Hiking in Northern Ireland

If you are keen to get out and explore some of Northern Ireland’s amazing countryside, setting off on hike is a great way to do so. Here is your guide to some of the best trails.

Perhaps the most famous hike in the country is the Mourne Mountain hiking route to Slieve Donard, the highest peak in the country at 850 feet. That may not sound like much to experienced climbers, but the 5.6-mile route is a real challenge. It’s worth it for the views over the town of Newcastle as well as Scotland, the Isle of Man and Wales on a clear day.

The Causeway Coastal Walk is another famous route that takes you around the Giants Causeway, a collection of natural basalt columns, one of the biggest tourist attractions in Northern Ireland. The Coastal Walk is just two miles long, but there is a 33-mile route, known as the Ulster Way, if you want to do a two-day hike.

Check out the 1.6-mile trail to Carrick-a-Rede island if you are looking for something easier on the legs. That said, there is a considerable challenge here, too, at least for those scared of heights. To get to the island, you have to cross a thin rope bridge which hangs around 30 meters above ground.