Northern Ireland
Don’t let Northern Ireland’s size fool you - there are many varied walking trails to discover featuring dramatic mountains, wild coastlines, rolling farmlands and tranquil valleys. Warm Irish hospitality is never far away. Perhaps the most famous natural attraction is the spectacular geographical wonder of the Giant’s Causeway on the Causeway Coast.
The landscape and historic sites of Northern Ireland have inspired many creative souls including C.S.Lewis and his Land of Narnia. More recently, the Game of Thrones television series was filmed in various Northern Ireland locations including the Causeway Coast, the glens and coast of Antrim as well as the moody Mourne Mountains.
There are designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty such as Tollymore Forest. For those walkers interested in following a pilgrimage trail, Saint Patrick’s Way is a fascinating option.
Some of the best walking regions in Northern Ireland are set out below. Click on the buttons for more detail.
Causeway Coast
The Causeway Coast is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in County Antrim on the celebrated north coast of Northern Ireland. Amongst its many natural geographical wonders is the Giants Causeway which comprises approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt pillars tumbling into the Atlantic Ocean.
Glens of Antrim
The Antrim Glens and Coast is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in County Antrim in the north-east of Northern Ireland. The rugged cliffs of the Antrim Hills stretch out over 80 miles and are divided by nine deep green glens which were shaped by giant glaciers during the last Ice Age.
Mourne Mountains
The Mourne Mountains is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in County Down in the south-east of Northern Ireland. A particular highlight is the Mourne Wall which is an incredible landmark drystone wall crossing fifteen summits and serves as a handy navigational aid.
Ring of Gullion
The Ring of Gullion is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in County Armagh in the south-east of Northern Ireland. This unique geological landform was created by a massive volcanic explosion 60 million years ago and forms a ring of hills around Slieve Gullion mountain.