Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Where to walk in Northern Ireland — from easy half-days to serious treks, with honest difficulty grades.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

Northern Ireland has 8+ hiking trails covered in this guide, led by Slieve Donard Summit Trail, Causeway Coast Way and Glenariff Forest Park Waterfalls Trail. Each entry below includes the practical details — what it costs, when to go, and how to plan around it.

Northern Ireland is a land of dramatic contrasts — volcanic basalt coastlines, rolling green drumlins, and a capital city that has transformed itself from a divided post-industrial city into one of Europe's most vibrant short-break destinations. From the otherworldly columns of the Giant's Causeway to the Titanic Quarter's stainless-steel galleries, Northern Ireland rewards visitors who look beyond the obvious.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Slieve Donard Summit Trail

    11 km return (~6.8 miles)4–6 hours850 m (2,789 ft) — highest peak in Northern Ireland

  2. 2

    Causeway Coast Way

    53 km (33 miles) full route; can be done in sections3 days (full route) or 4–8 hrs per sectionModerate undulation; max 200 m

  3. 3

    Glenariff Forest Park Waterfalls Trail

    3.5 km circular (~2.2 miles)1.5–2 hoursMinimal — riverside and forest path

  4. 4

    Mourne Wall Walk

    35 km (22 miles) full circuit12–15 hours (full day with early start)Significant; crosses multiple peaks over 700 m

  5. 5

    Roe Valley Country Park Trail

    Multiple trails 2–8 km1–3 hours depending on trailLow; river valley walking

  6. 6

    Tollymore Forest Park Boundary Walk

    8 km circular2–3 hoursGentle hills; wooded paths

  7. 7

    Divis and Black Mountain

    5 km return to summit2–3 hours478 m (1,568 ft)

  8. 8

    Giant's Causeway Cliff Walk

    Up to 16 km (Causeway to Carrick-a-Rede one way)1.5 hours (short loop) to 4 hours (full coastal stretch)Moderate; cliff-top paths with steps to shore

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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