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Belfast
Divis and the Black Mountain
© NTPL / Nick Meers
Escape the city with a visit to Divis and the Black Mountain. These famous backdrops to Belfast are havens if you're seeking the wild countryside experience. Climb to the top, soak up the spectacular panoramic views of the city below and seek out a wealth of wildlife in this mosaic of upland heath.
Co Antrim
Giant's Causeway
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
It's not hard to see why this famous geological phenomenon on the North Antrim coast is a World Heritage Site - the only one in Northern Ireland in fact. You can take in the spectacular causeway, and its rich flora and fauna, along 11 miles of the North Antrim Coastal Path all the way to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge - a must for all thrill seekers.
Rathlin Island
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
Cross the water to this compact island to watch puffins, guillemots and razorbills nesting on the cliffs. Ballyconagan on the north coast of the Island gives wonderful views of the Scottish and Irish coasts and hills. A wildlife haven, Rathlin is home to the Irish hare, rare craneflies and dragonflies and orchids, among many others.
White Park Bay
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
Enjoy lazy summer days, picnics, making sandcastles and long walks on this stretch of golden sand on the North Antrim coast. You'll find that even on a busy day, this is a secluded and relaxing place to be.
Co Down
The Mournes
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
You'll be rewarded with views that sweep as far as the Isle of Man and the Lake District if you scale Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest mountain. This is just the tallest peak in the much-loved Mournes range, which sweeps down onto the Co Down coast. Follow the Mourne Coastal Footpath with the sea to one side and the mountains to the other.
Murlough National Nature Reserve
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
For walking the coast with a fantastic backdrop, the Murlough National Nature Reserve is hard to beat. This large dune and shingle beach in Co Down is awash with wild flowers in the summer. Common and grey seals regularly haul out on to the beach. Murlough became Ireland's first nature reserve in 1967.
Strangford Lough
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
This is one of Europe’s most important wildlife sites, the UK's largest sea inlet dotted with over 120 islands. If you're a keen birder, you should flock here to watch waders, wildfowl and other sea birds as they dip in and out of the Lough throughout the year. It's also a great place to see seals.
Co Londonderry
Portstewart Strand and Bann Estuary
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
There is a host of leisure choices for you to pick from at this magnificent beach, from swimming to dog walking to surfing. The Strand, which protects the mouth of the River Bann, is also an important nature conservation site, particularly rich in insects and plantlife. Visit the Bann Estuary in winter or summer and you'll be treated to rich pickings of wading birds and wildfowl.
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