Ballycastle Forest

The forest rises up behind Ballycastle in thick green layers, and there's a proper network of trails threading through it that actually reward the walk. You're looking at mixed woodland - mostly beech and oak - with decent views back towards the coast if you pick the right path. The whole place feels genuinely quiet, which is rarer than you'd think on the North Coast.

It's genuinely good for families who don't mind a bit of mud. The paths vary from gentle loops that take under an hour to longer woodland hikes that'll eat up a morning. Kids either love the exploration aspect or get bored after twenty minutes - depends entirely on your lot. If you're after serious hill walking, this isn't it. If you want to stretch your legs and breathe some forest air without faffing about with guidebooks, you've found it.

Walkers and nature types will appreciate it more than casual visitors. Bring decent footwear - it gets boggy after rain. The trails aren't heavily signed, so phone your hotel in Ballycastle beforehand if you want specific route recommendations. Free access, which is always worth knowing.

It slots nicely into a coastal holiday. Watertop Farm and North Coast 9 Glamping are both close by, so you can combine forest walks with beach days at Ballycastle itself. The forest is honestly better as a half-day diversion than a full day destination, but it's proper worth the detour if you're staying in the area.