Are you and your family heading to Warrenpoint for the Wake the Giant Festival? Why not make the most of your trip by extending your stay? Warrenpoint marks a picturesque stop on the Mourne Coastal Route, offering visitors stunning views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains. This charming town serves as a perfect gateway for exploring the scenic landscapes and rich heritage of Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. A favoured destination for both leisurely drives and active adventures, Warrenpoint offers an array of activities and attractions that can enhance your festival weekend. Here’s how you can turn a simple festival visit into a memorable family getaway.
Discover Local Attractions
Warrenpoint Park is a gem nestled in the heart of Warrenpoint, offering a serene escape with beautifully landscaped gardens and expansive green spaces perfect for family outings. The park features charming walking paths, a well-equipped children's playground, and stunning views of Carlingford Lough, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and leisure during your visit to the area. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely stroll, watching the kids play, or simply soaking up the natural beauty, Warrenpoint Park provides a picturesque backdrop for making lasting memories.
Warrenpoint Beach offers a lovely stretch of sand and shingle that's ideal for family outings. This scenic spot provides a relaxing atmosphere with beautiful views of Carlingford Lough and the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect place for strolling, building sandcastles, or just enjoying the fresh sea air.
Warrenpoint Golf Club offers an engaging 18-hole parkland course, ideal for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Surrounded by the splendid scenery of the Mourne region, the course features a user-friendly layout with well-maintained greens and fairways, ensuring a pleasant experience for all. The club is also a perfect venue for family members to relax and enjoy the tranquil environment together.
Explore the Natural Beauty
Enjoy time out at Kilbroney Park, where magical woodlands and mystical trails await. It's a perfect spot for a family picnic, and the park also features an adventure playground that children will love.
The Narnia Trail at Kilbroney Park offers a whimsical outdoor adventure, inspired by C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. This enchanting trail takes visitors through a series of sculpted gates, arches, and other fantastical features that evoke the magical world created by Lewis, making it an ideal outing for families to step into a storybook landscape.
For the more adventurous families, the Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails offer an exhilarating experience with routes suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
Close by, The Fairy Glen in Rostrevor is a charming and picturesque woodland area, ideal for a tranquil walk along the riverside. Known for its natural beauty, this magical spot is surrounded by tall, lush trees and features a small stream, creating a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere. The Fairy Glen is perfect for families seeking a gentle adventure outdoors or for anyone wanting to enjoy the serene ambiance of a fairytale forest setting.
Dive into Local History and Culture
Narrow Water Keep, a historic castle near Warrenpoint, stands as a remarkable example of Elizabethan architecture along the shores of Carlingford Lough. This well-preserved fortress offers visitors a glimpse into the area's rich history, making it an intriguing destination for families and history enthusiasts alike.
Explore the historic site of Narrow Water Castle located just outside Warrenpoint. The castle offers a glimpse into the area's rich history and is a great spot for family photos.
Take a short hop to Newry City and experience a fascinating journey through time at Newry and Mourne Museum, where exhibitions cover the rich history of the area from ancient times to the present.
Engage with Animals and Nature
Visit Cranfield Alpacas for a delightful encounter with these charming animals. The alpaca walking experience is fun for both kids and adults, offering a unique way to explore the surrounding countryside.
Perfect for younger children, Fort Evergreen Pet & Play Farm offers interactive experiences with a variety of farm animals and several play areas that ensure hours of fun.
Adventure Awaits: Family Hikes and Water Sports
Take a family hike through the stunning landscapes of the Mourne Mountains, which inspired C.S. Lewis’ Narnia. The trails range from leisurely walks to more challenging hikes, providing something for everyone in the family.
Engage in a variety of water sports or take a relaxing boat tour on Carlingford Lough. The lough's serene waters are perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and even paddleboarding, offering a fun and adventurous day out for all ages.
Enjoy Family-Friendly Accommodation
Warrenpoint offers a range of family-friendly accommodation to suit every budget and preference. From cosy bed and breakfasts to hotels and self-catering apartments, you’ll find the perfect place to stay. Many accommodation providers offer special rates and packages for festivalgoers, making your stay both enjoyable and good value for money. Check out our offers here.
Indulge in Local Cuisine
Warrenpoint boasts a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes, from traditional Irish pubs serving local dishes to modern cafes and family-friendly restaurants. Don’t miss the seafood, freshly sourced from Carlingford Lough. For a casual family meal, there are numerous eateries along the waterfront, offering stunning views while you dine.
Take Advantage of Easy Transport
Warrenpoint is well-connected, making it easy to explore nearby attractions. Whether you choose to take a car or use public transport, you can conveniently access all the sights and experiences within a short time.
The town is compact enough to explore on foot. For families planning to travel further afield, you can enjoy the flexibility of exploring at your own pace.
Family Adventures in the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark
As you explore the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark with your family, you'll discover even more delightful activities tailored to all ages.
Experience the thrilling outdoor adventures at Castlewellan Forest Park where adventurous families can explore over 27 km of mountain bike trails, tackle the world-famous Peace Maze, or enjoy canoeing and fishing on the lake. The park also features a play area for children, making it an ideal spot for family outings.
Delamont Country Park offers a serene retreat on the shores of Strangford Lough, ideal for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. The park features a wide range of activities, including the longest miniature railway in Ireland, an adventure playground, and extensive walking paths that showcase breathtaking views across the Lough. The park's vast expanse encourages outdoor activities and picnics, making it a perfect spot for family outings.
A short distance away, Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers an excellent opportunity for families to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. With tranquil woodland trails and exciting forest drives, the park presents stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. It is well-equipped for a fun family day out with facilities like the Adventure Playpark, and educational resources in the walled garden. Whether you're hiking, engaging in play, or participating in the self-guided Fionn's Giant Adventure, there's something at Slieve Gullion for every family member to cherish.
Make Lasting Memories
Whether it’s building sandcastles on the beach, discovering hidden historical gems, or enjoying the great outdoors, Warrenpoint provides a picturesque backdrop to a perfect family weekend.
Start planning your trip now to experience the best that Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has to offer!
Warrenpoint sits on the shores of Carlingford Lough at the southern approach to the Mourne Mountains and at the point where the Clanrye River and Newry Canal open into Carlingford Lough.
The Mourne Coastal Route has a few start off points from the County Down coastline, Mourne Mountains and on to the city of Newry. But if you are beginning in Newcastle County Down, Head through the town out towards Bloody Bridge and follow the route the (A2) to the small village of Annalong continue on 5 miles to the fishing port of Kilkeel where Northern Ireland’s biggest trawling fleet is based, and follow en route, enjoy the beautiful scenes of sea and mountain views, finally the coastal element will end in Warrenpoint. Spend time in the historic city of Newry and take route back to Newcastle through the area of Hilltown (B8) enjoy the change in scenery from seaside to Mountains and finally approach Newcastle.
"Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea" (Percy French) The popular song has made the Mournes the best known mountains in Ireland. Distinctive and self-contained, they are tucked away in the southeast corner of Northern Ireland, with 12 shapely summits rising about 2,000ft on the eastern side.
Warrenpoint Beach is located alongside the Mourne Mountains on the shores of Carlingford Lough, in County Down.
This very attractive parkland course overlooking the dramatic scenery of Carlingford Lough has hosted several high profile events including the Irish Professional Championship and a Ladies’ European Tour.
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.
The Narnia Trail starts and finishes within Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor and brings to life the C.S Lewis book, "Chronicles of Narnia" with a number of features along the route.
Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails in Kilbroney Park and Rostrevor Forest offer challenging climbs with some serious descents and Ireland's first two official downhill trails and other trails suitable for families to use. Make time to stop off at Kodak Corner to take in the view over Carlingford Lough and beyond.
The Fairy Glen in Rostrevor provides a pleasant venue for a short stroll. From the centre of Rostrevor village, go down Bridge Street. The Fairy Glen is on the left immediately after the bridge beside the entrance to Kilbroney Park.
Excellent example of a tower-house and bawn built about 1568 at a point where the Newry River meets Carlingford Lough, a strategic spot.
The city of Newry (An tIúr 'the yew tree' ) is divided by the Clanrye River located in the south east of Northern Ireland on the border of Counties Down and Armagh. Newry was once a bustling trading port. Newry Canal, which opened in 1742, is the oldest canal in Ireland. In 2002, Newry officially became a city. Nestling between the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it's close proximity to the Republic of Ireland border makes it the gateway to the North of Ireland. Newry is a relatively small city with a mx of period and modern allure. It can easily be explored on foot and offers an eclectic mix of shops, nightlife and food and drink experiences.
Bagenal’s Castle located in historic Newry is a 16th century fortified house and adjoining 19th Century warehouse, and has been sympathetically restored to house Newry & Mourne Museum and Newry Visitor Information Centre.
Feel the stresses and strains of daily life vanish in the presence of beautiful animals and majestic scenery of the Mourne Mountains.
Our play farm offers a huge indoor soft play area with four dragon slides and a massive free-fall slide, Busy-Bee barrel train ride, zipline & outdoor adventure fort including slides, net bridges & climbing walls. Interact with our amazing animals in our nursery & outdoor paddocks where you will be able to cuddle & feed them.
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.
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.
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 perfect start to any family trip to Slieve Gullion Forest Park begins with a stop off at the action-packed Adventure Playpark, which is guaranteed to keep kids of all ages delighted and thoroughly entertained.
