Perfect picnic spots in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland offers an abundance of great places to picnic. From charming coastal spots, to magical woodlands; intimate walled gardens and rolling countryside, there's no shortage of places to unpack your picnic basket and enjoy the view. Gather friends and family together, pack a lunch and get ready to enjoy a socially distanced picnic in the great outdoors.

Please remember to check the property web page before visiting as pre-booking may be required.

Mussenden Temple at Downhill Demesne

Downhill Demesne, County Londonderry 

For a picnic with a view, you can't beat Mussenden Temple at 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 go in search of small lake hidden in the valley.

Find out more about Downhill Demesne
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.

Find out more about Castle Ward
The Riverside Trail at 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.

Find out more about Minnowburn
The harbour area and bridge in Cushendun.

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.

Find out more about Cushendun
Family walking in the grounds at Florence Court
Florence Court   County Fermanagh

Florence Court, County Fermanagh

With miles of walking 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 surrounded by space and nature.

Find out more about Florence Court
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, before exploring the fabulous gardens. Picnic on the rolling lawns in front of this Irish gentry house or seek shelter and solitude in the shade.

Find out more about The Argory
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.

Find out more about the Giant's Causeway
Picnic at Murlough National Nature Reserve

Murlough Nature Reserve, 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 out 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 summer when the beds come alive with scent and colour. Wander round the lake, lounge on the lawns or take your picnic basket and explore the wider demesne trails. If you're lucky you may spot one of the red squirrels foraging for food as you feast on your picnic.

Find out more about Mount Stewart
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 with picturesque picnic spots. Roll out a rug by the lake or find a quiet spot among the trees. Dogs will love the freedom of the exercise area and kids of all ages can have fun spotting bees and butterflies in the gardens.

Find out more about Rowallane Garden
Perfect picnic spot Crom
Crom   County Fermanagh

Crom, County Fermanagh

**Crom is currently closed due to Covid19 restrictions** 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.

Find out more about Crom