May is National Walking Month!
It's time to get the hiking boots out and go explore the wonderful landscape of Mourne, Gullion and Strangford. It doesn't matter what your preference is, this region can cater for every need. You can explore the coast, head inland to one of the many forest parks, uncover beautiful gardens or if you have the energy, pack your rucksack and head off into the mountains. Peter is the man to tell you all about the Mournes.
Explore the Coast
Our destination has an expansive and dramatic coastline, from Killyleagh in the North right through to Warrenpoint in the South. Grab a guide and do the Lecale Peninsula walk. Duane Fitzimons loves nothing more than guiding people around the area he calls home. Book the St Patrick's Way Camino walk and discover the story of Saint Patrick.
Find your way through the Forest
Pack a picnic and head into the forest. Along the shores of Strangford Lough you will find the beautiful Delamont Country Park with plenty of walks through the rolling drumlins to choose from.
Castle Ward has 32kms of trails, as well as a cultivated garden. The boundary trail is challenging, you will follow the shore through woodland and farmland, taking in views of the mansion on your way.
Discover the "Lost Garden" in Montalto or explore the historic walks and trails. This will provide you with a perfect way to connect with nature in a truly relaxing setting.
Castlewellan Forest Park provides a lake walk, a National Arboretum, a walled garden and access to Slievenaslat, a steep climb but it is worth it to take in the spectacular views of the drumlin landscape.
If garden follies are your thing, Tollymore is a rare treat. Enjoy a walk along the Shimna River or follow one of the four waymarked trails in the park. Tollymore Arboretum is one of the oldest known arboreta in Ireland.
In the heart of the Mourne Moutains, Silent Valley Mountain Park is the perfect place to enjoy the peace and solitude of the mountains.
Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor offers amazing views over Carlingford Lough. Climb to the Cloughmore stone, according to local folklore Finn McCool, during a fight with a rival giant, threw the stone across Carlingford Lough. It landed on the unfortunate’s head and crushed his great body into the mountain.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park shares stunning views across the Ring of Gullion, Mourne Mountains and Cooley Peninsula. Children will enjoy Fionn’s Giant Adventure, they might even see a fairy or meet Fionn the Giant.
Forage for Food
If you like to forage when you walk, then book a trip with Brian and go foraging in the foothills
With no less than three areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ring of Gullion, Strangford and Lecale and The Mournes, there are plenty of walks to enjoy in this diverse and splendid landscape.
Not to forget dog lovers, enjoy plenty of places to take your dog for a walk. And family friendly is our speciality. Check out these family frendly trails.
Storyteller Duane Fitzsimons’ tours of the Home of Saint Patrick are filled with amazing legends, artefacts, and folklore.
Join expert mountain guide Peter Rafferty as he stretches your imagination - and your legs - as you discover the sights and sounds of this special mountain range.
Brian from Mountain Ways Ireland is a wild food enthusiast and folklorist and have been for all of his life. Tapping into a lifetime love for the outdoors, centuries old tacit knowledge handed down through his family and years of my his research and experimentation, Brian will guide you on a foraging journey that reveals the hidden potential in even the most familiar of wild plants, those plants that surround you, the ones you walk past every day whether you live in the countryside, town or city.
Join a pilgrimage themed around Saint Patrick in Downpatrick, County Down, with your talented guides former Adoration Sisters Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly, for a walk along Ireland's own Camino.
Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. The stunning views across Strangford Lough and the relaxing atmosphere make Delamont Country Park a place to enjoy that 'away from it all feeling'. It is home of the Strangford Stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland. This beautiful 200-acre Country Park offers a great day out for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a keen walker, a nature lover or simply looking for a great day out for all the family you will find plenty to entertain you in Delamont Country Park.
Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch is a mystical and enchanting estate, set in magnificent natural surroundings. Visitor experience includes access to the estate's beautiful gardens; historic walks and trails and an exciting play area where children can engage, explore and learn.
Tollymore Forest Park has panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at Newcastle and is open to the public all year. Tollymore Forest covers an area of almost 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne Mountains.
Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. The stunning views across Strangford Lough and the relaxing atmosphere make Delamont Country Park a place to enjoy that 'away from it all feeling'. It is home of the Strangford Stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland. This beautiful 200-acre Country Park offers a great day out for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a keen walker, a nature lover or simply looking for a great day out for all the family you will find plenty to entertain you in Delamont Country Park.
Located on Forest Park View, Castlewellan, County Down, in a dramatic setting of mountains and sea, Castlewellan Forest Park has 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.
Kilbroney Park features riverside walks and an arboretum. There is a two-mile forest drive which showcases panoramic views over Carlingford Lough. There is also a Play Park with children's play area and tennis courts, an Information area and a café all on site.
Slieve Gullion is Ireland's Mountain of Mystery. Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers walking trails, a scenic drive, an Adventure Playpark, Fionn's Giant Adventure children's story trail and a Courtyard with coffee shop.
The Silent Valley Reservoir was built to gather water from the Mourne Mountains and is the main water supply source for most of County Down and a large part of Belfast. The famous Mourne Wall was constructed to enclose the reservoir's catchment area.
