Exploring Northern Ireland
Walk along dramatic coastlines, spend a few days exploring the countryside from a village inn, or follow a long-distance path through mountains, forests and some of Northern Ireland's most distinctive landscapes.
Along the north coast, the Causeway Coast National Landscape is known for its basalt cliffs, sandy beaches, sheltered bays and coastal villages. The Causeway Coast Way follows much of this coastline, passing historic sites, headlands and the remarkable geological formations around the Giant's Causeway.
Further south, the Mourne Mountains rise above the coast of County Down, with walking ranging from gentler foothill paths to demanding mountain routes. The Mourne Way crosses valleys, forests and open mountain landscapes, while Strangford and Lecale offer quieter coastal walking around sheltered bays, farmland, historic villages and the shores of Strangford Lough.
Inland, the Sperrin Mountains National Landscape offers rolling uplands, quiet valleys and rural paths, while the Fermanagh Lakelands combine wooded shores, islands and waterways around Upper and Lower Lough Erne. These landscapes provide opportunities for shorter walks, countryside stays and exploring some of Northern Ireland's less-visited areas.
For a longer journey, paths including the Ulster Way, Causeway Coast Way, Mourne Way and Lecale Way connect coastlines, mountains, countryside and historic places over several days. For a shorter break, choose one place to stay and explore the surrounding coast, mountains, lakes, villages and local paths on foot.