Northern Ireland puts the great in great outdoors. If you're looking for a beautiful spot to enjoy a tasty outdoor meal, Northern Ireland is the place to be. From golden coastlines to magical forests, there are so many spectacular places to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic with your friends and family. Here are some locations in all six counties to lunch with a view. We've found spots for everyone – some with picnic tables, some where you'll need your tartan blanket, some that are easy to get to, and even some more challenging spots that are a bit of an adventure to find. So get outdoors and explore!
Roadside Picnic Spots (Easy Access!)
Sometimes, you just want to pull over and enjoy a quick bite with a lovely view. Here are some easy-access spots where all you need to do is relax and enjoy:
Magheracross View Point, Antrim
Car park: Dunluce Rd, Bushmills BT56 8NB
Now this is certainly a picnic with a view. Just around the corner from the historic Dunluce Castle you will find Magheracross View Point. The view point has multiple picnic tables available for public use with panoramic views of the Causeway Coast's stunning natural environment and coastal headlands. Spot the Skerries (islands) and the sandy dunes of Whiterocks Beach from the purpose-built viewing platform.
Donard Park, Down
Car park: 5 Donard Park, Newcastle BT33 0HL
County Down is basically the VIP lounge of outdoor eating. Donard Park is no exception to this. It is situated at the foot of Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in Northern Ireland, part of the Mourne Mountains. Take a seat at the picnic area and grab a bite to eat before you start your walks up into the Donard Forest area! This picnic spot is easy access with a public car park adjacent to the picnic area.
Garron Point, Antrim
Car park: 87 Garron Rd, Ballymena BT44 0JS
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A perfect place to stop on your road trip along the Causeway Coastal Route. The views from this location are really dramatic, with cliffs and interesting rock formations so be sure to pack a camera! There are a couple of picnic benches provided to sit down and tuck in.
Magho View Point, Fermanagh
Glennasheevar Road, Derrygonnelly, Enniskillen BT93 6AT
You can drive right up to this amazing viewpoint and enjoy panoramic views of Lough Erne and the surrounding countryside. There are picnic tables in the surrounding area, so you can eat with a stunning Fermanagh backdrop in Lough Navar Forest.
Botanic Gardens, Belfast
College Park Ave, Botanic Ave, Belfast BT7 1LP
Right in the city, these gardens are the perfect peaceful oasis. Just walk in from the road and pick your seat. The centre green is a hot spot for picnickers since 1895. University students from the surrounding campuses flock here in the warm weather to bathe in the afternoon sun. And there's also lots of space for a ball game or two. You can picnic near the Palm House or relax by the rose garden. Ice cream vans and drink stalls provide refreshments and treats in the summer. With access to public toilets and baby changing facilities, this an ideal spot. The grounds are stunning for a post-picnic walk or avail of free access to the Ulster Museum nearby.
Glenariff Forest Park, Antrim
Car park and picnic area: Glenariffe Rd, Ballymena BT44 0QX
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Known as the "Queen of the Glens", this park has wonderful waterfalls and woodland areas. There are benches provided near the car park, to eat your crisp sandwich with jaw dropping views. Enjoy the fresh country air in the tranquillity of the glens, taking al fresco dining to a new level. A great place to spend time with family and friends, surrounded by the beautiful nature of Northern Ireland.
Gortin Glen Forest Park, Tyrone
Entrance: Glenpark Rd, Omagh BT79 7SU
Located just 6 miles from Omagh is Gortin Glen. Spend some quality time together discovering the mountain bike trails, walking trails and horse trails. After working up an appetite, make your way to the dedicated BBQ and picnic area. This spot can also be enjoyed via a five-mile scenic drive with several places that you can easily pull over along the way. Enjoy your delicious picnic amidst the stunning mountain scenery of the forest park. There is a café and toilet facilities available (if you just prefer views and not making a picnic).
Burr Point, Down
Picnic area: 17 Sandylands, Ballyhalbert, Newtownards BT22 1BT
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Burr Point is considered the easternmost point of mainland Northern Ireland. Stop off here in Ballyhalbert for a scenic coastal picnic and watch the boats come and go. A bronze sculpture of a giant ‘E’ marks the spot, created by Ned Jackson Smyth. For those who love walking, scenic views and photography, Burr point will not disappoint. On a clear day, Scotland and the Isle of Man are visible across the Irish Sea and the North Channel.
Ness Country Park, Derry~Londonderry
Main car park: 50 Oughtagh Rd, Killaloo, Londonderry BT47 3TR
Picnic in 55 hectares of woodland in Derry~Londonderry. Ness Country Park has easy to reach picnic tables near the car park. Take a walk through the gorgeous sculpted landscape. The river has created the magnificent waterfall and gorges nearby. For less able visitors there is a meadow walk with easy access and toilets facilities. It's an easy and fast way to enjoy nature.
Picnic Spots with a Hike
For the more adventurous, these picnic spots are exclusive with a capital 'E'. If you're up for a hike before your picnic, give these a try. Because there is no better sandwich filling than the taste of accomplishment:
Slemish, Antrim
Car park: 7 Carnstroan Ln, Broughshane, Ballymena BT42 4PF
Slemish Mountain, the first known Irish home of Saint Patrick, or so they say. A mighty 1500 feet above the surrounding plain. During his 6 years as a slave shepherd, Patrick's Christian conversion took place while on Slemish, as he was alone in all weathers and prayed continuously. The 1.5 kilometre round walk to the summit and back takes approximately one hour. Sit and ponder with the same views that Saint Patrick gazed upon hundreds of years ago.
Cloughmore Stone, Down
Car park: Kilbroney upper car park, Rostrevor, Newry BT34 3YD
The big stone: Newry BT34 3YD
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Known locally as "The Big Stone", this huge granite boulder is almost 1,000 feet above the village of Rostrevor. From the car park, follow the signs up a hill to the Cloughmore Stone. This is a steep hike but the views of Mourne Mountains make it worth your while. Unfold your tartan blanket and take a well deserved break. Or have your lunch back at the car park, where there are many benches supplied.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Armagh
Entrance: 89 Drumintee Rd, Meigh, Newry BT35 8SW
There are various trails in Slieve Gullion, and a hike through the forest trails to the summit offers fantastic views. Find a nice spot along your chosen trail for a picnic. Slieve Gullion Forest Park also offers families and kids the fantastical Giant’s Lair and Adventure Playground. Picnic spots are plentiful here, there’s a grassed area with picnic tables and bench seats close to the play park and also plenty of green space in the beautiful Walled Garden.
Cave Hill Country Park, Belfast
Closest car park: Belfast Castle, Antrim Rd, Belfast BT15 5GR
Best picnic view: 54°38'50.2"N 5°56'51.5"W
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Enjoy a relaxing lunch break munching on your favourite snacks while looking out over panoramic views of the whole city. Or Scotland, if it's a clear day. It can get a bit windy up there, so maybe bring a jacket and hold onto your crisps tight! There are no picnic tables or toilets here but the stunning views of Belfast make up for it! Throw down a blanket and take it all in at Cave Hill.
Scenic Picnic Spots
For those who just want to enjoy their picnic with a stunning backdrop, these spots are your bread and butter:
Enniskillen Castle, Fermanagh
Picnic Spot: 54°20'46.1"N 7°38'43.5"W
With benches along the footpath around Enniskillen Castle, you can sit and watch the boats sail past with your picnic. The path runs along the River Erne and is a perfect viewing spot for those keen to take in the beauty of Enniskillen. Enjoy tuna and sweetcorn sandwiches with views of a castle built almost 600 years ago by Gaelic Maguires.
Castle Ward, Down
Car park: Downpatrick BT30 7LS
Castle Ward, an impressive double-sided mansion stands over looking Strangford Lough. You can explore beautiful gardens, sheltered woodland and the shorelines of the Lough. In the historic Stableyard, you'll find toilets and a tea-room where you can grab a hot drink and nutritious snacks. There are many green spaces available around the estate to lay down a blanket and enjoy it's majesty. It will make you feel like you're picnicking with royalty (minus the powdered wigs, hopefully)!
Dundrum Coastal Path, Down
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Pathway: 7 Ardilea Rd, Clough, Downpatrick BT30 8SL
Follow the trail along the waters of Dundrum Inner Bay, which was once part of an old railway line. Along the waterfront there are multiple picnic benches to have a lovely break with views across the bay of the Mourne mountains. This is a popular spot for bird enthusiasts so keep an eye out for any local wildlife. Alternatively, just around the corner is the Dundrum Inner Bay Play Park, where there are an abundance of picnic benches beside the water.
Gosford Forest Park, Armagh
Lots of trails and open spaces, ideal for a relaxed picnic. Over 240 acres of woodland and open parkland make Gosford Forest Park a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Picnic tables, some with BBQ stands and toilets are dotted throughout the park so that you can enjoy your picnic surrounded by impressive woodland and castle ruins.
Gortmore View Point, Derry~ Londonderry
View point: Bishops Rd, Limavady BT49 0LJ
The Gortmore View Point serves as a fantastic picnic spot, allowing you to relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere while enjoying a meal surrounded by nature. A sculpture of Manannan Mac Lir, a sea god originating from this area can be viewed gazing over the fields and sky with his arms outstretched.
Silent Valley, Down
Head Rd, Ballymartin, Newry BT34 4PU
Enjoy a peaceful picnic at Silent Valley Mountain Park. Nestled in the heart of the Mournes, it is the perfect place to enjoy a packed lunch. Picnic tables and benches with spectacular backdrops can easily be found not too far from the car park and there is always plenty of green space to lay your blanket. Toilets and a café are available during summer months. For a really great view, try the hike up Slieve Binnian nearby.
Grab your basket, pack your favourite snacks, and head out to discover the amazing picnic spots Northern Ireland has to offer! From chill to spots that takes you to new heights, you're sure to find the perfect place to relax in nature. Leave no trace, so everyone can enjoy and have a wonderful picnic!
The purpose-built viewing platform offers panoramic views of the Causeway Coast's stunning natural environment and coastal headlands, including views of Dunluce Castle and Whiterocks Beach
Dunluce Castle is located dramatically close to a headland that plunges straight into the sea, along the North County Antrim coast.
A regular recipient of the prestigious Blue Flag Award, Whiterocks Beach has become a favourite with locals and a must see destination for international visitors.
Garron Point is an outstanding headland on the Causeway Coastal Route offering magnificent views. You can park your car nearby and have a picnic or go on a short walk to the coastline to watch locals sea fishing or view nearby Scotland.
Seven-mile drive through the forest to a magnificent panorama over Lough Erne. Viewpoints, picnic sites. Red deer, wild goats. Marked trails. Wheelchair access limited.
First established in 1828, the gardens have been enjoyed as a public park by the people of Belfast since 1895. There is an extensive rose garden and long herbaceous borders and the tree enthusiast can seek out the rare oaks planted in the 1880s.
Ulster Museum is home to treasures past and present. There’s something for art lovers, history buffs, inquisitive kids and the culturally curious! For a fun family day out dive into the Discovery Centres: Discover Art, Discover History and Discover Nature, where you can try on costumes from the past, get hands-on with specimens and create your own art to take home.
Glenariff, the Queen of the Glens, is one of the nine Antrim Glens in Northern Ireland. Glenariff Forest Park covers over 1,000 hectares with planted woodland, lakes, outdoor recreation spaces and conservation areas.
There are over 10km of walking trails, a 6km scenic drive, wildfowl enclosure and deer enclosure and a new children's playpark to enjoy and explore.
In the steep, wooded Glen of the Burntollet River, south-east of Derry/Londonderry, lies Ness Country park. Enjoy over 7km of riverside walks and there's a visitor centre, a natural themed play park, stunning waterfall and picnic tables.
Slemish Mountain is about 1,500 feet above sea level and is located close to Broughshane in County Antrim. It is the legendary home of Saint Patrick and is actually the central core of an extinct volcano. Hike to the top and enjoy fantastic views!
Walks though a woodland with steep climbs and hills in places
Cave Hill Country Park gets its name from five caves, which could be early iron mines, located on the side of the main Belfast cliffs. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views across Belfast from vantage points on the hillside.
Slieve Gullion is Ireland's Mountain of Mystery. The Forest Park offers walking trails, a scenic drive, an Adventure Playpark, Fionn's Giant Adventure children's story trail and family friendly walk.
Situated beside the River Erne in County Fermanagh, was built almost 600 years ago by Gaelic Maguires. It was strategically important throughout its history. In the 17th century it became a garrison fort and later a military barracks. Enjoy the many seasonal events and exhibitions including The Inniskillings Museum within the castle grounds and Fermanagh County Museum's Medieval Maguires display.
Discover a place of contrasts and creativity at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th century mansion and estate looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough in County Down where visitors can explore cultivated gardens, sheltered woodland and the shoreline.
Start your adventure and have a great day out any time of year. With some 240 acres of diverse woodland and open parkland set in gentle rolling drumlin countryside, Gosford Forest Park is an adventure paradise for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Gortmore's superb Viewpoint situated on the Bishop's Road on the Binevenagh Loop, as part of the Causeway Coastal Route overlooks Magilligan Point, Benone beach and Binevenagh mountain and hosts a imposing statue of the Celtic God of the Sea.
The Silent Valley Reservoir was built to gather water from the Mourne Mountains and is the main water supply source for most of County Down and a large part of Belfast. The famous Mourne Wall was constructed to enclose the reservoir's catchment area.
