Slieve Donard from Bloody Bridge

County Down, Northern Ireland

Slieve Gullion Loop

County Armagh, Northern Ireland

Slieve Binnian

County Down, Northern Ireland

Comber Greenway

County Down, Northern Ireland

Cave Hill Country Park

County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Belfast To Holywood

County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Ballintempo Forest - Aghanaglack Walk

Aghanaglack, Northern Ireland

Magilligan Point

County Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Castle Coole – Lake Walk Trail

County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

Glenarm Coast Walk

County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Best wildlife hiking trails in Northern Ireland

Want to see some critters in action? These wildlife-viewing trails offer a front-row seat to nature's show, whether you're spotting birds, deer, or something more elusive.

Here are some great trails to explore in Northern Ireland.

Most popular trails

Difficult

Slieve Donard from Bloody Bridge

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (5) · 10.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 34 min

Medium

Slieve Gullion Loop

County Armagh, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (7) · 13.7 km · Est. 3 hrs 34 min

Difficult

Slieve Binnian

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (1) · 5.5 km · Est. 1 hrs 59 min

Easy

Comber Greenway

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.0 (1) · 12.8 km · Est. 2 hrs 38 min

Medium

Cave Hill Country Park

County Antrim, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (7) · 6.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 41 min

Easy

Belfast To Holywood

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

Easy

Ballintempo Forest - Aghanaglack Walk

Aghanaglack, Northern Ireland · star 0.0 (0) · 12.7 km · Est. 2 hrs 50 min

Easy

Magilligan Point

County Londonderry, Northern Ireland · star 0.0 (0) · 1.1 km · Est. 14 min

Easy

Castle Coole – Lake Walk Trail

County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland · star 0.0 (0) · 2.5 km · Est. 32 min

Easy

Glenarm Coast Walk

County Antrim, Northern Ireland · star 0.0 (0) · 1.2 km · Est. 15 min

SHOW MORE TRAILS

Reviews for wildlife hiking trails in Northern Ireland

Slieve Donard from Bloody Bridge

Colin · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Pleasant gradual walk up along the river. Trail easy enough to follow. Hard work starts at the Mourne Wall to get to the top of Donard but we'll worth it for the views. The day we did it it was very windy so bring layers to keep warm at the top.

Slieve Gullion Loop

HIALE · reviewed about 1 month ago

star star star star star

Slieve Binnian

Megan92 · reviewed 9 months ago

star star star star star

Comber Greenway

Bobby Scott · reviewed almost 3 years ago

star star star star star

Very flat 7.5 mile walk along the old Comber to Belfast railway line. (Note. The trail ends or starts in Dee Street which is not in the Short Strand district). However walk can be easily extended to include the Titanic Quarter and Belfast City centre.

Cave Hill Country Park

Trudy · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

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/).