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Best dog friendly hikes in County Down
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Best dog friendly hikes in County Down

Bring your furry friend along! These dog-friendly hikes welcome four-legged adventurers.

Here are some great hikes to explore in County Down.

Most popular hikes

1

Easy

North Down Coastal Path

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.3 (4) · 24.6 km · Est. 2 days

2

Easy

Mount Stewart – Blue Trail

County Down, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 4.0 km · Est. 54 min

3

Easy

Island Hill - North Strangford Nature Reserve

County Down, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 1.7 km · Est. 21 min

4

Easy

Kiltonga Nature Reserve

County Down, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 1.1 km · Est. 13 min

5

Easy

Terrace Hill Trail at Minnowburn

County Down, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 1.8 km · Est. 25 min

6

Medium

Killynether Wood

County Down, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 2.1 km · Est. 34 min

7

Easy

Mount Stewart – Red Trail

County Down, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 2.9 km · Est. 38 min

8

Easy

Shore Trail at Castle Ward

County Down, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 2.2 km · Est. 28 min

9

Easy

Mount Stewart Lake Walk

County Down, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 1.5 km · Est. 20 min

10

Easy

Mount Stewart – Red Squirrel Trail

County Down, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 2.1 km · Est. 29 min

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Reviews for dog friendly hikes in County Down

Paul McArthur avatar

North Down Coastal Path

Paul McArthur · reviewed about 4 years ago

star star star star star

A very pleasant walk along a coastal path. Good mix of terrain and sandy beaches. Bangor perfectly placed for a spot of lunch. Easy enough to complete in a day.

No reviews available for Mount Stewart – Blue Trail.

No reviews available for Island Hill - North Strangford Nature Reserve.

No reviews available for Kiltonga Nature Reserve.

No reviews available for Terrace Hill Trail at Minnowburn.

Frequently asked questions for hikes in County Down

What is the climate like for hiking in Northern Ireland?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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/).

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