Perfect picnic spots in Northern Ireland

Get friends and family together, pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely summer's day outdoors.

Picnic with a view at the Giant's Causeway
Giant's Causeway   County Antrim

Giant's Causeway, County Antrim

This iconic World Heritage Site offers plenty of unique picnic opportunities. From the stone columns, to the lesser-explored coastal path, you are guaranteed a picnic with a view.

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A view of the beach in Cushendun in summer

Cushendun, County Antrim 

You’ll struggle to find a more picturesque picnic spot than the coastal village of Cushendun. This quaint historic village has been in our care since 1954 and is steeped in character and folklore with white washed cottages lining the harbour. A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this is a great spot for rock pooling and if you’re lucky, you might just see Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre as you look out across the North Channel.

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Perfect Picnic Spots Minnowburn
Minnowburn   County Down

Minnowburn, County Down

Close to Belfast, Minnowburn is an idyllic picnic spot in the heart of Lagan Valley Regional Park. Enjoy riverbank, meadow and woodland walks, follow the natural play trail and see if you can spot a kingfisher as you picnic by the water’s edge.

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Perfect picnic spot Crom
Crom   County Fermanagh

Crom, County Fermanagh

This 2,000 acre demesne, set in the tranquil landscape of Upper Lough Erne is one of Ireland’s most important conservation areas, and one of its prettiest picnic spots. Unroll your rug at the water’s edge or soak up the view from one of the picnic tables.

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Family walking in the grounds at Florence Court
Florence Court   County Fermanagh

Florence Court, County Fermanagh

With miles of walking and cycle trails, the beautiful park, gardens and surrounding forest offer fantastic opportunities for all the family to enjoy. Take a stroll into the forest to visit the mother of all Irish Yew trees, visit the thatched summer house or just relax with a picnic in the peaceful gardens.

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Picnic lunch with salad, fruit and cakes at The Argory
The Argory   County Armagh

The Argory, County Armagh

Work up an appetite with a stroll along River Blackwater and up through Lime Tree avenue. Let the kids run wild in the woods and adventure playground before exploring the fabulous gardens. Picnic on the rolling lawns in front of this Irish gentry house or treat yourself so something tasty from the tearoom.

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Picnic at Murlough National Nature Reserve

Murlough Nature Resrve, County Down 

Summer and the seaside go hand in hand and where better to soak up the sun than Murlough National Nature Reserve. Follow the trails and boardwalks through the ancient dunes, before emerging onto the sandy Blue Flag beach with its crystal clear waters that are perfect for swimming. Pack a picnic along with your bucket and spade and enjoy a family day by the sea.

Find our more about Murlough NNR
Two children at fountain in Mount Stewart

Mount Stewart, County Down 

The famous gardens at Mount Stewart are particularly spectacular during the summer when the beds come alive with scent and colour. Wander round the lake or take your picnic basket and explore the wider demesne trails. Children will love spotting the crocodiles and dodos in the gardens or discovering the sleeping dragon in the new natural play area.

Find out more about Mount Stewart
flowerbed in bloom at Castle Ward

Castle Ward, County Down 

Dragonflies and damselflies, exotic flowers and sweet garden scents will surround you if you roll out a picnic rug in the Victorian Sunken Garden at Castle Ward. Alternatively, take a stroll along the shore, relax by the quayside with a picnic and see if you can spot any seals in Strangford Lough.

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Relax and let the world go by at Rowallane Garden

Rowallane Garden, County Down 

A mix of formal and informal garden spaces, Rowallane is dotted picturesque picnic spots. Dine by the lake, in the walled garden or at one of the picnic benches dotted around the grounds. Dogs will love the exercise area and kids of all ages can have fun playing games in the stable yard.

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Visitors crossing the rope bridge with the sea in the background

Carrick-a-Rede, County Antrim 

Take the exhilarating rope bridge challenge and enjoy a truly unique cliff top experience. Set on the North Antrim Coast Road, amid unrivalled coastal scenery, the 30m-deep and 20m-wide chasm is traversed by an amazing rope bridge that was traditionally erected by salmon fishermen. Visitors bold enough to cross to the rocky island are rewarded with fantastic views.

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Front view of Springhill House

Springhill, County Londonderry 

This 17th-century plantation house is regarded as ‘one of the prettiest houses in Ulster’ and makes for an idyllic summer's day out. The natural play trail and short walks around the estate are perfect for a leisurely stroll and a picnic.

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Explore Downhill Demesne

Downhill Demesne, County Londonderry 

For a picnic with a view you can't beat Mussenden Temple on Downhill Demesne. With panoramic views of the famous Antrim coast this clifftop walk is the ideal place for kite flying. Take shelter in the shaded Black Glen woodland and let the children climb the spider's web in the Bishop's Play Trail.

Find out more about Downhill Demesne