Helen Fairbairn
Outdoor guidebook author
Helen Fairbairn has worked as a professional outdoor writer for the past 20 years. Specialising in adventure travel and wilderness activities, she is the author of 13 hiking guidebooks, covering destinations as diverse as the European Alps and America's Rocky Mountains. Many of her more recent books focus on the diverse outdoor attractions of Ireland. Her latest title, Ireland's Adventure Bucket List, inspires readers to explore wild Irish landscapes in a whole new way. Currently living on the west coast of Ireland, she feels privileged that her passion is also her job. Find out more about Helen and her work at HelenFairbairn.com.
Recent articles by Helen Fairbairn
Binevenagh, County Londonderry: What to see and where to go in Northern Ireland's dramatic Binevenagh landscape
Discover Binevenagh's lake, forest, best viewpoints and walks with our guide to this little-visited natural wonder in Northern Ireland's County Derry.
Glenariff Forest Park, County Antrim walks
Pick from one of two circular gorge walks, each winding beside tumbling rivers and waterfalls through Glenariff Forest Park in Northern Ireland's County Antrim
Slieve Donard, County Down walk
This out-and-back route climbs through woodland, beside streams and over stone slabs to the summit of Slieve Donard in the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland's highest point
Walk: Crawfordsburn Country Park, County Down
This gentle walk through Crawfordsburn Country Park in Northern Ireland's County Down includes sandy beaches, rocky shoreline, woodland, a historic fort and several beautiful meadows
Day out: Kinbane, Dunseverick and Dunluce, County Antrim
Immerse yourself in an era of kingship and battle with this castle-to-castle tour along Northern Ireland's spectacular Causeway Coast
Day out: Meelmore Lodge, County Down
Meelmore Lodge is so well positioned that you don’t even need a car to begin your day of exploring, just wake up and walk directly from your tent or room into the Mourne Mountains
Day out: Lagan Valley Regional Park, Belfast
Seek the lilting song of the yellowhammer and the skylark’s sweet call beside the winding
River Lagan on the edge of Northern Ireland’s capital city
Day out: Beaghmore, County Tyrone
This fascinating Bronze Age site was only discovered in the 1940s. Many questions surrounding the stones remain unanswered, adding to their allure on a misty October day
Walk: Ballintoy and Portbraddan, County Antrim
Enjoy a seaside stroll between two of Northern Ireland’s prettiest – and smallest – fishing villages, past crumbling sea stacks, scores of islets and butterfly-filled dunes
Walk: Slieve Binnian, County Down
Severe weathering during the last ice age sculpted Slieve Binnian into the most distinctive peak in Northern Ireland's Mourne Mountains
Walk: Mourne Way, County Down
This signed two-day hike through lush woodland, water-filled valleys and tor-topped mountains is a great place to start exploring Northern Ireland’s many accessible trails,
Day out: Slemish, County Antrim
Climb an iconic little peak bursting with religious and geological significance
Day out: Cave Hill, Belfast
Belfast’s most familiar natural landmark provides a wild mountain viewpoint and an invigorating ascent, right on the edge of the city