Northern Ireland walks

This walk is from Portballintrae, going past Port Tara Holiday home through Portballintrae and along the coastal road to Dunluce Castle. You will see stunning views of the rugged North Antrim coast and the historic ruins of Dunluce castle. You can visit the Castle and there is a lovely coffee shop to stop for a break.

The Windy Gap is a well know view point, off the Slievenaboley Road, in the Dromara Hills. The Windy Gap Pad is a rough farm track of just under a mile in length which joins the Slievenaboley and Legananny Roads. The Dromara Hills, part of the Mourne and Slieve Croob Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are a compact area of hill, moorland and farms in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains.

This spectacular sandy beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim Coast. Its secluded location means that even on a busy day there is plenty of room for quiet relaxation. White Park Bay has been in the care of the National Trust since 1938 and it remains one of the most natural coastline sites in N Ireland. The beach is backed by ancient dunes and species rich chalk grasslands, which are carpeted in rare plants, including many orchids. The site is also fossil rich with archaeological evidence everywhere.

Enjoy a circular coastal walk around Portrush peninsula, taking in West Strand Beach, Portrush Harbour, Ramore Head, the Arcadia area and East Strand promenade. The walk is entirely along surfaced footpaths, and generally flat, except for the Ramore Head section. Steps encountered at harbour section.

This short route along Waterfoot Beach encompasses beautiful wildflower meadows, two play parks, a seasonal café and plenty of picnic opportunities.

A circular route encompassing a demesne, riverside paths and public paths.

A moderate linear walk linking Trassey Track and Bloody Bridge via the Brandy Pad, taking in sights such as the Mourne Wall, the Castles, Slieve Commedagh and Slieve Donard. A more challenging alternative route is an option, by summiting Slievenaglogh and Slieve Commedagh, then following the Brandy Pad to Bloody Bridge.

Discover Belfast’s links to its unique Titanic and maritime heritage following this trail from the Titanic Memorial Garden at Belfast City Hall to Titanic Quarter.

This walk starts and finishes at Altarichard car park on the Altarichard Road; it is also known as the Milibern Walk (the other is the Breen Forest Walk). This is a scenic upland route that takes in the summit of Croaghan. The Trail is located within the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A woodland walk exploring Hawthorn Hill Nature Reserve within Slieve Gullion Forest Park. A magical living storybook is brought to life through a trail of intertwined fairy houses and arts features creating a childhood land with dragons, giants and fairies. The Giant’s Lair is inspired by legend and mythical folklore on over a mile of woodlands at Slieve Gullion Forest Park.

Minnowburn is a green refuge set on the fringe of Belfast, in the Lagan Valley Regional Park. Wooden chainsaw sculptures are dotted around the trail, there is a pond full of wildlife, and Terrace Hill has spectacular views of the Lagan Valley, to Beech woodland and the Lagan river. As well as guessing what the sculptures are about, see what wildlife you can spot.

A walk along a canal in the process of being restored. Excellent views of the River Foyle and across to Donegal can be gained from the most northern point of the walk.

A walk through attractive woodland and parkland with many interesting features including Parliament Buildings. Only five miles out of the city, Stormont Woodland Walk and Fitness Trail, is a great place to walk, run and relax.

Experience the lowland meadow & rush pasture habitats of Slievenacloy, some of the rarest grassland habitat in Ulster. Drop down into the sheltered valley where you may see Irish hare while you explore the species rich banks of the Stoneyford River.

This walk takes you around the highest points of Slievenacloy Nature Reserve. Experience the wild heathland & awesome views over the Belfast Hills, the Sperrins & even Scotland! Much of this walk is accessible by all.

Combining elements of all three trails at Slievenacloy, this walk takes you around the entire reserve. Experience the amazing panoramic views over Northern Ireland and explore the sheltered valley along the banks of the Stoneyford River.

Experience the lowland meadow and rush pasture habitats of Slievenacloy, some of the rarest grassland habitat in Ulster. The fields are alive with delicate flowers, insects & birds, and watch out in the autumn for rare grassland fungi.

A mountain walk exploring the Slieve Gullion Special Area of Conservation and the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) using mountain paths, forest trails and country roads.

This is a strenuous and challenging walk with some steep ascents, but it is certainly worth it. The walk takes in three of the four highest peaks in the Mourne Mountains (Slieve Donard 853m, Slieve Commedagh 765m, Slieve Bearnagh 739m) and also the Brandy Pad – the well-trodden and infamous smugglers track. The walk gives wonderful views to the Irish Sea and to the heart of the High Mournes.

This walk begins in the Bloody Bridge car park (on the coast), follows the Bloody Bridge River and then the Mourne Wall to the summit of Slieve Donard (850m).

Slieve Donard at 850m (2,789 ft) is the highest of the Mourne Mountains. The views from the summit are extensive and on a clear day the Isle of Man, Wicklow, Donegal, Wales, and Scotland may be seen, as well as the long stretch of Newcastle Beach.

This fantastic circular walking route follows the Mourne Wall to the summit of Slieve Binnian (747m), traverses between the spectacular South and North Tors before descending along a track past the Blue Lough, Annalong Forest and back to the car park.

This is the 6th section of the Sliabh Beagh Way. A series of country lanes winds gently towards the finish in Lisnaskea.

This is the 5th section of the Sliabh Beagh Way. A climb along a moorland road brings you to the traverse of two forestry plantations.

This is the 4th section of the Sliabh Beagh Way. Country lanes will carry you to Mullaghfad Forest, and an enjoyable stroll past several upland lakes.

This 2nd section of the Sliabh Beagh Way follows country roads as it climbs to a high moorland viewpoint.

Steeped in local myth and legend, the Sliabh Beagh Way meanders through the valleys of Co Tyrone, the drumlins of Co Monaghan and the lakeland of Co Fermanagh. This walking route follows a mixture of country lanes and forest tracks as it explores the varied countryside around south Fermanagh. A remote path across the expanse of moor around Sliabh Beagh is one of the highlights, while good signage and generally firm terrain make it suitable for all fit walkers.

The 1rst section of the Sliabh Beagh Way begins along a series of calm country lanes.

A short community trail facilitating access to Slans Graveyard with incredible panoramic views overlooking Cloughey.

A walk to relax yourself in the middle of beautiful trees. This place is the proof that nature is a work of art.

A short walk to relax in the centre of beautiful flower gardens. Try it in spring or summer to make the most of the scent of the flowers around you !

Circular route including views over the dam (Silent Valley Reservoir) into the mountains. Find out more about Silent Valley at the Interpretive Centre, which was the site of the original Police Station. A short walk to get some fresh air, a cup of coffee and the sound of birdsong.

A short walk to relax in nature and stretch your legs. This scenic trail passes through some steep upland habitat and park woodland.

A quiet walk by the reservoir. In summer the warmth of the sun's rays will warm you up throughout the walk.

The walk takes in the summit of Scrabo Hill and the famous Scrabo Tower built in 1857, one of Ireland’s best known landmarks. The views over Strangford Lough and North Down are some of the finest in the country. The walk then descends to the disused sandstone quarries which provided building stone since Anglo-Norman times. The old quarries have major geological importance and have been designated an Area of Special Scientific Interest.

A stunning short walk across exposed hillside, leading to and along the edge of the Sallagh Braes basalt cliffs. Views can be enjoyed across the cliffs to the valley below and the Irish sea in the distance. The local area has recently been featured in the popular tv series 'Game of Thrones', interpreation can be found in Linford Car Park and is a popular stop off point for fans of the show.

A peaceful route, leaving from the hamlet of Rousky and winding its way down the valley side to the Owenreagh River.

For the most part it is easy walking with spectacular views over the coastal plain and the contrasting landscapes of the Annalong Valley. Everywhere stone walls enclosing small fields are a picturesque feature of Mourne farmland.

An excellent off-road hill walk opening up views of the Bluestack and High Sperrin Mountain ranges.

This is the 5th and final section of the Ring of Gullion Way. It takes you from Slieve Gullion Courtyard Centre to Newry. Country lanes carry you on towards Camlough Mountain. The Slieve Gullion ring dyke has long been celebrated by geologists, and this two-day walking route allows you to explore the area’s unique natural history by foot. The route follows a mixture of footpaths and country lanes as it makes its way around the ring, passing numerous historical sites along the way.

This is the 4th section of the Ring of Gullion Way. It takes you from Forkill to Slieve Gullion Courtyard Centre. A steep climb now takes you up the side of the highest mountain in County Armagh. The Slieve Gullion ring dyke has long been celebrated by geologists, and this two-day walking route allows you to explore the area’s unique natural history by foot. The route follows a mixture of footpaths and country lanes as it makes its way around the ring, passing numerous historical sites along the way.

This is the 2nd section of the Ring of Gullion Way. It takes you from Flagstaff to Marble Bridge. You now climb the slopes of Black Mountain, the second highest peak of the ring dyke. The Slieve Gullion ring dyke has long been celebrated by geologists, and this two-day walking route allows you to explore the area’s unique natural history by foot. The route follows a mixture of footpaths and country lanes as it makes its way around the ring, passing numerous historical sites along the way.

Riverside Park offers a variety of walks through various landscapes including woodland. The Ballymoney River runs through the middle of the park and there are a variety of on site amenities.

This circular route follows off-road trails, quiet country lanes and forest tracks from Newry around the volcanic landscape of the Ring of Gullion AONB. Along its route, ancient monuments and quiet villages can be discovered. The final section leads through the grounds of Derrymore House (owned and managed by the National Trust) near Bessbrook before reaching Newry.

This is the 1rst section of the Ring of Gullion Way. It takes you from Newry to Flagstaff. The Slieve Gullion ring dyke has long been celebrated by geologists, and this two-day walking route allows you to explore the area’s unique natural history by foot. The route begins by heading out of Newry and traversing the slopes of Fathom Mountain, the first hill encountered on the ring dyke. It follows a mixture of footpaths and country lanes as it makes its way around the ring, passing numerous historical sites along the way.

A strenuous linear walk linking the south Mournes to Newcastle via Slieve Binnian, Slievemalagan and the Glen River. Impressive views of Silent Valley Reservoir can be enjoyed from Slieve Binnian and of Ben Crom Reservoir from Slievelamagan, both of which supply Belfast with piped water.

Reas Wood extends along part of the shore of Lough Neagh. It is a great example of a wet woodland and has a rich diversity of wildlife to see. The path will eventually form part of the Lough Neagh Cycle Way.

This walk leads from Rathlin harbour to the West Lighthouse including the RSPB Seabird Viewpoint. Rathlin is renowned for its importance for wildlife. Highlights on this walk include Knockans RSPB Reserve, Kinramer ASSI and Kebble National Nature Reserve where the cliffs and stacks support the largest seabird breeding colony in Northern Ireland.

A waymarked route around Kinramer South, taking in the south of the island with stunning views of dramatic sea cliffs and of Ballycastle beyond.

A waymarked route through Kebble Nature Reserve, taking in the north of the island with stunning views of dramatic sea cliffs and of Scotland beyond.