Slieve Donard Walk

County Down, Northern Ireland

Tollymore Forest Park – Mountain and Drinns Trail

County Down, Northern Ireland

Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail

County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

Tollymore Forest Park – River Trail

County Down, Northern Ireland

Hen - Cock and Pigeon Rock

County Down, Northern Ireland

Tollymore Forest Mountain Trail

County Down, Northern Ireland

Rostrevor to Newry

County Down, Northern Ireland

Glenarm Forest

County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Belfast To Holywood

County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Quoile River Walk

County Down, Northern Ireland

Best river hiking trails in Northern Ireland

Go with the flow on these riverside adventures! From gentle streams to powerful rapids, these trails offer constant companionship with the sound of rushing water by your side.

Here are some great trails to explore in Northern Ireland.

Most popular trails

Difficult

Slieve Donard Walk

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (36) · 9.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 17 min

Easy

Tollymore Forest Park – Mountain and Drinns Trail

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (5) · 13.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 25 min

Medium

Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail

County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (3) · 13.3 km · Est. 3 hrs 27 min

Easy

Tollymore Forest Park – River Trail

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 0.0 (0) · 5.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 15 min

Medium

Hen - Cock and Pigeon Rock

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (3) · 10.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 54 min

Easy

Tollymore Forest Mountain Trail

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (1) · 9.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 15 min

Easy

Rostrevor to Newry

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 0.0 (0) · 16.2 km · Est. 3 hrs 22 min

Easy

Glenarm Forest

County Antrim, Northern Ireland · star 0.0 (0) · 3.7 km · Est. 55 min

Easy

Belfast To Holywood

County Antrim, Northern Ireland · star 0.0 (0) · 10.6 km · Est. 2 hrs 10 min

Easy

Quoile River Walk

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.0 (1) · 6.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 18 min

SHOW MORE TRAILS

Reviews for river hiking trails in Northern Ireland

Slieve Donard Walk

Fiona (Feefifofum) · reviewed about 3 years ago

star star star star star

Really enjoyed this climb! It gets a bit steeper on the last stretch but still manageable with great views, highly recommend. Handy trail to access, can walk from Newcastle Town.

Tollymore Forest Park – Mountain and Drinns Trail

Maura Flood · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Gorgeous walk in forest, by the river and a lake. Fabulous views of the Mournes, Newcastle, the sea and surrounding villages.

Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail

Murpa278 · reviewed about 1 month ago

star star star star star

not too strenuous. requires medium fitness. took 3 hours with a stop for lunch and one or two rest stops on the way up. ends with a 15-20 minute stairs to the top.

No reviews available for Tollymore Forest Park – River Trail.

Hen - Cock and Pigeon Rock

Declan · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

The Trail on the App is pretty easy to follow. Deviated slightly as it didn’t summit “Hen” so did that and rejoined the trail on the other side. All in all it was spot on and I would recommend it to anyone who hasn’t done hen cock and pigeon to use this route. Note: “Difficult” as labelled.

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in Northern Ireland

What is the climate like for hiking in Northern Ireland?

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Northern Ireland's climate is temperate, with relatively mild winters and cool summers, making it possible to hike all year round. However, weather changes rapidly, with rain being a frequent occurrence, so waterproof gear and layered clothing are advisable. Spring and autumn are generally less crowded and offer delightful scenery, while winter hiking can be challenging due to shorter daylight hours and icy paths.

Summers are cooler than much of mainland UK, with temperatures averaging around 15-20°C (59-68°F), and providing longer daylight hours, ideal for lengthy hikes. Despite this, summer's unpredictability can lead to sudden rain showers, requiring hikers to be prepared for changing conditions.

The best time for hiking in Northern Ireland often falls between April and October, encompassing late spring, summer, and early autumn. This period offers the most stable weather conditions and picturesque views. Hikers can enjoy locations like the Mourne Mountains, the Giant's Causeway, and the Glenariff Forest Park during these months. For more detailed weather information, check the Met Office (https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/).

Do I need a permit to hike in Northern Ireland?

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In Northern Ireland, the majority of hiking trails are open and free to the public without a permit. For specific areas or events, such as organised group hikes, you might need permission from the landowner or the relevant local authority. For assistance, contact Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (https://www.outdoorrecreationni.com/).

Is wild camping allowed in Northern Ireland?

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Wild camping in Northern Ireland is not strictly legal without the landowner's permission. However, it's often tolerated in higher land and mountain areas, provided campers follow "leave no trace" principles. If in doubt, contact Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (https://www.outdoorrecreationni.com/) for advice.

Are there mountain rescue services in Northern Ireland?

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In case of emergencies while hiking in Northern Ireland, you should contact the police by dialling 999 or 112 and ask for Mountain Rescue. They work with the PSNI to provide rescue services. More information is available at the Mountain Rescue Ireland website https://nimrt.org/

Are there dangerous plants in Northern Ireland?

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Northern Ireland's hiking trails are graced with an array of flora, from wildflowers to ancient woodlands. Notable are the bluebells in spring, the purple heather on the mountains in late summer, and the oak and ash trees in forests. For more information, refer to the Woodland Trust (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Northern Ireland?

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While hiking in Northern Ireland, you may encounter wildlife such as red deer, foxes, and badgers. The summer months bring out insects like midges, especially near water. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and consider insect repellent. For more, visit the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/).