Holidays on the Horizon in The Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough Area

The Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough offers an unforgettable backdrop for your next holiday. Whether you are a couple searching for a romantic getaway, a family looking for some valued quality time together, or adventure seekers wanting to be engulfed in nature, there's something suited for everyone.

Romantic Retreat for Couples

What could be more perfect than a romantic getaway in the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion destination. Enjoy a romantic spa break at the Slieve Donard Hotel & Spa, treat yourselves to a memorable stay in Newcastle County Down. There is lots to do, and everything is within a stone throw away, you certainly won't be short of romance.  Savour a delicious, candle lit meal in one of the area's many restaurants and make memories walking in the beautiful Mourne Mountains.

Fairy Hill Cottage in Castlewellan has superb views, perfect for catching a glimpse of the sun setting over the Mourne Mountains. It is a beautiful stone-built cottage dating back to the late 18th century, ideal for couples wanting a romantic weekend away. Also close by, there are lots of walking opportunities, and where better to end up after a hard days walking than in Whitewater Brewery  They offer a brewery tour accompanied by a delicious pizza in their tap room after your tour.

Killeavy Castle Estate offers couples many things to enjoy and experience. Pamper yourselves with rejuvenating spa treatments, relax by the pool, indulge in an evening meal, savouring the delicious top-quality food in the on-site restaurant. Explore the guest walks located throughout the grounds. Walks have been created to allow you to enjoy the scenic aspects throughout the Estate.

The Cuan in the heart of Strangford, is perfect for couples looking for a romantic relaxing getaway and you should definitely pop into the Artisan Restaurant for a drink and a delicious meal of freshly prepared local cuisine.

Picture the scene of waking up each day with the amazing coastal views of Strangford Lough.  This area of outstanding natural beauty will not disappoint, the scenery is outstanding but this small village is also known for its delicious restaurants so you will never be short of a romantic dinner setting in Strangford. Take a trip along the lough with Strangford Sea Safari, if you get lucky you might even see some seals or the resident lough dolphins!

Family Fun in Mourne Gullion Strangford

If its family fun you prefer then create cherished family fun filled memories with a holiday in our beautiful destination. We have lots of things to do to keep the whole family entertained from forest parks, golf, experiences, museums, activities, shows and shopping.

If you would like to tackle the outdoor lifestyle for a holiday, we have plenty of caravan and camping sites to accommodate your family trip.  Book a pitch in Castlewellan Forest Park, a picturesque forest park with plenty of activities available on site from the Life Adventure Centre.  Mount Pleasant trekking centre is also just a short distance away, experience a new family activity and get everyone trekking down the trails of the forests on a horse or pony, which are available to suit children of all ages. 

In Rostrevor, Kilbroney Caravan Park is situated in a stunning location, where mountain, stream, sea and valley create a scenic wonderland.  It is nestled within the shadow of Slieve Martin and the Mountains of Mourne. Just outside Kilbroney Park take the forest drive and hike to the Cloughmore stone for some beautiful scenic views of Carlingford Lough.

Or if you would like to experience the glamourous side to camping, settle into the unique, well equipped glamping pods set in scenic surroundings at Further. Space at Kinelarty. This is the ultimate rural glamping holiday for the whole family, even the dog too!  Located just a short drive from Ballynahinch and Downpatrick, with lots nearby to keep everyone entertained.

Pop over for a trip to Montalto Estate and appreciate the beautiful scenery, let the kids play in the playpark, or relax with a coffee and it is even dog friendly. Or have you 'hard to entertain' teenagers? Experience a thrilling day at Predator Airsoft, Ballynahinch, get competitive and have a fun filled day with the family.

Almost like a home away from home Murphys lodge in Silverbridge Newry, is the perfect retreat to explore the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion area on your family holiday. This family friendly location in the countryside is best suited for big families and large groups. There is a huge amount of amenities to keep the whole family entertained.  Enjoy the luxury of the spa, hot tub and sauna available, a spacious garden to relax in and there is a little play area available for young children.  Only a stone's throw away you will find the beautiful Slieve Gullion Forest Park. The adventure playpark is a magical, fun experience for children to burn off some energy. Newry City is only a few miles away and will cater for all your shopping needs, cinema trips, swimming or dining in delicious bars and restaurants. 

Outdoor Enthusiasts

Maybe you would prefer an adventurous holiday in the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion.  This area is a haven for nature enthusiasts, find your ideal walking destination, hike through the mountains, explore the forest parks, speed through bike trails or cast a line and catch the biggest fish. With a wide variety of options, throughout the Mourne Gullion and Strangford area you are not short of an adventure each day of your trip!

Greenvale Cabins, nestled at the foot of Slieve Gullion, is a unique location with beautiful rural log cabins surrounded by stunning scenery situated on a farmland.  It's the perfect base for walkers and mountain trekkers. Picture a cabin with a cosy balcony, BBQ areas, a private luxury hot tub and drinks area, all the ideal essentials for rest and relaxation after a day of exploring the Ring of Gullion.  Take a trip to Slieve Gullion Forest Park so you can enjoy a beautiful walk, discover the trails, see some wildlife and try some tasty treats from their onsite cafe. There are plenty of things to do nearby to suit your preferences.

Situated on the shores of the stunning Strangford Lough, is The Cuan, a luxury coastal boutique hotel which also now features Cuan House a self-catering holiday home. These are ideal spots for you to stay if you want to be close to all things outdoorsy, perfect for a group of avid walkers, couples who like to explore and families who love outdoor activities. Upon exploring it's not hard to see why Strangford has earned its titled as an area of outstanding beauty. A short drive away from your accommodation is Castle Ward, a National Trust Estate, superb for a day out. Conquer at least one of the six enjoyable trails for walkers, cyclists and riders, with a choice of difficulty and distance.

Step into a fantasy world of castles and dragons as you explore the Georgian farmyard and the lough shore, film locations for the hit television series Game of Thrones®. Castle Ward also offers lots of outdoor fun with the Clearsky Adventure Centre, kayak along the Strangford Lough, try your hand at archery, take a boat tour or one of many other activities available there.

Located on the hills of Saul outside Downpatrick, Saul Lodges may be your ultimate holiday accommodation.  Wake up each morning to breathtaking views of Saul Countryside. Each lodge is comfortable and cosy, featuring its own lovely wood-fired hot tub essential for rest and relaxation after a day of being outdoors.  The Barn Bar and Restaurant is a 2-minute walk away from your accommodation, and they also offer takeaway if you fancy a night in.

In this area of Mourne Gullion and Strangford you are very close to many activities, local history and quaint towns to keep you busy exploring on your holiday. St Patrick's Way Stables is close by so why not try out some horse riding on quiet countryside lanes, there are treks available to suit all levels.

For the enthusiastic fishermen and women who want to spend a day out in the fresh air doing some fishing, a 5-minute drive away is the picturesque Lough Money, stocked with rainbow trout, pike and perch, the fishing season runs from February to December.

If you enjoy long walks on the beach then take a drive to Ballyhornan, a scenic beach surrounded with greenery and cliffs. This beautiful beach has plenty of walking opportunities, many avid walkers will take on the entire Lecale Way. Maybe you will decide to bring some paddle boards or kayaks on your trip, it is ideal location to paddle the waves!

In summary there are many wonderful holiday destinations in the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion area you’ll never be short of picturesque views, sandy beaches, rich history, fun activities, superb events, delicious local restaurants, and cosy accommodation. So get planning your perfect trip to this wonderful region!