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.
17. Portmore Lough Nature Reserve, Aghalee
A hidden gem in Aghalee, Co Antrim, Portmore Lough Nature Reserve is the perfect place to enjoy nature any time of the year. Enjoy your picnic in the summer or winter months with the sight of Greyla Gees and Whooper Swans coming in to roost during winter, or during the summer along the traditional hay meadows. Watch the lough come alive with a range of dragonflies, butterflies and damselflies during the warmer months. For more information, go to discovernorthernireland.com/portmore-lough-nature-reserve Photo: DiscoverNI
18. Big Dog Forest
Part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, Big Dog Forest is approximately 1,000 hectares, making this a perfect place for a big adventure and a picnic with your furry friend. Located in Co Fermanagh, this picturesque walk gives you the opportunity to explore the shores of Lough Doo and woodland inhabited by red deer, dragonflies and herons. For more information, go to discovernorthernireland.com/big-dog-forest-big-dog-walk Photo: DiscoverNI
19. Portmuck Harbour, Islandmagee, Co Antrim
Portmuck Harbour is located just five kilometres from Brown’s Bay on the eastern side of Islandmagee, Co Antrim. The harbour has a small pier to fish from as well as a tiny beach, making this a perfect picnic spot for anglers and beach lovers. From the car park, there are two challenging walks, one leads to Skernaghan beside Brown’s Bay and the other leads close to the Isle of uck, a protected bird sanctuary managed by the wildlife trust. For more information, go to discovernorthernireland.com/portmuck-harbour Photo: DiscoverNI.
20. Glenariff Forest Park, Co Antrim
Glenariff, known as Queen of the Glens, is one of the nine Antrim Glens in Northern Ireland, covering over 1,000 hectares of plated woodland, outdoor recreation spaces, conservation areas and lakes. Due to the richness and diversity of plant life, parts of Glenariff Glen have been designated as a National Nature Reserve as well as being home to many animals of conservation concern. Bring a picnic along and you might be able to see a red squirrel or an Irish hare along with the amazing views of the Glens. For more information, go to discovernorthernireland.com/glenariff-forest-park Photo: DiscoverNI.