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Best canyon hikes in Northern Ireland
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Best canyon hikes in Northern Ireland

Ready for some outdoor fun? These hikes offer everything you could want for an unforgettable adventure!

Here are some great hikes to explore in Northern Ireland.

Most popular hikes

1

Extra Difficult

Mourne Wall Walk

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.9 (12) · 30.7 km · Est. 2 days

2

Medium

Mourne Way

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.8 (5) · 36.9 km · Est. 2 days

3

Medium

Cuilcagh Way

County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 35.0 km · Est. 2 days

4

Easy

Vinegar Hill Loop

County Tyrone, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (2) · 11.6 km · Est. 2 hrs 50 min

5

Easy

Craignamaddy Circuit

County Tyrone, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 20.3 km · Est. 4 hrs 55 min

6

Medium

Sallagh Braes

County Antrim, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (2) · 5.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 32 min

7

Medium

Slievenaslat Walk

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (1) · 3.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 1 min

8

Easy

Cranny Falls

County Antrim, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 3.9 km · Est. 56 min

9

Easy

Cushendun Short Walk

County Antrim, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 2.1 km · Est. 27 min

10

Easy

Terrace Hill Trail at Minnowburn

County Down, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 1.8 km · Est. 25 min

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Reviews for canyon hikes in Northern Ireland

Andrew Bhamra avatar

Mourne Wall Walk

Andrew Bhamra · reviewed about 2 years ago

star star star star star

Hard walk, with rewarding views of the main Mourne Mountains and sea views over Newcastle.

Paul McArthur avatar

Mourne Way

Paul McArthur · reviewed almost 5 years ago

star star star star star

Superb trail through the Mourne Mountains. Best to do it over 2 days and enjoy a wild camp with great scenery.

No reviews available for Cuilcagh Way.

Lo Mc avatar

Vinegar Hill Loop

SummitSeekerLoUK · reviewed 10 months ago

star star star star star

Mixture of trails and road, very easy to navigate. Great views but a bit exposed in the wind and rain. There are a few free roaming dogs at the farmhouse at the start of the trail who will bark and follow you for a bit which was unpleasant. Otherwise a nice quiet trail. very convenient car park and public toilets at the trailhead.

No reviews available for Craignamaddy Circuit.

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Northern Ireland

What is the climate like for hiking in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland's climate is temperate, with relatively mild winters and cool summers, making it possible to hike all year round. However, weather changes rapidly, with rain being a frequent occurrence, so waterproof gear and layered clothing are advisable. Spring and autumn are generally less crowded and offer delightful scenery, while winter hiking can be challenging due to shorter daylight hours and icy paths.
Summers are cooler than much of mainland UK, with temperatures averaging around 15-20°C (59-68°F), and providing longer daylight hours, ideal for lengthy hikes. Despite this, summer's unpredictability can lead to sudden rain showers, requiring hikers to be prepared for changing conditions.
The best time for hiking in Northern Ireland often falls between April and October, encompassing late spring, summer, and early autumn. This period offers the most stable weather conditions and picturesque views. Hikers can enjoy locations like the Mourne Mountains, the Giant's Causeway, and the Glenariff Forest Park during these months. For more detailed weather information, check the Met Office (https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/).

Do I need a permit to hike in Northern Ireland?

In Northern Ireland, the majority of hiking trails are open and free to the public without a permit. For specific areas or events, such as organised group hikes, you might need permission from the landowner or the relevant local authority. For assistance, contact Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (https://www.outdoorrecreationni.com/).

Is wild camping allowed in Northern Ireland?

Wild camping in Northern Ireland is not strictly legal without the landowner's permission. However, it's often tolerated in higher land and mountain areas, provided campers follow "leave no trace" principles. If in doubt, contact Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (https://www.outdoorrecreationni.com/) for advice.

Are there mountain rescue services in Northern Ireland?

In case of emergencies while hiking in Northern Ireland, you should contact the police by dialling 999 or 112 and ask for Mountain Rescue. They work with the PSNI to provide rescue services. More information is available at the Mountain Rescue Ireland website https://nimrt.org/

Are there dangerous plants in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland's hiking trails are graced with an array of flora, from wildflowers to ancient woodlands. Notable are the bluebells in spring, the purple heather on the mountains in late summer, and the oak and ash trees in forests. For more information, refer to the Woodland Trust (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Northern Ireland?

While hiking in Northern Ireland, you may encounter wildlife such as red deer, foxes, and badgers. The summer months bring out insects like midges, especially near water. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and consider insect repellent. For more, visit the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/).

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