Top Places for a Picnic this Easter
Easter is on the horizon and what better way to share out those chocolate eggs and easter bunny hunts than on a picnic? Northern Ireland is spoilt for beautiful places to take the family out for a picnic so we’ve narrowed down the list to make it easier for you to find the perfect picnic spot and get out more!
Barnett Demesne, Co. Antrim
Barnetts Demesne is the perfect site for a picnic just outside of Belfast near Shaws Bridge. It’s a great green space with access to walking trails and mountain bike trails all around. The daffodils are amazing in the spring as they’re planted all over making it the perfect easter spot!
Portstewart Stand, Co. Londonderry
Beaches don’t get much better than this! On a beautiful sunny day it’s the ideal beach picnic location with the full length of the beach to walk along, the river just over the dunes, and access to some lovely coffee shops if the weather decides to turn. It’s one of the most popular beaches on the north coast and you can take your car on making picnicking even easier this easter.
Oxford Island, Co. Armagh
This trail takes in the Oxford Island National Nature Reserve and is a haven for wildlife. It’s a super spot to take the family and the trails take in Kinnego Marina so there are plenty of options for where to place your blanket.
Dungannon Park, Co. Tyrone
Dungannon Park is a beautiful 70 acre oasis with plenty of trails and paths to explore, it would make a great spot for an easter egg hunt! High ground offers splendid viewpoints of surrounding townland, countryside and on a clear day you can see Lough Neagh. Check out the stunning views, big open spaces and colourful flowerbeds around the 13 acre freshwater lake.
Bloody Bridge Coastal Route, Co. Down
For those staying in Newcastle for the weekend or those escaping just for a day we suggest you take a short walk along the Bloody Bridge Coastal Route which stretches for a mile and a half south of the historic site of Bloody Bridge. Newly installed picnic benches and brand new public art at Bloody Bridge Car Park make this a fantastic location for an alfresco lunch filled with easter goodies. For those looking to walk a bit further from this location you can follow the Bloody Bridge trail along the intriguingly named Brandy Pad, an ancient smugglers’ route from the shore to the heart of the mountains.
Florence Court, Co. Fermanagh
Offering miles of glorious walks through parkland, gardens and the surrounding forest there are plenty of reasons to enjoy a picnic at Florence Court. Take a stroll into the forest to visit the blacksmith’s forge and carpenters workshop before relaxing with a picnic in the peaceful gardens whilst enjoying the mountain scenery.
Botanic Gardens, Co. Antrim
Take some time to stop and smell the roses in the extensive Rose Garden within Belfast’s Botanic Gardens where it’s easy to forget that you are in still in Belfast city centre. Home to one of the earliest examples of cast iron glass houses enjoy sitting on the grass eating your picnic in front of The Palm House.
Lough Navar Forest, Co. Fermanagh
Take time out next to the Lough or among the trees in the forest. There are many points of interest within the forest including lakes, viewpoints and places of historical interest where you can stop along the way.
Gortin Lakes, Co. Tyrone
If you are in search of the perfect picnic bench with a few you are sure to find it at this location where you can enjoy a short stroll and panoramic views.
Castle Archdale, Co. Fermanagh
With a variety of walks along the Lough shore enjoy a picnic by the famous Lough Erne, on the tables overlooking the marina, in the wildflower meadow or amongst the butterflies in the butterfly garden.
You know the drill! Make some sandwiches, pack the picnic blanket and the chocolate eggs in the car and get ready to enjoy the fantastic walks during the Easter holidays! Don’t forget to tag us using #OutmoreNI on social media.
