With the good weather approaching its time to get outdoors! The three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion feature several coastal paths and coastal walks that give you the opportunity to see and explore the picturesque scenery that hugs the coastline, some are more accessible than others so make sure to wear sensible footwear!
Here you can see the list we have complied of coastal trails in the destination so plan you route and get out walking this year.
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Castle Ward Shore Trail
This trail begins in the beautiful Castle Ward Estate, head along the coast through grassland and meanders through Audleystown Wood, passing Audley's Castle, offering stunning views across Strangford Lough, before returning to the trailhead.
Ballyhornan Coastal Path
Take on the Ballyhornan Coastal Path, part of the Lecale Way. This route is approximately 6 miles in one direction. It is a beautiful coastal trail that heads through grassy tracks along the cliff edge, taking in spectacular views over the sea.
Ardglass Sheepland Coastal Loop
Sheepland Coastal Loop is along part of the Lecale Way, it is a circular loop with picturesque views of Ardglass village. On your walk you can expect cliffs, coastal meadows, and the chance to visit St Patrick’s Well - waterproof and sensible walking shoes are advised!
Killard Nature Reserve Path
Located at the mouth of Strangford Lough is Killard Nature Reserve. Begin on Kilclief beach and follow the shoreline around, it’s in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where you can enjoy the bird life and sea life while walking along the rugged shoreline with grassy paths and sandy bays ideal for picnics.
Dundrum Coastal Path
The Dundrum coastal walk begins on the edge of the Inner Bay at Dundrum, the path is relatively level and passes through a variety of terrains that also provide many opportunities for bird watching. It's a stunning, leisurely walk with views of mountain and sea.
Murlough Nature Trail
Discover the beauty of Murlough with a walk through this National Nature Reserve. With the majestic Mourne Mountains as a backdrop. It is a great route for a stroll with the whole family. Here you can explore a mix of sand dunes, beach forests and meadows.
Newcastle Central Promenade
Enjoy this lovely, easy route along the Newcastle Central Promenade, starting near Donard Park it offers wonderful views along the beach, Newcastle shops and the Mourne Mountains. It is considered an accessible route, mostly busy with visitors cycling, running, and walking their dogs.
Bloody Bridge Coastal Path
Have a look at the cliffs around Bloody Bridge! Leave through the carpark and follow the signs for the Coastal Path. It is a short trail that gives you panoramic views of the Irish Sea. You will see interesting rock formations along this trail, as well as beautiful wildflowers and birdlife.
The Granite Trail
The Granite Trail is a forest trail that offers scenes of forest, coast, and river. This historic trail tells an interesting history of the thriving granite industry in the Mournes. Upon your ascent to the quarry, you will see the beautiful stretch of sea.
Annalong Coastal Path
Try out this short walk situated at the Annalong Harbour. This shoreline walk takes in magnificent views of the Mourne Mountains and the coast. Perfect for a leisurely stroll with your dogs, friends, and families.
Cranfield Beach
Cranfield Beach is a sandy beach located at the entrance to Carlingford Lough, an area designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest. The walk is described as a leisurely walk, but the beach is rocky in places and not passable at high tide. Enjoy a day out walking with the family taking in sea, sun and mountain views.
Cloughmore Trail via Fiddler’s Green
The Cloughmore Trail winds along a scenic route where the sea and the valley meet, enjoy the panoramic views of the lough nestled in the shadow of Slieve Martin. Perfect for a day out for families whether mountain biking or walking.
So, get yourself out this Spring for a beautiful coastal walk and appreciate the views. For more walks in Mourne, Gullion and Strangford check out our walking and hiking page.
Discover a place of contrasts and creativity at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th century mansion and estate looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough in County Down where visitors can explore cultivated gardens, sheltered woodland and the shoreline.
Ardglass is a beautiful fishing village which overlooks the Irish Sea. Ardglass has been a fishing port for over two thousand years. Today it is the home port of thirty fishing vessels and it is a major fish marketing and processing centre. Ardglass boasts a fabulous marina created in 1991. Ardglass Castle, once the home of the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Kildare, is the clubhouse of Ardglass Golf Club. The golf club restaurant and bar offers a fine a la carte meal or bar snacks and the golf course itself is something to be savoured and sampled. Originally there were seven castles in Ardglass. Now Jordan's Castle, restored by antiquarian QC Francis Joseph Biggar when he bought it in 1911, is the only fortified tower that is more or less compl
Situated at the mouth of Strangford Lough, opposite Ballyquintin. The rich wildlife include orchids and other rarities, and interesting rock formations can be seen.
A short coastal cycle with views across Dundrum Inner Bay
This 5 mile stretch of golden sands is still the essence of the resort and is hugely popular for swimming, sunbathing and other forms of recreation.
Newcastle (An Caisleán Nua) is a seaside resort located in County Down at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne and made famous by the Percy French song "Where the Mountains of Mourne Sweep Down to the Sea".
This scenic walk leads from the Bloody Bridge car park along the edge of the Bloody Bridge River and back again.
The Granite Trail covers a relatively short distance from coast to open moorland, the Granite Trail in Newcastle offers the opportunity to see artifacts from the once thriving granite industry of Mourne. Differing natural habitats can be enjoyed as you walk through coniferous forest and mature woodland beside mountain streams and rivers.
Annalong is a picturesque seaside village in County Down, situated at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. From the Irish 'Áth na Long' or 'Ford of the ships', it was once home to a fleet of more than 30 schooners which carried Mourne Granite and potatoes to the western ports of Britain. It is the centre of the granite industry, which was a major economic importance to the Mournes. Today it is better known as a fishing and holiday centre.
Cranfield West offers a gently sloping, mainly sandy beach located at the entrance to Carlingford Lough, an area designated as being of Special Scientific Interest.
Walks though a woodland with steep climbs and hills in places
