Whether you want to watch birds, see the sunrise or set or just enjoy the view whilst you munch on some picnic classics, there are lots of great locations where you can sit and eat your homemade treats.
Pack your sausage rolls, pork pies, sandwiches, scotch eggs, fruit salads and head to a spot of local beauty to enjoy them.
Northern Ireland has a huge variety of beautiful locations to enjoy a picnic. From harbours, to nature centres, to beaches and forests, there is something for every picnic lover.
Check out our list of some of the top picnic spots in Northern Ireland.
9. Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, Co Down
Kilbroney Park is a picturesque forest in Rostrevor, County Down, featuring riverside walks and an arboretum. Enjoy a picnic in the picnic area available on site or visit thecafè for a coffee to go with your picnic with panoramic views over Carlingford Lough. The forest drive leads to a car park from where walkers have the opportunity to climb up Cloughmore, a 30 tonne erratic that sits 1000 feet above Rostrevor, dating back to the ice age, perfect for a post-picnic walk. For more information, go to discovernorthernireland.com/kilbroney-park Photo: DiscoverNI
10. Slieve Gullion Forest Park
Slieve Guillon sits approximately 576 metres above the surrounding countryside of south Armagh, lying at the centre of the Ring of Gullion, a pronounced ring of hills. Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers walking trails, an adventure playpark, a scenic drive, Fionn’s Giant Adventure and a coffee shop in a picturesque courtyard. Enjoy a picnic in the forest park, or during your climb to summit Slieve Gullion with a scenic, peaceful atmosphere away from all the noise. For more information, go to discovernorthernireland.com/slieve-gullion-forest-park Photo: DiscoverNI
11. Murlough National Nature Reserve
Owned and managed by the National Trust, Murlough National Nature Reserve has been Ireland’s forest nature reserve since 1967. It is home to a fragile 6,000-year-old sand dune system along with Murlough Beach, a four-mile golden sand beach right beneath the Mourne Mountains making it an ideal picnic spot. Bird watchers will enjoy the range of bird species native to Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains. For more information, go to nationaltrust.org.uk/murlough-national-nature-reserve Photo: DiscoverNI
12. Carnfunnock Country Park, Co Antrim
Located on the Antrim Coast Road outside Larne, Carnfunnock Country Park offers over 191 hectares of colourful gardens, mixed woodland, spectacular coastline and panoramic views. Enjoy a picnic in the walled garden with its unique sundials and wooden sculptures with a maritime themed outdoor adventure playground for the children, a golf driving range, an orienteering course, way-marked walks and much more. Carnfunnock Country Park has an extensive annual programme of events including face painting, bug hunting and more. For more information, go to discovernorthernireland.com/carnfunnock-country-park Photo: DiscoverNI