As autumn sweeps across the landscapes of the Mourne Mountains and the Ring of Gullion everything transforms into a tapestry of rich reds, golds, and oranges. This area is known for its breathtaking beauty year-round, but during autumn, it offers an especially stunning spectacle of vibrant foliage and scenery.
For nature lovers and photographers alike, this region provides the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of autumn. Here's your guide to finding the best spots to see autumn foliage in the Mourne Mountains and the Ring of Gullion.
Tollymore Forest Park
Located at the foothills of the Mourne Mountains, Tollymore Forest Park is a must-visit during the autumn months. The park's extensive woodlands are filled with a variety of trees, including beech, oak, and fir, which display a striking mix of autumn colors. Wander along the scenic Shimna River, where fallen leaves float on the water, and cross the historic stone bridges that add to the park's fairytale-like charm. With its dramatic forested landscapes, Tollymore is a photographer’s paradise in autumn.
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Castlewellan Forest Park
Castlewellan Forest Park, known for its impressive arboretum and historic castle, is another fantastic place to see autumn foliage. The park's vast collection of trees bursts into autumnal hues, with the lake reflecting the warm colors of the season. The Castlewellan Peace Maze, one of the largest hedge mazes in the world, adds a playful element to your autumn visit, while the forest trails provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy the crisp air and changing leaves.
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Slieve Gullion Forest Park
Heading over to the Ring of Gullion, Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers a spectacular blend of vibrant foliage and mythic landscapes. The Slieve Gullion Scenic Drive, which loops around the slopes of the mountain, provides excellent vantage points to see the entire region cloaked in autumn colors. For the adventurous, a hike to the summit of Slieve Gullion will reward you with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Silent Valley Reservoir
Nestled between the peaks of the Mourne Mountains, Silent Valley Reservoir offers tranquil views and the autumn foliage is mirrored in the still waters. The reservoir, which supplies water to the surrounding areas, is enveloped by scenic trails perfect for a leisurely autumn walk. The bright autumn leaves create a striking contrast against the dramatic mountain backdrop, making it one of the most peaceful and picturesque spots to witness the changing seasons.
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Kilbroney Park
Just beside the village of Rostrevor, Kilbroney Park is another must-see for autumn foliage in the Mournes. The park features a mix of open meadows, woodlands, and riverside paths, all of which come alive in autumn with brilliant colors. The Narnia Trail, inspired by C.S. Lewis’ "The Chronicles of Narnia", offers a whimsical experience as you walk through enchanted woodlands where the fall foliage adds an extra layer of magic.
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Castle Ward
Castle Ward in Strangford is a beautiful place to see autumn foliage, offering a blend of striking landscapes, historical charm, and vibrant seasonal colors. The estate offers multiple walking trails, such as the Shore Trail and the Woodland Walk, where visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant autumn hues. The historic 18th-century mansion is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parklands. In autumn, the formal gardens and surrounding landscape offer picturesque views
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Delamont Country Park
Enjoy a peaceful stroll around the park this autumn at Delamont Country Park, offering striking landscapes of Strangford Lough and vibrant seasonal colors throughout their various woodland trails which are perfect for leaf peeping and finding materials for autumnal crafts!
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Mourne Mountains
Get your hiking boots on this autumn and experience the vibrant hues of autumn in the Mourne Mountains. The weather in autumn tends to be cooler and more comfortable for hiking compared to summer, though it can be unpredictable, so layers and preparation are essential!
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Enjoy the beauty of Autumn in our area from the comfort of a car or by bike, take on one of the scenic loops or forest drives throughout the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion. You are sure to see striking scenery and vibrant autumn leaves.
Scenic Loops
Slieve Croob Scenic Loop
The Slieve Croob Scenic Loop is a perfect combination of natural beauty, tranquil rural settings, and opportunities for both short hikes, cycling and leisurely drives.
High Mournes Scenic Loop
Take route on the High Mournes Scenic Loop for an autumn drive or a cycle, see the beautiful mountain peaks from the comfort of your car and there are plenty of stopping opportunities for a walk.
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Slieve Gullion Forest Drive
Enjoy the scenic views of the Ring of Gullion at the Slieve Gullion Forest Park Scenic drive, this route takes you through 10 km of beautiful woodland and mountain heath.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
The High Mournes Scenic Loop delves into the very heart of the famous Mourne Mountains offering iconic views of Slieve Commedagh, Bernagh, Meelmore, Meelbeg and beyond. Below the summits, the charming village of Bryansford and Tollymore Forest Park are well worth a stop for walks along the Shimna River and among the wonderfully ornate and quirky stone bridges, gates, and follies of this planted demesne. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a Red Squirrel or two.
Slieve Croob Scenic Loop explores a truly ancient landscape, much older than the high Mournes. The craggy peaks and rolling valleys were formed when an ancient ocean closed about 400 million years ago. The legacy of man's interaction with the landscape across millennia is very visible here.
The Slieve Gullion Forest Trail, a magnificent 10km Scenic Forest Drive will be temporarily closed from Monday 4 December 2023 for Forest Service tree harvesting.
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.
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.
