Official tourism website for Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion
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It's Time for Fresh Air and Fantastic Views

Make your day

  1. Searching for Gold
    One piece of scientific research in 2009 came to the conclusion that, "It is a great satisfaction to be able to suggest, with solid evidence, that the Irish early Bronze Age ornaments were not only made of Irish gold but probably of gold from Co Down's Mourne Mountains,". During this immersive experience, we are going to look for that gold!
  2. Mountain Ways Ireland
    Come and join us foraging for the day in Forkhill. The story of wild food and medicine is as much part of our heritage as is song, poetry, storytelling. As autumn moves to winter we find less and less to forage or so it seems to the untrained eye. Many of our fruiting fungi friends have gone back down into the mycellium but there may still be some cold weather mushroom specialists to find and explore.
    1. Robert & Peanut
      Welcome to a "Donkey Trail Through Time", our unique 2-hour guided tour where you will harness your very own working donkey and farm the land with original equipment while learning of the history and heritage of farming and donkeys in Ireland.
    2. Getting Ready
      Escape the everyday and experience the relaxing activity of Paddle Boarding under the watchful eye of our friendly Guides amidst the historic Castlewellan Forest Park in the heart of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. Explore the stunning Castlewellan Lake, situated beneath the impressive Castle once renowned for its aristocratic parties while in the hands of Lord & Lady Annesley. Enjoy building up a thirst, before stopping off on Paddy's Island to embrace some traditional heart-warming hospitality and sampling local Gins.
    3. Cloughmor Stone, Rostrevor
      Prepare to be marvelled by epic views of the Mourne Mountains and fascinating insights in the company of local adventurer and guide, Peter Rafferty, on a guided walk/hike through a visually stunning landscape.
    4. Happy Hikers
      Embark on a timeless journey to one of Ireland's most captivating viewpoints and immerse yourself in its enchanting tales. Unleash your sense of wonder as you are safely guided by our highly experienced local expert. Just a short 1.4-mile stroll from the car park, this hidden gem unveils a tapestry of history.
      1. Primary Image
        Experience the thrill of YMCA Wild Fire and Jam at Greenhill YMCA, nestled beneath Slieve Donard. Join our bushcraft expert, Michael, to master ancient fire-making skills like flint and steel. Indulge in our secret ingredient, YMCA bread, cooked over the fire and paired with homemade berry jam. Sip on lavender or pine needle tea, brewed from ingredients foraged on-site. Set in our stunning geopark status site, this experience offers relaxation, education, and adventure. Join us for an unforgettable journey into nature's embrace.
      2. Mountain Ways Ireland
        Prepare to step back in time as we explore how our place in the natural word has evolved over the many centuries, from foraging to farming. My name is Brian and I have foraged and farmed this magical landscape for all of my life.
        1. Red Kite Blue Sky
          Come with me on a meandering dander over ancient country lanes, stopping off at some stunning scenic spots, to hear the Story of the Red Kite, it's ecology, the successful re-introduction projects, while watching out for these magnificent raptors. Marvel at them wheeling and soaring against the backdrop of the majestic Mournes. Hot beverages with home made cakes will be served during the tour.
        2. Castle Gateway
          Experience the thrill of Electric Biking in the company of our friendly Guides amidst the magic of Tollymore Forest Park, located in the heart of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. Explore a very special landscape, situated at the foot of the iconic Mourne Mountains, with its myths, legends and more recent dramas. Enjoy building up an appetite, before taking a stop with a view to savour a well-earned artisan lunch.
        3. Meet and Greet Kilkeel Harbour Co Down. Forage Nicholsons Strand for a profile of seaweeds from Silk Island along to Home Port. Listen to the endearing call of the Sea Birds Dare to Wild Sea Swim or dip those feet in the brinny waters at Crawfords Rock Gather a Seaweed Spa Bath to take home as a reminder of your day. Enjoy a Coastal Flavours Extravaganza Feast Oysters, Crab, Mussels, all with our Tide To Table Seaweeds, Locally Baked Artisan Breads and Cheeses in the warmth of the Boat House as we return to the Harbour Kilkeel Relax and Sit and Chat a while we ask that you leave nothing behind but footprints in the sand.
        4. Wild River Dipping Hiking
          Hike to the secret spots and immerse in the rivers of the Mourne Mountains. An activity that explores the trending cold water and wild swimming craze. Including hiking, wild dipping, forest bathing and cold water therapy. Our trained and highly experienced Mountain Leaders and cold water specialists guide you into the hidden landscapes of the Mourne Mountains to the spots we love the most. Visitors will experience how to safely and enjoyable enter the world of cold water therapy and wild swimming, whilst we take you through the fundamentals.
        5. Cranfield Alpacas Autumn
          Enjoy walking your alpaca along country lanes and along our beautiful beach, then meet the rest of the gang, feed them and enjoy some refreshments while taking in the stunning panoramic views of Carlingford Lough and the Mournes.
          1. 23 Nov 2024
          2. 30 Nov 2024
          3. 29 Nov 2024
        6. Forests & Parks
          The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is home to expansive woodlands and dedicated parks. Whether you want to escape to the forest, or spend a fun family day out in one of our many adventure play parks, you’ll be well catered for in Down and Armagh.
        7. Colourful leaves

          As autumn sweeps across the landscapes of  Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion everything transforms into a tapestry of rich reds, golds, and oranges. This area is known for its breathtaking beauty year-round, but during autumn, it offers an especially stunning spectacle of vibrant foliage and scenery.

        8. From family fun, fabulous festivals and vivacious events, let us help you plan your trip with out weekly guide to What's On.

        It's Time To Try Something Different

        Make your day

        1. Outdoor Adventure Three Day Itinerary
          Dive into wild swimming, discover ancient legends, indulge in culinary delights, and reconnect with nature through a series of unique experiences.  Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or simply in need of relaxation, these experiences promise a memorable escape this summer.
        2. Walking and Hiking Tours, Trails and Experiences
          The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is the perfect destination for walking and hiking. Whether you’re an occasional rambler or a seasoned adventurer, the trails are the perfect way to experience the unparalleled natural beauty of Counties Down and Armagh.
        3. Cycling & Mountain Biking
          With so much space and relatively little road traffic, the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is the perfect place for all levels of cyclists and mountain bikers. Even if you don’t feel like bringing your own bike, there are plenty of places you can hire them out and set off exploring.
        4. Walking Holidays
          There are few places on the island better suited to the walker than the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion. With almost one hundred different mountain peaks, a feast of forest trails and a seemingly endless choice of river, lake and seaside strolls, you’ll need a good strong pair of shoes to tackle everything this place has to offer.
        5. Couple walking through the forest on an Xhale The Sound of Silence experience.

          The Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion is a paradise for walkers. For those who treat it like an Olympic sport there are of course an abundance of challenging treks over mountains and calf-stretching trails through endless forests. If, however, you prefer to take your time and smell the roses, then there are plenty of places you can do that too.

        6. Walk in the footsteps of Saint Patrick on Saint Patrick’s Way and discover his story with our Pilgrim Guides around the beautiful medieval town of Downpatrick.
        7. Castlewellan Forest Park
          Castlewellan Forest Park is located in Castlewellan, in a dramatic setting of mountains and sea, this is one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe. The beauty, vigour and perfect shape of the trees in the National Arboretum attract tree enthusiasts from around the world.
        8. Delamont Country Park
          Delamont Country Park, located on the Strangford Lough shoreline near Killyleagh, is a place full of unexpected adventures. One of its highlights is the Strangford Stone, standing at an impressive height of ten meters, making it the tallest monolith in Ireland. Children can enjoy the Outdoor Adventure Playground. The entire family can enjoy a walking together then have a great time at the beloved Delamont Miniature Railway and Steamer's Kiosk.
        9. Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor
          Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor offers some of the most scenic views around the Mourne Mountains. Located overlooking the village of Rostrevor, Kilbroney’s scenic forest drive culminates in unparalleled views over Carlingford Lough below.
        10. Slieve Gullion Forest Park
          Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Meigh is a must see place to visit! With tranquil woodland trails, stunning views across the Ring of Gullion to the Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Armagh Drumlins, and adventure playpark, Fairy Walk and the Fionn's Giant Adventure.
        View Maps and Visitor Guides
        View what the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has to offer and some of the best things to see and do during a visit.
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