walls in Northwest Europe.
- Gosford Forest Park Blue Path: Featuring beautiful views of a 19th Century castle, this walk will lead you around a charming woodland area along well-maintained pathways that are suitable for all ages and skill levels.
- Portglenone Forest Walk: Another charming adventure in the woodlands of Northern Ireland, the Portglenone Forest Walk will allow you to experience some beautiful scenery along the banks of the River Bann that is surrounded with some ancient trees.
- Mussenden Temple Walk: A fantastic walking route for those who enjoy history and stunning views, the Mussenden Temple Walk will take you to this striking cliffside building, before looping around the grounds of Downhill House.
- Silent Valley Reservoir Walk: If you are looking to take in some spectacular mountain views, then you will be sure to enjoy the Silent Valley Reservoir Walk. This trail will expose you to a beautiful stretch of forest, before walking along a reservoir that is surrounded by rugged mountain peaks.
- Slieve Binnian Summit Tor and North Tor Circular Walk: This amazing trail offers a great chance to get up into the Mourne Mountains for some exceptional views. There is some rough terrain along the way that will provide a bit of a challenge, but the scenery and overall experience are well worth the effort.
- Castle Ward Hoof Trail: Another great walking adventure around Castle Ward, the Hoof trail will still allow you to take in the amazing historical sites and filming locations for Game of Thrones, albeit on a longer route that will reveal more of the surrounding landscape.
- Drum Manor Walk: This is a short adventure that will take you through some of the beautiful forest landscapes of County Tyrone and expose you to some historical ruins. The easy-going terrain and picturesque scenery makes this a great adventure for the whole family, and the ruins of Drum Manor are fascinating for anyone with an interest in history.
- Glenariff Forest Park Waterfall Trail: Featuring stunning views of the Ess-na-Larach and Ess-na-Crub waterfalls, and a beautifully scenic woodland setting, the Glenariff Forest Park Waterfall Trail is a great alternative to some of the other Glenariff routes already on this list.
- Colin Glen Forest Park Walk: The Colin Glen Forest Park Walk is a lovely adventure in Belfast that is suitable for the entire family thanks to its laid back terrain. Exploring what is often referred to as the ‘green lung’ of the city, this route will take you through charming forests along the winding banks of the Colin River.
- Dunluce Castle Walk: Another amazing adventure that features ruins of an historic castle, the Dunluce Castle Walk will take you along the stunning coast for views of the sea. Although it is a scenic journey, there is an admission fee to access the site.
- Slieve Donard Trail: A stunning adventure to the top of Northern Ireland’s highest peak, the Slieve Donard Trail will provide exceptional views and unforgettable memories. This route will require a decent level of fitness, although there is a well-maintained path up to the summit.
- Rathlin Island: Church Bay Loop: This awesome adventure will see you take a ferry from Ballycastle over to Rathlin Island for a beautifully scenic journey along the coast. Once there, you can explore charming villages and make your way to a lighthouse at the southern tip of the island.
- Blackhead Walk: Another exceptional lighthouse adventure, the Blackhead Walk will lead you along the rugged coast to take in scenic seaside views and visit a beautiful 20th Century lighthouse. While this is an easy adventure, there are some sections of steep terrain that will make it a difficult route for less-mobile walkers.
When is the Best Time to Walk in Northern Ireland?
Being an island nation, the weather patterns in Northern Ireland can be unpredictable due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. With that being said, the weather is fairly temperate year-round and will not see much in terms of extremes. Although the summer months are the most popular and will see larger volumes of tourists, the best time to visit Northern Ireland is in the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) seasons. These windows are usually fairly warm and dry, with blossoming plantlife dotting the landscape in the spring and the changing leaves of autumn making for beautiful scenery.
The Best Walking Regions in Northern Ireland
As a country, Northern Ireland is blessed with a variety of terrain types and picturesque landscapes that make it ideal for a fun and engaging outdoor adventure. Among the best regions for walking are the rugged interior of the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the breathtaking Antrim Coast and Glens AONB, the Causeway Coast AONB that features the iconic Giant’s Causeway, and the mountainous southern reaches of the Mourne Mountain Range that is home to the country’s highest peak: Slieve Donard.
Other Outdoor Activities in Northern Ireland
Being an island nation, the weather patterns in Northern Ireland can be unpredictable due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. With that being said, the weather is fairly temperate year-round and will not see much in terms of extremes. Although the summer months are the most popular and will see larger volumes of tourists, the best time to visit Northern Ireland is in the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) seasons. These windows are usually fairly warm and dry, with blossoming plantlife dotting the landscape in the spring and the changing leaves of autumn making for beautiful scenery.
The Best Walking Regions in Northern Ireland
As a country, Northern Ireland is blessed with a variety of terrain types and picturesque landscapes that make it ideal for a fun and engaging outdoor adventure. Among the best regions for walking are the rugged interior of the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the breathtaking Antrim Coast and Glens AONB, the Causeway Coast AONB that features the iconic Giant’s Causeway, and the mountainous southern reaches of the Mourne Mountain Range that is home to the country’s highest peak: Slieve Donard.
Other Outdoor Activities in Northern Ireland
While there are countless walking routes that can be explored in Northern Ireland, the country also boasts a wide variety of other outdoor activities that will allow you to take in the natural beauty of the landscape. If you are looking for a memorable way to experience this beautiful place, try rock climbing along the rugged coastal terrain and exploring the beaches while spotting wildlife, or biking along the many trails that showcase the forests and undulating landscape of the interior. Horseback riding is also a great option to make your way around Northern Ireland, as are canoeing and kayaking the country’s many waterways. If you are wanting to complement your walking adventure with some other activities, you can rest assured that there are plenty of options available to do so.
Unforgettable Adventure Tours in Northern Ireland
Planning an amazing walking excursion in Northern Ireland can be a fun and exciting process that allows you to take in the scenery and highlights that you want to experience; however, it can also be a daunting challenge if you aren’t sure where to start. If you would like to experience the rich history and breathtaking natural landscapes of Northern Ireland, but want to leave the logistics and planning to professional outdoors enthusiasts, check out these once in a lifetime Northern Ireland adventure tours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Northern Ireland
Is Ireland or Northern Ireland a part of the United Kingdom?
While Ireland became a republic in 1949, Northern Ireland still remains a part of the United Kingdom.
What food is Northern Ireland famous for?
In addition to the classic Irish breakfast, Northern Ireland is famous for soda bread, Irish stew, oysters, Kearney blue cheese, and of course, whiskey.
What is the most visited place in Northern Ireland?
The Giant’s Causeway is the most visited tourist attraction in Northern Ireland, seeing nearly 1 million visitors per year.
Find other spectacular walking regions in the United Kingdom
Best Hikes in Northern Ireland
Slieve Binnian Summit Tor and North Tor Circular Walk
The Slieve Binnian Summit Tor and North Tor Circular Walk is an amazing adventure in Northern Ireland that will take you up to the summit of the country’s third-highest peak for some stunning views. While out walking the trail, you will climb gradually uphill along a track and pass by Blue Lough, before making the steep climb up the mountainside for breathtaking views across the Mourne Mountains. This is a solid half-day walk that features some rugged terrain, so be sure to arrive prepared and give yourself an ample amount of time to complete the route.
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Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail
Walking the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail is truly an amazing experience that you won't be able to find anywhere else in the world. While out on the trail, you will traverse a wooden boardwalk that spans a peatland bog before climbing the scenic slopes of Cuilcagh for breathtaking views over a UNESCO-designated Global Geopark. You won’t want to forget your camera for this one!
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Valley Park Loop
The Valley Park Loop is a quick and easy walking route in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland that will take you through a lovely city park. While out walking the trail, you will follow along a paved pathway that loops around the park to pass through lovely stretches of forest. The easy to navigate terrain, short overall distance, and lovely scenery make this a perfect walk for people of all ages and skill levels, including those with wheelchairs or travelling with young children.
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Coalisland Canal Walk
The Coalisland Canal Walk is a fun excursion in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland that features laid back terrain and is suitable for all ages and skill levels. While out on the trail, you will leave the streets of Coalisland behind and follow along a charming canal that will lead you out into the picturesque countryside. This is a great walking route to complete when you want to get outside for some fresh air without the trouble of an overly long or challenging adventure.
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Benone Strand Walk
The Benone Strand Walk is a wonderful route along the coast that is perfectly suited for walkers of all ages and skill levels. While out exploring the trail, you will walk along the Benone Strand and take in the beautiful views of the beach, while keeping an eye out for local wildlife like seals and porpoises. Laid back terrain and an easy to navigate route makes this walk a great option for a fun family adventure along the beach.
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Silent Valley Reservoir Walk
The Silent Valley Reservoir Walk is a fantastic route in the Mourne & Slieve Croob AONB, Northern Ireland that offers stunning views of nearby mountain peaks. While out walking the trail, you will traverse some peaceful forest terrain and walk along a dam wall overlooking the calm surface of the Silent Valley Reservoir, with the nearby peaks of Slieve Binnian, Slievenaglogh, and Doan in the backdrop. For the small price of admission, this is a wonderfully scenic route that can be enjoyed by nearly everyone.
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Donard to Silent Valley Walk
The Donard to Silent Valley Walk is an exceptional point-to-point trail that will take you across the rugged landscape of the Mourne Mountains. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill across the summit of Slieve Donard - Northern Ireland’s highest peak - before traversing the undulating landscaper alongside the Ben Crom and Silent Valley reservoirs. Keep in mind that this is a one-way trail, meaning that you will need to either arrange a pick up at the end of the walk, utilize transit, or walk the entire length of the trail for the return leg of the journey.
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Glenariff Forest Park Rainbow Trail
The Glenariff Forest Park Rainbow Trail is a great family-friendly adventure in County Antrim, Northern Ireland that will take you through a lovely stretch of forest along the Glenariff River. While out on the trail, you will make your way through the serene forest and cross over the Rainbow Bridge, completing a quick loop through the tree cover before returning along the same path. This short route is usually tacked onto the Waterfalls Trail oto make for a longer and even more scenic adventure!
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Glenariff Forest Park Waterfall Trail
The Glenariff Forest Park Waterfall Trail is a quick and relatively easy walk in Northern Ireland that features cascading waterfalls and is suitable for the entire family. While out on the walk, you will meander through the forest and stroll along the water's edge, as you take in the sights of the Ess-na-Larach and Ess-na-Crub waterfalls. While the route may be a bit busy at times, it is a beautifully scenic way to spend an afternoon outdoors.
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Cushendall Cliffs Walk
The Cushendall Cliffs Walk is a beautifully scenic walking route in County Antrim, Northern Ireland that will take you along the coast for some stunning views. While out walking the trail, you will make your way past the 13th Century ruins of a church, taking in the amazing views of the sea as you follow the rugged coastal terrain south past Cushendall Beach. This is a truly beautiful route that shouldn’t be missed.
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Fairhead Circular Walk
The Fairhead Circular Walk is an amazingly scenic adventure in Northern Ireland that will see you traverse the terrain atop one of the largest climbable rock walls in Northwest Europe. While out on the trail, you will make your way around the primitive farmlands atop Fairhead, while enjoying some stunning views of the rugged coastal landscape. This truly is a memorable adventure that you won’t want to miss out on!
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Portglenone Forest Walk
The Portglenone Forest Walk is an awesome family-friendly adventure in Northern Ireland that will see you explore a charming swathe of ancient woodland terrain. While out on the trail, you will meander along the forest paths and take in stunning views of the native flora, before travelling along the charming banks of the River Bann. This scenic trail is well suited for all types of walkers.
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Castle Espie Wildlife Wander
The Castle Espie Wildlife Wander is a fantastic walking route in County Down, Northern Ireland that will expose you to the natural beauty of the wetland terrain and showcase the diversity of wildlife in the area. While out walking the trail, you will meander through the wetlands and look out upon the largest collection of geese, ducks, and swans in all of Ireland. The well-maintained paths on this route are perfectly suited for people of all ages and skill levels, including people with wheelchairs and families with pushcarts.
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Drum Manor Walk
The Drum Manor Walk is a quick and easy adventure in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland that will allow you to relax in a tranquil woodland setting that features historic ruins. While out on the trail, you will meander through the relaxing forest atmosphere, while taking in the sights of the ruins of Drum Manor, as well as several small ponds. This is an exceptional walk with laid back terrain that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
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Glenarm River Path
The Glenarm River Path is an easy-going adventure in County Antrim, Northern Ireland that will take you through a lovely woodland setting within the Glenarm Forest Park. While out on the trail, you will make your way under the shady canopy of the trees and make the return leg alongside the banks of the Glenarm River. Easy to traverse terrain along the route makes it suitable for families; however, the un-surfaced paths can be quite muddy after a good period of rainfall.
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Stormont Estate Circular Walk
The Stormont Estate Circular Walk is a fun, family-friendly adventure that offers scenic views of a forger estate that now houses the Northern Ireland Parliament buildings. While out on the walk, you will make your way around the edge of the estate grounds, taking in the magnificent views of the woodlands and beautiful architecture of both parliament and Stormont Castle. This is an exceptional walk if you aren’t looking to stray too far from Belfast.
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Davagh Forest Path
The Davagh Forest Path is a laidback adventure in the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Northern Ireland that will take you to the top of a small mountain for some scenic views. While out walking the trail, you will meander through the dense woodlands of Davagh peak and climb uphill to reach the summit of Beeleevnamore Mountain. This is a fantastic adventure for anyone looking to reconnect with nature.
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Gortin Quarry and Cranny Falls Circular Walk
The Gortin Quarry and Cranny Falls Circular Walk is a quick and easy adventure in County Antrim, Northern Irelands that will take you from the coast to visit a waterfall. While out on the trail, you will traverse the picturesque open countryside to reach a secluded viewpoint that looks onto the cascading Cranny Falls. This is a spectacular walk that the entire family can enjoy on a fun weekend excursion.
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Giant’s Causeway Coastal Way
The Giant’s Causeway Coastal Way is an exceptional walking route in Northern Ireland that will produce stunning views of fascinating geological formations and the blue expanse of the sea. While out walking the trail, you will pass by the instantly-recognizable basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway and work your way along the picturesque coast to reach the charming village of Dunseverick. This route may be a bit on the longer side, but the stunning views and world famous highlights are something that you will not want to miss.
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Rocky Mountain and Tievedockaragh Circular Walk
The Rocky Mountain and Tievedockaragh Circular Walk is a fantastic outdoor excursion in Northern Ireland that will allow you to experience a variety of different terrain types and scenic views. While out walking the trail, you will make your way alongside rivers and through tranquil forests, before climbing uphill through the Mourne Mountains for a spectacular view overlooking the surrounding countryside. Parts of this walk are a bit challenging, but the views are well worth the effort.