The best walks and hikes around Dunsilly
4.6
(26)
445
hikers
29
hikes
Hiking around Dunsilly explores the gentle landscapes of County Antrim, primarily following paths along the shores of Lough Neagh and the Six Mile Water river. The region is characterized by low-lying terrain, with routes passing through historic parklands like Antrim Castle Gardens and along quiet forest trails. Most trails are relatively flat, making the area accessible for various fitness levels.
Best hiking trails around Dunsilly
- The most popular hiking route is Lough Neagh shoreline from Antrim Castle Gardens, aβ¦
Last updated: June 25, 2026
4.6
(8)
58
hikers
7.11km
01:49
30m
30m
Embark on an easy hike along the Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop, a gentle 4.4 miles (7.1 km) route that takes about 1 hour and 49 minutes to complete. You'llβ¦
5.0
(3)
65
hikers
5.46km
01:24
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
46
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
24
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
23
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Dunsilly
Tips from the Community
The Protector of the Lough statue shows the mythological giant Finn McCool standing guard at Antrim Marina on the shores of Lough Neagh. It's an eight-metre-tall sculpture created by Spanish artist Casto Solan to celebrate the local folklore of the Lough.
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Antrim Castle Gardens are an absolute historical gem. You will find nothing like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else in Northern Ireland. Walk into the past as you stroll around this magnificent setting, visiting beautiful features such as the Large Parterre, Her Ladyshipβs Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Within the heart of the Gardens is a unique visitor experience, the refurbished Clotworthy House. Visit the Garden Heritage Exhibition where you can read about the history of the Gardens and the story of the Massereene family. It provides a fantastic opportunity to come and learn about garden history how the lives of the key family members intertwine with the development of Antrim town and the surrounding areas.
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Enjoy a scenic section of running along the shoreline of Lough Neagh . The path is made of gravel and entirely flat making it perfect jogging material. The lough itself holds the title of the largest lake in Ireland and supplies 40% of Northern Ireland's water!
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Antrim Castle Gardens is the perfect place for a jog. It has flat gravel paths throughout as well as a wonderful medley of landmarks to discover such as Large Parterre, Her Ladyship's Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Admission to the castle is free and is open 24 hours.
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Scenic section of walking along the shore of Lough Neagh from Antrim. The lough holds the title of the largest lake in Ireland and this footpath gifts you with some gorgeous vantage points to enjoy it from.
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Here you can discover the beauty of Antrim Castle Gardens & Clotworthy House. There's many beautiful landmarks along the way such as Large Parterre, Her Ladyship's Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Admission to the castle is free and is open 24 hours.
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Castle gardens including various buildings and ruins on the river. Plenty to look at and explore in the gardens.
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Ruins of Antrim castle set in green grounds next to the river. A great place to stop for a breather.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from around Dunsilly?
Yes, there are over 30 hiking routes to explore in the Dunsilly area. The majority are rated as easy, with a good number of moderate trails also available, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.
What do other hikers think of the trails near Dunsilly?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the scenic, flat paths along the Lough Neagh shoreline and the well-maintained trails through the region's historic parklands.
Are there any good circular walks in the area?
Yes, there are several enjoyable loop trails. For a shorter, scenic walk through a mix of woodland and open paths, the Forest Path loop from Burnside is a great option that avoids retracing your steps.
Can I bring my dog on the trails near Dunsilly?
Many trails in the area are suitable for walking with a dog, provided they are kept on a lead. Rea's Wood is a popular spot for dog walkers, offering beautiful forest trails. However, please be aware that there are limited bins, so you should be prepared to carry any waste with you.
What are the best family-friendly walks around Dunsilly?
The area is excellent for family outings due to its many flat and easy trails. The paths within Antrim Castle Gardens are particularly suitable for all ages, offering a safe and engaging environment with historic ruins and beautiful landscapes to explore.
Where can I find trails with good views?
For expansive views, a short drive to Divis and the Black Mountain is highly recommended. The trails there are very popular and offer spectacular panoramic views over Belfast and the surrounding countryside on a clear day.
Are there any waterfall hikes nearby?
While the immediate Dunsilly area is mostly flat, the nearby Glens of Antrim are famous for their waterfalls. Glenariff Forest Park, known as the 'Queen of the Glens', has dedicated waterfall walkways that are well worth the trip for a different kind of hiking experience.
What is the terrain like on the Six Mile Water trail?
The Six Mile Water trail offers a gentle and pleasant walk along the river. The path is mostly flat and well-surfaced, making it an easy route suitable for walkers of all abilities. It's a peaceful trail that connects areas like Antrim and Muckamore.
Are there any historical trails to explore?
Yes, the region is rich in history. A great option is the Hiking loop from Antrim, which takes you through areas of historical significance, including past the ruins of Shane's Castle on the banks of the River Maine.
Where can I find a good place to park for a walk?
Most of the popular walking areas have dedicated parking. Antrim Castle Gardens has ample parking, which is a great starting point for several lakeside and garden walks. For trails on Divis and the Black Mountain, it's advisable to arrive early as the car park can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
How can I get to the trailheads using public transport?
The town of Antrim serves as a central hub with good bus and train connections. From there, you can easily walk to the starting points for many popular routes, including those in Antrim Castle Gardens and along the Lough Neagh shore.
Are there any pubs or cafes near the walking routes?
After a hike, you can find several pubs and cafes in Antrim town centre, which is a short walk from the Castle Gardens and lakeside trails. For a coffee stop mid-hike, the trails at Black Mountain are known to have a brilliant coffee shop near the path.
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