When people think of Ireland, they usually think of beautiful green cliffsides, lush and verdant rolling hills, and of course, a big pint of Guinness. However, if you head north out of the Republic of Ireland and venture into Northern Ireland (part of the UK), you will experience a one-of-a-kind adventure that only the lands of Northern Ireland can offer. From canoes to castles to surfing the North Atlantic, here is everything you can do when planning an outdoor adventure in Northern Ireland.

#1 Bike ​​Killeavy Castle Estate

If you are looking for quaint countryside castles, Killeavy Castle Estate is the perfect stop. Only one hour’s drive from the Dublin airport, this 188-year-old castle and estate is where nature walks hand in hand with history. 

Killeavy Castle is a Grade A listed historical building originally designed in 1836 by architect George Papworth of Dublin and has now become a must-see spot. Comprising a 19th-century castle, a four-star boutique-style hotel with 45 guest rooms in the restored Coach and Mill House, and two luxury self-catering lodges, Killeavy Castle is a great stop to make for the night or as you venture off to your next Northern Ireland adventure.

Whether you book a bike tour with Bike Mourne, hike the estate grounds, or stroll through the rolling fields, Killeavy Castle Estate is a great way to begin your Northern Ireland adventure.

#2 Book an Island Discovery Boat Tour with Erne Water Taxi

Step aboard Island Discovery, an all-electric passenger vessel to tour the waterways of the ancient Fermanagh Lakes region. Skipper Barry of Erne Water Taxi will share with you the beauty, history, and significance of the Erne Waterway. Book a day and time that offers some sips of local wine and light bites for a relaxing outdoor adventure.

#3 Caving at the Marble Arches

If you want to take your Northern Ireland adventures underground, go caving at the Marble Arch Caves. If you can, sign up for a Martel Candlelight Tour.

Edouard-Alfred Martel played a significant role in shaping the science of speleology (the study and exploration of caves) and pioneered many aspects of early modern cave exploration, including the first recorded scientific exploration of the Marble Arch Cave systems in 1895. (Pretty impressive, right?)

During this tour, discover first-hand what this exploration of the cave system would have felt like when you accompany Edouard Martel on his authentic re-enactment of the discovery of the show cave in its natural darkness over 128 years ago. (That means with the electric lights switched off!)

Your journey underground through the dark abyss of the show cave will be conducted by Martel using candlelight and lanterns to guide your way. During this 2-hour guided tour, you will be assisting Edouard Martel with his exploration while hearing all about his insightful and captivating experiences as he ventured through the show cave for the very first time.

#4 Climb the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven Fermanagh)

The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, fondly known as the Stairway to Heaven Walk, meanders through one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland. Located in the Geopark, (Keep reading for more information on that), this beautiful boardwalk can be seen by a vehicle or walking. 

If you choose to traverse the trails via a vehicle, Geopark staff chauffeur you through Cuilcagh Mountain Park in one of the geopark jeeps, trundling up the gravel track to the base 

of the boardwalk from the comfort of their hard-working and careworn Geopark 4x4s. Then, you have the ability to walk the boardwalk and climb the stairway to heaven at your own leisure.

#5 Go to the Geopark

If you are interested in a day of outdoor activity, discover Cuilcagh Global Geopark, the world’s first transnational geopark and UNESCO site. Tucked away in the northwest corner of the island of Ireland, straddling the border between counties Fermanagh and Cavan, the Cuilcagh Global Geopark allows visitors to appreciate the best of what this unspoiled border region has to offer. From cave exploration to hiking trails, the Geopark has it all.

#6 Explore Fermanagh Lakes

Next up on your outdoor adventure in Northern Ireland is Fermanagh Lakes. Whether you crave cave exploration, heavenly hikes, or wandering waterways, Fermanagh Lakes has an array of gems hidden amidst shimmering lakes and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you seek relaxation or excitement, Fermanagh offers an unforgettable escape. That allows you to immerse yourself in Mother Nature’s serene embrace.

#7 Hike the Emigrants Trail

If you want to leave Northern Ireland with some history, hike the Emigrants Trail. Known as The Emigrants’ Walk, you can have the rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the emigrants leaving famine-stricken Ireland as they take an epic journey to the new world.

Local historian, Cathy O’Neill will guide you up Carntogher Mountain, where the famine-struck emigrants once walked their final footsteps on Irish soil.  You will place your own stone on the “Carn” and feel what the emigrants felt as they departed their beloved homeland. 

After your walk, stop by a fifth-generation pub, Friel’s Bar & Restaurant for an authentic Irish meal. Originally the site of a famine soup kitchen, you can sneak a peak of an authentic Famine Pot, taste the Nettle soup locals would have been served, and learn more about local emigrants and their lives in Northern Ireland during the Great Famine.

#8 Hover Crafting, Powerturn Buggies, and Target Archery at Limitless Adventure

Calling all thrill seekers. If you really want an outdoor Irish adventure, sign up for some outdoor activities at Limitless Adventure. Choose from activities like hover crafting, powerturn buggies, and target archery. You can also try your hand at clay pigeon shooting and laser tag. Whether you fully participate or not, you will enjoy the beautiful Irish countryside and soak in the sights of the nearby picturesque mountains in the distance.

#9 Paddle into the Past with a Kayak Tour

If you want to take your Northern Ireland adventure to the water, but be the captain yourself, then book a canoe or kayak tour with Blue Green Yonder. Paddle into the past as you explore the history of Enniskillen Castle and Devenish Island Monastic Site by kayak and taste the beauty of life on the water. 

Feel the power of the paddle as you gently propel your kayak past the ancient foundations of Enniskillen Castle and onto the historical island of Devenish. Embrace peace on the water. Look for swans elegantly swimming nearby while you watch the light bounce off the rippling water. On dry land, you will be greeted by a tour guide who will show you how generations lived and thrived on Devenish Island throughout the centuries while learning fun and interesting historical facts.

#10 Surf the North Atlantic

I think one of the most adventurous things you can do while planning an outdoor adventure in Northern Ireland is to surf the North Atlantic with Long Line Surf School. Shimmy into a wetsuit, grab a branded T-shirt, and grab a 9-foot longboard. Then, it is time to hit the beach. Saunter into the surf and snag some waves along Benone Beach. In the distance, you will even be able to spot Donegal, the northernmost tip of southern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland. If you want to see Northern Ireland in all of its beautiful beach glory, this is the spot.

#11 Try Blokarting with Blokartworld

Similar to land sailing or sand yachting, a blokart is a hand-steered 3-wheel kart with a sail, propelled by the wind, much like dinghy sailing, but operates along a beach. Blokarting is an exhilarating, wind-powered activity sport for all ages and is one of the fastest-growing land-based sailing activities. It is a sport that closes the generation gap. 

#12 Unwind with a Mussenden

After a long few days of outdoor adventures in Northern Ireland, unwind with Mussenden. Discover the magic of the mountains and the spirit of the seas. Meander through ancient Irish woodlands. Stop, listen, and enjoy the calmness of the surrounding forest and release the stresses of everyday life. Reinvigorate yourself with a dip in the ocean (where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Irish Sea) then wrap up and sit down to a wild cooked meal on the beach. 

#13 Walk the Benone Strand

Beach bum? Walk the Benone Strand. A multiple recipient of the European Blue Flag Award, this is a must-see beach when visiting the area. With seven miles of golden sand and a magnificent backdrop of cliff and mountain scenery as well as stunning views across to Donegal, this is an attractive sightseeing environment.

You can also enjoy the usual seaside activities including beach picnics, fishing, and watersports. The clean, firm, and golden sands of Benone Strand are without any seaweed, shingles, or rocks, making it perfect for sea shell spotting and walking. Do not forget the glorious natural formations of Benone’s sand dunes. Benone is a haven for beach and nature lovers alike as the entire area is a paradise for the study of botany, entomology, and sea shells.

Northern Ireland: Where to Eat and Stay

When exploring Northern Ireland, you will need a good night’s rest for all of the fresh air, sunshine, and surf you will be experiencing on your Northern Ireland adventure. Check out hotel options like Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges and Roe Park Resort.

You will also want to fuel properly with delicious food and drinks. (Especially a Guinness, of course). If you want to add some delicious stops for Irish pubs and restaurants, try The Curly Pigs, Blakes of the Hollow, and their restaurant 28 at the Hollow. The Coach House Brasserie at Roe Park Resort is also really good.

To learn more about Northern Ireland, please visit Discover Northern Ireland or check out their Instagram page @DiscoverNI.