This 5-day adventure itinerary is designed for active travelers who want to experience Northern Ireland's stunning outdoor landscapes. From summiting Slieve Donard in the Mourne Mountains to mountain biking in forest parks, kayaking on Lough Erne, and hiking the dramatic Causeway Coast, this itinerary combines physical challenge with breathtaking natural beauty.
- Day 1: Belfast arrival, urban cycling and orientation
- Day 2: Mourne Mountains hiking (Slieve Donard or alternative peaks)
- Day 3: Causeway Coast adventures - coastal walks and rope bridge
- Day 4: Glens of Antrim hiking and mountain biking
- Day 5: Sperrin Mountains or return via scenic route
- Proper hiking boots (waterproof essential)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (Northern Ireland weather changes fast)
- Layered clothing for varying temperatures
- Daypack (20-30L) for day hikes
- Water bottles and snacks
- OS Map and compass or GPS device (mobile signal unreliable in mountains)
- First aid kit and emergency whistle
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (yes, even in Ireland!)
Day 1: Belfast Arrival & Urban Cycling
Easy day to acclimatize before mountain adventures
Morning: Arrive & Settle In
Arrive in Belfast, collect rental car, and check into your accommodation. If arriving early, start with a walk around the city center to get oriented.
Accommodation recommendation: Stay in Belfast City Centre or near Queen's University area for easy access to restaurants and facilities.
Afternoon: Belfast Cycling & Light Activity (2-3 hours)
Take an easy bike ride along the Lagan Towpath or Comber Greenway - excellent traffic-free cycling routes showing Belfast's riverside regeneration. Bike rentals available from Belfast Bikes or local shops.
Alternative: Walk the Cave Hill trail for views over Belfast (1.5 hours round trip, moderate difficulty).
Evening: Carb-load Dinner & Early Night
Have a substantial dinner to fuel tomorrow's big hike. Get gear ready and aim for early bed - you'll want to start Day 2 at sunrise.
Restaurant recommendations: The Barking Dog, Holohan's Pantry, or Mourne Seafood Bar for hearty meals.
Day 2: Mourne Mountains - Slieve Donard Summit
Northern Ireland's highest peak - challenging but rewarding
Morning: Drive to Newcastle & Slieve Donard Hike (6-8 hours total)
Drive: Belfast to Newcastle (45 minutes)
Hike details:
- Distance: 9km (5.6 miles) round trip
- Elevation gain: 850m (2,789 feet)
- Time: 5-7 hours including summit breaks
- Difficulty: Strenuous (steep sections, rocky terrain)
- Trailhead: Donard Park car park, Newcastle
Route: Follow the Glen River path then the Mourne Wall to the summit. On clear days, views extend to Scotland, England, Wales, and the Isle of Man.
Safety notes: Check weather forecast before attempting. Weather at summit is significantly colder and windier than base. Turn back if conditions deteriorate.
- Tollymore Forest Park: Easy-moderate forest trails with river crossings (2-3 hours)
- Slieve Binnian: Less crowded peak with stunning views (5-6 hours, strenuous)
- Slieve Commedagh: Second highest peak via easier route (4-5 hours, moderate)
Evening: Recovery & Newcastle
After your hike, recover in Newcastle town. Stretch, grab fish & chips by the beach, and relax tired muscles.
Accommodation: Either drive back to Belfast (45 min) or stay overnight in Newcastle/Mourne area to reduce driving.
Day 3: Causeway Coast Adventure Day
Coastal hikes, rope bridge, and stunning scenery
Morning: Drive to Causeway Coast & Carrick-a-Rede
Drive: Belfast to Carrick-a-Rede (90 minutes via motorway)
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge & Coastal Walk:
- 1km coastal path to rope bridge (spectacular views)
- Cross the 20m bridge suspended 30m above ocean
- Extended coastal walk option: Larrybane to Ballintoy Harbor (3km, 1 hour)
- Book tickets online in advance
Afternoon: Giant's Causeway Coastal Walk
Skip the standard tourist visit and do the Causeway Cliff Path Walk instead:
- Route: Start from Giant's Causeway, walk cliff path to Dunseverick Castle (or reverse)
- Distance: 8km one way (16km round trip) or arrange shuttle
- Time: 3-4 hours one way
- Difficulty: Moderate (some steep sections, cliff edges)
- Highlights: Dramatic coastal views, sea stacks, Hamilton's Seat viewpoint, Dunseverick Castle ruins
This is one of Northern Ireland's finest coastal walks - far better than just seeing the causeway stones with crowds.
Evening: Portrush or Bushmills
Stay overnight in Portrush (surfing town with good restaurants and pubs) or Bushmills (quieter village near distillery).
Optional evening activity: Bushmills Distillery tour or sunset walk on Portrush's White Rocks Beach.
Day 4: Glens of Antrim - Hiking & Mountain Biking
Explore the scenic glens by foot and bike
Morning: Glenariff Forest Park Waterfall Trail
Drive to Glenariff Forest Park (40 minutes from Portrush) - "The Queen of the Glens"
Waterfall Trail:
- 5km loop trail with spectacular waterfalls
- Follows Glenariff River through gorge
- Rainbow Falls, Ess-na-Larach Fall, Ess-na-Crub Fall
- 2-3 hours, moderate difficulty
- Well-maintained paths, some steps
Afternoon: Ballycastle Forest Mountain Biking
Head to Ballycastle Forest for mountain biking trails:
- Purpose-built MTB trails through forest
- Blue, red, and black graded routes
- Bike rental available on-site
- 2-3 hours riding
Alternative: If you don't bike, do the Fairhead Cliff Walk (coastal trail with 200m cliffs and stunning views).
Evening: Cushendun Village
Drive coastal route to beautiful Cushendun village. Walk to the caves (Game of Thrones filming location), then dinner at Mary McBride's pub.
Accommodation: Stay in Cushendun, Cushendall, or drive back to Belfast (90 minutes).
Day 5: Sperrin Mountains & Return
Final day exploring Ireland's largest mountain range
Morning: Sperrin Mountains Hike
Drive to Sperrin Mountains (90 minutes from Glens of Antrim area)
Sawel Mountain hike:
- Highest peak in Sperrins (678m)
- 8km round trip, 4-5 hours
- Less crowded than Mournes
- 360-degree views from summit
- Moderate difficulty, moorland terrain
Alternative easier option: Gortin Glen Forest Park - shorter forest trails and scenic drive.
Afternoon: Return to Belfast
Drive back to Belfast (90 minutes) for departure or final night.
If time allows: Stop at Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh (excellent outdoor museum about Irish emigration).
Practical Information
Fitness & Experience Required
- Fitness level: Good cardiovascular fitness and hiking experience recommended
- Technical skills: Basic hillwalking skills, map reading helpful
- Mountain experience: Previous mountain hiking beneficial but not essential for most routes
Transportation
Car rental essential for this itinerary. Public transport doesn't reach most trailheads.
- Book 4WD or SUV if planning muddy trails
- Fuel costs: ~£50-70 for 5 days
- Parking: Most trailheads have free parking
Accommodation Strategy
Option 1: Base in Belfast entire time (lots of driving)
Option 2: Move accommodations:
- Night 1: Belfast
- Night 2: Newcastle/Mourne area
- Night 3-4: Portrush or Ballycastle area
- Night 5: Return Belfast or Derry
Budget accommodation: Youth hostels in Newcastle, Portrush (£20-30)
Mid-range: B&Bs and guesthouses (£60-80)
Budget Estimate (Per Person)
- Accommodation: £200-350 (5 nights)
- Car rental: £150-200 (5 days)
- Fuel: £60-80
- Activities: £40-60 (entrance fees, bike rental)
- Food: £150-200
- Gear rental (if needed): £50-100
Total: £650-990 per person (significantly less if sharing car rental)
Safety Considerations
- Weather: Can change rapidly, especially in mountains. Check forecast before each hike.
- Mobile signal: Unreliable in mountains - download maps offline
- Emergency services: Call 999 or 112, ask for mountain rescue if needed
- Tell someone: Always inform accommodation where you're hiking
- Sunset times: Check daily - Northern Ireland summer: 10pm, winter: 4pm
- Start early: Trailheads get busy; you'll want summit for lunch not sunset
- Layer up: Temperature drops ~1°C per 100m elevation gain
- Pack snacks: Limited facilities on trails - bring energy-dense food
- Download OS Maps app: Essential for navigation (£3.99/month)
- Respect nature: Leave no trace, stick to paths, close gates
Best Time for This Itinerary
- Late Spring (May-June): Long days, mild temperatures, nesting birds
- Summer (July-August): Warmest but busiest, midges can be annoying
- Early Autumn (September): Fewer crowds, beautiful colors, still mild
- Avoid: Winter (Nov-Feb) - very short days, cold, icy paths dangerous
Alternative 5-Day Itineraries
Water Sports Focus
Replace some hiking with:
- Day 2: Coasteering near Ballycastle
- Day 3: Surfing lessons in Portrush or Portstewart
- Day 4: Kayaking on Lough Erne or Strangford Lough
- Day 5: Stand-up paddleboarding or sailing
Mountain Biking Focus
- Day 1: Belfast urban trails
- Day 2: Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails (world-class)
- Day 3: Davagh Forest Mountain Bike Trail (purpose-built)
- Day 4: Castlewellan Forest Park
- Day 5: Ballycastle or Ness Wood trails