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A family kayaking on the shores of Strangford Lough, County Down. An adult and two children are in a kayak on the water, while other family members stand on the shore.
Kayaking on the shores of Strangford Lough | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Outdoor activities in Northern Ireland

Get active this summer with outdoor activities at a National Trust place near you in Northern Ireland.

Outdoor activities in Northern Ireland

Outdoor activities at Crom 

Enjoy a boat trip on Lough Erne, or experience the best coarse fishing in Northern Ireland. Stop off at an island or two, and see the estate from the vantage point of the water. Head out on the lake with Blue Green Yonder as you experience paddle boarding and kayaking.

Crom Campsite path to visitor centre

Outdoor activities at Portstewart Strand 

Spend the day on one of Northern Ireland’s finest beaches. Venture out for a walk along the strand, wander through the 6,000-year-old dunes and spot seasonal wildlife.

Two young visitors running out of the water holding bodyboards at Portstewart Strand, with the surf visible in the background

Outdoor activities at Strangford Lough 

Grab your kit and explore the largest sea lough in the British Isles. Soak up unique views, spot marine wildlife and see the many islands dotted along this part of the coast.

A family kayaking on the shores of Strangford Lough, County Down. An adult and two children are in a kayak on the water, while other family members stand on the shore.

Outdoor activities in The Mournes 

Explore the highest, most dramatic mountain range in Northern Ireland. Head out for a walk, enjoy views of the valleys, lakes & rivers & spot seasonal wildlife.

Walkers ascending a path towards Slieve Donard in the Mourne Mountains, County Down

Outdoor activities at Divis and the Black Mountain 

Divis and the Black Mountain offers a spectacular viewpoint for walkers seeking panoramic views over Belfast and beyond. Take a look at what things to discover on your visit.

People crossing a stile at Divis and the Black Mountain, Northern Ireland

Outdoor activities at Florence Court 

Take in sweeping vistas and elevated views on a walk through the estate, or wander through native woodland to spot historic features and the original Irish Yew tree.

Visitors walking through the wooded trails at Florence Court, County Fermanagh

Things to see and do at Carrick-a-Rede 

This autumn take on the challenge of the famous 200-year old rope bridge, spot soaring seabirds and basking sharks.

Visitors on the rope bridge between the mainland cliffs and the island at Carrick-a-Rede, County Antrim

Multi-use trails at Castle Ward 

Whether you’re walking, in a wheelchair, cycling or horse riding, explore the 21 miles of trails on the Castle Ward estate and discover woodland, meadows and loughside views.

A family of two adults and two children are walking along a gravel trail at Castle Ward, County Down. In focus in the foreground is a wooden pillar with six National Trust trail markers in different colours.

Castle Ward Hoof Trail 

The Hoof Trail is a 7.5-mile route through woodland and along the shore of Strangford Lough with views of Audley's Castle and the Castle Ward Demesne.

Activities
Horse Riding
DistanceMiles: 7.5 (km: 12)
A horse rider at Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire in spring

Exploring the Estate at Mount Stewart 

Pull on your walking boots, choose your route and head out for a walk on the Mount Stewart estate. Spot seasonal wildlife as you go, or run wild in the natural play area.

Aerial view of Mount Stewart Demesne

Things to do this spring at Giant's Causeway 

Explore Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk on the world-famous stones, see the basalt columns & soak up dramatic views of the rugged coastline

The Giant's Causeway, County Antrim

All outdoor activities in Northern Ireland

    Visitors at the Giant's Causeway, County Antrim

    Discover more in Northern Ireland.

    From the world-famous Giant's Causeway to the world-class Mount Stewart estate, discover the best things to see and do in Northern Ireland.