The Best Winter Walks across NI

Hillsborough Castle, Co. Down

Experience the magic of Raymond Briggs’, The Snowman, as the magical “Walking with The Snowman” comes to Hillsborough Castle this festive season.

The famous film The Snowman is brought to life in a trail around the stunning gardens – a perfect Christmas treat for all the family. This event will take place until 7th January 2024, in line with the gardens opening times.

Cuilcagh Mountain Park, Co.Fermanagh

Founded in 1998, Cuilcagh is the highest point and only true mountain in this part of the island of Ireland. Whether you’re interested in a 5-mile Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail or immerse yourself in the 10 mile Cuilcagh Hikers Trail, there really is something for everyone with both routes providing stunning views, captivating geology, wildlife, archaeology and natural history.

Downhill Beach, Castlerock, Co. Derry

Take in the last few days of this year or start your year off with a relaxing walk along the beach. Downhill Beach stretches across 7 miles of sand and surf with a scenic landscape offering sightings of bird life amongst a backdrop of cascading waterfalls, extensive sand dunes, and the prominent Mussenden Temple, one of the most photographed buildings in Northern Ireland.

Cars are permitted on the beach throughout the year.

Belfast Botanic Gardens, Co.Antrim

Established in 1828, Belfast’s Botanic Gardens is one not to miss this winter. Explore the Tropical Ravine or the iconic Palm House or enjoy some of the park’s walking routes. The park has multiple entry points surrounding the grounds of Queen’s University Belfast with the park also having the entrance to The Ulster Museum.

Slieve Donard, Co.Down

Slieve Donard is Northern Ireland’s highest peak, soaring through the forest to meet the famous Mourne Wall, with the climb totalling 850m. Walkers can enjoy the dramatic views of Newcastle and the sea below, making the challenging climb even more worth the struggle.

Slieve Gullion Walk, Co.Down

Located within the highest and most dramatic mountain range in Northern Ireland. The Slieve Gullion walk is just one of the paths to be explored across the Mourne Mountains. The 9.5-mile walk is located within the Ring of Gullion, rising to 573 metres with the Slieve Gullion being the centrepiece of the volcanic landscape.

Causeway Coast and Glens, Co.Antrim

The Causeway coast offers some of Northern Irelands most scenic coastal walks to be enjoyed all time through the year. Enjoy a 12.4-mile walk between Ballintoy and Bushmills for a breathtaking outdoor discovery. The route offers sights from walking across sand dune beaches, rocks and along cliff top paths.

Castle Ward Shore Trail, Downpatrick, Co. Down

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shoreline at Castle Ward and make sure to see if you can spot any birds travelling to Strangford Lough for the winter.

Peatlands Park, Dungannon, Co Tyrone

Experience the beauty of Peatlands Park with walking paths spanning across the woods and open bogs. Bogs are the last home of unusual and interesting plant and insect species. The peat here has been forming for about 10,000 years. Walk along the boardwalk of the bog garden and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the bog plants and animals.

Glenariff Forest Park, Ballymena, Co. Antrim

Enjoy the enchanting beauty offered at Glenariff Forest Park woodland trails, with views of the glens, the coast and one a clear day the Mull of Kintry in distant Scotland.

Glenariff covers 1000 hectares with planted woodland, lakes, outdoor recreation spaces and conservation areas as well as being one of the 9 Antrim Glens in Northern Ireland.