Hiking Northern Ireland: Our Top 8 Hiking Trails
Hiking Northern Ireland: 8 Scenic Walks to Put on Your List
Northern Ireland offers a spectacular mix of rugged coastlines, basalt columns, and granite peaks—all within easy reach of Belfast. Whether you’re seeking a gentle forest walk or a challenging summit climb, these trails showcase the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
If you’d like to turn these hikes into a short break or extended adventure, check out our Self-Guided Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast Hike or Northern Ireland Self-Drive itineraries. Donegal also pairs beautifully with Antrim’s coast—see our Self-Guided Donegal Hike.
At a glance
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Best for first timers: Tollymore Forest Park, Strangford Lough shore paths
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Iconic views: Causeway Coast Way stages, Cave Hill over Belfast
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Big day out: Slieve Donard via Glen River
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Most photographed: Cuilcagh Boardwalk “Stairway to Heaven”
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Comfort levels: We label routes as Comfortable, Moderate or Energetic. Check our simple Grading and pack smart with our Walking & Hiking Checklist.
Slieve Donard: 3-mile hike in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s highest summit rewards steady effort with wide views over the Irish Sea. Start from Donard Park in Newcastle and follow the Glen River path to the open slopes, then trace the Mourne Wall to the top. Expect a rocky trail underfoot and a stiff final climb. On clear days you may glimpse Scotland and the Isle of Man. Confident hikers will love this Energetic day.
Trip idea: Pair Slieve Donard with a Causeway Coast stage on our Northern Ireland Self-Drive 8-Day Adventure.
Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail: 7.5 hike in Northern Ireland
A striking boardwalk carries you over protected blanket bog to a stepped section and a high viewpoint. The route is linear and very popular. Pre-book the main car park, arrive early at weekends and carry layers as the weather changes quickly on the plateau. It suits sure-footed walkers comfortable with long stair sections. Moderate.
Make a weekend of it: Combine Cuilcagh with the Antrim coast on our Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast Hike.
Causeway Coast Walk: 14-mile hike in Northern Ireland
Golden beaches, sea stacks and the Giant’s Causeway’s famous columns make this one of Ireland’s great coastal walks. Tackle a classic one-way day between Ballintoy, the Giant’s Causeway and Portballintrae, or link Carrick-a-Rede to the Causeway for a full Moderate day. Good public transport makes point-to-point stages simple.
Longer option: See “Make it a short break” below, or choose our 5-Day or 7-Day itineraries.
Slemish Mountain: 1.2-mile walk in Ireland
A short, sharp climb with a big-sky payoff. Tradition links Slemish with St Patrick’s early life. The loop is brief yet steep on grass and rock, so good grip helps on damp days. Ideal for a quick leg-stretcher on a drive through mid-Antrim. Comfortable–Moderate.
Tollymore Forest Park: 2.5-mile North Ireland Walk
Riverside paths, stone bridges and stately trees make Tollymore a gentle favourite at the foot of the Mournes. Choose an easy loop along the Shimna River or extend deeper into the forest if time allows. Great for mixed-ability groups and families. Comfortable.
Strangford Lough: 2-mile hike in Northern Ireland
Pick a short coastal loop for birdlife and calm water views. Estate paths and signed trails near the villages keep gradients friendly, so it is a good choice for a relaxed morning. Comfortable.
Sallagh Braes: 2-mile walk in Northern Ireland
Step onto the Antrim Plateau for a bite-size taste of wild country. The circuit crosses open moor with sweeping views of the basalt escarpment and the sea beyond. Watch for livestock and keep gates as you find them. Comfortable–Moderate.
Causeway Coast Way: make it a short break
The full Causeway Coast Way runs for roughly 51–53 km (32–33 miles) between Portstewart and Ballycastle. Walk it over two or three days, staying in seaside towns and using local transport to link stages. Our self-guided options handle bags, route notes and stays so you can settle into the rhythm of the coast:
Prefer to mix walking with scenic drives and heritage sites? See our Northern Ireland Self-Drive 8-Day and 10-Day routes.
