Walk Northern Ireland - Mountaineering Ireland

Walk 

Northern Ireland 

Waterfalls|Forest|City|Waymarked Ways|Beaches|National Trust|Nature… 

discover northern ireland.com

discovernorthernireland.com 

2 

walk… northern ireland 

Introduction 

The beauty and variety of our landscape, the compact distances and ever-changing vistas, and 

our mild climate, make Northern Ireland brilliant to explore on foot. And the good news for 

those who like to travel this way is that the region offers a huge variety of walks, all packed 

into a relatively small area. One day you could be looking out on the restless Atlantic crashing on the 

rocks of the Giant’s Causeway, then taking a stroll in peaceful woodland, then standing on a summit 

in the Mourne Mountains with the patchwork fields of County Down far below. Northern Ireland 

has it all, forests, boglands, clifftop walks, mountain trails, country parks and beachfront dunes. So 

if you’re a serious rambler or just like to stretch the legs and enjoy the view, you’re in the right place.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: 

walk… Introduction 

Text: 

Helen Fairburn 

Photography: 

Northern Ireland Tourist Board Photographic Library 

The National Trust Photographic Library 

Northern Ireland Young Walkers’ Group 

Environment and Heritage Service 

Chris Hill Photography 

Production and Design: 

NITB Publications Dept. 

Printed: 

GPS Colour Graphics, Belfast 

Front Cover & Inside: The Mournes, County Down 


3


4 


Contents 

Mountains 6 

Slieve Donard » Slieve Bearnagh » Slieve Binnian » Slieve Gullion 

Hills 10 

Glenullin » Slemish Mountain 

Belfast 12 

Cave Hill » Lagan Towpath » Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park » Colin Glen 

The National Trust 16 

The Argory » Castle Ward » Mount Stewart » Florence Court » Crom Demesne 

Beaches 21 

Benone Strand » Portstewart » Murlough National Nature Reserve 

Nature 24 

Rathlin Island » Castle Archdale » Oxford Island » Peatlands Park 

Country Parks 27 

Roe Valley » Delamont » Crawfordsburn 

Waterfall Walks 30 

Glenariff Forest Park » Cranny Falls » Cladagh Glen » Sloughan Glen 

Forest 34 

Castlewellan Forest Park » Tollymore Forest Park » Gosford Forest Park 

Waymarked Ways 38 

Moyle Way » Lecale Way » Newry Canal Way » Causeway Coast Way 

Practical Information 48 

Getting to Northern Ireland » Useful Websites » Tourist Information Centres 

Welcome to Walk Northern Ireland, we hope you enjoy this 

publication and the walks it contains. 

In the interests of health and safety we recommend that you familiarise 

yourself with the Northern Ireland Countryside Code, 

www.discovernorthernireland/walk and be prepared for sudden weather 

changes. For all walks we recommend you acquire the appropriate Ordnance 

Survey Northern Ireland (OSNI), 1:50,000 Discover Series Maps. The 

appropriate sheet number, for each walk is referenced in the accompanying 

fact box. OSNI maps can be purchased on-line at www.osni.gov.uk 

Map 

reference » 

For detailed information on each of the walks visit 

www.landwaterair.co.uk 

Cladagh 

Glen

Sloughan 

Glen 

Crom 

Slieve Donard F5 

Slieve Bearnagh F5 

Slieve Binnian F5 

Slieve Gullion E5 

Glenullin E2 

Slemish Mountain F3 

Cave Hill F3 

Lagan Towpath F4 

Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park F4 

Glenullin 

Colin Glen Forest Park F3 

The Argory E4 

Castle Ward G4 

Mount Stewart G4 

Florence Court C5 

Crom Demesne C5 

Benone Strand D2 

Portstewart E2 

Murlough National Nature Reserve F5 

Cranny 

Falls 

Rathlin Island E1 

Castle Archdale C4 

Oxford Island E4 

Peatlands Park E4 

Roe Valley Country Park D2 

Delamont Country Park G4 

Crawfordsburn Country Park F3 

Glenariff Forest Park F2 

Cranny Falls F2 

walk… Contents & Map 

Crawfordsburn 

Murlough 

Delamount 

Cladagh Glen B5 

Sloughan Glen C3 

Castlewellan Forest Park F5 

Tollymore Forest Park F5 

Gosford Forest Park E4 

The Moyle Way E2–F2 

The Lecale Way G4–F5 

The Newry Canal Way E4–E5 

Causeway Coast Way E2–E1 


5


6 


Mountains 

Northern Ireland’s mountains are perfect for walking. Most slopes 

begin around sea level and it’s quite possible to climb to a 

significant summit, appreciate the views, and be back down again 

within five or six hours. Perfect for one-day excursions that leave 

you fulfilled and revitalised. 

Slieve Donard 

No visit to Northern Ireland is complete without a 

trip to Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in the 

province. The ascent of the 

853m-high peak is the 

classic hill walk in the 

region, and those who 

accept the challenge are 

richly rewarded for their 

efforts. The mountain’s 

eastern slopes sweep 

famously to the sea, while 

the bustling town of 

Newcastle – with its wide 

range of visitor amenities - 

lies at the foot of the peak 

to the north. With such a 

combination of scenery and 

accessibility, its little wonder 

the mountain is a magnet 

for local and visiting walkers 

alike. Slieve Donard owes its 

name to St Domangard, a 

fifth century chieftan who 

was converted to 

Christianity by St Patrick. 

Domangard was so inspired 

by the mountain that he built a 

prayer cell at the summit. A stone 

tower still marks the high point, 

though the modern version was 

constructed in the early 1900s as 

part of the Mourne Wall. The large 

summit cairn and a smaller one 

about 100m north have been 

around rather longer however, and 

have graced the top for over 3000 

years. 

There are many possible routes 

up the mountain, however the 

most popular trails begins from 

Donard Park in Newcastle, and 

approaches the peak via the Glen 

River Track. The routes begin with 

wonderful sections along the banks 

of tumbling streams, which stand 

in complete contrast to the bare 

summit slopes above. 

The paths combine at the 

Mourne Wall to make routefinding 

a relatively simple matter. 

But wherever you begin your walk, 

there’s no avoiding the amount of 

ascent you’ll have to contend with. 

All routes start at sea level and the 

upper slopes are steep and 

sustained, gaining around three 

hundred vertical metres in less than 

a kilometre during the final push to 

the top. 

As you’d imagine the summit 

itself offers a supreme viewpoint, 

and a perfect place to survey the 

Mourne range. The wider 

panorama encompasses most of 

Northern Ireland while across the 

Irish Sea you should be able to 

identify the Isle of Man and even 

parts of the Scottish coast. If you’re 

in the area on a clear day, grab the 

chance and go for it – you won’t be 

disappointed! 

Slieve Donard F5 

Starting Point: Donard Car Park, 

Newcastle 

Distance: 9km, Height 853m 

Maps & Books: ‘25 Walks in Down 

District’ Leonard Lawson. ‘Your Guide to 

Walks: Walking in the Kingdoms of Down’, 

MHT Walk Cards. OSNI sheet: 29 

Facilities: Parking/Toilets: Donard 

Car Park, Newcastle 

p THE NATIONAL TRUST

Right: Crossing the stile at Hare‘s Gap 

Below: Approaching Mourne Wall on 

the way to Donard 

Below right: A break on the final 

ascent to Donard’s summit 

Slieve Bearnagh 

Though not as high as Slieve 

Donard, Slieve Bearnagh (739m) is 

often cited as a favourite peak by 

many walkers. The attraction is 

obvious: a steep-sided mountain 

topped by distinctive granite tors, 

Bearnagh crowns the head of the 

Silent Valley. 

Standing astride the massive rock 

boulders at its summit, walkers 

tower over the dark waters of the 

Ben Crom and Silent Valley 

reservoirs some 600m below. These 

reservoirs lie at the very heart of the 

Mourne range, flooding the deep 

basin of the Silent Valley. 

A tough mountain circuit begins 

in the Silent Valley and climbs 

around the surrounding peaks, 

visiting Slieve Bearnagh at the apex 

of the route. Another, shorter 

option uses the Trassey Track to 

gain direct access from the north. 

Once at the top it becomes clear 

that the mountain is defined by not 

one but by two summits, each 

resplendent with its own massive 

tor. In fact the name Slieve 

Bearnagh translates as ‘gapped 

mountain’ in reference to these 

twin peaks. 

Whichever way you approach the 

mountain, you’ll be guided up the 

final, steep slopes by the presence 

of the Mourne Wall. This famous 

wall stretches for 35km and crosses 

15 of the highest summits in the 

range. Built between 1910 and 

1922 to mark the watershed of the 

Silent and Annalong Valleys, it’s a 

miniature Great Wall of China that 

helps imbue these mountains with 

such distinctive character. 

Most routes to Slieve Bearnagh 

also take in the col that lies just to 

the northeast. Known as Hare’s 

Gap, this pass has long provided a 

major access route through the 

range. During the eighteenth and 

nineteenth centuries it was 

favoured by smugglers transporting 

illicit goods inland from the coast. 

Tobacco, silk and spices all passed 

this way, but alcohol was always a 

The wider 

panorama 

encompasses 

most of 

Northern 

Ireland while 

across the Irish 

Sea you 

should be able 

to identify the 

Isle of Man 

and even parts 

of the Scottish 

coast 

walk… Mountains 

mainstay of the cargo. Indeed so 

much wine and liqueur was carried 

along this trail that it became 

known as the Brandy Pad, a name 

that is still in use today. 

Slieve Bearnagh F5 

Starting Point: Trassey Car Park, 

2.5m SW of Bryansford 


Maps & Books: ‘The Mournes Walks’ 

by Paddy Dillon 

‘Bernard Davey’s Mourne: – 10 Walks 

with the Weatherman’ 

OSNI sheet: 29 

Facilities: Parking: Trassey Car Park 

Toilets: Meelmore Lodge 


7


8 


…almost 2 

kilometres of 

walking above 

600m… 

making this 

one of the 

most 

interesting 

summits in 

Ireland 

Slieve Binnian 

Slieve Binnian and its little brother, 

Wee Binnian, lie side by side at the 

south eastern corner of the 

Mournes. Their location between 

mountain and sea provides a 

wonderful vantage point, and a 

great place to appreciate both the 

rugged heartland of the Mournes 

and the pastoral coastline to the 

south. The third highest peak in 

Northern Ireland at 747m, Slieve 

Binnian is another of the must-do 

mountain walks in the area. 

The name Slieve Binnian 

translates as ‘mountain of the little 

horns’, and its most distinctive 

features are the granite tors that 

crown its summit ridge. The long, 

narrow plateau offers almost two 

kilometres of walking above 600m. 

Scattered along the length of the 

ridge are clustered rock outcrops 

known locally as ‘castles’, making 

this one of the most interesting 

summits in Ireland. 

The tors themselves are a feature 

of the glacial past, and a number of 

Below: Views from the summit of Binnian 

similar formations can be found 

around the Mournes. 

For walkers there’s a choice of 

routes over Slieve Binnian. The 

most straightforward option is a 

circuit that starts and finishes along 

the Carrick Little Track, a major 

access route into the mountains for 

modern walkers and climbers. The 

Mourne Wall then leads up steep 

slopes to the South Tor, before a 

descent north towards Blue Lough. 

Other possibilities include a circuit 

that includes Wee Binnian to the 

south, or a challenging trip around 

the entire Annalong Valley. If you 

choose the latter option you may 

need to remind yourself that views 

and memories last longer than 

aching muscles, but satisfaction 

remains a guarantee. 

Slieve Binnian F5 

Starting Point: Carrick Little Car Park 

Distance: 11km, Ascent 747m 

Maps & Books: ‘Walking in Newry and 

Mourne’, MHT Walk cards. OSNI sheet: 29 

Facilities: Parking: Carrick Little Car park 

(the car park is at the junction of the Head 

Road and Oldtown Road, near Annalong) 

Slieve Gullion 

Despite its status as the highest 

point in County Armagh, Slieve 

Gullion is better known amongst 

the world’s geologists than its 

walkers. The 573m summit is the 

centre point of a former volcano 

that was torn apart by a massive 

explosion some 60 million years 

ago. The eruption left a distinct 

circle of hills around the main 

peak. The formation is known by 

geologists as a ring dyke, and Slieve 

Gullion provides the finest example 

of its type in Britain or Ireland. 

For walkers Slieve Gullion is the 

focal point the 57km Ring of 

Gullion Waymarked Way, which 

takes two or three days to 

complete. The mountain also offers 

plenty of scope for those looking 

for a shorter outing. 

From a hillwalking perspective, 

the undisputed highlight of the 

area is a visit to the summit 

plateau. The Neolithic burial 

chamber at the southern summit is 

the highest remaining passage tomb

Right: Neolithic burial chamber at the 

summit of Slieve Gullion 

Below: View to Slieve Gullion 

The Neolithic 

burial chamber 

at the southern 

summit is the 

highest 

remaining 

passage tomb 

in all of 

Ireland. It’s 

still possible 

to enter the 

tomb’s inner 

chamber 

in all of Ireland. It’s still possible to 

enter the tomb’s inner chamber, 

which lies directly beneath the 

modern trig point. With 360° 

views of the Mourne Mountains 

and Carlingford Lough, it’s not 

hard to understand why it was 

considered an honour to be buried 

in such an evocative place. 

The next focal point along the 

plateau is Calliagh Berra’s Lough. 

The pool is named in honour of a 

woman famed in local folklore for 

bewitching the giant Finn McCool. 

She tricked him into diving in to 

the lough, and when he surfaced 

his blonde hair had turned 

completely white. Legend has it 

that the same fate will befall any 

person who swims in the waters 

today. For walkers who make it 

past the lough intact, the reward is 

the mountain’s northern summit, 

which also holds an ancient cairn 

dating back to 1800 BC. 

It is possible to extend the route to 

make a longer circuit following a 

mixture of forest driveway and 

narrow country roads. This 

provides the opportunity to visit 

the picturesque Killevy Old 

Church, built on the site of a 5th 

century convent. St Bline’s holy 

well, at the top of a small boreen 

beside the church, is also well 

worth a visit. 

Slieve Gullion Forest Park, 

located on the mountain’s lower 

slopes, offers shorter walking 

options in the form of marked 

walk… Mountains 

trails through forestry and native 

woodland. The park’s Courtyard 

Centre provides a convenient start 

and finish point for most routes in 

the area. 

Slieve Gullion E5 

Starting Point: Slieve Gullion Courtyard, 

Killevy 

Distance: 12.5km, Ascent 500m 

Maps & Books: ‘Ring of Gullion Way: An 

Illustrated Guide to Walking the Ring of 

Gullion Way’. OSNI sheet: 29 

Facilities: Parking/toilets: Slieve Gullion 

Courtyard 

Safety 

Remember that if attempting a mountain 

or hill walk, you should be able to use a 

map and compass, and be suitably 

dressed and equipped for cold and wet, 

even in the summer. Check the weather 

forecast. 


9


10 


Glenullin 

Officially designated an Area of 

Outstanding Natural Beauty, the 

Sperrin Mountains are the 

largest but least explored 

mountain range in Northern 

Ireland. Straddling the 

border between counties 

Londonderry and Tyrone, 

this is the perfect destination 

for walkers who want to get 

off the beaten track and 

discover the reality of rural 

life in the province. 

Glenullin is a picturesque 

valley that cuts down the 

northeastern edge of the 

Sperrins. Its position at the 

very corner of the range 

makes it a good vantage 

point from which to 

appreciate both the higher 

mountains to the southwest, 

and the intricate coastline to 

the north. Several 

waymarked walking trails 

Below: Sperrins Hillwalking Festival 

Hills 

If a single feature could define the landscape of Northern Ireland, it 

would be its rolling hills. Outliers of larger mountain ranges, midheight 

summits and smaller drumlins; all combine to give the 

impression that the province is an endlessly undulating tapestry of 

hills and glens. 

have been provided to guide you 

past the most striking features of 

the area. 

Lying low at the base of the 

valley, the Errigal Glen Trail is a 

beautiful 4km walk. Beginning 

along the steep-sided, wooded 

banks of the Agivey River, the route 

continues along a series of quiet 

country roads and forest tracks. An 

ancient inauguration stone and the 

remains of Errigal Old Church 

provide historic interest along the 

way. 

Just south of Errigal Glen you’ll 

find Drumbane Hill (250m). 

Though relatively modest in height, 

the summit provides fine views 

across the Bann Valley and Antrim 

Hills. The 10km-long Drumbane 

Trail approaches the hill via narrow 

country lanes and farm tracks. 

The head of Glenullin is guarded 

by Benbradagh, the highest peak in 

the vicinity at 465m. The walk to 

the top crosses a mixture of 

moorland track and open 

mountainside, and offers a more 

challenging route around 8km 

long. You’ll pass an old lime kiln 

before arriving at the summit itself. 

The western slopes of the 

mountain fall away steeply, 

allowing clear views across to Sawel 

and Dart, the highest peaks of the 

Sperrins. 

If you enjoy these walks, why not 

delve further into the range. This is 

an area rich in archaeological 

heritage and there are countless 

other routes awaiting discovery. 

Happy exploring! 

Glenullin E2 

Drumbane Trail 

Starting Point: Glenullin Chapel Car Park 

(Glen Road) 

Distance: 10–13km height 125m 

Errigal Glen Trail 

Starting point: Layby car park on 

Temple Road (beside Errigal Bridge) 

Maps & Books: ‘Glenullin – The 

Legends and the History’. OSNI sheet: 8 

Facilities: Parking/ toilets: Garvagh, 

Glenullin Chapel Car Park

Right: Shamrock 

Below: Slemish Mountain 

Slemish Mountain 

An isolated cone that can be seen 

for miles around, Slemish 

mountain (437m) is a landmark of 

County Antrim. The steep-sided 

hill rises from relatively flat 

surrounds and is a real icon of the 

area. Getting to the top is easier 

than you might imagine, however, 

it’s an experience that shouldn’t be 

missed. 

Much of the rock in this area is 

volcanic in nature, and Slemish is 

no exception. The mountain was 

created during a period of major 

volcanic activity that began around 

55 million years ago. The original 

volcano would have been much 

larger than the hill we see today – 

Slemish is merely the solidified 

plug of lava that once filled the 

underground vent. When 

subsequent ice ages eroded the 

landscape, the hard volcanic plug 

was all that was left behind. With a 

vent the size that we see today, the 

eruption itself must have been truly 

massive in scale. 

Slemish is also famous for its 

links with St Patrick, patron saint 

of Ireland. Towards the end of the 

Roman occupation of Britain, Irish 

raiders plundered thousands of 

slaves and transported them across 

the Irish Sea. The boy who was to 

become Saint Patrick arrived this 

way, and spent several childhood 

years herding swine around Slemish 

for a local slavemaster named 

Miluic. 

By the mid 400s, St Patrick and 

his missionaries had begun the 

work of establishing 

Christianity in the 

country. Slemish has since 

become a place of 

pilgrimage on 17th 

March, St Patrick’s Day. 

Modern visitors wishing 

to make their own 

pilgrimage up the 

mountain have got a 2km 

trek to the top. The trail is 

steep, however, gaining 

some 180m in altitude in 

its short distance. 

Fortunately the views 

from the summit are well 

worth the effort, 

encompassing most of 

County Antrim and 

beyond. 

Slemish is just one of 

many distinctive 

mountains worth 

walk… Hills 

Slemish is also famous for its 

links with St Patrick, patron 

saint of Ireland 

exploring in the region; the famous 

Antrim Glens and Antrim Hills lie 

just to the north. Numerous high 

quality walking routes cross the 

area, offering everything from short 

strolls to eight-hour upland 

challenges. If you’ve been inspired 

by the experience of standing on 

top of Slemish, don’t stop there - as 

there is still a world to discover 

nearby. 

Slemish F3 

Starting Point: Carnstroan Lane 


Maps & Books: OSNI sheet: 9 

Facilities: Parking/toilets: Available 

Safety 

Remember that if attempting a mountain 

or hill walk, you should be able to use a 

map and compass, and be suitably 

dressed and equipped for cold and wet, 

even in the summer. Check the weather 

forecast. 


11


12 


Belfast 

Most cities contain more walking opportunities than you’d 

imagine. Within Belfast’s city boundaries there are numerous 

green enclaves containing nature reserves and parkland. 

Below: View from McArt’s Fort 

at the summit of Cave Hill 

Cave Hill 

Cave Hill should be considered a 

mandatory excursion for all walkers 

passing through the capital. The 

climb to the top takes a couple of 

hours but the reward is fantastic; 

no other vantage point can 

compete in terms of views across 

the city and beyond. 

The hill’s eastern slopes are 

severed by a series of sheer escarpments 

that can be seen towering 

over most parts of Belfast. The 

cliffs culminate at a prow known 

locally as Napoleon’s Nose, in 

reference to its face-like profile 

when viewed from the south. In 

fact the promontory holds the 

remains of McArt’s Fort, a 

ceremonial promontory fort dating 

back to early Christian times. Little 

remains above the ground today, 

but it’s easy to appreciate why the 

cliff-top location was singled out 

for ceremonial use. 

McArt’s Fort lies at the heart of 

Cave Hill Country Park, a 750-acre 

site in Belfast’s northwest corner. 

The park is also home to Belfast 

Castle and Belfast Zoo. The late 

nineteenth century castle makes a 

good starting point for most of the 

walks in the area. 

There are three main walking 

trails in the park. The shorter 

routes concentrate on the 

deciduous woodland at the base of 

the hill, passing though a mixture 

of mature oak, sycamore and pine. 

The longest route is a 7km circuit 

that takes you to the very top of 

the cliffs. 

If you accept the challenge of the 

long route, you’ll follow a mixture 

of gravel trails and rough, 

unsurfaced footpaths past the 

natural depression known as The 

Devil’s Punchbowl. As you 

approach the cliffs themselves you’ll 

realise why the hill got its name: no

Right: Harland and 

Wolff Shipyard 

Below: The Lagan 

Towpath 

less than five caves have been cut 

into the face of the cliffs. All of 

these have been chiselled from the 

basalt rock by humans, and used as 

both iron mines and temporary 

shelters in times gone by. 

A steep climb brings you to the 

top of the escarpment near the 

368m-high summit of Cave Hill. 

Care is now needed as you follow 

the path along the very edge of the 

cliffs. The lofty location combines 

with stunning views to make this a 

truly memorable moment. The city 

lies spread out beneath your feet, 

and on a clear day the panorama 

extends from the Antrim Hills in 

the north, the Scottish coast and 

the Mournes in the south. For a 

bird’s eye view over the city, it’s 

difficult to imagine anything better. 

Cave Hill F3 

Starting Point: Belfast Castle 

Distance: 7.2km 

Maps & Books: ‘A Walk in the 

Park’ booklet, ‘Cave Hill Country Park’ 

leaflet. OSNI sheet: 15 

Facilities: Parking, refreshments & toilets 

at Belfast Castle 

Lagan Towpath 

The River Lagan runs through the 

heart of Belfast and has played a 

key role in the industrialisation of 

the city. In the days of the canals it 

was a major thoroughfare used for 

transporting goods to port. 

Despite the city’s subsequent 

growth, much of the infrastructure 

of the canal days remains intact. 

Many of the natural habitats that 

border the river have also been 

granted protection, and an 18km 

stretch of river between Belfast and 

Lisburn has been designated as the 

Lagan Valley Regional Park. The 

old towpath that was once the 

preserve of barge horses has been 

retained and upgraded, and now 

serves as a popular walking and 

cycling route between the two 

urban centres. 

Many people choose to walk the 

towpath from Stranmillis 

Embankment to Lisburn in around 

four hours. It’s then a simple 

matter to catch one of the frequent 

bus and train services to return to 

Belfast. The path can also be joined 

It’s a 

significant 

corridor of 

greenery, and 

a precious 

commodity… 

so close to the 

city centre 

walk… Belfast 

at numerous points along its length 

and other walkers choose to dip in 

to shorter sections rather than 

completing the route in one go. 

Wherever you join the path, you 

can see the old dual-waterway 

system at work. This system was 

devised in the 1700s and involved 

bypassing the steepest parts of river 

with sections of canal. Barges 

would navigate the river wherever 

possible, but would divert onto the 

canals where the flow was too 

steep. A series of locks allowed 

boats to negotiate the different 

water levels in safety. 

Various locks can still be seen 

along the towpath, with traditional 

lock-keepers’ cottages. The most 

impressive set of locks lie at the 

very end of the route in Lisburn. 

Here you’ll find the Union Locks, 

where 4 locks and a passing 

chamber were used to raise the 

barges 8m in less than 100m. 

The banks of both the river and 

canal have been largely preserved in 

their natural state, and it’s worth 

keeping an eye open for wildlife. 

Otters, kingfishers and waterfowl 


13


14 


are all river residents, while the 

adjacent woodlands and forest 

parks contain their own creatures. 

Belvoir Forest Park, Clement 

Wilson Park, the Barnett Demesne, 

the Lagan Meadows and Sir 

Thomas and Lady Dixon Park all 

abut the river are worthy of 

exploration. The Lagan Valley is a 

significant green corridor and a 

precious commodity indeed, so 

close to two city centres. 

Lagan Towpath F4 

Starting Point: Union Locks, Blaris Road, 

Lisburn 

Distance: 17km 

Maps & Books: ‘Your Guide To 

Walks: Walking in the Kingdoms of Down’ 


Facilities: Parking available 

Sir Thomas and 

Lady Dixon Park 

One of several parks and 

conservation areas in the south of 

the city, Sir Thomas and Lady 

Dixon Park offers short walks 

through a wide variety of formal 

and informal grounds. 

The centrepoint of the estate is 

Wilmont House, a beautiful redbrick 

mansion built in 1860. 

Around the building lies a diverse 

range of habitats ranging from 

world famous flower gardens to 

rolling hay meadows. For walkers, 

the best option is to follow the 

4km-trail that undulates around 

the perimeter of the park. Though 

some sections of the path are 

surfaced, you’ll cross grass and 

woodland trails in other places. 

The formal grounds lie closest to 

the house, and include an azealea 

walk, a fountain and a walled 

vegetable garden. There’s also a 

Japanese garden, designed in 

oriental style and filled with plants 

from the Far East. Tranquillity and 

quiet contemplation are the themes 

here. Yet the most impressive area 

is the rose garden, packed with 

more than 40,000 roses. 

International rose trials are held 

here every year to showcase the 

best blooms from around the 

world. If you want to catch the 

display at its most spectacular, try 

to visit in late July or early August 

when the flowers are at their best. 

Beyond the formal gardens the 

estate develops into a wilder 

Right: Views from 

Divis Mountain 

toward Cave Hill and 

Belfast Lough 

Below: Sir Thomas 

and Lady Dixon Park 

Tranquillity 

and quiet 

contemplation 

are the themes 

here 

habitat. A grassy path leads around 

a large wildflower meadow 

containing numerous species such 

as orchids, speedwells and hay 

rattle. This brings you to the banks 

of the River Lagan and an expanse 

of deciduous woodland. Both red 

and grey squirrels live in these 

woods, so keep an eye on the 

branches overhead and see if you 

can spot either species. 

The park also offers a children’s 

play area and orienteering trail. 

If you’re still feeling energetic after 

your visit, why not stroll along a 

section of the Lagan Towpath or 

call in to the neighbouring Barnett 

Demesne. 

Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park F4 

Starting Point: Lower Car Park 

Distance: 4km 

Maps & Books: ‘Walk in the Park’ booklet, 

‘Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park’ leaflet 


Facilities: Parking: Upper Malone 

Road. Toilets: Near Wilmont House

Colin Glen Forest 

Park 

The Colin Glen area of southwest 

Belfast was a wasteland for many 

years before being rescued in 1989 

and developed into an awardwinning 

park and amenity area. 

Today it contains beautiful 

broadleaf woodland, two wildlife 

ponds and four walking trails, all 

centred around the tumbling waters 

of the Colin River. 

The interpretative centre at the 

base of the glen makes a good place 

to start your walk. You must then 

decide which trail you want to take 

around the 200-acre site. Most of 

the paths are well surfaced, and all 

begin by following the river away 

from the visitor centre. The mixed 

woodland is rich in ferns and in 

early summer bluebells and wood 

anenomae grow in profusion. 

There are no less than five 

bridges in the park, allowing 

circuits of different lengths. The 

Gamekeeper’s Bridge has its 

Colin Glen can 

also be used 

as a starting 

point for Divis 

and Black 

Mountain, now 

in the 

ownership of 

the National 

Trust 

Right: The Big Fish sculpture by John Kindness, 

celebrating the return of salmon to the River 

Lagan, Lagan Lookout, Belfast 

foundations in volcanic rock to 

help combat erosion. In days gone 

by you would have had to pay a 

toll to cross the river at this point. 

Weir Bridge marks the spot where 

the river was once dammed to 

power an adjacent linen mill. And 

at Cantilever Bridge, on the park’s 

upper boundary, the path runs 

beneath the arch suspended on a 

metal walkway. 

The glen is situated on the lower 

slopes of the Belfast Hills, and the 

views improve as you progress up 

the valley. The very upper end of 

the park makes a fine vantage point 

for Belfast city, Stormont and the 

Mourne Mountains. But keen 

walkers don’t have to turn round 

here. The trail continues out of 

Colin Glen Forest Park and heads 

into mature woodland owned by 

the National Trust. It’s now 

possible to continue right up Colin 

Glen as far as the Hannahstown 

Road. 

Since the National Trust secured 

ownership of Divis and Black 

Mountain in 2005, Colin Glen can 

walk… Belfast 

also be used as a starting point to 

access these. From the top of Colin 

Glen, follow the paths through 

Glenside Woodland. Cross the 

Upper Springfield Road and walk 

up the Divis Road until you reach 

the entrance to the National Trust 

property. Follow the tarmac path 

in through its open heathland, bog 

pools and upland pastures. From 

here you can reach the northern 

summit of Black Mountain (390m) 

and up to the high point of the 

walk at Divis (478m). The reward 

is magnificent views west to Lough 

Neagh and the Sperrin Mountains 

and east across the entire city of 

Belfast, Belfast Lough and the Irish 

Sea. If the weather is clear, you will 

see Scotland, the Lake District and 

the Isle of Man. 

Colin Glen F3 

Starting Point: Car Park at Colin Glen 

Trust Centre 


Maps & Books: ‘A Walk in the Park’ 


Facilities: Parking/toilets: Colin Glen 

Forest Park Centre, Woodland Café 


15


16 


The National 

Trust 

Most of the National Trust sites are now furnished 

with specially designed walking trails, allowing the 

visitor to explore the best of Northern Ireland’s 

heritage at their leisure.

Left: Kingfishers by the river Blackwater 

Right: Castle Ward 

Below left: The Argory Lime Walk 

The Argory 

Situated southwest of Lough 

Neagh in County Armagh, the 

Argory is an atmospheric timecapsule. 

Built in 1824, the 

handsome building was designed 

in the neoclassical style favoured 

by the Irish gentry at the time. 

It was the grandson of the 

original owner who donated the 

property to the National Trust in 

1979. Though the building itself 

was in reasonable shape, nothing 

had changed inside since 1900. 

The Trust decided to preserve the 

house exactly as it was, providing a 

living museum of life at the turn 

of the twentieth century. Nothing 

has been altered except the former 

bullock house, which has been 

converted to provide an awardwinning 

tea room. 

The house sits on a rise 

overlooking the Blackwater River, 

in the middle of a 315-acre estate. 

The formal grounds around the 

house include a sundial garden 

and rose beds. The gardens are 

contained within arbours clipped 

from yew trees, another practice 

typical of the Victorian era. 

Outdoor visitor attractions 

include an adventure playground 

and an environmental sculpture 

trail. Further away from the house, 

the grounds meld into deciduous 

woodland. This is where walkers 

can get into their stride, and several 

marked trails offer a variety of 

routes through the trees and along 

the river. All the paths are 

interlinked so it’s easy to devise a 

route to suit your own tastes and 

interests. 

The Lime Tree Walk is one of the 

most popular paths. This trail 

explores a beautiful swathe of 

deciduous woodland that’s carpeted 

with snowdrops in the spring. It 

also passes the Argory Oaks 

Plantation, which was re-planted to 

celebrate the Trust’s centenary using 

acorns from the estate. 

The Blackwater River Walk is 

another recommended excursion. 

Though the river is relatively 

peaceful here, a series of weirs and 

rapids aerate the water a short 

distance upstream. This ensures 

good conditions for fish and other 

water creatures, and makes this a 

popular stretch of river amongst 

fishermen. As you walk along the 

banks keep an eye open for 

kingfishers. The vibrant turquoise 

feathers of these distinctive birds 

are often spotted in this area, 

another welcome sign of a healthy 

river ecosystem. 

The Argory E4 

Starting Point: Main Car Park 

Distance: 5km 

Maps & Books: Available at property. 


Facilities: Parking/toilets at property 

p THE NATIONAL TRUST 

Castle Ward 

The National Trust estate of Castle 

Ward lies on the shore of 

Strangford Lough in County 

Down. The 25km-long sea inlet is 

a haven for all sorts of wildlife, and 

one of Northern Ireland’s most 

treasured natural assets. The trails 

at Castle Ward provide an ideal 

opportunity to explore the 

shoreline and estate. 

The property at the centre of the 

850-acre estate is an imposing 

The Lime Tree 

Walk … 

explores a 

beautiful 

swathe of 

deciduous 

woodland 

that’s carpeted 

with 

snowdrops in 

the spring 

walk… National Trust 

eighteenth century mansion. The 

building’s most remarkable feature 

is its double façade. It’s an amusing 

exercise to walk around the house 

to see how the two quite different 

architectural styles meld together. 

But for walkers the grounds are 

likely to provide as much interest as 

the house. An immensely varied 

estate boasting a diverse selection of 

natural and historic sites, Castle 

Ward is one of the most popular 

destinations in the region. The 

grounds of the estate contain six 

walking trails ranging from 2km to 

5km in length. In addition to these 

trails, the Lecale Way, one of 

Northern Ireland’s waymarked 

walking routes, also passes through 

the area. 

Whichever circuit you choose, 

don’t miss the path along the lough 

shore. Here you’ll be treated to 

wonderful views across the lough to 

the towns of Strangford and 

Portaferry. The channel between 

these two towns is known as ‘The 

Narrows’ and is renowned for its 

surging currents. Some 400,000 

tonnes of sea water pour through 

the gap each time the tide changes. 

No wonder the Vikings named the 

inlet Strangfjiord, or strong fiord. 

Castle Ward’s trails have all been 

designed around different features 

of the estate. You’ll visit a working 

farm, a tranquil lake and several 

different types of woodland. You’ll 

also pass two old tower houses, 

Castle Ward and Audley’s Castle. 

The region is dotted with similar 

keeps, all built to defend the 

coastline during the fifteenth or 

sixteenth centuries. 

At the Strangford Lough Wildlife 

Centre, you’ll find an interpretative 

centre with audiovisual displays, 

tea-room and children’s 

playground. 

Castle Ward G4 


Distance: Up to 14km 






17


18 


Mount Stewart 

Mount Stewart, on the 

northeastern shore of Strangford 

Lough, is one of the National 

Trust’s most popular properties in 

Northern Ireland. With numerous 

short walking trails and a varied 

programme of guided tours around 

the grounds, this is an ideal 

destination for those who want to 

combine a stroll in the park with a 

trip to a beautiful and historic 

estate. 

Mount Stewart House is a fine 

example of neoclassical 

architecture. Built in the eighteenth 

century for the Marquess of 

Londonderry, the house contains 

lavish plasterwork and an 

impressive collection of art. 

The grounds outside the house 

are as impressive as the great 

building itself. The 86-acre gardens 

were planted in the 1920s by Lady 

Edith Londonderry, wife of the 

seventh marquess. Today they are 

considered one of the finest gardens 

in Britain or Ireland. The mild 

climate of the Ards Peninsula 

allows a wide diversity of species to 

thrive, and there are many rare 

specimens amongst the beds and 

borders. The most intriguing 

feature is a series of themed 

‘outdoor rooms’. Dinosaurs, 

Dinosaurs, 

griffins, 

mermaids and 

duck-billed 

platypuses all 

jostle side by 

side on the 

Dodo Terrace 

Left: Summer picnic 

at Mount Stewart 

Below: Aerial view 

of Mount Stewart, 

Strangford Lough 

griffins, mermaids and duck-billed 

platypuses all jostle side by side on 

the Dodo Terrace for example. 

Beyond the formal gardens you’ll 

discover gentle hills covered by 

woodland and lakes. The 

eighteenth century folly known as 

the Temple of the Winds sits on 

top of a rise at the southern end of 

the estate, providing wonderful 

views over the adjacent Strangford 

Lough. 

Walks can also be extended to 

take in the shore of Strangford 

Lough. Much of the foreshore of 

this lough is also under the 

protection of the National Trust. 

When you’ve finished exploring,

the estate café offers an ideal place 

to relax after your day’s activity. 

What better way to end your visit 

to such a special place! 

Mount Stewart G4 


Distance: 4km 





Florence Court 

Florence Court Estate and Forest 

Park lie side by side in southwest 

County Fermanagh. 

The centrepiece of the National 

Trust property is a large Palladian 

mansion that dates back to the 

eighteenth century. 

Despite a fire in 1955, much of 

the building’s original rococo 

plasterwork remains intact. The 

formal grounds around the house 

have also been maintained, and 

contain a walled garden, expansive 

lawns and flower beds. Yet the 

estate’s biggest horticultural success 

stems from one particular tree. It’s 

believed that all yew trees in Ireland 

are descended from one specimen 

in this garden. The 3km Yew Tree 

Trail explores the gardens and takes 

you beneath the boughs of the 

famous plant. 

Longer walking trails leave the 

gardens to explore the adjacent 

forest park. One recommended 

circuit is the 8km Glen Trail, which 

follows the banks of the Finglass 

River to the magnificent oaks and 

beeches of the Glen Wood Forest 

Nature Reserve. 

Left: Extinct creatures in 

the grounds of Mount 

Stewart 

Below: Florence Court 

For more adventurous types, 

Florence Court can also be used as 

a starting point for several hill 

walks. The most strenuous route 

involves the ascent of Cuilcagh 

Mountain, the highest point in 

County Fermanagh at 665m. This 

14km outing uses the waymarked 

Hiker’s Trail to reach the summit of 

Cuilcagh, a long, flat-topped peak 

that lies just southwest of the 

estate. It’s a challenging walk that 

crosses a sea of bog to reach the 

base of the mountain, before a 

short, steep climb brings you to the 

summit. On a clear day the views 

span the breadth of the country, 

with both the Atlantic Ocean and 

the Irish Sea visible in the distance. 

Any of these options will allow 

you to appreciate the curious 

It’s believed 

that all yew 

trees in Ireland 

are descended 

from one 

specimen in 

this garden 

walk… National Trust 

geology that underpins the 

Florence Court area. The numerous 

sink holes, springs and 

underground streams are a sure 

indication of limestone 

foundations. Different species of 

plant also thrive on different rock 

types, and it’s an interesting exercise 

to walk around the estate and try to 

divine which sort of rock lies 

below. A tea-room offers end-ofthe-day 

refreshments for walkers 

and amateur geologists alike. 

Florence Court C5 


Distance: 4km 

Maps & Books: ‘25 Walks in Fermanagh’. 

Available at property. OSNI sheet: 26 




19


20 


…the trees 

and rich 

diversity of 

fauna suggest 

these woods 

are remnants 

of the ancient 

woodland that 

covered much 

of neolithic 

Ireland 

Crom Demesne 

Encompassing several peninsulas 

and islands of Upper Lough Erne, 

the Crom Demesne blurs the 

boundary between water and land. 

With more than 2000 acres of 

woodland, marsh and parkland, 

this is one of the National Trust’s 

most important sites for nature 

conservation in Northern Ireland. 

Numerous trails explore the 

grounds of the estate, taking 

visitors on a tour of the natural 

habitats and historic buildings. The 

oak woodland is one of the most 

treasured environments. Some of 

the individual trees are believed to 

be over 400 years old. The age of 

the trees and the rich diversity of 

flora and fauna suggest these woods 

may descend directly from the 

Neolithic forests that once covered 

much of Ireland. 

The lough shore is another 

important habitat, home to a 

variety of endangered plants and 

birds. The dense reed beds are 

particularly precious, and a haven 

for several species of grebe and 

bunting. Waterside paths lead past 

all the best habitats and let you see 

the wildlife first hand. If you’re a 

keen naturalist you might also want 

to go one step further and spend a 

night in the estate’s private wildlife 

hide. Access to the hide is by boat 

and the dawn chorus is nothing 

short of exceptional. 

The Demesne trails also lead past 

the ruins of Crom Old Castle, 

situated in a clearing beside the 

lake. The castle was the first 

building on the estate, constructed 

in 1610 as part of the Plantation of 

Ulster. Nearby there’s an ornate 

Victorian boathouse and the white 

bridge that leads across the water to 

Left and Below: 

Bracket fungi in the 

ancient woodlands 

of Crom Demesne 

the island of Inisherk. This island is 

also well worth exploring, and is 

endowed with its own network of 

woodland paths. 

A short distance inland lies the 

Dragonfly pond, where no less 

than twelve types of dragonfly and 

damselfly can be found. The most 

unusual species is the rare hairy 

dragonfly. Try to visit during April 

or May if you want to catch a 

glimpse of this curious creature. 

Extensive visitor facilities include a 

visitor centre, tea room, boat hire, 

campsite and self-catering cottages. 

With so much to see and do, why 

not take your time and stay for a 

few days. You won’t regret it! 

Crom Demesne C5 



Maps & Books: ‘25 Walks in Fermanagh’ 

& other leaflets from Visitor Centre 


Facilities: Parking/toilets: At Visitor Centre 

p THE NATIONAL TRUST

Right: Pebbles on Murlough beach 

Below: White Rocks, County Antrim 

Beaches 

Beach walking 

in Northern 

Ireland is an 

activity for any 

weather and 

any time of the 

year 

Benone Strand 

Benone Strand is one of Ireland’s 

longest beaches, stretching for 

more than 9km from the tiny 

village of Downhill to Magilligan 

Point at the mouth of Lough Foyle. 

It’s a marvellously atmospheric 

place for a walk whatever the 

weather. Endless lines of ocean 

swell come rolling in from the 

Atlantic to thunder onto the beach, 

which stretches off west as if to 

infinity. To the northwest you can 

see the proud line of hills marking 

Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula, 

while in clear conditions you 

should also be able to identify the 

Scottish islands of Jura and Islay to 

the northeast. All of this is 

overlooked by the majestic cliffs of 

Binevenagh, which provide a half 

day of fine walking in themselves, 

offering aerial views of Magilligan, 

Lough Foyle and the Sperrin 

Mountains. 

In practice most walkers simply 

walk west from Downhill as far as 

their time and energy permit. The 

Umbra Stream comes after about 

two kilometres; this is the only 

obstacle you’ll encounter and it can 

be easily crossed near the water’s 

edge. The beach and duneland 

from Magillian Point to Downhill 

falls within the Magilligan Special 

Area of Conservation. At 

Magilligan Point itself you’ll find 

an old Martello Tower and great 

views across the mouth of Lough 

Foyle to the village of Greencastle 

on the other side. 

walk… Beaches 

There is a certain meditative simplicity in beach 

walking. The open space and sense of freedom are 

exhilarating, and even on a wild day there is nowhere 

to feel closer to nature. Northern Ireland’s long, 

sweeping beaches are one of its most prized habitats. 

Above lies Mussenden Temple, 

perched precariously on the edge of 

the crumbling cliff high above the 

beach. If you want to visit the 


21


22 


temple, one of Northern Ireland’s 

most iconic landmarks, a short 

walk from Downhill village will 

bring you to the entrance of the 

Downhill estate, now managed by 

the National Trust. From here you 

can wander around the grounds 

and visit the temple at your leisure. 

Benone Strand D2 

Starting Point: Either Benone or Downhill 

Strand 


Maps & Books: Sections of the 

route features in ‘Route 4 Downhill – Walk 

the Bann and Roe Valleys’ – Landscapes 

from Stone Series. OSNI sheet: 4 

Facilities: Parking at Benone and/or 

Downhill and/or on beach: Toilets at 

Benone and Downhill beach 

Portstewart 

For decades the pretty seaside town 

of Portstewart has been one of 

Northern Ireland’s favourite 

holiday destinations. The cafés, 

pubs and galleries along the 

promenade look out on a quaint 

harbour and rocky shoreline. 

A coastal path begins at the 

promenade and takes you south to 

the edge of Portstewart Strand, a 

three-kilometre sweep of sand that 

extends all the way to the 

breakwater at the mouth of the 

River Bann. The beach is backed 

by tall dunes, which can also be 

explored via a maze of sandy paths. 

If the walk along the beach isn’t 

enough for you, you can also take 

the 4km cliff path, known as the 

Port Path, from Portstewart to 

Portrush. From there it’s possible to 

continue all the way across Curran 

Strand to White Rocks and the 

crumbling remains of Dunluce

Left: Gulls on the North Coast 

Right: Above Benone Strand looking 

toward Mussenden Temple 

Castle. See the description of the 

Causeway Coast Way for more 

information on this stretch of 

coastline, page 46. 

Portstewart E2 

Starting Point: Beach entrance 

Portstewart 

Distance: 3.2km + 4km cliff path 


Facilities: Parking: Seasonal car parking 

fee £3.50, 4.50 (July/August). 

Toilets: Portstewart, Portrush,White Rocks 


Murlough National 

Nature Reserve 

Murlough National Nature Reserve 

lies in County Down in the shadow 

of the Mourne Mountains. The 

reserve protects a 5,000-year-old 

sand dune system, which has been 

colonised by heath, grassland and 

small pockets of woodland. This 

fascinating ecosystem is home to 

delicate wildflowers and rare 

butterflies. There’s also a wide 

variety of birdlife, ranging from 

little willow warblers and 

whitethroats to several species of 

geese and wading birds, which can 

be observed in the estuary on the 

northern edge of the reserve. There 

is cover too for badgers and stoats, 

while just offshore, common and 

Belfast 

Murlough 

Nature 

Reserve 

grey seals can often be seen. 

The reserve is about four 

kilometres long and a kilometre 

wide, and several paths and tracks 

provide access through the dunes to 

the beach and headland sheltering 

Dundrum Inner Bay. If you explore 

all of the reserve you’ll enjoy two to 

three hours of highly scenic coastal 

walking, all with the stunning 

backdrop of Slieve Donard, 

Northern Ireland’s highest 

mountain. Alternatively you can 

choose from a variety of shorter 

itineraries. It’s also possible to walk 

to the reserve from the nearby 

resort of Newcastle, just two 

kilometres away along the shore. 

Murlough National Nature Reserve F5 





Facilities: Parking/toilets: Available at 

property 


walk… Beaches 

Belfast 

Murlough National 

Nature Reserve, 

looking toward 

Newcastle and the 

Mournes 

The reserve is 

about four 

kilometres 

long and a 

kilometre 

wide, and 

several paths 

and tracks 

provide access 

through the 

dunes to the 

beach 


23


24 


Nature 

There are 47 nature reserves in Northern Ireland. These reserves 

have been established around a vast array of different landscapes. 

From native woodland to inland lakes, from coastline to blanket 

bog, a multitude of natural habitats have been singled out for 

protection. If you’re looking for a walk on the wild side, Northern 

Ireland’s nature reserves are the perfect place for you. 

Rathlin Island 

Rathlin Island is a place of 

superlatives. Situated 10km across 

the sea from Ballycastle, this is the 

largest island off the coast of 

Northern Ireland. And at the 

western tip of the island you’ll find 

Kebble National Nature 

Reserve, home to the 

biggest seabird colony in 

the province. The island 

setting and accessible 

wildlife are a powerful 

combination, and make 

Rathlin a wonderfully 

evocative place for a walk. 

Almost all of Rathlin is 

worth exploring, and one 

of the best ways to do it is 

on foot. The island 

measures just 12km long 

by 1.5km wide, making 

all points accessible to walkers. The 

wild coastline is home to no less 

than three lighthouses, as well as 

the cave in which Robert the Bruce 

decided to persevere in his claim to 

the Scottish throne. The island’s 

proximity to Scotland means links 

between the two places have always 

been strong, and the Mull of 

Kintyre seems just a stone’s throw 

away across the sea. 

Yet the undisputed highlight of 

the island is Kebble Reserve, 

situated at the top of a series of 

dramatic seacliffs some 130m high. 

Four kilometres of pleasant laneway 

separate the reserve from the ferry 

pier, offering a beautiful walk on a 

fine day. The road rises high above 

the sea and provides fantastic views 

across the sea to Fair Head on the 

mainland. In the summer the 

island is awash with colourful 

flowers, and if you look closely 

you’ll notice seals basking on the 

boulders at the shore. 

The reserve itself is busiest from 

early May to mid July, when the 

cliffs are alive with hundreds of 

thousands of breeding seabirds. 

Guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, 

fulmars and puffins can all be seen 

in their multitudes. The sensory 

overload that comes from being 

close to so many birds will stay 

etched in your memory forever. 

The site is so important the 

Royal Society for the Protection of 

Birds maintains a viewing platform 

here, located part-way down the 

cliffs near West Lighthouse. Free 

binoculars are available to visitors, 

and friendly staff are on hand to 

answer your bird-related questions. 

Throw in the excitement of a 45minute 

ferry trip to and from

Ballycastle, and you’ve got a perfect 

day out. 

Rathlin Island E1 

Starting Point: Ballyconagan Waymark 

Trail 

Distance: 5km 


Facilities: Toilets available at Manor 

House 

Castle Archdale 

Lower Lough Erne lies at the heart 

of the lakeland region of County 

Fermanagh. A huge lough with a 

total area of more than a hundred 

square kilometres, the area teems 

with watersports enthusiasts in the 

summer. For walkers however, one 

of the best places to head for is 

Castle Archdale Country Park. 

Top Left: Bog Cotton, 

Peatlands Park 

Top Middle: Puffin 

on Rathlin 

Top Right: Oxford 

Island 

Left: Rathlin Island 

Lighthouse and Bird 

Sanctuary 

The wild 

coastline is 

home to no 

less than three 

lighthouses, as 

well as the 

cave in which 

Robert the 

Bruce decided 

to persevere in 

his claim to 

the Scottish 

throne 

Here an extensive network of 

walking trails allow you to explore 

the wooded lough shore at your 

leisure. 

Though the park itself is not 

designated as a nature reserve, 

many of the small islands that lie 

just offshore are. These islets are 

actually the tops of glacial hills, or 

drumlins, that were partially 

submerged when Lough Erne was 

formed. Their relative isolation in 

the lake has allowed their 

ecosystems to survive untouched, 

and most are covered by pristine 

native woodland. 

Some of the islands can be visited 

by boat, and a variety of watercraft 

is available for hire at the park’s 

marina. There are also regular ferry 

crossings to White Island, which 

once held one of several monastic 

sites established on Lower Lough 

Erne. Today visitors can view the 

ruins of a twelfth century church 

and seven stone figures dating from 

the ninth or tenth century, and a 

trip is well recommended. 

For those preferring to keep their 

feet on dry land, many of the 

species that colonise the islands can 

also be seen along the wooded trails 

of the park. By following the signed 

paths you’ll visit the formal 

gardens, the wildfowl ponds, the 

butterfly garden and the deer 

enclosure. 

The ruin of old Castle Archdale 

itself is located beside one of the 

trails in the adjacent forest park. 

Built in the early 1600s, the castle 

was the first building constructed 

on the estate when the Archdale 

family arrived during the plantation 

of Ulster. Other landmarks date 

back to World War 

Two, when the 

estate became the 

most westerly flying 

boat station in 

Britain. The war 

years and other 

aspects of the park’s 

colourful past are 

explained in 

fascinating detail at 

the visitor centre. 

Whether you 

head to the islands 

or keep to the 

mainland, Castle 

walk… Nature 

Archdale is the perfect place to 

explore Lough Erne, its history and 

wildlife. 

Castle Archdale C4 

Starting Point: Castle Archdale Country 

Park Car Park 


Maps & Books: ‘25 Walks in 

Fermanagh’. OSNI sheet: 17 

Facilities: Parking/toilets: Castle Archdale 

Oxford Island 

Oxford Island National Nature 

Reserve is one of the most 

important conservation sites on the 

shores of Lough Neagh. This 

massive body of freshwater lies at 

the very centre of Northern Ireland 

and is the 

largest inland 

lake in Britain 

and Ireland. 

Its sheer bulk 

enables it to 

support a vast 

array of birds, 

fish and other 

water 

creatures, 

some of which 

are found 

nowhere else 

on the planet. 

Though 

Oxford Island 

was surrounded by water until the 

1850s, recent drainage schemes 

have lowered the levels of the 

lough. The former island is now a 

peninsular, and can be readily 

accessed from County Armagh. 

With its focus on allowing visitors 

to get close to nature, the 270-acre 

reserve offers a wide range of 

facilities that help you appreciate 

the biodiversity of the area first 

hand. 

Five birdwatching hides are 

located around the perimeter of the 

headland, each offering a window 

into the secret lives of different bird 

species. You’ll be entertained by the 

antics of bobbing grebes, diving 

terns and grey herons, some of 

which are solitary birds, while 

others gather in great flocks along 

the shoreline. In peak season it can 

be difficult to know where to look, 


25


26 


there are so many birds competing 

for your attention. 

The centre of the peninsula holds 

woodlands, ponds and wildflower 

meadows, all of which teem with 

their own natural inhabitants. 

Whatever the season and whatever 

the weather, there are always plenty 

of creatures to observe. 

6.5 km of walking trail explore 

the reserve, and a series of path-side 

panels provide information on the 

different habitats you pass. 

Alternatively you could join one of 

the guided nature walks and let the 

resident expert explain the various 

ecosystems as you walk through 

them. 

Whether you decide to explore 

the area alone or as part of a group, 

don’t miss Lough Neagh Discovery 

Centre, a focal point of any visit to 

Oxford Island. This award-winning 

facility is filled with fascinating 

exhibits, café, and friendly staff are 

on hand to answer any questions 

you might have. 

Oxford Island E4 

Starting Point: Lough Neagh Discovery 

Centre 


Maps & Books: ‘Walking and Cycling in 

Craigavon’. OSNI sheet: 19/20 

Facilities: Toilets/refreshments at Lough 

Neagh Discovery Centre, Kinnego Marina 

White Island in 

County Fermanagh 

has seven stone 

figures lined upon 

the far wall of a 

twelfth century 

church, and they are 

first glimpsed 

through a 

Romanesque 

doorway as you walk 

through the trees 

from the jetty 

Right: Wild raspberry, Peatlands Park 

Below left–right: Turf cutting in Peatlands 

Park, early Christian Statue at White Island 

near Castle Archdale, woodchip paths 



Peatlands Country Park is a 650acre 

site near the southwestern 

shore of Lough Neagh. Ten 

thousand years of poor drainage has 

resulted in thick blanket bog 

developing across the entire region. 

It’s now 

relatively 

rare to 

find areas 

of 

pristine 

bog in 

Ireland, 

and 

extremely 

rare in 

the world 

as a 

whole. 

The park 

has five 

waymarked walking trails ranging 

from 2km to 9km in length. The 

longest path is also the most varied. 

Known as the Peatlands Walk, this 

route visits both of the park’s two 

nature reserves and also includes a 

trip around Derryadd Lake in the 

southeastern corner of the reserve. 

Mullenakill Nature Reserve has 

been established to protect the 

largest area of uncut bog in the 

vicinity. Experts believe the bog has 

been building naturally for more 

than 8,000 years untouched by 

humans. Fortunately the fauna and 

flora of Mullenakill remains intact 

despite the drainage of adjoining 

land, and the nutrient-rich soil still 

supports all the specialist plants 

that have learnt to thrive on this 

type of soil. Sphagnum moss, red 

sundew, cotton grass and bog 

asphodel are just some of the 

species you’ll spot as you make 

your way along the trail. 

The second protected area you 

come across is Annagarriff National 

Nature Reserve. This site contains a 

swathe of native woodland, with 

oak and birch dominant amongst 

the trees. Yet the wildlife here is as 

special and the landscape. 

Annagarriff is the only place in 

Ireland you’ll find the wood ant, 

which builds its nests to the size of 

a double bed. 

Besides offering some great 

walking, the overall impression 

provided by a visit to Peatlands is 

just how fragile our ancient 

landscape can be. Be sure to 

include a trip to the visitor centre 

to learn more about the history and 

natural history of the bog. 

Peatlands Park E4 

Starting Point: Countryside Centre 


Maps & Books: Leaflets available at 

centre. OSNI sheet: 19 

Facilities: Toilets/refreshments at 

Countryside Centre 

Oxford Island

Below: The Roe Valley 

Country 

Parks 

Northern Ireland’s country parks are made for walkers. 

Each one is different in character. Most of the parks 

encompass a range of habitats including woodlands, 

wildlife areas, lakes, grassland and coastline and contain 

sites of archaeological and historic importance. 

Roe Valley Country Park 

This delightful country park extends for 5km on 

either side of the River Roe in County Londonderry. 

The river is the indisputable centrepiece of the park, 

with its fast flowing rapids, sheer-walled gorges and 

wooded banks. Easy 

riverside paths stretch up 

either side of the 

watercourse, and numerous 

foot bridges mean you can 

devise a walk of two to ten 

kilometres long depending 

on personal taste. The 

visitor centre makes a good 

starting point for all routes. 

The turbulent waters of 

the river have long played a 

significant role in the 

fortunes of the area. 

Between the seventeenth 

and nineteenth centuries the 

river was used to power a 

thriving linen industry. Several 

buildings associated with this era 

can be seen along the park trails, 

including the old Scutch Mill, 

where linen flax was pounded to 

expose the tough interior fibres. 

Later an enterprising local named 

John Edward Ritter began to 

experiment with other ways to 

harness the water’s energy, and in 

1896 the nearby town of Limavady 

became the first place in Ireland to 

be powered by hydroelectricity. 

The most impressive rapid in the 

park is known as the Dogleap. 

Here the whole river is channelled 

through a rocky gap around 2m 

wide. The valley was controlled by 

the O’Cahan clan until the 

seventeenth century and the rapid 

is named in honour of one of their 

hounds, who leapt over the channel 

to warn of approaching attack. 

walk… Country Parks 

Other sites associated with this 

period include O’Cahan’s Castle 

and O’Cahan’s Rock, a precipice 

that towers over the river and was 

once used as a defensive lookout. 

The dramatic cliffs combined with 

thick deciduous woodland make 

this a particularly scenic part of the 

park. Try to visit in spring time if 

you want to see the bluebells that 

carpet the forest floor. 

Roe Valley Country Park D2 

Starting Point: Dogleap Countryside 

Centre 


Maps & Books: ‘Roe Valley Country 

Park Leaflet’. OSNI sheet: 7 

Facilities: Parking: Countryside Centre 

Toilets: At Dogleap Countryside Centre 


27


28 


…the 

Strangford 

Millennium 

Stone… 

weighing 47 

tonnes and 

reaching 10m 

high…is now 

the tallest 

standing stone 

in Ireland 

Delamont Country Park 

Situated on the western shore of Strangford Lough, 

Delamont Country Park offers the perfect 

environment for recreational walkers. No less than 

five waymarked trails provide circuits of varying 

lengths, with the longest path stretching to 5.5km. 

The park harbours a wide 

range of habitats within its 

borders, including open 

parkland, meadows, 

woodland and the shoreline 

of Strangford Lough. One 

of its many attractions is the 

heronry, a pond near the 

lough shore where herons 

come to breed. The birds 

arrive each year in February, 

rear their young, and leave 

in June or July. The nesting 

grounds occupy one side of 

a large pool, and a series of boarded 

walkways allow visitors to see 

what’s going on. 

Herons are not the only birds 

native to the park, and a bird hide 

allows observation of other local 

species. Nearby there’s the remains 

of an early Christian homestead, 

and an observation tower that 

provides fine views along the length 

of Strangford Lough and south to 

the Mourne Mountains. You’ll also 

notice the Strangford Millennium 

Stone, which was erected in 1999 

by young people from right across 

Northern Ireland. Weighing 47 

tonnes and reaching 10m high, this 

is now the tallest standing stone in 

Ireland. 

Left: Wildlife on the 

shores of strangford 

Lough 

Below: Delamont 

Country Park 

Other attractions include a 

miniature railway, an adventure 

playground and a visitor centre. 

Cruise boats also leave from 

Mullagh Quay (seasonal) and allow 

you to view the birds, seals and 

other marine life of the lough first 

hand. 

Delamont Country Park G4 

Starting Point: Delamont Country 

Park Car Park 

Distance:5.5km 

Maps & Books: ‘25 Walks in Down 

District’ Leonard Lawson 


Facilities: Parking/toilets: Available

Right: Field of Bluebells 

Below: Crawfordsburn 

Country Park 

Crawfordsburn 

Country Park 

Crawfordsburn Country Park lies 

on the southern shore of Belfast 

Lough. Situated just 

15km from the heart 

of Belfast city, the 

park could be a 

million miles away 

in terms the habitat 

within its borders. 

There are ponds, 

woodlands, 

wildflower meadows, 

a beautiful waterfall 

and a 3.5km stretch 

of rugged coastline 

that includes two of 

the best beaches in 

North Down. 

Three walking 

trails explore 

different areas of the park, though 

the 5.5km coastal path is a 

favourite with most visitors. This 

circuit joins part of the North 

Down Coastal Path, a longer route 

that traces the coastline between 

Hollywood and Groomsport. A 

variety of marine life can be seen 

along the shore, with seals and 

seabirds most prominent. 

The rocky headland of Grey 

Point provides a wonderful lookout 

from which to appreciate the 

coastal scenery. It’s no surprise that 

such a prime vantage point was 

chosen as the site for the lough’s 

war defences. Grey Point Fort was 

operational throughout both world 

wars, with two six-inch guns 

trained over the water to prevent 

unwanted vessels from reaching 

Belfast. The fort lies alongside the 

coastal path and is well worth a 

visit. 

Near the fort you’ll also find 

Horse Rock, an intriguing 

formation of pillow lava that 

erupted from underwater volcanoes 

around 450 million years ago. An 

enclave of broadleaf woodland then 

brings you to the beautiful sandy 

beach at Helen’s Bay, a popular 

bathing spot in summer months. 

Post-walk refreshments are available 

at the Countryside Centre. 

…just 15km 

from the heart 

of Belfast city, 

the park could 

be a million 

miles away… 

Crawfordsburn Country Park F3 

Starting Point: Crawfordsburn 



Maps & Books: Available at 

centre. OSNI sheet: 15 

Facilities: Parking/café: 


walk… Country Parks 


29

30 


Walks 

As any meteorologist will tell you, Northern Ireland 

receives its fair share of rainfall. Not only does this 

endow the countryside with its many famous hues of 

green, it also provides a natural heritage of fast 

flowing rivers and streams. 

discovernorthernireland.com Waterfall 

Below: Glenariff Waterfall

Glenariff Forest 

Park 

Amongst the Glens of 

Antrim, Glenariff is 

considered the queen. 

The writer Thackeray 

called the valley 

“Switzerland in 

Miniature” alluring to 

its towering cliffs, 

thundering waterfalls 

and whispering pines. 

At the heart of the 

valley lies Glenariff 

Forest Park, with a 

network of waymarked 

trails that is extensive 

enough to allow 

several hours of walking. Those 

who opt for the higher paths are 

rewarded with fine views down the 

valley to the coast, but there’s no 

doubt that the riverside trails are 

the park’s main attraction. 

Two rivers, the Glenariff and the 

Inver, converge in the park, and as 

they meet each passes through a 

series of spectacular cascades. The 

most dramatic falls lie at the 

northern edge of the park near 

Manor Lodge. From here a path 

follows the turbulent water 

upstream past numerous small 

rapids. Before long the rock walls 

surrounding the river draw closer, 

forcing the path onto a thrilling 

wooden walkway built into the 

cliff. 

This dark, moist gorge is a haven 

for many species of fern, moss and 

liverwort, and has been designated 

a National Nature Reserve. At the 

head of the ravine you’ll find 

perhaps the most famous waterfall 

in the Glens of Antrim, the 

powerful, double drop of Ess-na- 

Larach, meaning ‘the Mare’s Fall’. 

The billowing spray is refreshing. 

Glenariff Forest Park F2 

Starting Point: Main Car Park Glenariff 

Forest Park 


Maps & Books: Glenariff Forest 

Park leaflet, www.forestserviceni.gov.uk 

OSNI sheet: 9 

Facilities: Parking, toilets, refreshments at 

Forest Park 

…the Glenariff 

and the Inver, 

converge in 

the park, and 

as they meet 

each passes 

through a 

series of 

spectacular 

cascades 

Below: Cranny Falls 

Cranny Falls 

The picturesque harbour at 

Carnlough is one of the highlights 

of a visit to the Glens of Antrim. 

But there’s more to this village than 

fishing boats and sea breezes. Just a 

few kilometres inland lies the 

beautiful and secluded Cranny 

Falls, a Local Nature Reserve. The 

walk from Carnlough begins at the 

harbour and climbs gently along a 

quiet path surrounded by 

blackberry and hawthorn. This is 

actually the route of an old railway 

line, which once transported 

quarried limestone to the harbour. 

Before you reach the falls 

walk… Waterfalls 

themselves, 

consider 

making a 

short detour 

into Gortin 

Quarry to 

view the 

regeneration 

taking place 

since 

excavations 

ceased. 

Limestoneloving 

flowers 

such as ox-eye 

daisy and 

yellow vetch are now thriving in a 

place once dominated by industrial 


31


32 


Left: Marble Arch 

Caves 

Below: Cladagh 

River and Glen

mining. After passing through the 

old quarry, the route comes to 

Cranny Falls Nature Reserve which 

includes a hazel wood. 

Conditions become damper as 

you get closer to the waterfall, 

creating ideal conditions for 

dragonflies, irises and ferns. At the 

head of the dark ravine you are 

rewarded for your effort by the falls 

themselves, which cascade 

spectacularly over the dark rock 

above. 

Cranny Falls F2 

Starting Point: The Harbour in Carnlough 

village 


Maps & Books: ‘Larne Country Walk’ 

pack of 10 walks. OSNI sheet: 9 

Facilities: Parking: 2 car parks in 

Carnlough: Havelock Place and Croft 

Road. Toilets: Havelock Place Car Park 

Cladagh Glen Most visitors 

to Northern 

Ireland feel 

their trip is 

not complete 

without a 

visit to the 

Marble Arch 

Caves in 

County 

Fermanagh. 

Yet many 

miss out of 

one of the 

best parts of 

the 

experience. The connoisseur’s way 

to visit these spectacular caves is to 

start at the bottom of Cladagh 

Glen and walk up the Cladagh 

River to Marble Arch Visitor 

Centre at the top. You can then 

take a tour of the caves before 

returning back down the glen; a 

perfect way to experience the 

ecology of this karst landscape from 

both above and below the ground. 

Cladagh Glen is a National 

Nature Reserve that protects a 

long-established ash woodland and 

its natural inhabitants, which 

include feral goats, red squirrels 

and pine martens. About 500m 

along the path you’ll see a waterfall 

The 

connoisseur’s 

way to visit 

these 

spectacular 

showcaves is 

to start at the 

bottom of 

Cladagh Glen 

and walk up 

the Cladagh 

River 

Below right: Sloughan Glen 

emerging from the ground. This 

water has travelled on an 

underground journey from a 

swallow hole called the Rattling 

Hole higher up the hillside. The 

trail continues past the numerous 

small rapids of the Cladagh River 

to reach Marble Arch itself, an arc 

of limestone that the river has 

sculpted as it emerges from the 

caves below. 

Cladagh Glen B5 

Starting Point: Cladagh Glen Car Park, 

near Belcoo 

Distance: 2km 

Maps: OSNI sheet: 26 

Facilities: Marble Arch Visitor Centre 

Sloughan Glen 

This secluded and peaceful glen lies 

just west of the village of 

Drumquin in County Tyrone. A 

steep-sided valley cut by the 

Blackwater River, the glen stretches 

for over a kilometre. Within the 

protective walls of the valley a 

broadleaf woodland thrives, with 

sessile oak, ash, hazel and birch 

dominant amongst the native 

species. The woods themselves 

provide shelter for rare plants such 

as wood fescue and Dutch rush, 

but the main attraction of 

Sloughan Glen is the waterfall. A 

pleasant woodland path takes you 

along the banks of the river, 

climbing steadily towards the 

unmistakable thunder of plunging 

water. The falls are at their most 

impressive after heavy rain, as the 

entire Blackwater hurls itself over 

an abrupt rock ledge into the 

plunge pool ten metres below. In 

such 

conditions 

the water is 

stained 

deep red 

by the 

tannins of 

the blanket 

bog above 

the glen, 

and the 

whole 

valley is 

filled with 

a fine mist 

walk… Waterfalls 

of water droplets thrown up by the 

falls. 

Even in low water levels the falls 

have their charm, with the water 

seeping over the cliff in a thin veil. 

For walkers with plenty of energy, a 

steeper path leads from here to a 

viewing point at the top of the 

falls, allowing you to peer over the 

ledge and even continue upstream. 

Sloughan Glen C3 

Starting Point: Drumquin 


Maps: OSNI sheet: 12 

Facilities: Parking & picnic facilities 

available on site 


33


34 


Forest 

Cladagh 

Glen 

Rolling drumlins, open parkland, splendid 

vistas of woodland and rivers teaming with 

wildlife are just some of the things you will 

see in many of Northern Ireland’s forest parks. 

Marble 

Arch 

Caves 

Enniskillen 

Belfast

Top, left & right: 

Castlewellan 

Forest 

Park 

Castlewellan 

Forest Park 

The land now covered by 

Castlewellan Forest Park was once a 

stronghold of the powerful 

Magennis family. The estate was 

sold to the Forest Service in 1967, 

and opened as a Forest Park two 

years later. 

Three waymarked walking trails 

explore the 1,100-acre park. The 

hilly landscape means some routes 

involve significant ascent, so take 

care when deciding which path to 

follow. The least demanding route 

is the 3.8km Lake Path and 

Sculpture Trail, which circles the 

watery expanse of Castlewellan 

Lake. The trailside 

sculptures 

have been 

fabricated from 

natural materials 

gathered locally. 

If you don’t 

mind a little 

ascent, try the 

Slievenaslat Trail, 

which climbs 

through the 

wood to the 

273m summit of 

Slievenaslat. 

There are fine 

walk… Forest 

views from the top over the 

Mourne Mountains and the Irish 

Sea. The most challenging route is 

the 8km Boundary Trail, which 

involves several ascents and 

descents and takes you near the 

Moorish Tower in the remote 

northwestern corner of the park. 

Also within the park you’ll see a 

granite castle built in a Scottish 

baronial style, a distinctive walled 

garden and an arboretum. The 

Grange Yard, a former farmstead 

built in the 1720s, is now home to 

the cafe and exhibition centre. 

Yet the most recent feature is also 

one of the most distinctive. In 

2001 the Peace Maze was opened 

in the forest park, an ambitious 

project that involved planting the 

largest, and longest permanent 

hedge maze in the world. As the 

maze matures it becomes more 

difficult to navigate, so you might 

want to visit sooner rather than 

later to ensure your escape. 

Castlewellan Forest Park F5 

Starting Point: Main Car Park at 

Castlewellan Forest Park 


Maps & Books: Castlewellan 

Arboretum leaflet. OSNI sheet: 29 

Facilities: Parking/toilets: Castlewellan 

Forest Park 


35


36 


Tollymore Forest 

Park 

Opened in 1955, Tollymore is the 

oldest Forest Park in Ireland and 

Britain, and its location at the foot 

of the Mourne Mountains makes it 

a popular destination for day 

visitors. Four way-marked trails 

cater for serious ramblers and 

casual walkers alike. 

Features found in the Forest Park 

include; the formal garden and 

arboretum dating from the days 

when this was a private estate, the 

turbulent waters of the Shimna 

River and a wide variety of 

deciduous and coniferous 

woodland. Those interested in 

horticulture will enjoy the trails 

around the arboretum and gardens, 

which includes the Azalea Walk. 

Another option takes you past a 

series of small lakes and pools, and 

is a popular place with families 

who want to feed the ducks. 

Beyond the tended areas the river 

is the main attraction, and 

waterside trails explore both banks. 

Several historical landmarks lie 

alongside the rapids and falls of the 

Shimna River and it is here that 

you’ll find the Hermitage, a 

beehive-shaped sanctuary built in 

1770. Further on there are several 

stone bridges and several sets of 

stepping stones that date back over 

200 years. 

The Long Haul Trail is the 

longest waymarked path in the 

park at 13km. This track climbs 

through the trees to Tollymore’s 

southern boundary, where there are 

fine views south to the Mourne 

Mountains. Of course it is also 

possible to mix and match the 

official paths with forest roads, to 

make a route of your own design. 

No matter what sort of walking 

you prefer, there’s something for 

you in Tollymore. 

Tollymore Forest Park F5 

Starting Point: Main Car Park Tollymore 

Forest Park 


Maps & Books: Tollymore Forest 

park leaflet. OSNI sheet: 29 

Facilities: Parking/toilets: At Tollymore 

Forest Park 

Left: Aerial view of 

Tollymore Forest 

Park 

Below: Stepping 

stones in Tollymore

Below: Drumleck river, 

Gosford Forest Park 

Gosford Forest 

Park 

Gosford Forest Park occupies the 

grounds of what was once Gosford 

Demesne, a 600-acre estate in 

County Armagh. The Forest Park is 

set in rolling drumlin countryside 

covered by open parkland and 

mixed woodland. Trails are laid out 

for horse riding and family cycling 

as well as walking, and a tea-room 

offers refreshments. The longest of 

the three way-marked walking 

routes, the 6km Greer’s and 

Crunaght Trail, takes you past most 

of the major sites in the Forest 

Park, including two ancient stone 

built forts hidden beneath the cover 

of trees. Once back in open 

parkland you pass the Rare Breeds 

Enclosure, an area of open paddock 

containing a large collection of 

traditional Irish poultry, Irish 

draught horses, long-horned cattle 

and rare breeds of sheep. You will 

also see a herd of red deer enclosed 

within the adjacent Deer Park. For 

those who don’t want to complete 

the whole trail, a number of 

shorter, smoother surfaced paths 

allow you easier access around the 

core areas. 

Gosford Forest Park E4 

Starting Point: Main Car Park at Gosford 

Forest Park 


Maps & Books: Gosford Forest 

Park leaflet. OSNI sheet: 19 

Facilities: Parking/Toilets: At Gosford 

Forest Park 

walk… Forest 


37


38 

walk… northern ireland

Left: Aerial view of Causeway Coast Way and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge 

walk… Waymarked Ways 

Waymarked 

Ways 

Besides the one-day walks that can be found across 

the province, Northern Ireland also offers a variety 

of longer, multi-day walking routes. Known as 

‘waymarked ways’, these are fully signposted trails 

that explore some of the best scenery in the region. 

The routes vary in character; some spend their time on 

quiet country lanes, while others cross open 

mountainsides and remote moorland. What all the routes 

have in common is their format. Ranging from 32km to 65km 

long, each is designed to take two or three days to complete. 

The trail is signed throughout by frequent waymarking posts: 

metre-high wooden stakes painted with a walking symbol. Stiles, 

footbridges and other walking infrastructure are in place to help 

you cross any obstacles, and intermittent information boards 

provide details about the most interesting natural and historical 

features along the route. 


39


40 


Moyle Way 

The Moyle Way is a 32km long waymarked way that runs through 

eastern County Antrim. The nine Glens of Antrim are justly famed 

for their beauty, and have been honoured in many traditional songs 

and works of literature over the centuries. 

This route takes you on a 

journey across five of the 

nine glens, visiting 

Glentaisie (‘Glen of princess 

Taisie’), Glenshesk (‘Sedgy Glen’), 

Glendun (‘Glen of the Brown 

River’), Glenballyemon (‘Edward’s 

Glen and Town’) and Glenariff 

(‘The Arable Glen’). 

The entire route lies within the 

Antrim Coast and Glens Area of 

Outstanding Natural Beauty. The 

mountains of the region are 

predominately basalt, laid down 

during an extended period of 

volcanic activity that began around 

55 million years ago. This basalt 

underlayer ensures fertile soils and 

is largely responsible for the rich 

vegetation that can be found along 

the valley floors. The glens 

themselves were created during the 

ice ages and the steep U-shaped 

valley of Glenariff is a classic 

example of glacial erosion. 

The walk begins in the seaside 

town of Ballycastle and finishes at 

the entrance to Glenariff Forest 

Park. The route is furnished with 

frequent waymarking posts, stiles 

Right: Walking group above Glenariff 

and occasional information boards 

to keep you on the right track. The 

ground underfoot is a mixture of 

forest tracks, quiet country lanes 

and rough upland moor. The latter 

part of the route in particular 

crosses significant areas of open 

mountainside, and you’ll need to 

carry a map and compass as extra 

security across these stretches. The 

mountain sections are also prone to

eing rather boggy underfoot. If 

possible, try to wait for dry 

conditions before attempting the 

walk. 

Most people allow two days for 

the route, though it’s not unknown 

for very fit walkers to complete the 

distance in a single outing. This is 

not recommended however unless 

you’re very sure of your stamina 

levels. If you split the walk in two 

you’ll probably want to stop for the 

night in one of the more remote 

valleys mid-way along the path. 

The picturesque harbour town of 

Ballycastle provides a fitting start 

for the route. The castle from 

which the town got its name lies 

beside the church on the Diamond, 

Above: The Antrim Coast and Glens 

the town’s central square. It was 

built in 1612 by Sir Randal 

MacDonnell, a member of the 

powerful MacDonell clan which 

arrived by sea from Scotland in the 

early sixteenth century. Ballycastle 

marks the spot where the Atlantic 

Ocean officially meets the Irish Sea 

and is the place to catch the ferry if 

you want to visit Rathlin Island. 

The gap between island and 

mainland became world famous in 

1898 when the Italian inventor 

Guiglielmo Marconi successfully 

sent the first ever commercial radio 

transmission between Ballycastle 

and Rathlin. 

The Moyle Way leaves Ballycastle 

along the route of the old narrow 

gauge railway. This line finally 

closed in 1950. The path then 

diverts into Ballycastle Forest and 

climbs along a series of forest tracks 

to Ballyveely. 

The steep cone of Knocklayd is 

the second highest mountain in 

Antrim at 514m. This peak enjoyed 

a brief moment of fame in 1788 

when a Dublin newspaper reported 

that the top had blown off, 

discharging molten rock over the 

surrounding landscape. 

The route continues south from 

Knocklayd and enters the Breen 

Oakwood Nature Reserve and up 

the slopes of Bohilbreaga. A steep 

descent then brings you down to 

the Glenshesk River, and a very 

pretty section of trail follows the 

river upstream. Look out for a 

small waterfall and pool, and an 

old gravestone on the opposite 

bank. This stone marks the place 

where a MacQuillan chief died 

after being defeated at the bloody 

Battle of Orra in 1559. 

After a brief trip up Altahillion 

Gorge you leave the forest behind. 

The slopes of Slieveanorra can now 

be seen rising ahead, where the 

Battle of Orra took place during 

the sixteenth century. During this 

particular skirmish, the 

MacDonnell clan covered the 

boggy mountain slope with rushes 

to make the ground appear solid. 

They then goaded their enemies 

into crossing the area. The 

MacQuillans and O’Neills 

floundered into the chest-deep bog, 

only to be slaughtered as they tried 

walk… Moyle Way 

to struggle free. 

Fortunately today a gravel track 

allows modern walkers to traverse 

the bog without difficulty. Fine 

views reward your effort as you 

arrive at the 508m summit of 

Slieveanorra. The outline of 

Scotland’s highlands and island 

should also be visible on the 

horizon. 

The route descends south from 

the summit, passing through 

Slieveanorra Forest at the base of 

Glendun. A wooden footbridge 

then brings you safely across the 

Glendun River. You must now 

gather yourself for the final climb 

of the route. A rough, moorland 

path climbs over the shoulder of 

Trostan, the highest peak in 

County Antrim at 550m. The cairn 

at the summit was built by the 

victorious members of the 

MacDonnell clan after the Battle of 

Orra. It was intended as a 

memorial to their leader, Sorely 

Boy MacDonnell. 

The descent from Trostan takes 

you back into a coniferous forest, 

where you pick up the line of the 

Essathohan Burn. A final stroll 

through the trees brings you to the 

end of the route opposite the 

entrance to Glenariff Forest Park. 

If you still have energy to spare, 

it’s well worth continuing into this 

forest park. The Glenariff River 

passes through the trees, creating 

countless spectacular waterfalls. 

If not, then relax, you deserve it. 

You have just spent two days 

traversing Antrim’s highest and 

wildest peaks. The least you can do 

is treat yourself to a cup of tea! 

The Moyle Way E2–F2 

Starting Point: Ballycastle 


Maps & Books: ‘Moyle Way: An illustrated 

guide to walking the Moyle Way’ 

OSNI sheet 5/9 

www.waymarkedways.com 

Facilities: Parking available. Toilets: 

Available at Ballycastle and Glenariff 


41


42 


Lecale Way 

Tucked away on the coast of County Down is Lecale, a beautiful region of 

sandy beaches and quiet rocky shoreline, which is another of Northern Ireland’s 

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The 65km Lecale Way explores the best 

of the region, starting in the hamlet of Raholp and finishing in the seaside resort 

of Newcastle. 

Along the way the route takes 

you through old estates, 

fishing villages, nature 

reserves, and past lighthouses and 

ancient castles. 

In prehistoric times Lecale was 

an island, and only a few centuries 

ago it could only be reached at 

high tide via a thin neck of dry 

land. These days the Quoile and 

Blackstaff Rivers are no longer wide 

tidal estuaries, though their 

marshes still create a physical 

boundary dividing Lecale from the 

rest of County Down. The older 

generations in the area still refer to 

it as ‘Isle-Lecale’ in reference to its 

former status. The name Lecale 

itself is derived from the Irish Leath 

Chathail, meaning ‘Cathal’s 

territory’ in memory of one of the 

Celtic Ulidians or Princess of 

Ulster. Its isolated past has given it 

a distinctive history. 

The walk can be broken up into 

six stages, although several of these 

can be combined, allowing most 

walkers to complete the route in 

three or four days. If the winds are 

blowing from the southwest as they 

often are, if would be more 

Right: View from Ringhaddy 

advantageous to start in Newcastle. 

There are plenty of fine 

accommodations, places to eat, and 

good public transport along the 

way, so whenever you plan to do 

the walk you can be flexible with 

your itinerary. 

If you want to walk further, why 

not consider extending the route to 

the south and including a crossing 

of Northern Ireland’s highest 

mountain range, the Mourne

Mountains. By joining the Mourne 

Trail in Newcastle you can 

continue along all the way to 

Rostrevor. 

The village of Raholp at the start 

of the route has strong associations 

with St Patrick, Ireland’s patron 

saint. It’s believed he landed on the 

shores of nearby Strangford Lough, 

and in 432AD, established Ireland’s 

first church near Raholp. This is 

also one of the highest spots in 

Lecale, and on a clear day it makes 

a fine vantage point from which to 

preview the route ahead. 

From Raholp your way lies to the 

east, and it’s not long before you 

enter the grounds of Castle Ward 

Estate. A short detour from the 

Above: View of the Mournes 

route allows you to take in 

Audleystown Cairn, one of the 

most important Neolithic sites in 

Northern Ireland. Paths and riding 

tracks are then followed past 

Audley’s Castle, a fifteenth century 

towerhouse, to the grounds of 

Castle Ward itself. The grounds of 

the estate provide ample walking 

opportunity. 

The Lecale Way leaves the estate 

and winds through pleasant 

woodland on the shores of 

Castleward Bay towards the village 

of Strangford, situated right at the 

mouth of Strangford Lough. The 

name is derived from the Norse 

Strangfjiord, meaning ‘strong fiord’. 

Huge swirls, eddies and whirlpools 

form as millions of tons of water 

are forced through this constricted 

passage with every passing tide. 

From Strangford the route turns 

south and follows the coast towards 

Ardglass. The initial section along 

the main road is scenic, but you 

can take the bus for a few miles if 

you want to avoid the traffic. 

Quieter lanes then lead past Mill 

Quarter Bay and Killard Nature 

Reserve before reaching the beach 

and village of Ballyhornan. It’s 

worth keeping an eye out for 

common and grey seals, which are 

commonly seen basking on the 

rocks. You’re almost certain to spot 

cormorants and shags perched on 

isolated outcrops with wings 

stretched out to dry. And in 

summer the coastal meadows are 

alive with birds and wild flowers, 

including orchids. 

Just south of Ballyhornan 

Harbour, the Ballyhornan Coastal 

Path begins. For much of the way 

this is little more than an informal, 

grassy path leading along the tops 

of the low cliffs and around 

secluded coves. There are great 

views over Gun Island, which can 

be reached on foot at spring low 

tides. The island was apparently 

named after a cannon from a 

shipwreck was washed up on its 

shores. This is one of the wildest 

stretches of coastline in County 

Down and a real pleasure to walk 

at any time of year. There is a 

palpable sense of isolation, even 

though you’re only a few kilometres 

walk… Lecale Way 

from the nearest village. 

The coastal path ends near St 

Patrick’s Well, which is marked by a 

wooden cross and enclosure. Quiet 

roads then lead into Ardglass, a 

lovely fishing village founded by 

the Normans and still centred 

around a deep natural harbour. 

Ardglass, or the village of Killough 

a short distance further along the 

coast, make a perfect place to stop 

for the night. 

From Killough the Lecale Way 

heads south along the Killough 

Coastal Path to reach St John’s 

Point, resplendent with its striking 

black-and-yellow-striped 

lighthouse. The route then turns 

west past Ringhaddy, Ringboy and 

Minerstown, to the beautiful sands 

of Tyrella Beach. This is also where 

the Mourne Mountains dominate 

the views ahead ‘sweeping down to 

the sea’, as it says in the famous 

Percy French song. 

The roads are now left behind 

again as you round Dundrum 

Inner Bay and head south along the 

Dundrum Coastal Path. It’s not far 

now to the village of Dundrum, 

dominated by de Courcy’s Castle. 

The final stage takes you into 

Murlough National Nature 

Reserve, a 5,000-year-old dune 

system of international importance. 

There’s a choice of routes through 

the reserve; you can either follow 

the paths through the extensive 

heath and grassland, or stay on the 

beach. The reserve is a great place 

to visit in its own right for a couple 

of hours of walking – see page 23. 

The Lecale Way finishes by taking 

you along Newcastle Beach, with 

the magnificent dome of Slieve 

Donard and the promenade of 

Newcastle town beckoning you on 

to the finish. 

The Lecale Way G4–F5 

Starting Point: Newcastle 


Maps & Books: ‘Lecale Way: An 

Illustrated Guide To Walking the Lecale 

Way’. OSNI sheet: 21/29 


Facilities: Parking: at Cloghy, 

Tyrella, Murlough, Newcastle. Toilets: 

Available 


43


44 


The path is part of the 

National Cycle Network. 

This relatively easy terrain 

means families, strollers, cyclists 

and serious walkers alike can all 

enjoy the route together. 

Fit walkers often complete the 

distance in a single day, though 

others prefer to proceed at a more 

leisurely pace. There are several 

towns and villages along the way, 

though the best place to break your 

journey is probably the busy 

market town of Poyntzpass. 

The idea of a canal between 

Lough Neagh and Carlingford 

Lough was first conceived in the 

1640s. However Colonel George 

Newry 

Canal 

A 30km waymarked way that runs along the border of counties Down and 

Armagh, the Newry Canal Way traces the course of the now disused Newry 

Canal. The entire walk is steeped in history and reminders of the past combined 

with constantly changing scenery make the trip rather like turning the pages of 

a book. 

Monck, the officer of Oliver 

Cromwell’s army who first 

forwarded the proposal, failed to 

garner any support for his plan and 

it failed. Work began in 1703, 

when coal deposits were discovered 

in East Tyrone around Coalisland. 

The Government soon recognised 

the benefits of a transport system 

that would link Lough Neagh to 

the sea. 

The construction of the canal 

took ten years to complete and 

men flocked from all over Ireland 

to work on the project. They 

simply presented themselves with 

their own tools – pick, spades and 

shovels – and worked long hours 

for the equivalent of three pence a 

day. The construction process was 

fraught with problems, a project on 

such a scale was a first. 

The proposed canal had to climb 

a ridge just south of the village of 

Scarva, which acts as a natural 

watershed, rivers to the south 

flowing to Carlingford Lough and 

those to the north flowing towards 

Lough Neagh. This ridge lies some 

24m above sea level. An intricate 

system of 14 locks was eventually 

installed, and a lough near the 

watershed maintained the water 

level in the canal. It was a feat of 

groundbreaking engineering, and 

the canal is the first summit level

Above left: Moneypenny’s Lock, Portadown 

Above right: Mouth of Newry Canal, looking toward 

Warrenpoint and the Mournes 

canal in the British Isles. 

The canal was officially opened 

in 1742, and it thrived for over 150 

years. Wooden horse-drawn barges 

made up the bulk of the traffic. 

Alongside the barges were dredgers 

engaged in both the commercial 

extraction of sand from Lough 

Neagh, and helping to keep the 

waterway free of silt. 

Almost every town and village 

along the route was shaped by the 

canal trade. Portadown, the start of 

the trail thrived during the canal 

era, and linen mills, a brewery and 

distillery sprang up thanks to the 

volume of passing coal, timber and 

grain. 

A short distance outside 

Portadown the path brings you to 

the Point of Whitecoat, where the 

Rivers Bann and Cusher merge. 

Cross the canal here and continue 

along the gravel towpath to 

Monneypenny Lock. The adjacent 

lock-keeper’s house dates from the 

early 1800s and now contains a 

small museum. 

The placid waters of the canal 

offer a perfect habitat for waterloving 

fauna and flora. Since the 

closure of the navigation channel in 

1947, the waterway has been 

preserved as a haven for wildlife. 

Floating plants include water lilies, 

Canadian pondweed and 

walk… Newry Canal 

amphibious bistort. You’ll also see 

yellow flag iris and purple 

loosestrife in the early summer. 

Water birds are regular companions 

too, with ducks, swans and herons 

all feeding off the plethora of small 

insects and fish that abound in the 

area. 

John Wesley, founder of 

Methodism, stayed at the 

Terryhoogan Lock House in the 

mid eighteenth century and was so 

impressed he remained a vocal 

advocate of the canal. In the 

village of Scarva, you might be 

tempted to take a break in the 

visitor centre café. Scarva owes its 

very existence to the canal. A 

Bridge was constructed here in 

1744, and the settlement soon 

sprang up. Acton Lake, also known 

as Lough Shark was enlarged 

during the construction period, and 

a sluice was added to ensure 

consistent water levels in the canal. 

This marks the halfway point of 

the walk. 

Poyntzpass boomed at the time 

of the canal, but was not as hard 

hit by the canal’s subsequent 

closure. The development of the 

railway which saw the demise of 

the canal was ironically built 

adjacent to the course of the old 

canal. Today the train station lies 

just a short distance from an old 

canal lock, which still stands some 

250 years after it was constructed. 

As you get closer to Newry the 

landscape changes as you draw near 

to the Mournes. Beside the trail 

you’ll notice Canal Wood, part of 

the Millennium Woodland Scheme, 

which aims to restore Ireland’s 

native forests. Just a few more locks 

now separate you from Newry and 

the Canal Quay Bridge, at the 

official end of the route. 

The Newry Canal E4–E5 

Starting Point: Portadown 


Maps & Books: ‘Newry Canal Way: 

An illustrated guide to walking the Newry 

Canal Way’ 

OSNI sheet: 20/29 


Facilities: Toilets: Public houses en route 


45


46 


Causeway 

Coast Way 

The Causeway Coast Way is an exhilarating linear route along the 

most celebrated stretch of coastline in Northern Ireland. At the heart 

of the route is the geological wonder of the Giant’s Causeway, and 

the equally iconic Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. 

The section of cliff path 

linking these two 

attractions is often referred 

to as the North Antrim Cliff Path, 

and is one of the finest one-day 

coastal walks in Britain or Ireland. 

If you don’t have the time or 

energy to tackle the entire 

Causeway Coast Way, you should 

seriously consider walking this 

central section. 

The Causeway Coast Way runs 

from Portstewart in County 

Londonderry to Ballycastle in 

County Antrim. Though the route 

can be followed in either direction, 

it’s advisable to walk from west to 

east so that the prevailing winds are 

at your back. The total distance is 

52km, which is best spread over at 

least three days. Particularly fit 

walkers could probably manage the 

distance in two days, but hurrying 

would do a disservice to the 

attractions along the way. To fully 

appreciate the scenery you’ll want 

to take your time, pop in to one of 

the numerous cafés for tea and 

scones, or rest in a sheltered nook 

with your back against a warm rock 

and the sun on your face. It’s worth 

Right: The Giant’s Causweway 

savouring the essence of this coast, 

with its friendly people, quiet 

harbours, crumbling castles, 

sweeping beaches and towering 

cliffs. 

For decades the pretty seaside 

town of Portstewart has been one 

of Northern Ireland’s favourite 

holiday destinations. Quieter and 

more relaxed than its bustling 

neighbour Portrush, the cafés, pubs 

and galleries along the promenade

look out on a quaint harbour and 

rocky shore. From here the Port 

Path follows a convoluted coastline 

for about four kilometres to 

Portrush. Along the way you’ll pass 

Stoney Port, Devil’s Port and 

Holywell Port, a succession of 

jutting headlands and cliff-bound 

coves littered with jumbles of black 

rock. 

From Portrush the route heads 

east along Curran Strand, or East 

Strand as it’s known locally. The 

sand here has a soft, floury 

consistency, which contrasts with 

the pan-hard sands of the beaches 

further east. As you round Curran 

Point the magnificent limestone 

cliffs of White Rocks come into 

Above: The Causeway Coast Way 

view ahead, topped by the beetling 

remains of Dunluce Castle. 

It’s believed the site was first 

fortified by the Normans in the 

fourteenth century, but by the 

sixteenth century the castle had 

fallen into the hands of the 

powerful local McQuillan clan and 

to the MacDonnells. By the end of 

the seventeenth century the castle 

had been abandoned and fell into 

ruin. While appreciating the 

building’s precarious cliff top 

position it’s worth bearing in mind 

the story of a stormy night in 

1639, when the cliff under the 

kitchen collapsed into the sea, 

taking with it nine servants and a 

cook. 

Beyond Dunluce lies the village 

of Bushmills, famous for its 

whiskey distillery. The brown, 

peaty water of the river is used in 

the distillery process and imparts its 

own unique flavour to the spirit. 

The path continues through the 

dunes behind Bushfoot Strand, 

taking you to the Giant’s Causeway. 

This UNESCO World Heritage 

Site never fails to impress. The 

perfection of the 40,000 hexagonal 

basalt columns is complimented by 

the manner in which they point 

into the ocean like a giant finger. 

From the Causeway the Shepherd’s 

Steps lead you up a hundred metres 

to the grassy cliff tops above. 

There are superb views across to 

Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre and the 

Hebridean islands of Islay and Jura. 

On such a day it’s easy to 

appreciate the strong cultural and 

geological links between Scotland 

and this corner of Northern 

Ireland. 

The cliff path continues around 

Benbane Head as far as 

Dunseverick Castle, with the ocean 

and wild, precipitous cliffs on one 

side, and the quiet, pastoral 

landscape of fields and farms on 

the other. Dunseverick is another 

of the MacDonnell clan’s former 

strongholds. 

A few kilometres east of 

Dunseverick the path brings you to 

the tiny hamlet of Portbraddan, 

which shelters beneath the cliffs at 

the western end of White Park Bay. 

Don’t miss St Gobban’s Church, 

walk… Causeway Coast Way 

which is said to be the smallest 

church in Ireland. Unless the tide is 

high you can scramble across the 

boulders to reach the sands of 

White Park Bay. The long, sandy 

beach comes as a real contrast to 

the dramatic cliffs of Benbane 

Head. 

East of White Park Bay the trail 

winds past seastacks and curious 

jumbles of boulders as it rounds the 

headland to Port Ballintoy. This 

picturesque harbour is protected by 

a natural outer breakwater of basalt 

rock. 

The route now turns inland for a 

short distance and passes through 

the village of Ballintoy. It then 

detours around Larrybane Bay to 

reach Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, 

now also under the protection of 

the National Trust. This bridge 

spans a narrow channel between 

the mainland and a small, rocky 

island lying just offshore. A 

footbridge has been raised here 

every summer for over 250 years to 

allow local fishermen to access their 

nets. The island itself juts into a 

salmon migration route, giving rise 

to the name Carrick-a-Rede, or ‘the 

rock in the road’. The thrill of 

walking across the bridge, strung 

between cliffs over 30m above sea 

level, is unforgettable. 

Many walkers will choose to 

omit the final section from Carricka-Rede 

to Ballycastle, a distance of 

10km, most of which is along the 

main road. However this section 

does have fine views, and offers the 

reward of completing the route in 

Ballycastle, with its lovely beach 

and wide selection of pubs, 

restaurants and accommodation. 

Just what you need after several 

days of top quality walking. 

Causeway Coast Way E2–E1 

Starting Point: Portstewart Strand 


Maps & Books: ‘Causeway Coast Way: 

An illustrated guide to walking the 

Causeway Coast Way’ 

OSNI sheet: 4/5 


Facilities: Parking: Portstewart Strand 


47

discovernorthernireland.com practical 

48 


information 

Superb Value and Variety in Accommodation 

Fancy a weekend in a charming 16th Century Inn with a resident ghost for company? Or a new international hotel with its own 

golf course and trout river? Or a B&B with a swimming pool? What about the guesthouse where Thomas Andrews, the designer of 

RMS Titanic once lived? Perhaps a few days break with family and friends in a loughside chalet? Or is your preference a quick 

stopover in a well equipped and modern hostel... That’s just a sample - Whatever you are planning to do, there will be a choice of 

several comfortable places to stay. Expect to pay a minimum of £20 B&B per person to £33 or more in a top guesthouse. Hotels 

are more expensive unless you get a special offer. To book your accommodation online visit discover northern ireland.com 

Getting to Northern Ireland 

Northern Ireland is easy to get to, easy to get around. 

Excellent fast ferry links from England and Scotland to Belfast 

and Larne, 3 airports with frequent, low-cost flights from the 

UK and beyond, plus good roads, buses and trains to take you 

where you want to go. 

Fly direct to Northern Ireland from: 

Aberdeen » Alicante » Amsterdam » Barcelona » Berlin » 

Birmingham » Blackpool » Bristol » Cardiff » Cork » 

Edinburgh » Exeter » Faro » Geneva » Glasgow » Guernsey » 

Inverness » Isle of Man Jersey » Leeds-Bradford » Liverpool » 

London Gatwick » London Heathrow » London Luton » 

London Stansted » Malaga » Manchester » Murcia » 

Newcastle » New York » Nice » Nottingham East Midlands » 

Palma » Paris CDG » Pisa » Prague » Rome » Southampton » 

Toronto » Vancouver. 

Check with the airports listed below for airline information. 

Belfast International Airport 

Tel: +44 (0) 28 9448 4848, www.belfastairport.com 

Bus 300 into the city centre. It runs 5 past (on the hour) every 

20 mins. Bus service phone Translink +44 (0) 28 9066 6630. 

Taxi fare to city is about £24. 

George Best Belfast City Airport 

Tel: +44 (0) 28 9093 9093, www.belfastcityairport.com 

Bus 600 into city centre, runs on the hour every 20 mins. 

Taxi fare to city is about £7. Trains run from Sydenham to 

Belfast City Centre and other parts of Northern Ireland. 

City of Derry Airport 

Tel: +44 (0) 28 7181 0784, www.cityofderryairport.com 

Bus 143 or the 234 into the city centre, Limavady and 

Coleraine: fare £4.70 return. Taxi fare to city is about £10. 

Trains run from Derry to Coleraine and Belfast. 

Sail direct to Northern Ireland from: 

Cairnryan » Birkenhead (Liverpool) » Fleetwood » 

Douglas (Isle of Man) » Stranraer » Troon. 

Check with the harbours listed below for ferry operator 

information. 

Belfast Harbour 

Tel: +44 (0) 28 9055 4422, www.belfast-harbour.co.uk 

Taxi fare is about £5 to city centre. 

Larne Harbour 

Tel: +44 (0) 28 2887 2100, www.portoflarne.co.uk 

Trains to Belfast: fare £4.70 single. Main bus station is a short 

walk from the harbour. Bus single £4.10. 

Taxi is about £30 into city centre. Car rental available.

Below: Enjoy a night out after a days walking! 

Francis McPeake International Summer School, 

The John Hewitt, Belfast 

Public Transport 

Practical Information 

Translink Bus and Train Services 

Tel: +44 (0) 28 9066 6630, www.translink.co.uk 

Look out for good value Day Returns, Freedom of Northern Ireland ticket (unlimited bus and rail travel in NI) 

and Emerald Card (covers both Northern Ireland and the Republic). Within Belfast the Metro bus service offers unlimited travel 

for £2.50/£3.50 per day. Dublin to Belfast by car takes around 2 hours, or use Goldline 200 express coach (2hrs 30mins). £5.50 

single, £11.70 return. Train (2hrs 05 mins) £24 single £35 return. 

Driving and Car Rentals 

Roads are well kept and the volume of traffic is lower than in Britain. Bring your licence and tell your insurance company in 

advance if you plan to drive here. www.highwaycode.gov.uk for the Highway Code online. Prices for car rentals vary, shop around 

for deals and make sure you ask if there are other associated charges. www.alamo.co.uk » www.europcar.ie » www.avis.co.uk » 

www.hertz.com » wwww.belfastselfdrive.co.uk » www.holidayautos.co.uk www.budgetbelfast.co.uk » www.nationalcar.co.uk » 

www.easycar.com. You must be aged 23–70 and have held a valid driving licence for more than one year. 

Speed Limits and Car Parking 

Towns and cities 30mph. Regional/country roads 60 mph. Motorway 70 mph. 

Car parking is permitted where there is a blue P sign which indicates a car park in towns or a lay-by at the roadside outside towns. 

Drivers can park elsewhere on the street except when there are double yellow lines which prohibits all parking. Pay heed to 

restriction notices drawing attention to morning and evening rush hour clearways and bus lanes when in operation. 

Bringing a pet? 

UK Pet Travel Scheme helpline: Tel: +44 (0) 28 9052 4622, www.defra.gov.uk 

Telephone 

To call Northern Ireland from abroad, dial 00 44 + area code (without 0) + local number. To call Northern Ireland from the 

Republic of Ireland, dial 048 + area code (without 0) + local number. To call Northern Ireland from elsewhere in UK or to 

make an internal call, dial area code (with 0) + local number. To call the Republic from Northern Ireland, dial 00 353 + the area 

code (without 0) + local number. made. 

Pubs & Entertainment 

Opening hours are 1100-2300 (Mon-Sat), and 1230-2200 (Sun): www.ulsterpubs.com. No alcohol to be served to under 18’s. 

Club opening times vary depending on which club. 

All Ireland Information: 

For details on the rest of Ireland visit: www.tourismireland.com 


49


50 


Useful Websites 

The National Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ntni.org.uk 

Environment & Heritage Service NI . . . . . . . . . . www.ehsni.gov.uk 

The Forest Service NI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.forestserviceni.gov.uk 

The Countryside Access and Activities Network . . www.landwaterair.co.uk 

BBC Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.bbc.co.uk/weather 

Northern Ireland Young Walkers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . groups.msn.com/NorthernIrelandYoungWalkers 

Beach Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.mcga.gov.uk/seasmart 

Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . www.ufrc-online.co.uk 

Useful Publications 

B&B Guide 

Self-Catering Holiday Homes 

Budget Accommodation 

Hotel & Guesthouse 

Caravanning & Camping 

To order any of these publications, 

contact Belfast & Northern Ireland 

Welcome Centre 

Tel: +44 (0) 28 9024 6609 

email: info@belfastvisitor.com 

or order/download online from 

www.discovernorthernireland.com 

Northern Ireland Short Breaks 

Don’t waste another weekend... if you value your time, book a 

short break in Northern Ireland. Freephone: 0800 032 5588 or 

visit www.discovernorthernireland.com for your FREE copy of 

the Northern Ireland Short Breaks Brochure. 

Above: From action and adventure to relaxing cycle rides, Northern Ireland has 

something for everyone!

BELFAST CITY 

Belfast Welcome Centre 

Tourist Information 

Belfast & Northern Ireland 

47 Donegall Place 

T: (028) 9024 6609 

E: info@belfastvisitor.com 

COUNTY ANTRIM 

Antrim 

16 High Street 

T: (028) 9442 8331 

E: info@antrim.gov.uk 

Ballycastle 

Sheskburn House, 7 Mary St. 

T: (028) 2076 2024 

E: tourism@moyle-council.org 

Ballymena 

76 Church Street 

T: (028) 2563 8494 

E: tourist.information@ballymena.gov.uk 

Carrickfergus 

Museum & Civic Centre 

11 Antrim Street 

T: (028) 9335 8049 

E: touristinfo@carrickfergus.org 

Crumlin 

Belfast International Airport 

T: (028) 9448 4677 


Giant’s Causeway 

44 Causeway Road, Bushmills 

T: (028) 2073 1855 

E: info@giantscausewaycentre.com 

Larne 

Narrow Gauge Road 

T: (028) 2826 0088 

E: larnetourism@btconnect.com 

Lisburn 

15 Lisburn Square 

T: (028) 9266 0038 

E: tic.lisburn@lisburn.gov.uk 

Portrush (seasonal) 

Dunluce Centre, Sandhill Drive 

T: (028) 7082 3333 

E: portrushtic@btconnect.com 

COUNTY ARMAGH 

Armagh 

40 English Street 

T: (028) 3752 1800 

E: tic@armagh.gov.uk 

COUNTY DOWN 

Banbridge 

Gateway Tourist Information 

Centre 

200 Newry Road 

T: (028) 4062 3322 

E: tic@banbridge.gov.uk 


Bangor 

34 Quay Street 

T: (028) 9127 0069 

E: tic@northdown.gov.uk 

Downpatrick 

The St. Patrick Centre 

53a Market Street 

T: (028) 4461 2233 

E: downpatrick.tic@downdc.gov.uk 

Hillsborough 

The Courthouse, The Square 

T: (028) 9268 9717 

E: tic.hillsborough@lisburn.gov.uk 

Kilkeel 

28 Bridge Street 

T: (028) 4176 2525 

E: kdakilkeel@hotmail.com 

Newcastle 

10-14 Central Promenade 

T: (028) 4372 2222 

E: newcastle.tic@downdc.gov.uk 

Newtownards 

31 Regent Street 

T: (028) 9182 6846 

E: tourism@ards-council.gov.uk 

Tourist Information Centres 

THE NORTHERN IRELAND TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE NETWORK IS A COMPREHENSIVE, FRIENDLY SOURCE OF EXPERT ADVICE. WHETHER YOU ARE A 

LOCAL RESIDENT OR A VISITOR, YOU’LL FIND A QUICK CALL TO ANY OF THE CENTRES BELOW WILL HELP TO MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY SPECIAL. 

NETWORKED TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES 

TOURIST 

INFORMATION 

Newry City 

Town Hall 

Bank Parade 

T: (028) 3026 8877 

E: newrytic@newryandmourne.gov.uk 

Portaferry (seasonal) 

The Stables, Castle Street, 

T: (028) 4272 9882 

E: tourism.portaferry@ards-council.gov.uk 

COUNTY FERMANAGH 

Enniskillen 

Fermanagh Tourist Information 

Centre, Wellington Road 

T: (028) 6632 3110 

E: tic@fermanagh.gov.uk 

COUNTY LONDONDERRY 

Coleraine 

Railway Road 

T: (028) 7034 4723 

E: colerainetic@btconnect.com 

Limavady 

Council Offices, 7 Connell Street 

T: (028) 7776 0307 

E: tourism@limavady.gov.uk 

Londonderry 

44 Foyle Street 

T: (028) 7126 7284 

E: info@derryvisitor.com 

Magherafelt 

The Bridewell, 6 Church Street 

T: (028) 7963 1510 

E: thebridewell@magherafelt.gov.uk 

COUNTY TYRONE 

Cookstown 

The Burnavon, Burn Road 

T: (028) 8676 6727 

E: tic@cookstown.gov.uk 

Killymaddy 

Killymaddy Tourist Information 

Centre, 190 Ballygawley Road, 

Dungannon (off A4) 

T: (028) 8776 7259 

E: killymaddy@dstbc.org 

Omagh 

1 Market Street 

T: (028) 8224 7831 

E: omaghtic@btconnect.com 

Strabane (seasonal) 

The Pagoda Abercorn Square 

T: (028) 7188 3735 

E: tic@strabanedc.com 


51

For more information contact: 

Belfast and Northern Ireland Welcome Centre 

47 Donegall Place, Belfast, BT1 5AD 

Tel: +44 (0) 28 9024 6609 

Fax: +44 (0) 28 9031 2424 


© NITB. Published by the 

Northern Ireland Tourist Board, 

59 North St, Belfast BT1 1NB. 

Tel: +44 (0) 28 9023 1221. 

Fax: +44 (0) 28 9024 0960. 

Textphone: +44 (0) 28 9044 1522. 

E: info@nitb.com 

www.discovernorthernireland.com 

Below: St Patrick’s Day Walking Festival, County Down 

This document may be made available in alternative formats on 

request, contact the E.Tourism department (NITB) 

for further details. 

Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the compilation of this 

brochure. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board cannot, however, accept 

responsibility for errors or omissions but where such are brought to 

our attention, future publications will be amended accordingly. 

Special Thanks 

NITB are grateful to the following for assistance in the selection of 

walks listed in this guide: The Countryside Officers within each Local 

Council, Environment and Heritage Service, Forest Service and The 

National Trust. 

ISBN NO: 1 86193 134 4 30Mrp/7/06

Walk Northern Ireland - Mountaineering Ireland

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?