The best walks and hikes around Ballyarnot
4.7
(25)
411
hikers
20
hikes
Hiking around Ballyarnot features a landscape shaped by the expansive Lough Neagh, offering numerous shoreline paths. The terrain is generally flat, with minimal elevation changes, making it suitable for various activity levels. Trails often traverse historical sites such as Antrim Castle Gardens and ruins, blending natural beauty with cultural landmarks. The region's routes provide opportunities to explore parklands and the shores of one of the largest freshwater lakes in the British Isles.
Best hiking trails around Ballyarnot
- The most popular…
Last updated: June 25, 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'll…
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.
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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
(4)
23
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Ballyarnot
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 Ladyship’s 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
What kind of terrain can I expect on hiking trails around Ballyarnot?
The hiking trails around Ballyarnot are generally flat with minimal elevation changes. Many routes follow the scenic shoreline of Lough Neagh, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the British Isles, or traverse parklands and historical sites like Antrim Castle Gardens.
Are there many easy hiking options in Ballyarnot?
Yes, Ballyarnot offers a good selection of easy hikes. Out of the 22 available routes, 15 are classified as easy, making the area suitable for various activity levels. An example is the Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop, which is 4.4 miles (7.1 km) long and takes about 1 hour 49 minutes.
What are some family-friendly hiking trails in Ballyarnot?
Many of Ballyarnot's trails are suitable for families due to their generally flat terrain and easy difficulty. The Antrim Castle Gardens – Antrim Castle Ruins loop from Antrim is a great option, offering a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) easy path through historical gardens and castle grounds, providing interesting sights for all ages.
Are there any circular walks available in Ballyarnot?
Yes, Ballyarnot features several circular routes. For example, the Antrim Castle Ruins – Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim loop from Antrim is a 5.9-mile (9.5 km) moderate circular trail that takes you through historical ruins and along the lake shore.
What historical sites or attractions can I see while hiking in Ballyarnot?
Ballyarnot's trails often blend natural beauty with cultural landmarks. You can explore the historic Antrim Castle Gardens, see the Antrim Round Tower, or walk along the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim. Some routes also pass by the impressive The Protector of the Lough monument.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Ballyarnot?
The hiking routes in Ballyarnot are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 20 reviews. Hikers often praise the accessible terrain, the beautiful Lough Neagh shoreline, and the opportunity to explore historical sites like Antrim Castle Gardens.
How long do hikes in Ballyarnot typically take?
Hike durations in Ballyarnot vary depending on the route and your pace. Many easy trails, like the 3.1-mile (4.9 km) Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim – Lough Neagh Shoreline loop from Antrim, can be completed in under 1.5 hours. Longer moderate routes, such as the 5.9-mile (9.5 km) Antrim Castle Ruins – Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim loop from Antrim, typically take around 2 hours 25 minutes.
Are there any trails that combine historical sites with lake views?
Yes, several trails offer a mix of history and natural beauty. The Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim – Antrim Castle Gardens loop from Antrim is a great example, providing a 4.8-mile (7.7 km) easy hike that connects the shores of Lough Neagh with the historic Antrim Castle Gardens.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Ballyarnot?
Ballyarnot's trails are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the gardens and shoreline. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter hikes can be serene, though appropriate warm and waterproof clothing is recommended due to the proximity to Lough Neagh.
How many hiking trails are available in the Ballyarnot area?
There are over 20 hiking trails available around Ballyarnot, offering a diverse range of options for different preferences and fitness levels. The komoot community has used these routes over 400 times.
Are there any forests or natural areas to explore near Ballyarnot?
Yes, in addition to the Lough Neagh shoreline, you can explore natural areas like Randalstown Forest, which offers a different kind of natural setting for hiking and enjoying local wildlife.
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