Animal Antics

Love all things animal?  Enjoy some four-legged fun and “pawesome” visitor attractions throughout Mourne, Strangford and Gullion.

Mountpanther Farm Park

This family run farm park is a brilliant day out for the whole family and you can really get hands on experience cuddling furry ferrets, gorgeous guinea pigs and bouncing bunnies.  There is a huge array of cute animals to feed, including the deer who live and roam freely in the park fields.  There is a wide variety of animals to see such as donkeys, ponies, sheep and guinea pigs and the more exotic creatures such as wallabies, Kune Kune pigs, macaws, emus, lemurs and monkeys, far too many to mention!  If reptiles are your thing, there are some interesting facts to learn about tortoises, geckos and Tegus.  There is also the chance to snuggle a snake if you have the courage!

Cranfield Alpacas

With spectacular views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains, this is a wonderful experience meeting these beautiful creatures.  Each alpaca has its own unique name and interesting personality.  You can enjoy a leisurely stroll leading your friendly alpaca in the field or via the country lanes down to the beach.  Afterwards, you can reward your new-found fluffy friend with a nice bowl of pellets, letting him nibble right out of your hand! 

Mount Pleasant Trekking Centre

Perfectly placed at the edge of picturesque Castlewellan Forest Park, horse riding here is like trekking in paradise.  Riding is suitable for both beginners and the more experienced rider.  If you have never ridden before, you can still enjoy a leisurely trek with all the family as you can be led along by an experienced member of staff who will ensure your good-natured horses and ponies keep a safe pace at all times.  There are private and group treks available for a steady canter or gallop through the many trails with panoramic views along the way.

Mourne Trekking Centre

Situated only a mile from Tollymore Forest Park at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, you are in for a treat of spectacular scenery all around.  This trail riding centre is suitable only for experienced riders.  Their horses are willing hunter types that are fun to ride yet well-mannered and easy to manage so you can relax in the knowledge you are in for a great ride and a safe one too.  Enjoy a steady canter through the local Castlewellan Loanins, a myriad of grassy laneways or enjoy a relaxing ride along the Shimna River in Tollymore Forest Park with its beautifully arched stone bridges and exotic tree-lined tracks.

Castlescreen Farm

A friendly welcome from Damien, Jackie and their family of animals await you here at Castlescreen Farm.  Locally famous for their unique breed of Dexter cattle, you will learn all about sustainable and ethical farming making this experience enjoyable as well as educational.  Meet the mini donkeys, ducks, sheep and Fly the sheepdog.  They also run regular goat yoga classes so you can chill out, stretch and have a good laugh on your mat with their friendly and mischievous goats.  Be prepared to be clambered upon as you go into downward dog!

Fort Evergreen, Warrenpoint

With an indoor nursery and outdoor paddock, Fort Evergreen is the perfect day out for the family, whatever the weather.  Get up close and personal for a cuddle with the guinea pigs, chicks, ducklings and small rodents then meet the alpacas, donkeys, deer and goats in their paddocks.  All your childhood dreams will come true when you meet Starlight, the magical unicorn!

Kinedale Donkeys, Ballynahinch

Enjoy some donkey downtime with these gentle long-eared creatures.  The Wallace family are passionate about their donkeys and they want you to learn to appreciate and love them too.  You can lead the donkeys along the road, enjoy a race over an obstacle course with your chosen favourite donkey, gorge on a sunset picnic with a selection of locally sourced snacks and a donkey for company or if you’re feeling a little blue, just petting and cuddling the donkey will lift your mood. 

Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House

If paws, claws and horsey hooves aren’t your thing, a visit to the butterfly house at Seaforde might be just what you need.  An indoor jungle has been created to provide a climatised and tranquil home to a wide selection of exotic butterflies such as the blue morpho, the scarlet peacock and the malachite butterfly, providing a sea of countless colours you can feast your eyes on.  The delicately winged creatures enjoy a free-flying life amongst the exotic plant life there.  Look out for the peacocks parading freely around the gardens.