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Best nature trips hikes in Northern Ireland
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Best nature trips hikes in Northern Ireland

Ready for some outdoor fun? These hikes offer everything you could want for an unforgettable adventure!

Here are some great hikes to explore in Northern Ireland.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Slieve Doan

Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (13) · 6.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 48 min

2

Easy

Lagan Towpath

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (1) · 22.7 km · Est. 2 days

3

Easy

The Moyle Way

County Antrim, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (1) · 42.5 km · Est. 3 days

4

Extra Difficult

Mourne Wall Challenge

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (3) · 30.8 km · Est. 3 days

5

Difficult

Slieve Donard - Commedagh and Bearnagh

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (6) · 17.7 km · Est. 2 days

6

Medium

Hen - Cock and Pigeon Rock

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.9 (9) · 10.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 54 min

7

Easy

Tollymore Forest Park – Mountain and Drinns Trail

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (6) · 13.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 25 min

8

Difficult

Slieve Bearnagh

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.7 (7) · 9.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 46 min

9

Easy

Newcastle Way

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.5 (2) · 41.8 km · Est. 3 days

10

Medium

Antrim Hills Way

County Antrim, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (1) · 36.0 km · Est. 2 days

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Reviews for nature trips hikes in Northern Ireland

Ernest Roleston avatar

Slieve Doan

Ernie · reviewed 4 months ago

star star star star star

Really good trail Gets a bit sketchy at the end to get to the top but the views make it worth while

avatar

Lagan Towpath

PathfinderMountaineer37 · reviewed 5 months ago

star star star star star

David Blair avatar

The Moyle Way

D.B. · reviewed over 4 years ago

star star star star star

Great trail, one of the 1st I ever walked on way back in my mid teens, and which gave me the hiking bug. I made a repeat hike in late Aug 21 starting from Waterfoot and camped after 32km at Breen forestry, before completing the walk to Ballycastle the next day. Waymarking is generally very good, the gates at the north end of Orra forest and the south end of Breen forest have lost their signs, but if you are using a gpx file or Hiiker maps that of course matters much less.

Andrew Bhamra avatar

Mourne Wall Challenge

Andrew Bhamra · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Hard but rewarding walking around the Mourne Mountains.

Nadine Foley avatar

Slieve Donard - Commedagh and Bearnagh

Nadine · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Good trails the whole way, though quite rocky. Stunning views on a nice day. Quite challenging as doing 3 peaks and nearly 20km.

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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