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Best river hikes in Northern Ireland
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Best river hikes in Northern Ireland

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

Here are some great hikes to explore in Northern Ireland.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

St Patrick's Way

County Armagh, Northern Ireland · star 4.9 (11) · 139.7 km · Est. 7 days

2

Easy

Lagan Towpath

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

3

Medium

Hen - Cock and Pigeon Rock

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (8) · 10.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 54 min

4

Easy

Tollymore Forest Park – Mountain and Drinns Trail

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

5

Easy

Newcastle Way

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

6

Medium

Ring of Gullion Way

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 3.0 (1) · 63.8 km · Est. 4 days

7

Medium

Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail

County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland · star 4.8 (5) · 13.3 km · Est. 3 hrs 27 min

8

Medium

Saint Patrick’s Way - The Pilgrims Walk

County Armagh, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (1) · 144.3 km · Est. 8 days

9

Easy

Tollymore Forest Park – River Trail

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (3) · 5.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 15 min

10

Easy

Scarva to Aughnacloy

County Armagh, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 60.7 km · Est. 3 days

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Reviews for river hikes in Northern Ireland

Bobby Scott avatar

St Patrick's Way

Bobby Scott · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

avatar

Lagan Towpath

PathfinderMountaineer37 · reviewed 4 months ago

star star star star star

Declan Whelan avatar

Hen - Cock and Pigeon Rock

Declan · reviewed over 2 years 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.

Magzer Flood avatar

Tollymore Forest Park – Mountain and Drinns Trail

Maura Flood · reviewed over 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.

Paul McArthur avatar

Newcastle Way

Paul McArthur · reviewed about 4 years ago

star star star star star

Surprisingly enjoyable trail through varied terrain. Beach, country roads, green lanes and forest estates….. all with the back drop of the Mourne Mountains. You could complete it in one long day, but definitely the best way to savour the journey is over two days. Either wild camp or B&B…. the choice is yours.

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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