Easy hikes and walks around Dunsilly
4.6
(26)
445
hikers
29
hikes
Hiking around Dunsilly, located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, offers accessible outdoor activities due to its low-lying terrain. The region features lakeside paths along Lough Neagh, the largest lake in Ireland, providing tranquil waterside views. Additionally, riverside walks along the Six Mile Water river and well-maintained paths within historic parklands like Antrim Castle Gardens contribute to the varied landscape. These areas offer a blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks, making them suitable for easy hiking trails.
Best easy hikingβ¦
Last updated: July 1, 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.
Sign up for free
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.
9
hikers
6.27km
01:44
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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.
0
0
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.
1
0
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!
2
0
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.
2
0
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.
3
0
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.
2
0
Castle gardens including various buildings and ruins on the river. Plenty to look at and explore in the gardens.
2
0
Ruins of Antrim castle set in green grounds next to the river. A great place to stop for a breather.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails can I find around Dunsilly?
Dunsilly offers a good selection of easy hiking trails, with over 20 routes available. These trails are generally low-lying and accessible, making them suitable for various fitness levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes in Dunsilly?
The terrain around Dunsilly is characterized by gentle, low-lying paths. You'll find well-maintained paths, often gravel, especially within historic parklands like Antrim Castle Gardens, as well as scenic lakeside paths along Lough Neagh and riverside walks along the Six Mile Water River.
Are there any family-friendly walks in Dunsilly?
Yes, many of the easy trails are ideal for families. The historic Antrim Castle Gardens offer well-maintained paths and plenty to explore, such as the Large Parterre and historical ruins. A great option is the Antrim Castle Gardens β Antrim Castle Ruins loop from Antrim, which is 3.4 miles long.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Dunsilly?
Many trails around Dunsilly are dog-friendly, particularly the open lakeside paths along Lough Neagh and routes through parklands. Always keep dogs on a lead, especially near wildlife or livestock, and check local signage for any specific restrictions.
Are there any circular easy walks available?
Yes, Dunsilly has several excellent circular routes. Popular options include the Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop, which is 4.4 miles, and the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim β Lough Neagh Shoreline loop from Antrim, a 3.1-mile trail.
What interesting landmarks or attractions can I see along the easy hiking trails?
You can explore a variety of attractions. The Antrim Castle Gardens feature restored landscapes, historical ruins, and sculptures. You'll also find scenic views of Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim and the historic Antrim Round Tower. Some trails even offer a distant View of Slemish Mountain from Colin Road.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Dunsilly?
The easy hiking trails around Dunsilly are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 25 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil lakeside views, the well-maintained paths within the historic gardens, and the overall accessibility of the routes.
How long do easy hikes in Dunsilly typically take?
The duration of easy hikes varies, but many can be completed in under two hours. For example, the Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop (4.4 miles) takes about 1 hour 49 minutes, while the Antrim Castle Gardens β Antrim Castle Ruins loop from Antrim (3.4 miles) is typically completed in about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Is there parking available near the trailheads?
Yes, parking is generally available, especially near popular starting points like Antrim Castle Gardens. It's advisable to check specific route details for precise parking locations and any potential fees.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the hiking routes in Dunsilly?
The Dunsilly area, particularly around Antrim, offers various amenities including cafes and pubs where you can refresh after your hike. Many are conveniently located near the popular Antrim Castle Gardens and Lough Neagh shoreline trails.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Dunsilly?
Dunsilly's low-lying terrain makes it suitable for hiking year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather and lush scenery, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Even in winter, the trails remain accessible, though appropriate gear for cooler, potentially wetter conditions is recommended.
Are there any easy trails that combine lakeside and garden views?
Absolutely. The Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim β Antrim Castle Gardens loop from Antrim is a fantastic 4.8-mile route that allows you to experience both the tranquil Lough Neagh shoreline and the historic beauty of Antrim Castle Gardens.
Most popular routes around Dunsilly
Most popular attractions around Dunsilly
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
