The Best Walking Trails for this Autumn Season

Take in the beauty of the Emerald Isle, immersing yourself in the beauty of the fallen leaves and changing colours all around you.

Check out our list for your perfect day!

Hillsborough Forest

Set in the picturesque Georgian village of Royal Hillsborough and a short walk from Hillsborough Castle. This forest walk has become an ever-growing popular choice amongst birdwatchers, photographers, dog walkers and nature enthusiasts.

Enjoy upgraded pathways, stunning lakeside viewpoints with seating, additional picnic benches, extra car-parking facilities, and a state-of-the-art woodland-themed outdoor children's play area.

Slieve Binnian, County Down

This challenging circular route follows the Mourne Wall to the summit of Slieve Binnian (747m).

Immerse yourself in the beauty nature, with a stunning view from the top taking in the surrounding countryside, hills and Silent Valley Reservoir.

Glenariff Forest Park, County Antrim

Glenariff, the Queen of the Glens, is one of the nine Antrim Glens in Northern Ireland.

Glenariff Forest Park covers over 1,000 hectares filled with woodlands, lakes, outdoor recreation spaces and conservation areas.

The idyllic nature of the Glen has made it designated as a National Nature Reserve.

Slieve Bearnagh, County Down

Looking for a challenge this Autumn?

Take on this tough upland walk, following a 100-year-old wall over peaks and cols.

Hike up the 4th highest mountain in the Mountains of Mourne, with the hike beginning at Meelmore lodge.

Tollymore Forest Park, County Down

Massing almost 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne mountains, Tollymore Forest Park has panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at Newcastle.

Explore this rare treat, with the area surrounded by stunning nature and many natural and artificial curiosities including, rocky outcrops, bridges, grottos and caves.

Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down

This National Nature Reserve is made of a fragile 6000-year-old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and managed as Ireland’s first Nature Reserve since 1967..

Explore a network of paths and boardwalks through the dunes, woodland and heath.

Visitor facilities include – Nature reserve, coast, country walk, access for visitors with disabilities, suitable for picnics, learning opportunities. Dogs welcome on leads.

Cove Cave, County Down

Cove Cave is a natural opening into the spur of Cove Mountain marked as Lower Cove, lying roughly 270m below the summit. The cave is easily accessible on an obvious path from the Analong Valley.

This unique view can be accessed most easily by walking up from Carrick Little Car Park on the Head Road past Annalong wood, and once at its end, taking a path to the right by Douglas Crag on Slieve Binnian.

Slemish, County Antrim

The legendary mountain, first known Irish home of Saint Patrick, is in County Antrim.

The mountain rises about 1500 feet (437 metres) above the surrounding plain, and it is the central core of an extinct volcano.

River Blackwater, County Armagh

This easy walking route brings you through some of nature’s most scenic routes, intertwined between a woodland and riverside.

Follow the River Blackwater around the estate and cross the industrial-age Bond's Bridge. Look out for kingfishers darting across the water during your walk.

The Causeway Coast, County Antrim

The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction but step off the stone pathed track and marvel at this coast’s geology, myths and breathtaking views.

This six-mile walk starts east of the Giant’s Causeway at Portbradden.

Carrick-a-Rede, County Antrim

Step across a swinging rope bridge high above the Atlantic and on to a rocky offshore island.

The walk down to the beach offers visitors the chance to see a range of unique.

Cave Hill Country Park, Belfast

This is marked as one of the mandatory excursions for locals and visitors without making the trip to the top.

Rising to 368m, the eastern slopes of Cave Hill are cut into a series of plunging cliffs.

Stormont Estate

Stormont Estate is a woodland park open to the public and has beautiful gardens, walking and fitness trails and a children’s play park. The Estate has been awarded the Green Flag award for its green spaces.

Antrim Castle Gardens

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking four century old living museum gardens filled with culture and heritage. Within the heart of the 60-acre gardens is a unique visitor experience, Clotworthy House.

Castle Ward, Strangford

There is plenty to discover at Castle Ward, starting with the changing colours of the trees. Witness the beauty of the courtyard then head out to Temple Water where the Japanese maples will be in full colour!

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