Northern Ireland’s best hidden gems have been named- and they are all completely free to visit!
Experts from outdoor clothing and equipment retailer Millets have put together a list of free hidden gems in Northern Ireland, with Mourne Mountains in County Down topping the list.
Sam Chadwick, blog author and outdoor enthusiast at Millets, commented: “The UK is full of beautiful locations, and in recent years, more people have discovered the benefits of spending time outdoors. We have collated our ultimate hidden gems list, revealing the highest-rated hidden gems that are completely free to enjoy.”
Using tips from Reddit, TikTok, and travel articles, researchers then checked TripAdvisor and Google ratings to find the best locations.
Mourne Mountains has been crowned one of the best free hidden gems to visit in Northern Ireland, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. The mountain range, located in County Down, is the highest in the country, with Slieve Donard the tallest peak at 850 meters. With its rolling hills, picturesque lake and towering peaks, it's easy to see why visitors describe the Mournes as ‘simply breathtaking.’
Blackhead Lighthouse in County Antrim. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Also averaging 4.8 out of 5 across Google and Tripadvisor is the Blackhead Lighthouse. Located on the cliffs of the Ballygally Head, visitors can capture spectacular views of the Carrickfergus Bay, Belfast Lough, and the nearby Antrim Coastline from the lighthouse, and on particularly clear days, visitors can spot the hills of Scotland.
Sam continued: “Preparation is key when it comes to visiting any area of the UK, especially during the transitional months between Summer and Autumn, where the weather can be unpredictable. Packing waterproofclothing and taking lightweight layers that can be put on or taken off depending on the temperature is a good idea. Walkers should also wear supportive footwear when visiting sites with uneven and muddy terrain. This helps to reduce the risk of injury or of tripping over uneven footpaths.
“You must also leave any place you visit exactly as you found it. Take any rubbish and equipment, such as camping chairs or wind breaks, home with you and be respectful of any wildlife and other people around you.”
Northern Ireland’s Highest Rated Free Hidden Gems:
- Mourne Mountains, County Down
- Blackhead Lighthouse, County Antrim
- White Park Bay, County Antrim
- Cladagh Glen, County Fermanagh
- Kinbane Castle, County Antrim
- Ballintoy Harbour, County Antrim
- Slieve Gullion Forest Park, County Down
- Murlough Bay, County Antrim
- Ballycopeland Windmill, County Down
- Gleno Waterfall, County Antrim
- Annalong Corn Mill, County Down
- Banagher Glen, County Derry
- Lough Neagh, County Antrim
- Cushendun Caves, County Antrim
- Dunseverick Castle & Bay, County Antrim
- Tyrella Beach, County Down
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