Some parts of Northern Ireland could see snow this Christmas
We've got your Christmas week weather report 👇
Author: Emma DicksonPublished 22nd Dec 2021
We might not be able to get out and about as much as we'd like to this Christmas, but fingers crossed the weather holds up long enough to squeeze in a few winter walks.
As expected, some parts of Northern Ireland could see a white Christmas, especially in higher ground like the Mourne Mountains.
According to the Met Office, things look set to stay cold but dry, with sunny spells on Christmas Day. Brisk winds are on the way also, so be too sure pack your gloves and scarves if you're heading home.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Chris Bulmer, said: "The Christmas period will be a fairly unsettled spell across the UK this year. Many will see wet and cloudy conditions as mild air dominates. For many areas a brisk easterly wind will bring a notable wind chill"
NI's Christmas Weather Report 👇
Thursday 23rd December: Rain, heavy at times, moving northeast in the morning. This gradually clears north during the afternoon with drier spells by dusk. Mainly dry in the evening with fog patches. Maximum temperature 11 °C
Friday 24th December: Dry at first on Friday, further rain developing in the afternoon.
Saturday 25th December: Cloudy on Christmas Day with outbreaks of rain
Sunday 26th December: Further rain and light winds on Boxing Day
Get your walking boots ready, get active, get outdoors and explore NI this Christmas.
Cave Hill
One of the most popular city hikes with stunning panoramic views of Belfast from the top. Start at Belfast Castle and join the 'Cave Hill' signposted route. Set aside 1.5-3 hours to complete. A challenging 4.5 mile hike. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads.
Some parts of Northern Ireland could see snow this Christmas
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Slemish Mountain
It lies a few miles east of Ballymena. This route begins at Slemish Car Park about 15 minutes drive from the village of Broughshane. After following a grassy track to the base of the mountain, walkers choose their own path over rocky terrain to the summit, some 430m above sea level. According to legend, following his capture and being brought to Ireland as a slave, Saint Patrick worked as a shepherd at Slemish. Set aside 1.5-2 hours to complete. A challenging 1.5 mile steep hike. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads.
Cave Hill
One of the most popular city hikes with stunning panoramic views of Belfast from the top. Start at Belfast Castle and join the 'Cave Hill' signposted route. Set aside 1.5-3 hours to complete. A challenging 4.5 mile hike. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads.
The Gobbins Cliff Path
The Gobbins is a spectacular coastal walk situated along the Causeway Coastal Route, voted the number one region in the world to visit by Lonely Planet. The outdoor coastal adventure experience pulled in almost 30 thousand visitors from countries all over the world including Australia, New Zealand, China and India in 2019. Weaving its way along the basalt cliffs of the famous Causeway Coast, you will go across a suspension bridge, tunnels and along pathways in an up close and personal experience of the spectacular coastline. As they travel along the path, visitors have the chance to discover the area's varied geology, marvel at the engineering triumphs and even spot puffins, dolphins and seals.
Slieve Donard, Mourne Mountains
We'll start with the toughest first, at 850m Northern Ireland's highest peak is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Set aside 3.5-6 hours to complete. There are two routes up, via Donard Car Park and Bloody Bridge. For the most popular route (Donard Car Park), follow the Glen River uphill through the forest. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads. Once you've conquered Slieve Donard, why not out some of the smaller peaks in a day or for more 700m+ challenging climbs head for Slieve Binnian, Slieve Commedagh or Slieve Bearnagh.
Cuilcagh Mountain
The Legnabrocky Trail is open to the summit of the mountain from the car park about 1 km from the road entrance to Marble Arch Caves. A new boardwalk protects the bog from erosion. Set aside 5-7 hours to complete. Dogs are not permitted. Visitors can use the Killykeegan Nature Reserve car park or Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre.
Carrick-a-Rede
A popular tourist attraction. Connected to cliffs by a rope bridge across the Atlantic Ocean. Suspended 100ft (30m) above sea level, it was first erected by salmon fisherman 350 years ago. Set aside 1 hour to complete. A good one for beginners. You'll need to purchase allocated time tickets.
Causeway Coastal Walk
This superb, two-day 33 mile walking route takes you along Northern Ireland's most celebrated coastline. High cliffs, pass secluded beaches and historic landmarks. With frequent access points and terrain suitable for all fit walkers, this is one route you'll remember for years to come.
Rostrevor and Kilbroney Forest
The Cloughmore car park is 230m above sea level and provides views of the surrounding forest. There are three trails, which vary in length from 1.25 miles to 4.5 miles with great views of Carlingford Lough along the way.
Divis and Black Mountain Trial
View the city from a different perspective, from above! The Divis Ridge Trail allows the walkers to enjoy 180 degree views across the city and further afield including the Antrim Plateau to the north, Scotland to the east and the Mourne Mountains to the south. Set aside 2-3 hours to complete. A great flat walk for beginners. 4 miles long. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads.
Cave Hill
One of the most popular city hikes with stunning panoramic views of Belfast from the top. Start at Belfast Castle and join the 'Cave Hill' signposted route. Set aside 1.5-3 hours to complete. A challenging 4.5 mile hike. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads.
Slemish Mountain
It lies a few miles east of Ballymena. This route begins at Slemish Car Park about 15 minutes drive from the village of Broughshane. After following a grassy track to the base of the mountain, walkers choose their own path over rocky terrain to the summit, some 430m above sea level. According to legend, following his capture and being brought to Ireland as a slave, Saint Patrick worked as a shepherd at Slemish. Set aside 1.5-2 hours to complete. A challenging 1.5 mile steep hike. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads.
Cave Hill
One of the most popular city hikes with stunning panoramic views of Belfast from the top. Start at Belfast Castle and join the 'Cave Hill' signposted route. Set aside 1.5-3 hours to complete. A challenging 4.5 mile hike. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads.
The Gobbins Cliff Path
The Gobbins is a spectacular coastal walk situated along the Causeway Coastal Route, voted the number one region in the world to visit by Lonely Planet. The outdoor coastal adventure experience pulled in almost 30 thousand visitors from countries all over the world including Australia, New Zealand, China and India in 2019. Weaving its way along the basalt cliffs of the famous Causeway Coast, you will go across a suspension bridge, tunnels and along pathways in an up close and personal experience of the spectacular coastline. As they travel along the path, visitors have the chance to discover the area's varied geology, marvel at the engineering triumphs and even spot puffins, dolphins and seals.
Slieve Donard, Mourne Mountains
We'll start with the toughest first, at 850m Northern Ireland's highest peak is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Set aside 3.5-6 hours to complete. There are two routes up, via Donard Car Park and Bloody Bridge. For the most popular route (Donard Car Park), follow the Glen River uphill through the forest. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads. Once you've conquered Slieve Donard, why not out some of the smaller peaks in a day or for more 700m+ challenging climbs head for Slieve Binnian, Slieve Commedagh or Slieve Bearnagh.
Cuilcagh Mountain
The Legnabrocky Trail is open to the summit of the mountain from the car park about 1 km from the road entrance to Marble Arch Caves. A new boardwalk protects the bog from erosion. Set aside 5-7 hours to complete. Dogs are not permitted. Visitors can use the Killykeegan Nature Reserve car park or Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre.
Carrick-a-Rede
A popular tourist attraction. Connected to cliffs by a rope bridge across the Atlantic Ocean. Suspended 100ft (30m) above sea level, it was first erected by salmon fisherman 350 years ago. Set aside 1 hour to complete. A good one for beginners. You'll need to purchase allocated time tickets.
Causeway Coastal Walk
This superb, two-day 33 mile walking route takes you along Northern Ireland's most celebrated coastline. High cliffs, pass secluded beaches and historic landmarks. With frequent access points and terrain suitable for all fit walkers, this is one route you'll remember for years to come.
Rostrevor and Kilbroney Forest
The Cloughmore car park is 230m above sea level and provides views of the surrounding forest. There are three trails, which vary in length from 1.25 miles to 4.5 miles with great views of Carlingford Lough along the way.
Divis and Black Mountain Trial
View the city from a different perspective, from above! The Divis Ridge Trail allows the walkers to enjoy 180 degree views across the city and further afield including the Antrim Plateau to the north, Scotland to the east and the Mourne Mountains to the south. Set aside 2-3 hours to complete. A great flat walk for beginners. 4 miles long. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads.
Cave Hill
One of the most popular city hikes with stunning panoramic views of Belfast from the top. Start at Belfast Castle and join the 'Cave Hill' signposted route. Set aside 1.5-3 hours to complete. A challenging 4.5 mile hike. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads.
Slemish Mountain
It lies a few miles east of Ballymena. This route begins at Slemish Car Park about 15 minutes drive from the village of Broughshane. After following a grassy track to the base of the mountain, walkers choose their own path over rocky terrain to the summit, some 430m above sea level. According to legend, following his capture and being brought to Ireland as a slave, Saint Patrick worked as a shepherd at Slemish. Set aside 1.5-2 hours to complete. A challenging 1.5 mile steep hike. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads.
