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Get out and enjoy stunning natural beauty with one of these walks in Northern Ireland. 

Whether you want to scale one of the local mountains or stroll along the coast, there is plenty of hiking in Northern Ireland.

Walking in Northern Ireland is one of the best ways to see the countryside. And helps kids to learn about nature and finding fun ways to be healthy.

Check out some of the best walks in Northern Ireland below…


11 Northern Irish Walks


Runkerry Trail – County Antrim

One of the best ways to see Giant’s Causeway

The Runkerry Trail is one of our favourite walks in Northern Ireland.

It is an accessible route that gives you a stunning view over the famous Giant’s Causeway.

Starting at The Causeway Hotel, you can spend an afternoon walking down to Northern Ireland’s most famous natural landmark, followed by a hearty meal to re-energise from the hotel.

Runkerry Walk in Northern Ireland

A visit to Northern Ireland isn’t complete without a trip to the Giant’s Causeway. And the Runkerry trail is one of the best ways to see the iconic landmark.

Check out these cottages in County Antrim to stay when you visit.

Starting Point: 40 Causeway Road, Bushmills, BT57 8SU
What Three Words: interval.though.hairstyle
Distance: 1.20km


Castle Ward (Shore Trail) – County Down

A stunning coastal walk with a castle to explore

Heading over to the east coast of Northern Ireland, the Shore Trail at Castle Ward is a mix of scenery and history.

From the trail car park, the trail heads northeast up the coast until you finally reach Audleys Castle.

Here you can sit down and enjoy a picnic before setting off on the journey back.

While many people follow the same way on the route back, we like to extend the walk and head around the back of Temple Water and the Walled Gardens.

For any Game of Thrones fans, you can also visit the filming location for Winterfell. Here you can enjoy tours, archery and axe throwing in one of your favourite filming locations.

Starting Point: Downpatrick, BT30 7LS
What Three Words: warmers.whirlwind.chill
Distance: 3.82km



Lime Tree Walk – County Armagh

Best spring walk to see the flower blossom

Spring can be one of the best seasons to get out and enjoy the local wildlife. The flowers are starting to blossom, and the frosty mornings can keep you cool during your walk.

The Lime Tree Walk at County Armagh is a loop that showcases a stunning collection of spring bloomers.

And why not wind down after a long walk to a drink at the tearoom at The Argory.

lime tree walk the argory

Starting Point: 144 Derrycaw Road, Dungannon, BT71 6NA
What Three Words: loaning.neater.ounce
Distance: 1.66km


Crom Wildlife Walk – County Fermanagh

Best Walk for Spotting Wildlife

Crom is an beautiful place to see wildlife in Northern Ireland.

Throughout the year, you have an opportunity to see otters, red squirrels, pine martens, butterflies and an abundance of birds.

This Northern Irish hike takes you island hopping past Lough Nalughoge, Deer Park and the Old Castle.

And while this walk is slightly longer than some others, the reward of seeing some of nature’s most elusive animals is worth the extra time.

If you enjoy getting out in nature, then why not read our blog on The Best 7 National Parks in Ireland?

Otters on the Crom Wildlife Hike

Why not check out these holiday homes in County Fermanagh?

Starting Point: Upper Lough Erne, Enniskillen
What Three Words: smokes.friendlier.fade
Distance: 6.99km


Terrace Hill Trail – County Down

A nice walk with carved wooden sculptures

On the outskirts of Belfast, the Terrace Hill Trail is ideal for the whole family.

The route takes you alongside a winding stream and through the woodlands. And that’s when the hunt for hand-carved wooden sculptures begins.

Terrace Gardens is a great location to sit down with a picnic looking out over the surrounding landscape.

Starting Point: Edenderry Road, Belfast, BT8 8LE
What Three Words: shots.stud.resist
Distance: 1.39km


Hares Gap (Trassey Track) – County Down

A mountain walk with impressive views

Hiking through the hills and mountains of Northern Ireland can be a rewarding experience.

The Trassey Track takes you through Hares Gap and offers a stunning view tracing your steps below.

While this route is a simple A to B route, It is still a long hike in Northern Ireland.

If you want to extend your walk, why not head up one of the surrounding mountains.

hares gap northern ireland

Starting Point: Trassey Road, County Down, Newcastle, BT33 0QA
What Three Words: locate.performed.chugging
Distance: 6.9km


Kilbroney Forest Park (Viewpoint Trail) – County Down

Great all-round walk in Northern Ireland

There are a lot of walks in Kilbroney Forest Park to explore. But at Hogans Irish Cottages, we love the Viewpoint Trail.

The Northern Irish Walk is a mix of woodlands and hill walking with a lookout point over Carlingford Lough.

Along the route, you will eventually come across the Cloughmore Stone. Here you can pose for an insta worthy photograph with your favourite boulder.

kilbroney forest park

Starting Point: 60 Shore Road, Rostrevor, Newry, BT34 3DQ
What Three Words: unveils.flinch.stint
Distance: 11.16km


Rathlin Island – County Antrim

Best Place to See Puffins in Northern Ireland

Rathlin Island is one of the best places to visit if you are a keen birdwatcher.

While only six miles across, the island is home to a colony of puffins between April and July. But they aren’t the only birds to see. From the island you can see several sea birds common to the Northern Irish coast.

The best place to see the puffins and sea birds is at the Rathlin Island Seabird Centre. That is by the Rathlin West Lighthouse at the island’s western point.

puffins in ireland

With the island only accessible by ferry, you should pack everything you need before you board. However, there is a small gift shop and café on the island, just in case.

Starting Point: Rathlin Island, Ballycastle, BT54 6RT
What Three Words: quite.overpower.swoop
Where to get the ferry?: 18 Bayview Road, Ballycastle, BT54 6BT
Distance: 14.28km


Slemish Mountain – County Antrim

Walk in the footsteps of Saint Patrick

At 438 metres, Slemish is a mountain commonly associated with Saint Patrick.

It is thought that the Patron Saint of Ireland was brought here a slave before escaping back to the UK.

Although the walk is relatively short, it is not an easy route. The Northern Irish walk to the top of Slemish is steep and can become slippery in bad weather.

If you brave it to the top, endless views over the countryside will greet you. It is an amazing sight as the fields start to yellow at the end of summer.

Find out more about St Patricks Day here.

Starting Point: 7 Carnstroan Lane, Broughshane, Ballymena, BT42 4PF
What Three Words: driftwood.explorer.supposed
Distance: 1.38km


Cuilcagh Boardwalk Loop – County Fermanagh

Best Views into Southern Ireland

The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Loop is one of the easiest routes to follow and takes you to the famous Northern Irish Stairway to Heaven.

The route is mainly a wooden boardwalk and gravel paths.

As you make your way through the Cuilcagh Mountain Park, you will traverse through tall grass and follow the boardwalk up to the top of Cuilcagh Mountain.

Here you will find spectacular views over the Irish border, looking towards Benbeg and Glangevlin.

Starting Point: 43 Marlbank Road, Enniskillen, BT92 1ER
What Three Words: carbon.clearing.composes
Distance: 13.26km


The Dark Hedges – County Antrim

Great walk in Northern Ireland for Game of Thrones fans

For any Game of Thrones fans, The Dark Hedges is ideal for a hike in Northern Ireland.

The Dark Hedges is only a short walk, but is an opportunity for stunning photographs.

On a clear day, you can find the best times to photograph the impressive road are at dusk and dawn.

Once you have finished, head to The Pantry to enjoy a warm drink or head out for a round of golf at the Gracehill Golf Course.

the dark hedges

Starting Point: Ballymoney, BT53 8TH
What Three Words: invented.unfocused.watches
Distance: 2.50km


There are so many beautiful places for walks in Northern Ireland.

While we think these are some of the best walks in Northern Ireland, there is much more to see and explore.

Get and explore the rolling green hills and the rugged coastline from the comfort of your private holiday home in Northern Ireland

Book online with Hogans Irish Cottages today.


Image Credits – Albert Bridge – (CC BY-SA-2.0)