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Home > NIEA > Land Home > Landscape > Protecting Landscapes > Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Last updated: 28 February 2011

For its small area, Northern Ireland has a great variety of scenic countryside and although there are no National Parks, large areas of landscape of distinctive character and special scenic value have been designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). This designation is designed to protect and enhance the qualities of each area and to promote their enjoyment by the public.

There are 8 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Northern Ireland.

picture of map of AONBs in Northern Ireland