Hiking Northern Ireland Coasts & Glens

Day 1 - The Mountains of Mourne

Meeting in Belfast this morning, you will travel south into the Mountains of Mourne. The highest and most dramatic mountain range in the northern part of Ireland, these mountains and hills are riddled with 18th century smuggler’s routes and its peaks capped with dramatic granite tors. Divided into two distinct sections, the High and Low Mournes, our afternoon walk starts near the coast and takes in some of the spectacular sea views that this part of the Mourne Mountains are known for, as well as panoramic views across the central Mourne peaks. (L,D)

Hike details: 6 km/ 4 miles | approx. 3 hours

Day 2 - The High Mournes

Your guide will choose a route in the stunning scenery of the central Mournes today, with the goal of summiting at least one of the Mourne region’s majestic peaks. While many flock to the highest point of this mountain range, we prefer instead to uncover and share some of the less familiar territory and hidden gems of the region. Expect quiet slopes, picturesque valleys dotted with lakes and sheep on a backdrop of jagged silhouettes. Today your route will intersect with the Mourne Wall, a 22-mile dry-stone wall that traverses the whole range. Requiring 18 years to build, the desolate Mourne Wall is as much an iconic part of the Mournes as the soaring granite peaks. Our aim is to take in some of the 15 peaks along the wall’s path, absorbing views of lake-filled valleys and the sea beyond. (B,L)

Hike details: 11 – 16 km/ 7 – 10 miles Depending on route | approx. 5 – 6 hours

Day 3 - The Glens of Antrim

Hike details: 9 km/ 6 miles | approx. 3-4 hours

Day 4 - The Causeway Coastal Way

Wake up this morning on the Causeway Coast in North Antrim, a National Trust-managed coastline of outstanding beauty. Follow the first part of the Causeway Coast Way, a way-marked long-distance trail that follows 33 miles of coastline. This lesser-travelled section of the trail is full of hidden corners, from isolated white sand coves to ruined fortresses and tumbledown cottages. The landscape inspired C.S. Lewis’s Narnia and eagle-eyed Game of Thrones fans will delight in spotting familiar scenes. (B,L)

Hike details: 11.5 km/ 7 miles | approx. 4-5 hours

Day 5 - The Giant’s Causeway

We start the next section of the Causeway Coast Way at the fascinating geological phenomenon, the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Legend has it that a Scottish giant hurled abuse across the waters at the Irish giant, Fionn MacCool. In order to have a proper fight, Fionn built a causeway over to Scotland – now our Giant’s Causeway today. From here, expect to walk one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches and along dramatic cliffs with unobstructed views across the sea to Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. Your time in Ireland ends at the pretty harbour of Ballintoy – a place so charming it’s tempting to sit here all day. (B,L,D)

Hike details: 15 km/ 9 miles | approx. 4 hours

Day 6 - Belfast & Departure

After a relaxing morning and perhaps the opportunity to enjoy another short walk locally your guide will leave you back in Belfast where we highly recommend extending your stay to get to know this fascinating city. (B)

Extend Your Trip:

If you wish to stay on in Belfast or Northern Ireland for a night or two get in touch, we are happy to arrange an extension on your trip for you.