4.7
(23)
359
hikers
23
hikes
Easy hiking trails near Ballyharvey Lower offer access to the diverse landscapes of County Antrim. The region is characterized by its proximity to Lough Neagh, providing opportunities for lakeside walks, and features historical parklands such as Antrim Castle Gardens. Gentle riverbanks and mixed forests also contribute to the area's varied terrain, suitable for accessible outdoor activities. These routes generally feature minimal elevation gain, making them ideal for leisurely exploration.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
4.6
(8)
56
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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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.
12
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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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There are 16 easy hiking trails around Ballyharvey Lower, offering a variety of scenic routes suitable for leisurely exploration. In total, the area features 23 hiking routes, with the majority being easy.
Easy hikes around Ballyharvey Lower feature diverse landscapes, including tranquil lakeside walks along Lough Neagh, historical parklands like Antrim Castle Gardens, gentle riverbanks, and mixed forests. These routes generally have minimal elevation gain, making them ideal for accessible outdoor activities.
Yes, many of the easy trails are suitable for families. Routes through Antrim Castle Gardens, such as the Antrim Castle Gardens – Antrim Castle Ruins loop from Antrim, offer historical interest and open spaces for children. The gentle terrain and well-maintained paths make them enjoyable for all ages.
While specific dog policies can vary by location, many public paths and forest trails in the wider Antrim area, including those around Ballyharvey Lower, are generally dog-friendly. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in nature reserves or areas with livestock, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions.
Yes, several easy routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop, which offers views along Lough Neagh, and the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim – Lough Neagh Shoreline loop from Antrim.
You can explore several notable landmarks. The Antrim Castle Gardens offer historical grounds and features. Along Lough Neagh, you might encounter the impressive Protector of the Lough statue. Additionally, the ancient Antrim Round Tower is a significant historical site in the vicinity.
Easy hikes around Ballyharvey Lower vary in length and duration. For instance, the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim – Lough Neagh Shoreline loop from Antrim is about 5 km (3.1 miles) and takes approximately 1 hour 16 minutes, while the Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop is 7.1 km (4.4 miles) and takes around 1 hour 49 minutes.
Yes, many popular trailheads, especially those around Antrim town and Antrim Castle Gardens, offer dedicated parking facilities. It's advisable to check specific route details for parking information before you go.
The easy trails around Ballyharvey Lower are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 20 reviews. Hikers often praise the accessible nature of the routes, the scenic views along Lough Neagh, and the historical charm of areas like Antrim Castle Gardens.
The region around Ballyharvey Lower is enjoyable for easy hikes throughout the year. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant temperatures, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. Even in winter, the trails can be picturesque, though appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended.
Absolutely. The Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim – Antrim Castle Gardens loop from Antrim is an excellent option. This route, approximately 7.8 km (4.8 miles), allows you to experience both the tranquil shores of Lough Neagh and the historic beauty of Antrim Castle Gardens.
Yes, you can find an easy route that includes this iconic sculpture. The Antrim Castle Gardens – The Protector of the Lough loop from Antrim is a 7.6 km (4.7 miles) trail that takes you past the impressive Protector of the Lough statue, offering a blend of history and local folklore.


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