Myth, legend and enchanting landscape
Wild and untouched hilltop views The Sperrins are one of Northern Ireland's hidden walking gems. Stretching along the border of counties Tyrone and Derry~Londonderry they can be best described as wild, untouched and beautiful. This section journeys through the heart of the range, mainly following quiet roads and tracks. Highlights of this section include Barnes Gap, the exceptionally scenic Glenelly Valley, and Eagles Rock.
Crossing from Donegal into Northern Ireland at Kelly's Bridge, the trail passes through Killeter Forest, one of the largest areas of coniferous woodland in Ireland. The trail continues along forest track and country roads to Killeter. The village and surrounding countryside has a rich and diverse cultural heritage ranging from archaeological monuments from over 5,000 years ago, to sites associated with the earliest days of Christianity in Ireland and St. Patrick, Ireland's Patron Saint.
The trail then continues through the Sperrins to Binevenagh where walkers can meet the famous statue of the Sea god 'Manannán Mac Lir' overlooking Lough Foyle.
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Towering sea cliffs and rural rambles The spectacular cliffs of Slieve League (the highest accessible cliffs in Europe) mark the official start point of the IAT Ulster-Ireland. A challenging walk following the cliff top path and returning via the Pilgrims Path, will give you a more rewarding view of the region. On a clear day visitors can see across to County Mayo. Walkers on this section are advised to have a good head for heights, proper walking equipment and a good level of fitness. Beyond the cliffs, walkers can enjoy rural trails following the Bluestack Way past rivers, turf fields and around the tranquil waters of Lough Eske. This section of the IAT Ulster-Ireland offers visitors the chance to connect with Ireland's history through wild untouched landscapes, folk villages and castle ruins.
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Breathtaking views and rich biodiversity The IAT Ulster-Ireland picks up the iconic Ulster Way at the northern slopes of Bolaght Mountain. The trail through this region follows quiet country roads, woodland trails and open countryside. One of the highlights of this section is the ascent of Bessy Bell, a popular walk with locals and tourists alike. Upon reaching the summit you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the western Sperrins and on a good day views of Mount Errigal in Donegal. From here the trail weaves its way towards Gortin Glen Forest Park before continuing to the serene surrounds of Gortin Lakes. Set amidst the broad sweep of the Sperrins foothills, the Gortin Lakes have their origins in the late glacial period.
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Rugged coastline and giant footsteps The Causeway Coastal Route section of the IAT Ulster-Ireland is picked up at Binevenagh Mountain. Here walkers are in for a treat following rugged coastline along the most northerly edge of Ulster.
Flora & fauna As walkers journey along the IAT Ulster-Ireland there is a wealth of flora and fauna to discover, from heather outcrops and bog cotton to wild garlic and a variety of plants used in traditional Irish Herbal remedies.
Steeped in myth and legend, follow the giant footsteps of Finn McCool past the Giant's Causeway following high clifftop paths and white sandy beaches to the coastal town of Ballycastle. The trail then follows the eastern edge of Northern Ireland through some of the most glorious coastline and glens. One of the highlights of this section is the opportunity to visit Ulster's largest waterfalls in Glenariff Forest Park. Also known as 'Queen of the Glens', this location is said to be the mythological home of Finn McCool’s great rival Goll MacMorna.
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Glorious glens and rolling hills The final section of the IAT Ulster-Ireland takes in quiet coastal villages and the spectacular Antrim Hills on its way to the port town of Larne. The trail takes in a combination of hilltop trails and coast paths all of which afford spectacular views across the sea to Scotland on a clear day. Highlights of this region include Scawt Hill, Carnfunnock Country Park and Glenarm Castle and Garden.
O M AGH
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LO U GH N E AGH
BU N GL AS S L I EV E L EAGU E
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D O NEGA L
05 KI L L ET ER
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TYRO NE
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Davagh Forest
GO R TIN SPERRINS AONB
GL ENT I ES
BE LFAST
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L AR N E
BA LLYME N A
DON EGAL
ANTRIM
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Carnfunnock Country Park
D U N GIV E N L ET T ERKENNY
D ERRY/ LO ND O ND ERRY DERRY/ LO NDO NDERRY
LO U GH FOY L E
GLE N A R M Glenariff Forest Park
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BA LLYMO N E Y
BINEVENAGH AONB
ANTRIM COAST & GLENS AONB
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WATE R FO OT CO LE R A IN E CAUSEWAY AONB & UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
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PO R TSTE WA R T
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Ballypatrick Forest
PO R TR US H BA LLYC ASTLE
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15 See trail highlights section overleaf for more information on locations plotted on this map and numbered pictures in this guide. AONB: Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
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International connections
Step into the adventure
By stepping onto the Ulster-Ireland Chapter of the International Appalachian Trail you are not only connecting to the rich heritage and landscape of Ireland, but are also following remnants of the ancient Appalachian-Caledonian Mountains once joined 250 million years ago.
The International Appalachian Trail (IAT) Ulster-Ireland is just one of a growing number of established IAT walking trails stretching across 3 continents which share a common geological heritage, the Appalachian – Caledonian Mountains.
The International Appalachian Trail begins at the Northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, on Mount Katahdin in Maine, USA. The trail moves north into Canada, across to Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, England, the Isle of Man, Wales, Norway, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
The IAT Ulster-Ireland is 279 miles (449km) long and is the next step on the world's largest walking trail network. The coast to coast trail begins on the Atlantic Coast in South West Donegal at the spectacular Slieve League cliffs, journeys inland along the Blue Stack Way into Country Tyrone. Here the route picks up the Ulster Way, explores the stunning Sperrin region, passes the Giant’s Causeway and the North Antrim Coastline before traversing the Glens of Antrim and reaching its final destination at the port of Larne. The IAT Ulster-Ireland is suitable for a wide range of visitors, whether you are looking to undertake the challenge of through walking the entire trail, exploring long sections in a specific area or discovering a short circular or linear section of trail.
Trail highlights Inspired by a picture in this guide? Find out where the location is by matching the number to the list below. 01
Slieve League Cliffs (for experienced walkers)
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Moydamlaght Forest - Eagles Rock
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Assaranca Waterfall
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Lough Eske
Manannán Mac Lir: Sea god statue, Binevenagh
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Kelly's Bridge & Killeter Forest
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Portstewart Coastal Path
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Giant's Causeway Cliff Top Path
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White Park Bay
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Aghyaran Methodist Church near Killeter Village
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Bessy Bell Summit
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Glenariff Waterfall
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Gortin Glen Forest Park
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Glenarm Castle & Gardens
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Mullaghcarn
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Scawt Hill
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Gortin Lakes
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Chaine Memorial, Larne
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Goles Stone Row, Glenelly Valley
Not to be Missed Lough Eske
Ulster American Folk Park
Plan your journey The IAT Ulster-Ireland website is the perfect tool for planning your time exploring the trail. Information includes: short walks, long distance trail map, suggested itineraries, accommodation listings, walker services and more.
www.iatulsterireland.com
Share your journey #IATUlsterIreland 10
This project was part funded under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union.
Funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development
Giant's Causeway
For more information visit www.iatulsterireland.com
A 279 mile international walking trail in Ulster-Ireland following the Appalachian Mountain terrain.