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Best difficult hikes in Northern Ireland
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Best difficult hikes in Northern Ireland

Got your game face on? These difficult hikes are designed for hikers who are looking for a serious adventure.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Northern Ireland.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Ronan’s Way - Red Loop

County Antrim, Northern Ireland · star 4.0 (1) · 6.5 km · Est. 1 hrs 54 min

2

Difficult

Slieve Donard Walk

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.9 (70) · 9.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 17 min

3

Difficult

Crossone

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (1) · 6.8 km · Est. 2 hrs 11 min

4

Difficult

Slieve Donard from Bloody Bridge

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.9 (10) · 10.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 34 min

5

Difficult

Mullaghmore Walk from Crockaicilla

County Londonderry, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 6.5 km · Est. 1 hrs 59 min

6

Difficult

Slieve Bearnagh

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.7 (10) · 9.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 46 min

7

Difficult

Slieve Binnian

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (4) · 5.5 km · Est. 1 hrs 59 min

8

Difficult

Sawel Mountain Walk

County Londonderry, Northern Ireland · star 4.7 (7) · 4.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 25 min

9

Difficult

Slieve Donard - Commedagh and Bearnagh

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (6) · 17.7 km · Est. 5 hrs 20 min

10

Difficult

Slieve Donard Loop via Glen River

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (6) · 10.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 47 min

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Reviews for difficult hikes in Northern Ireland

William White avatar

Ronan’s Way - Red Loop

Hiiker Bill · reviewed over 4 years ago

star star star star star

it is a work in progress. I wore my hiking shoes and found the top wet and boggy. wellies would be better here. can also be breezy on top. Great views. and a shorter fairy for kids.

Fiona (Feefifofum) avatar

Slieve Donard Walk

Fiona (Feefifofum) · reviewed over 4 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.

Joseph Saunders avatar

Crossone

Joeshikes1916 · reviewed 6 months ago

star star star star star

Colin Halpin avatar

Slieve Donard from Bloody Bridge

Colin · reviewed over 2 years 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.

No reviews available for Mullaghmore Walk from Crockaicilla.

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Northern Ireland

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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