The best walks and hikes around Irishtown
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438
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Hiking around Irishtown primarily explores the shoreline of Lough Neagh and the parkland surrounding Antrim Castle. The terrain is predominantly flat, featuring waterside paths and well-maintained trails with minimal elevation. This landscape offers gentle routes suitable for a wide range of walkers, including several Irishtown loop trails with scenic viewpoints.
Best hiking trails around Irishtown
- The most popular hiking route is Antrim Castle Ruins β Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim loop from Antrim, a 5.9 miles (9.5 km) trailβ¦
Last updated: June 25, 2026
4.6
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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
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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
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23
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Irishtown
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 dogs allowed on the hiking trails around Irishtown?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails around Irishtown and Antrim Castle Gardens. However, they should be kept on a lead, especially in parkland areas and near the Lough Neagh shoreline to protect wildlife. Always be prepared to clean up after your pet.
What are the trail conditions like during winter?
The trails in this area are mostly flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for winter walking. Paths through Antrim Castle Gardens and along the lough are generally accessible, but can become muddy or slippery after rain or frost. It's always a good idea to wear waterproof footwear with good grip.
Are there any family-friendly hikes in the area?
Absolutely. The region is ideal for family outings due to its flat terrain. A great option is the Antrim Castle loop from Antrim. It's a relatively short walk through scenic parkland, making it manageable for children and offering plenty of open space.
How long are the hiking trails around Irishtown?
The trails vary in length to suit different preferences. You can find short, gentle strolls of around 5 km, as well as longer waterside walks. For a more substantial hike, the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim loop from Antrim covers nearly 11 km and provides extensive views of the lough.
Are the trails suitable for strollers or wheelchairs?
Many of the paths within Antrim Castle Gardens are surfaced and well-maintained, making them accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Trails directly along the Lough Neagh shoreline may have more varied, natural surfaces. The Lough Neagh shoreline from Antrim Castle Gardens route combines both parkland and shoreline paths.
What do other hikers say about the trails near Irishtown?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of over 4.5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the beautiful, open views across Lough Neagh and the well-preserved historic setting of the Antrim Castle Gardens. The flat, easy-to-follow paths are also a common highlight.
How many hiking trails are available around Irishtown?
There are over 25 designated hiking routes to explore in the area. These range from easy parkland walks to more moderate shoreline treks, offering plenty of variety for visitors.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, most of the popular routes in the area are loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same place without retracing your steps. The Pump Tower loop from Antrim is a great example of a circular walk that combines historical sights with views of the lough.
What is the terrain like for hiking around Irishtown?
The terrain is predominantly flat and gentle. Hikes feature a mix of well-maintained parkland paths within Antrim Castle Gardens and natural trails along the shoreline of Lough Neagh. There is very little elevation gain, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Are there any challenging or difficult hikes in this area?
No, the hikes around Irishtown are all rated as easy or moderate. The main challenge comes from the distance of the longer routes rather than steep climbs or technical terrain. The area is best suited for relaxed, scenic walking.
Can I combine a visit to Antrim Castle with a hike?
Yes, combining the two is highly recommended. Many trails, such as the Hiking loop from Antrim, are designed to start from or pass through the Antrim Castle Gardens, allowing you to enjoy both the historic grounds and the natural beauty of the lough in one visit.
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