South East of Northern Ireland: All Listings 

'If you are a visitor to the area, or indeed a local and want to spend a little time finding out more about the history and heritage of the local towns and villages then the Walking Guides ... are perfect for you.'

Leisure Ards and North Down

'Armagh is the oldest City in Ireland, and with that comes a lot of history, myth and legend. Armagh City was effectively established by Saint Patrick back in 445AD, this event was to have a profound effect on the City's future development.'

'Located in heart of County Down and situated at the gateway to the Mourne Mountains, the Banbridge District is a beautiful area to explore. It is an ideal area for walkers who want to get off the beaten track ...'. However note that the original Link here seems to have disappeared, so I have replaced it with one to MapMyWalk

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council

'Bangor's history is a wide and varied one. The first settlement was in Neolithic times but it was the founding of the monastery by St Comgall in AD558 that laid the town foundations ...'

Sunny Bangor

'Belvoir Park Forest is a working forest within a city. It is a vibrant forest with a variety of wildlife and a range of tree specimens within easy reach of Belfast's outer ring road ... There are several way marked trails, starting and finishing at the forest car park.'

nidirect

'Our self-guided walking trials include the Woodland Walk and Sustainability Trail. Look out for wild birds and learn about local ecology.'

'We have just opened a 21 mile (34km) network of new multi-use trails ... The National Trust offers five walking trails, which are part of an off-road shared-use trail system for walkers, cyclists and horse riders at Castle Ward ... Walkers must follow the waymarkers and the direction indicated at all times. For everyone's safety, cyclists will travel in one direction and horse riders will travel in the opposite direction. We recommend all users to 'Hail a Horse' - speak to the horse rider, this will help reassure the horse ...'

National Trust

'The forest park has a 7.5 mile (12 kilometers) walk trail network featuring breath-taking views to the Mourne Mountains as well as some of the oldest and rarest existing trees in the British Isles ...'

nidirect

'Cedars Walking Group is based at the Jethro Centre Lurgan and is aimed exclusively at walkers over the age of 50. We have more than 100 members and regularly have 50 or 60 members on our walks which are led by trained and experienced walk group leaders ... We are limited in the number of members we can accept because of the practicalities of walking with larger groups - parking, group management and availability of leaders. There is usually a waiting list at the start of the new season but applicants who are unsuccessful at the September intake will be reconsidered for membership in January the following year. Don't expect to get a place on first application but don't let that deter you from walking - it's a great way to keep healthy.'

'An extensive network of walking and cycling paths are set within the Parkland around the Craigavon Lakes and are suitable for disabled users and families and incorporate the National Cycle Network Route 9. The route around the two lakes is 3 miles, but there are many more paths besides.'

WalkNI

'With two excellent beaches, spectacular scenery and views across Belfast Lough, tranquil walks through peaceful meadows and wooded glens and a stunning waterfall, Crawfordsburn Country Park provides a relaxing natural retreat.'

Discover Northern Ireland

'Lisnabreeny sits at the top of the Castlereagh Hills providing a breathtaking view over the city below. It is predominantly pasture but the site is most famous for its impressive rath, an ancient hillfort which would have provided a commanding site over the surrounding area ...'

Walk NI

Lisnabreeny [National Trust]

'Founded in 1989 and is based at Ballynahinch in the heart of Down. This is a very active club with a preponderance of women walkers. Down Danderers is a friendly welcoming group with a huge reservoir of knowledge on walking in Co.Down. Groups of 30 members and upwards are frequent on midweek walks, and during summer months numbers have exceeded 60.'

'We walk every second Sunday starting from the Gap o' the North pub in Jonesborough at 10am. There is a strong local focus on the Cooleys and the Ring of Gullion with occasional trips to the Mournes and further afield. As far as possible we try to combine each walk with some local knowledge of history or archaeological sites and interpretation of landscape to show farming and community development over the centuries.'

'In 1958, Forest Service acquired Gosford Demesne. Prior to this, the Earls of Gosford owned the estate for centuries. They were descendants of the Acheson family who established woodland, parkland and edifices on the estate. Gosford Forest Park offers visitors paths and trails to see these historical features, and the mix of conifer and broadleaf woodlands, with its diverse flora and fauna.'

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council

'The forest covers an area of almost 200 acres and has way-marked routes providing a variety of different walks to suit everyone ... Visitors can now enjoy upgraded pathways throughout, stunning lakeside viewpoints with seating, additional picnic benches, extra car-parking facilities, and a state-of-the-art woodland-themed outdoor children's play area.'

Visit Lisburn & Castlereagh

'Hillsborough stands south of Lisburn off the main Belfast to Dublin Road and is an unspoilt 18th and 19th century village ... The Village takes its name from Colonel Arthur Hill who completed the building of Hillsborough Fort in 1650. WillsHill was created Viscount Kilwarlin and Earl of Hillsborough in 1751 and became the first Marquis of Downshire in 1789. The family had a huge impact on the village and today Hillsborough has a number of beautiful Georgian buildings that date from the 18th century.' Note that the Website Page linked to is a replacement for the Page which seems to have been taken offline.

Lisburn City Council

Hillsborough Forest [nidirect]

'This Group was formed on 24th April 2013 ... Members come from the South Down, South Armagh area, specifically Rathfriland, Rostrevor, Warrenpoint and Newry. We also have members from Dundalk, Drogheda and Navan.'

'The Lagan Canal offers an opportunity to walk along a forgotten history that helped shape Ulster, encunter wildlife, enjoy peace and tranquility, and experience this nationally important heritage site ... The remains of the Canal exist from Lough Neagh to Belfast stretching west to east with the main access route being the M1 motorway.'

WalkNI

Lagan Towpath [WalkNI]

'The audio trails take you on a journey among local heritage and wildlife within the heart of Belfast and Lisburn. Following the Lagan Towpath this 11 mile stretch of shared pathway follows the route of the Lagan Navigation which is made up of sections of man-made canal and the River Lagan.'

Lagan Valley Regional Park

'Extends from the heart of Downpatrick, taking in Strangford Lough and finishing in the seaside resort of Newcastle ... An entrance fee to Castle Ward applies.'

WalkNI

'Explore the attractive and historic village of Loughbrickland taking time to use the Trail Guides to appreciate the many attractive buildings in this quiet village.'

WalkNI

Loughbrickland Courtyard

'Loughgall Country Park has three main walking routes: [1]  Lakeside route (4.35k) - - - : [2] Orchard route (3.29k) - - - : [3] Bridle route (5.91k)'

'A journey of discovery following the heritage buildings of Lurgan. In all parts of the town are to be found many impressive examples erected by talented local builders and craftsmen. They have an appeal deeper than can be conveyed by mere terms of brick, stone and plaster. Discover the treasure of our past by taking a fresh look at the rich architectural legacy left by previous generations.'

'Mount Stewart is one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in the National Trust's ownership.

National Trust

Usually held Late June.

'The Mournes, the best-known mountains in Ireland. An area of Outstanding Natural Beauty & the most picturesque in Ireland with cosy villages & busy towns. The magic Mournes will leave walkers smiling with generous walk ways, unrivalled views & friendly people ...'

Enjoy the Mournes

Mourne Mountains [WalkNI]

'We are the Mourne Rambling Group, a hill walking club providing 2 or 3 levels of walks every Sunday in the Mourne mountains ... However, please note, we are a hill walking club and you must be fit enough to walk hills and not just on the flat.'

'This route is almost entirely off road, traversing the foothill of the Mourne Mountains from Newcastle to Rostrevor on Carlingford Lough. The Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a unique, largely granite landscape shaped by ice and man, with stunning vistas of coast, sea and countryside.'

WalkNI

'Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile 6000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and managed as Ireland's first Nature Reserve since 1967. It is an excellent area for walking and bird watching due to its spectacular location at the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains.'

National Trust

'This two-day, circular route offers a perfect snapshot of life in rural County Down. The lowland terrain makes it accessible to all fit walkers, while the combination of forest trails, quiet, undulating country lanes and a long, golden Newcastle Beach ensures constant scenic diversity. All set within striking distance of Newcastle's traditional, seaside-resort hospitality.'

WalkNI

'This cycle and walking route from the Bann Bridge in Portadown to the Town Hall in Newry is a 20 mile trip on part of route 9 of the National Cycle Network. The route follows the towpath on the western bank of the, now non-navigable, Newry Canal.'

Sustrans

Of the eight Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) designated in Northern Ireland, three of them lie within our district. You can Experience Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s epic geology, biodiversity and archaeology very easily. Browse the three AONB websites, and plan your trip ...'

Member of the U3A - Northern Ireland Grouping

'Extends from Holywood in the west to Orlock in the east. The path passes through coastline and parkland. Historic relics and flora and fauna are found in abundance, including the grey seals which can be spotted offshore.

Discover Northern Ireland

Holywood to Bangor Coastal Path [Northern Ireland Greenways]

'PDFs outlining a number of suggested trails are available to download ... However the network of paths around the reserve is easy to follow, with little difficult terrain so visitors are encouraged to explore at their own leisure.'

'A variety of walks are available in Redburn. All walks start from the main car park. Those who do venture to the top are rewarded with amazing views over Belfast Lough.'

WalkNI

'The Ring of Gullion offers walking routes to suit every ability from the novice/pleasure walker to the most experienced of hikers. Walks range from 1 mile woodland trails to the 36 mile Ring of Gullion Waymarked Way.'

'This circular route follows off-road trails, quiet country lanes and forest tracks from Newry around the volcanic landscape of the Ring of Gullion AONB. '

WalkNI

'There are three waymarked trails, which vary in length from two kilometres to seven kilometres, and take the visitor to various areas within the Forest to enjoy the many magnificent views and beautiful woodland.'

nidirect

'Carved from the County Down landscape, the garden has grown from the 19th century beginnings of the Reverend John Moore and his nephew Hugh Armytage Moore. Their vision helped create a place where you can leave the outside world behind and immerse yourself in nature's beauty. The gardens are a mix of formal and informal spaces with many unusual vistas and unique plants from across the world. The trees, plants and shrubs range in ages, size and colour and create a spectacle throughout the year.'

National Trust

'Signed walking trail connects key sites relating to Saint Patrick and Christian Heritage. It takes you through some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular scenic landscapes before ending at Saint Patrick’s final resting place, in the grounds of Down Cathedral in Downpatrick. It incorporpares exisiting walking routes including the Newry Canal Way and Mourne Way.'

Discover Northern Ireland

'The Silent Valley Reservoir was built to gather water from the Mourne Mountains and is the main water supply source for most of County Down and a large part of Belfast.'

Northern Ireland Water

'For the walker there is a route that leads on the top of Slieve Gullion Mountain, where a passage grave, cairn and volcanic lake can be found. For the less energetic a leisurely walk around the walled garden is a must, as is a 2km walk through the mostly broadleaf mature woodland.'

nidirect

'From the majestic lawns and flowerbeds that envelope the main avenues to the winding forest paths mapped out for walkers and joggers there is an atmosphere of tranquillity and a freshness in the air. Families come with children to picnic at the play park and others avail of the nearby restaurant for a spot of lunch after a long walk.'

nidirect

'Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Strangford Lough is Northern Ireland's first marine nature reserve and is the British Isles' largest inlet, internationally renowned for its marine, plant and wildlife.'

National Trust

Strangford Lough & Lecale Partnership

'During the last great age of Irish Literature in the 18th Century, the Ring of Gullion was famed for its strong association with "fili agus filíocht" (poets and poetry), with all the major poets coming from this area. Their remains can be found in Creggan Church and graveyard in Slieve Gullion, which is known as the poet's graveyard. There are three waymarked trails, for walking or cycling, around Mullaghbane, Forkhill and Creggan, collectively titled The Poet's Trail, along which you can visit locations associated with these bards and find out more about them.'

Visit Mourne Mountains

'Four waymarked trails of varying lengths take the visitor on a tour of the park's most beautiful areas. These trails follow a circular route and are sign posted from the information board in the main car park. Strong footwear is recommended. The Mourne Way/Ulster Way crosses through the Forest.'

nidirect

'Ards and North Down is jam-packed with things to do. The hardest part of planning your visit will be deciding which to do first!'

Ards and North Down Borough Council

'To become a Wee Binnian member, you must be over 18 years, have a level of fitness suitable to the demands of the sport and who accept the aims and objectives of the Club ... All our walks are on mountain terrain and involve climbing mountains of 700 metres (2300 feet) or more in height, over a distance of 10 kilometres. A good level of fitness is required as none of our walks can be regarded as suitable for beginners to hill walking.'

Held Mid September: ''With a reputation firmly established for great sociability, combined with an ability to put together a challenging walking programme, the Festival offers guided mountain and lowland walks in the Mournes, Slieve Gullion and Cooley Mountainswith grades catering for all hill walkers ... The Wee Binnian Walkers was founded in 1987 and is based in the North Eastern border area of Newry Co Down and Dundalk Co Louth'.

'Entails eight site specific sculptures at Lagan Valley Island co-funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Lottery Fund. The trail is supplemented by exhibition spaces at ISLAND Arts Centre where temporary exhibitions are accommodated.'

Island Arts Centre, Lisburn