Outdoor experts name top free beauty spots to visit across Northern Ireland

Brisk Autumn walk anyone?

Northern Ireland’s top beauty spots which are free to explore have been named in a new study.

Experts at Millets have revealed their “top hidden gems” across the country that do not charge admission and are beautiful all year round – despite the changing weather.

The research was conducted for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland using tips from Reddit, TikTok, and travel articles – experts then checked Tripadvisor ratings to find the best ones across the UK.

READ MORE: Queen’s University Belfast named as the best in Northern Ireland in The Sunday Times ‘Good University Guide’READ MORE: Full list of businesses in the final of the Northern Ireland Food To Go Awards 2025

While maybe not considered too much of a “hidden” gem to the people of Northern Ireland, the Mourne Mountains came out on top.

Sam Chadwick from Millets said: “The UK is full of beautiful locations, and in recent years, more people have discovered the benefits of spending time outdoors.

“We have collated our ultimate hidden gems list, revealing the highest-rated hidden gems that are completely free to enjoy.”

Northern Ireland’s Highest Rated Free Hidden Gems:

Location

Region

Google rating /5

TripAdvisor rating /5

Average rating /5

Mourne Mountains

County Down

4.8

4.8

4.80

Blackhead Lighthouse

County Antrim

4.8

4.8

4.80

White Park Bay

County Antrim

4.8

4.7

4.75

Cladagh Glen

County Fermanagh

4.8

4.7

4.75

Kinbane Castle

County Antrim

4.8

4.7

4.75

Ballintoy Harbour

County Antrim

4.8

4.6

4.70

Slieve Gullion Forest Park

County Down

4.8

4.6

4.70

Murlough Bay

County Antrim

4.9

4.4

4.65

Ballycopeland Windmill

County Down

4.8

4.5

4.65

Gleno Waterfall

County Antrim

4.6

4.5

4.55

Annalong Corn Mill

County Down

4.4

4.5

4.45

Banagher Glen

County Derry

4.7

4.1

4.40

Lough Neagh

County Antrim

4.5

4.2

4.35

Cushendun Caves

County Antrim

4.4

4.1

4.25

Dunseverick Castle & Bay

County Antrim

4.4

3.8

4.10

Tyrella Beach

County Down

4.6

3.5

4.05

This is what experts had to say on the top two spots:

Mourne Mountains – has been crowned one of the best free hidden gems to visit in Northern Ireland, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. The mountain range, located in County Down, is the highest in the country, with Slieve Donard the tallest peak at 850 meters. With its rolling hills, picturesque lake and towering peaks, it’s easy to see why visitors describe the Mournes as ‘simply breathtaking.’

Blackhead Lighthouse – Located on the cliffs of the Ballygally Head, visitors can capture spectacular views of the Carrickfergus Bay, Belfast Lough, and the nearby Antrim Coastline from the lighthouse, and on particularly clear days, visitors can spot the hills of Scotland.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter.