Slieve Donard Walk

County Down, Northern Ireland

Slieve Binnian Carrick Little

County Down, Northern Ireland

Slieve Donard from Bloody Bridge

County Down, Northern Ireland

Tollymore Forest Park – Mountain and Drinns Trail

County Down, Northern Ireland

Slieve Bearnagh And Meelmore

County Down, Northern Ireland

Hen - Cock and Pigeon Rock

County Down, Northern Ireland

Slieve Bearnagh

County Down, Northern Ireland

Tollymore Forest Park – River Trail

County Down, Northern Ireland

Rostrevor - Cloughmore Stone

County Down, Northern Ireland

Meelmore and Meelbeg

County Down, Northern Ireland

Best nature hiking trails in County Down

Get back to nature with these scenic trips, designed for those who want to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors without too much hassle.

Here are some great trails to explore in County Down.

Most popular trails

Difficult

Slieve Donard Walk

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (49) · 9.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 17 min

Medium

Slieve Binnian Carrick Little

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (30) · 10.7 km · Est. 3 hrs 7 min

Difficult

Slieve Donard from Bloody Bridge

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (8) · 10.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 34 min

Easy

Tollymore Forest Park – Mountain and Drinns Trail

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

Difficult

Slieve Bearnagh And Meelmore

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (7) · 9.4 km · Est. 3 hrs 1 min

Medium

Hen - Cock and Pigeon Rock

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (7) · 10.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 54 min

Difficult

Slieve Bearnagh

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (7) · 9.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 46 min

Easy

Tollymore Forest Park – River Trail

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (2) · 5.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 15 min

Medium

Rostrevor - Cloughmore Stone

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 0.0 (0) · 1.1 km · Est. 19 min

Difficult

Meelmore and Meelbeg

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (3) · 8.9 km · Est. 2 hrs 36 min

Show more hikes

Reviews for nature hiking trails in County Down

Slieve Donard Walk

Fiona (Feefifofum) · reviewed over 3 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.

Slieve Binnian Carrick Little

HikingIreland · reviewed over 3 years ago

star star star star star

well maintained, an easy route to follow. The hike itself can is strenuous but not overly steep. The views are what make this hike special. in my opinion It’s far more impressive than donard. Fantastic hike, well worth it

Slieve Donard from Bloody Bridge

Colin · reviewed almost 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.

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.

Slieve Bearnagh And Meelmore

Clodagh Robb · reviewed 9 months ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in County Down

What is the climate like for hiking in Northern Ireland?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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/).