As the days grow longer and the chill of winter fades, Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion bursts into life with the colours and energy of spring. This stunning part of Northern Ireland is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes, making it the perfect destination for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing weekend escape, there’s something for everyone.
Look out for lambs
Spring means it's time for fluffy, cute, little lambs. For the opportunity to see and feed the lambs take the family for a visit to Mountpanther Farm Park or Fort Evergreen Pet and Play Farm, Warrenpoint, both perfect for a family day out.
Easter Egg Hunt at Rowallane Garden, Saintfield
Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. The trail takes place between 14 and 27 April from 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 4pm. Prices are £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg. Weave in and out, solves some puzzles, create some art and race your friends on a trail exploring the areas around the house and Stableyard. Look out for lawn games, dog events, crafts, and browse local traders (market running on 20 and 21 April only) as we celebrate Easter and welcome Spring.
Alpaca Field Walk Experience, Kilkeel
Enjoy a Cranfield Alpaca Field Walk, which are absolutely perfect for families with children of all ages. Take one of the gorgeous alpacas for a walk around the paddocks in the field with stunning views of the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough. After working up an appetite, the alpacas love to be hand fed by you and your family. Perfect for all ages.
Explore the Majestic Mourne Mountains
Spring is one of the best times to tackle the Mourne Mountains, with wildflowers starting to bloom and crisp, fresh air making every step a pleasure. A must-do is the climb up Slieve Donard, the highest peak in Northern Ireland. The reward? A stunning panoramic view stretching across the Irish Sea and beyond. If you prefer a more leisurely trek, the Mourne Wall walk or the scenic trails around Silent Valley are fantastic alternatives.
Coastal Adventures Along Carlingford Lough
For those who love the sea breeze, a visit to Warrenpoint or Rostrevor is a must. Stroll along the promenade, enjoy a coffee with a view, or try your hand at some water activities. Kayaking and paddleboarding on Carlingford Lough offer a unique perspective of the area’s rugged beauty.
Historical & Cultural Bus Tour of South Armagh
A borderland tour of history, culture and heritage, geology, archaeology, myths and legends, poets, music and stories. Join Úna Walsh for a guided tour. Tour takes place on various dates.
Discover the Enchanting Tollymore Forest Park
Spring transforms Tollymore Forest Park into a wonderland of blooming flowers, babbling brooks, and lush greenery. Famous for its scenic walking trails and filming locations, it’s a fantastic spot for a peaceful walk or a family picnic. The stepping stones over the Shimna River and the iconic stone bridges add to its charm.
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Hike to the secret spots and immerse yourself in the rivers of the Mourne Mountains. This activity explores the trending cold water and wild swimming craze, which includes hiking, wild dipping, forest bathing and cold water therapy. Our trained and highly experienced Mountain Leaders and cold water specialists guide you into the hidden landscapes of the Mourne Mountains to the spots we love the most. Visitors will experience how to safely and enjoyably enter the world of cold water therapy and wild swimming, whilst we take you through the fundamentals.
Step Back in Time at Castle Ward
If you fancy a mix of history and nature, Castle Ward is a great choice. This National Trust site offers stunning gardens, woodland trails, and breathtaking views over Strangford Lough. Rent a bike, wander through the estate, or simply soak in the tranquillity of the surroundings.
Spring Picnic at Slieve Gullion Forest Park
For a family-friendly day out, Slieve Gullion Forest Park is hard to beat. Fionn's Giant Adventure (formely known as The Giant’s Lair) is a magical experience for children, while the panoramic views from the mountain summit are spectacular. Pack a picnic and enjoy the fresh spring air with the whole family.
Killowen Distillery Tour & Tasting - Whiskey, Poitin & Gin
Hear about the legend of St Patrick converting the warring pagan tribes by the power of his far-flung sandal, in addition to illicit distillation and smuggling of brandy, all under the watchful eye of Knock Shee (Fairy Mountain). The distillation process is outlined and explained by a resident distiller and includes an explanation of the distillery's own malting process. This is followed by a fun and informative session that includes a range of sample tastings of our unaged, new-make Pot Still whiskeys. Tastings include peated and non-peated spirits as well as native botanical gins.
Birdwatching and Wildlife Spotting at Murlough Nature Reserve
Spring is the perfect time for nature lovers to visit Murlough Nature Reserve, home to a wealth of bird species and stunning dune landscapes. Walk the scenic paths leading to Newcastle Beach, where you can take in views of the Mournes meeting the sea.
Mourne Park V Climate Change
Take on climate change at Mourne Park with a fun interactive trail for older children and teenagers.
Using the popular app What3Words, young people can use their phones to navigate around this ancient woodland searching out our colourful trail panels to complete their challenge and find out how woodlands help us all in the fight against climate change. Find all the panels hidden around the wood and claim your reward!
There are four hourly time slots available to book starting at 11am with the last slot at 2pm. The trail will take between 60 and 90 minutes to complete - depending on how fast you can go!
Spring in Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion is a time of renewal, with vibrant landscapes and countless outdoor adventures waiting to be explored. Whether you’re climbing mountains, strolling through forests, or simply enjoying a coastal coffee, there’s no better time to get outside and experience the beauty of this region.
So, grab your walking boots, pack a picnic, and make the most of the season—adventure is calling!
We are a family run farm park based just outside Newcastle, County Down. Established in 2017, we have been providing families with unforgettable experiences and lasting memories for over 5 years now.
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.
"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.
Slieve Donard at 850m (2,789 ft) is the highest of the Mourne Mtns. The views from the summit are extensive and on a clear day the Isle of Man, Wicklow, Donegal, Wales and Scotland may be seen, as well as the long stretch of Newcastle Beach.
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.
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.
Rostrevor, a picturesque village, lies at the southern entrance to the Mournes and along the shores of Carlingford Lough. In 1612 Sir Edward Trevor married Rose Ussher, daughter of the Archbishop of Armagh and it is said that he named the village after his new young wife. The village has a number of beautiful walks through Rostrevor Forest and Kilbroney Park. Rostrevor is an area of historical interest and has lots of associated folklore. On the slopes of Slieve Martin in Kilbroney Park you will find the ‘Big Stone’ (Cloc Mor, anglicized to Cloughmore). St Bronagh’s 6th Century Church and Bell and Giant Murphy’s Grave are also located in the village.
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.
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.
Strangford Lough is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is almost fully enclosed by land. It is the largest sea water inlet in Ireland and the United Kingdom and an important habitat for wildlife. A regular car ferry links the picturesque towns of Strangford and Portaferry. Strangford Lough is a significant asset in the Aspiring UNESCO global Geopark. The Lough was formed at the end of the last ice age. Strangford Lough is Northern Ireland's first Marine Conservation Zone and is a special area of conservation for wildlife. Strangford Lough is a key destination for winter migration for many wading and sea birds. The lough is home to common seals, basking sharks and brent geese.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers the unmissable opportunity to experience tranquil woodland trails, stunning views across the Ring of Gullion, Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Armagh Drumlins and is a top class facility for walkers and families.
Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile 6000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and managed as Ireland’s first Nature Reserve since 1967. It is an excellent area for walking and bird watching.
Newcastle Beach is a popular seaside resort and tourist destination located on the South Down coast of Northern Ireland. Newcastle Beach comprises of sand, pebbles and larger stones and is approximately 2.5 km in length. The major part of Newcastle Beach is backed by a promenade and the seaside town of Newcastle, which has lots of shops, cafes, restaurants, amusements and other attractions. The beach has a very gentle slope with the Mountains of Mourne in the background. The beach is popular for swimming and sunbathing and there is life saving equipment available with signage on the Promenade. The beach can be accessed via steps or the slipway.
This unique garden has grown from the 19th century beginnings of the Reverend John Moore and his nephew Hugh Armytage Moore. Their vision created a place where you can leave the world behind and immerse yourself in nature's beauty.
Located in the heart of the Mourne Mountains, Killowen Distillery has a ‘Kult’ following and an epic history, due in no small part to its great whiskeys and gins.
Feel the stresses and strains of daily life vanish in the presence of beautiful animals and majestic scenery of the Mourne Mountains.
Mourne Park takes on climate change with a fun interactive trail for older children and teenagers.
