5 best hiking routes in Northern Ireland

Lace up your boots and get ready to let’s explore the Emerald Isle’s breathtaking landscapes ⛰️

Northern Ireland is a hiker’s paradise, packed with rugged coastlines, mystical forests and rolling hills that seem to stretch on forever. Whether you’re chasing panoramic mountain views, wandering through ancient glens or strolling along windswept cliffs, there’s a trail here for every kind of adventurer.

In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the very best hiking routes in Northern Ireland. So get ready for exciting history, stories, scenery and maybe even a little magic along the way. Let’s hit the trails!

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Cloughmore Trail & Kodak Corner 

8km

Northern Ireland’s Cloughmore Trail, nestled in the enchanting Kilbroney Park near Rostrevor, offers a delightful mix of gentle woods and breathtaking panoramas. Hikers can even uncover the legendary Cloughmore Stone itself, a 50‑tonne glacial erratic perched 300m above Rostrevor. From the upper car park, a moderate uphill stroll sets the stage. You’ll reach the stone in around 10–30 minutes, depending on your pace.

Just a little further on sits Kodak Corner – a picture-perfect viewpoint that truly lives up to its name. A 10 to 20-minute detour through mixed woodland brings you to a natural vantage point with sweeping views over Carlingford Lough, the Irish Sea and the distant Mourne Mountains – truly Insta‑worthy (especially at sunset!). It’s a fantastic spot to pause for a snack and feel utterly immersed in the lush Northern Irish landscape.

Causeway Coast Walk

4km to 14km

The Causeway Coast Way can easily be broken into stunning individual day walks, each offering something unique for hikers. Starting from the golden dunes of Portstewart Strand, the trail leads to Portrush (approximately 9km) via a breezy cliff-top path dotted with sea pools, ruins and sweeping beach views. From Portrush, walkers can continue toward Portballintrae (approximately 10–11 km), passing the iconic ruins of Dunluce Castle before skirting the coastline to reach Runkerry Beach. A gentle off-road section then leads to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway (approximately 4 km), with its iconic hexagonal basalt columns and a dramatic coastal backdrop making for a memorable stop.

Beyond the Causeway, the trail winds along grassy cliffs toward the remote ruins of Dunseverick Castle (approximately 8 km), before descending into the beautiful curve of White Park Bay en route to the quaint Ballintoy Harbour (approximately 7–8 km). This stretch is especially scenic with golden sands, limestone cliffs and spectacular views of Sheep Island. From Ballintoy, hikers can detour to the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Then continue on coastal and country paths to finish in Ballycastle (approximately 13–14 km). With bus connections at key points, it’s easy to walk just one or two sections and still soak up the best of Northern Ireland’s coastline.

Slieve Binnian and North Tor Circular

11km

The Slieve Binnian and North Tor Circular is a standout hike in the Mourne Mountains and a must-do for anyone chasing dramatic views and a bit of adventure. At approximately 11km, this circular route climbs one of the highest peaks in Northern Ireland (747m), taking you along rugged ridgelines, over granite tors and past the iconic Mourne Wall. It’s a moderately challenging hike with steep sections and some rocky scrambling, but the reward is unbeatable! Discover panoramic views stretching across the Mournes, over Silent Valley Reservoir and the Irish Sea on a clear day.

Starting near Carrick Little car park, the route heads through a charming stone-walled lane before ascending toward Slieve Binnian’s summit. Along the way, you’ll pass the South and North Tors – enormous rock formations that feel almost sculpted by giants. The loop then curves down a more gentle descent, reconnecting with the Mourne Wall and winding back to the start. It’s a perfect day hike for anyone looking to experience the raw, windswept beauty of the Mournes without committing to an overly long trek.

Giant’s Causeway Green Trail

3km

The Giant’s Causeway Green Trail is a delightful and accessible coastal loop of 3.2km, taking about 1½ hours to complete. Setting off from the Causeway Hotel, the trail climbs gently along gravel and tarmac paths to clifftop vantage points, offering sweeping views of the Giant’s Causeway itself and – even on clear days – the island of Islay in Scotland. With a well-graded path (though a few steep spots), accompanying signage and panoramic picnic areas, it’s an easy-going option that welcomes families, wheelchairs or buggies.

Midway, you’ll pass the fascinating Portcoon Cave. And keep your eyes out for skylark, stonechat, linnet and chough spotting along the way. The route loops back at a T-junction, where you can choose the quieter inland path or return via a more dramatic cliffside track. Whether you’re easing into the Causeway’s scenery or looking for a gentle escape with memorable views, the Green Trail is the perfect bite-sized walk on Northern Ireland’s scenic north coast.

Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven)

6km

Nestled within the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark, the Cuilcagh Boardwalk is a must-visit for hikers exploring Northern Ireland. Lovingly nicknamed the ‘Stairway to Heaven’, this is a 6km linear route, promises a mix of terrain, ecology and views. Starting at the Legnabrocky car park, you’ll wander along a gentle, undulating gravel path through a lush ‘fertile rock’ landscape, passing abandoned cottages, dry-stone walls and the enchanting blanket bog that blankets the mountain’s lower slopes. As the flat-topped summit of Cuilcagh comes into view, the trail seamlessly transitions onto a wooden boardwalk and staircase, the dramatic highlight of the hike, with approximately 450 steps guiding you to the top.

Your efforts are richly rewarded at the summit viewing platform, perched on the edge of the plateau. Here you’ll find running panoramas over Lough Atona and the surrounding landscape carved by ancient glaciers. Built in 2015 to protect the fragile blanket bog habitat, the boardwalk has turned what was once a tough ascent into an accessible and friendly experience.