Northern Ireland’s first Signature Walk unveiled at Downhill Demesne

(L-R): Laurentiu Ghisoiu from the National Trust, Sheena Dickson from Tourism NI, Oliver McMullan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens and Mel McQuitty of Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust.

A spectacular stretch of Northern Ireland’s north coast has been chosen to host the region’s very first “Signature Walk” — a move designed to transform how visitors experience its most iconic landscapes.

Launched by Tourism Northern Ireland in partnership with National Trust, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, the inaugural route brings together dramatic scenery, heritage and accessibility in a single immersive walking experience.

A walk shaped by scenery and story

Set at Downhill Demesne near Coleraine, the 4.2-mile circular trail begins at Castlerock Train Station and winds along rugged headlands before arriving at the historic estate.

Walkers are treated to sweeping clifftop views over the Atlantic Ocean, with vistas stretching west across Downhill Strand towards Magilligan Point and County Donegal, and east towards Castlerock beach, Portstewart, Portrush and Fair Head.

At the heart of the route lies the iconic Mussenden Temple, perched dramatically on a 300ft cliff edge — a centrepiece that visitors can explore during the two-hour journey alongside the estate’s gardens and ruins.

Meeting growing demand for outdoor experiences

The launch taps into a clear trend: walking remains the most popular activity among visitors to Northern Ireland.

Research shows:

• 48% of visitors from Northern Ireland and 33% from the Republic of Ireland take part in scenic walks during their stay

• 86% rate their experience as good or excellent

• 77% of overseas visitors seek out new landscapes and cultural experiences

Laurentiu Ghisoiu from the National Trust, Sheena Dickson from Tourism NI, Oliver McMullan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens and Mel McQuitty of Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust.

Tourism NI believes the new Signature Walk concept will help meet this demand while supporting sustainable tourism and encouraging deeper engagement with the region’s natural assets.

Sheena Dickson, Landscapes & Activities Tourism Manager at Tourism NI, said:

“Tourism NI is delighted to be involved in the launch of the Signature Walk and there cannot be a more picturesque and dramatic headland in Northern Ireland than Downhill Estate for the start of this exciting project.

“Developing these signature routes will help showcase some of our most special outdoor assets and tell the story of our iconic places by inviting our visitors to get their walking shoes on.”

Boost for local tourism and sustainable travel

Local leaders say the route’s accessibility — starting at a train station and supported by public transport — makes it particularly appealing for both residents and visitors.

Oliver McMullan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, said:

“We are delighted to have the iconic walk from Castlerock to Downhill Demesne featured as part of Tourism NI’s Signature Walks for 2026.

“With its iconic sea views and stunning scenery, this beautiful coastline walk is unrivalled for its beauty; and as Castlerock is served by both bus and train links, it offers walkers a chance to really enjoy the Castlerock area and beyond, leaving the car at home to connect with nature.”

Laurentiu Ghisoiu, National Trust’s Senior Visitor Experience Officer at Downhill Demesne, added:

“This trail is an amazing asset for both the local community and visitors from across the world.

“We hope it helps people discover the beauty of Downhill and surrounding landscapes, while supporting the Trust’s ongoing work to care for Mussenden Temple and the wider Demesne so people can continue to enjoy it for generations to come.”

Community roots and future ambition

The project also builds on grassroots work through the Castlerock Trails and Tails Project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Mel McQuitty, Outdoor Recreation Project Officer with the Binevenagh Landscape Partnership, said:

“It’s fantastic to see elements of the community-led Castlerock Trails and Tails Project coming together to support a new signature trail.

“Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the use of existing infrastructure, clear signage and a starting point at the train station shows how sustainable access can enhance people’s experience of the Binevenagh landscape.”

A first step in a wider vision

Tourism NI hopes this will be the first in a wider network of Signature Walks across Northern Ireland — positioning the region as a world-class destination for outdoor exploration.

For communities along the north coast, the new route is more than a scenic walk — it’s a statement of intent about the future of tourism, sustainability and showcasing the very best of what the landscape has to offer.

At a glance

• Northern Ireland’s first “Signature Walk” has launched at Downhill Demesne near Coleraine

• The 4.2-mile circular route starts at Castlerock Train Station

• Walk features clifftop views, coastal scenery and Mussenden Temple

• Designed as a two-hour accessible walking experience

• Developed by Tourism NI with key partners including the National Trust

• Research shows walking is the most popular visitor activity in Northern Ireland

• Route supports sustainable tourism with public transport access

• Builds on community-led Castlerock Trails and Tails Project

• Part of a wider plan to create more Signature Walks across the region