Sports Events

The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has been the scenic backdrop to a number of world-class sporting events. Northern Ireland is home to international sporting superstars, like Rory McIlroy and the Dunlop family.

For a chance to see Northern Ireland’s next generation of sporting talent, check our varied calendar of events.

International Golf Events in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion

Royal County Down, Newcastle from 12-15 September 2024 will host the 2024 Horizon Irish Open 2024. This spectacular links is regarded as one of the best golf courses in the world. Explore golf courses all around Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion, with a variety of tournaments taking place at local clubs. Take the opportunity to talk shop with pro golfers from around the UK, Ireland and the rest of Europe.

Northern Ireland is fast becoming one of the top golf destinations in the world. Besides impeccable greens and fairways, Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is home to picturesque courses which rival any others in the world.

You’ll be well catered for, with the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Burrendale Hotel and Country Club, and Golf Links House all offering bed and breakfast deals in combination with various tournament entries. Just make sure you bring your A game, and Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion will take care of the rest.

Take to the Waters at the Skiffie Festival

Cruise the waves on Strangford Lough at the annual Skiffie festival at Delamont Country Park. Skiffies are traditional wooden rowing boats, built by teams from the local community around County Down, as well as the rest of the UK and Ireland.

Over the course of the weekend, twenty different races take place, as Skiffie teams vie to be crowned champions. They’re joined on the water by sea kayaks, canoes, and a giant currach. Why not try your hand on the open water at one of the taster events?

During the festival, you’ll have ample chances to take in Strangford Lough’s many sights and sounds. Gaze across the water at Castle Ward, or keep a keen eye out for some of Strangford’s native seals, birds and even dolphins.

If cruising the waters isn’t quite your thing, why not take advantage of some of the activities for landlubbers. Children will love the face painting tent and arty scavenger hunt. Grownups and children alike can find their inner peace at free thai chi classes.

Live music fans will love the tepee stage, with local food and drink businesses providing hospitality. There is also a range of catering options to suit every taste.

Challenging Terrain at the Crooked Lake Triathlon

The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion’s waters and mountains are the perfect place for feats of endurance and strength. The Crooked Lake Triathlon is one of the most challenging events in the national calendar.

Hundreds of competitors fight it out over 750 metres of open water swimming, a challenging bike ride in the foothills of the Mournes, and a gruelling 5km run.