The people of Mourne, Gullion and Strangford aim to embed the ethos of sustainability throughout the community. The region is recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark - a place of unique landscape and cultural heritage. Crucial to this recognition is sustainability in tourism around Mourne, Gullion and Strangford and there are many great places who are only too willing to do their bit for the love of the area and its future generations.
You could spend a lifetime discovering the treasures of our region, and of course the people who are lucky enough to live and work here do just that every day. There is so much to enjoy and see in this wee corner of the world that it can be really tough to choose. We thought we might make it a little easier for you with a few must-see and must-do experiences for you while you’re here.
A special day for a very special person, Mother’s Day, also known as Mothering Sunday, is celebrated on Sunday, 30 March this year and it is a time to be grateful to our mothers for all the love and care she has shown us throughout our lives. Obviously we should try to show our appreciation to our mother at all times but it is nice to have a day specifically dedicated to her.
Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion is a beautiful, fun-filled area that offers plenty of family-friendly activities for children under 5. Whether you're looking for indoor activities to avoid bad weather, or outdoor adventures that let little ones explore nature the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion has it all.
Newcastle is one of the loveliest seaside towns in the Mourne Mountains and, indeed, on the island of Ireland. Its location at the foot of Northern Ireland’s highest peak, Slieve Donard, makes it a great base to explore the area. Whether you’re just here for the day or you decide to stay longer there is plenty to do in and around the area for every kind of visitor.
It’s all about the sea around Strangford and Lecale. An area of outstanding natural beauty, stunning views and of special scientific interest, this part of the world is a real winner for those who like their life outdoors. Whether you want to take a boat across the lough, put on your boots and trek around its shores or immerse yourself in the world of Game of Thrones® you’ll find it all in this beautiful part of our area.
The spiritual centre of our area, Downpatrick is a beautiful and historic town built on the rolling drumlins of Lecale. One of the oldest towns on the island of Ireland, it has a long association with Saint Patrick who spent much of his time in and around the area and died here in the early 5th Century. His legacy remains and whether you come here on pilgrimage or just to simply say hello, there is a unique atmosphere in this small town that you won’t find anywhere else.
Dundrum has officially been named the best place to live in Northern Ireland by the Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide – and it’s easy to see why.
Described as “genteel, seriously gourmet, and generous in spirit,” this picturesque coastal village in County Down offers a magical setting where nearly every home boasts stunning views of the Mourne Mountains, Dundrum Bay, or both.
Located just 35 miles south of Belfast and a short 5-mile drive from Newcastle, Dundrum is a vibrant, community-minded village with an unbeatable combination of history, nature, and an incredible food scene.