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Best wildlife hikes in Northern Ireland
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Best wildlife hikes in Northern Ireland

Calling all nature lovers! These wildlife-rich hikes give you the chance to spot some of the forest's cutest inhabitants.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Northern Ireland.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Slieve Gullion Loop

County Armagh, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (10) · 13.7 km · Est. 3 hrs 34 min

2

Easy

Lagan Towpath

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

3

Easy

Comber Greenway

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

4

Medium

Cave Hill Country Park

County Antrim, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (11) · 6.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 41 min

5

Easy

Belfast To Holywood

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

6

Extra Difficult

Lough Foyle Trail

County Londonderry, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 17.0 km · Est. 3 hrs 26 min

7

Easy

Magilligan Point

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

8

Easy

Kiltonga Nature Reserve

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

9

Easy

Glenarm Coast Walk

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

10

Easy

Crom Wildlife Walk

County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 6.9 km · Est. 1 hrs 28 min

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Reviews for wildlife hikes in Northern Ireland

Cara avatar

Slieve Gullion Loop

Cara · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

avatar

Lagan Towpath

PathfinderMountaineer37 · reviewed 5 months ago

star star star star star

Bobby Scott avatar

Comber Greenway

Bobby Scott · reviewed almost 4 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.

Trudy Sloan avatar

Cave Hill Country Park

Trudy · reviewed almost 3 years ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for Belfast To Holywood.

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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