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Perched on the north shore of Belfast Lough, Carrickfergus is an attractive town on the doorstep of Northern Ireland’s capital. It’s one of the oldest towns in the country, having been inhabited since the 12th century, which predates the settlement of Belfast. Today, it provides an ideal base for hikers wanting to explore the natural beauty of Northern Ireland on both short and multi-day trails.
In this guide, we’ll introduce four walking trails that are easily accessible from Carrickfergus, whether you’re after a leisurely stroll followed by cake and coffee or an overnight adventure. Holiday rental platforms such as Rentola United Kingdom are a good first port of call when it comes to finding accommodation, both in Carrickfergus and beyond. In addition to cosy townhouses and modern apartments, you can find country abodes surrounded by the Antrim Coast & Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Carrick-a-Rede Coastal Walk
Beginning at the Larrbane car park, this picturesque coastal walk connects to the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Initially constructed by salmon fishermen in 1755, the bridge accesses a small fisherman’s hut on Carrick-a-Rede Island. It is suspended almost 100 feet above the tumultuous waters below, making for a vertigo-inducing experience.
Along the one-mile-long coastal path, you’ll enjoy magnificent views across the North Atlantic Ocean, with the opportunity to spot dolphins and porpoises playing offshore. A variety of seabirds can also be seen coming and going from the nearby colonies on Rathlin Island.
After crossing the 20-metre-wide chasm spanned by the rope bridge, you can explore the 400-year-old fisherman’s cottage, which was once used to store equipment and as a means of shelter in bad weather. If time allows, make the small detour that leads to the Larrybane Quarry where limestone was mined for over 100 years.
Gobbins Cliff Path
Just a short drive east of Carrickfergus will take you to this unforgettable walk, which is like no other coastal trail in Northern Ireland. Across its three-mile-long route, it takes in narrow tunnels and sea caves, as well as dramatic suspension bridges that extend above the wild waters of the Irish Sea.
The Gobbins Cliff Path was originally established in the early 20th century and was aimed at Edwardian thrill seekers. After being shut down during World War II, it remained closed for around half a century. Eventually, bridges and walkways that met modern safety standards were constructed and the path was reopened to the public in 2016.
After purchasing your ticket at the Gobbins Visitor Centre in Islandmagee, you’ll embark on an unforgettable adventure around the craggy basalt cliffs of Antrim. Listen to the waves crash as you traverse the moody tunnel and cross the swinging bridge while enjoying the spectacular views of the Seven Sisters.
Causeway Coastal Way
Extending between Ballycastle and Portstewart, this 33-mile-long route takes in some of the most famous natural and cultural landmarks in Northern Ireland. It’s best walked over two or three days (with an average walking day of 10 miles) and with overnight stops in Ballintoy and Portballintrae.
A highlight of the Causeway Coastal Way is the Giant’s Causeway, which consists of hundreds of hexagonal basalt columns that rise from the Irish Sea. But it also takes in the medieval remains of Dunluce Castle, the historic Old Bushmills Distillery and the centuries-old fishermen’s rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede.
With its clifftop trails, beach walks and promenade strolls, the Causeway Coastal Way offers just a taste of the long-distance Ulster Way, which extends for 636 miles around Northern Ireland. If you want to explore more, you can continue from Ballycastle along the 27-mile Moyle Way, which winds its way through the northernmost glens of Antrim en route to Waterfoot.
Glenarm Coastal Path
Drive north from Carrickfergus and you’ll arrive at the trailhead for this popular walk which is an ideal outdoor activity for kids due to its relatively flat terrain (as well as being accessible to wheelchair users). It’s just 1/3 mile each way and connects two parking areas where you’ll find informative signboards and picnic tables.
Aside from its picturesque views, one of the great things about the Glenarm Coastal Path is that there are several tracks leading down to the shore along the route. This means that you can dip your toes in the water or even enjoy a brisk swim if you’re feeling brave!
Combine your walk with a stop in the charming village of Glenarm, which is watched over by a castle that dates back to the 1750s. Admire the soaring spire of St. Patrick’s Church and stroll around the pretty marina before discovering the village’s secret walled garden. Delicious cakes and hot drinks await at the Art House Tea Emporium.