Blog (Sustainable Tourism) - Visit Mourne Mountains

Little did the Haveron family know that when they visited Castlewellan Forest Park today they would play a part in rescuing one of our endangered red squirrels. As they walked along the Crow Road, mum, Mairead, got a shock as a baby squirrel tried to climb up her leg. 

Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark, located in Northern Ireland, is a unique wellness destination offering a rich combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural heritage. This region is ideal for those seeking physical, mental, and emotional rejuvenation. Here’s what makes this geopark a compelling wellness destination.

On Friday 7 June 2024 the CEO of Tourism Ireland, Alice Mansergh visited the beautiful Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. This visit served as a strategic initiative to strengthen relationships with key partners in the tourism industry and explore collaborative opportunities.

Solstice literally means ‘light standing still’. Sacred Slieve Gullion mountain is the perfect place to connect with nature during this special Celtic festival. This volcanic mountain, formed over 60 million years ago, rests within The Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark. Awaken your senses during a 3-hour forest bathing immersion in Slieve Gullion Forest park. 

Guest blog by Ann Ward, Certified Meditation Coach and Forest Therapy Practitioner.

The people of Mourne, Gullion and Strangford aim to embed the ethos of sustainability throughout the community.  The region is recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark - a place of unique landscape and cultural heritage. Crucial to this recognition is sustainability in tourism around Mourne, Gullion and Strangford and there are many great places who are only too willing to do their bit for the love of the area and its future generations.

Tourism Northern Ireland has celebrated completing its 12-week Destination Sustainability Training Programme with fifteen organisations across Northern Ireland, including two from our region, Life Adventure Centre and East Coast Adventure Centre,  who have taken important steps towards becoming more sustainable.

Located in the southeast corner of Northern Ireland is the Mourne, Gullion, Strangford geopark.  The area is culturally rich and champions sustainable and local tourism experiences.

Mourne, Gullion and Strangford are areas where the landscape is rich and fertile allowing food to be grown and produced locally.  The coastal waters surrounding the region is home to the richest fishing waters in Ireland.  Our rivers and lakes are also home to some of the best freshwater catches.

Officially unveiled by the owners of Killeavy Castle Estate, Sydney-based businessman Mick Boyle and his wife Robin, Killeavy Castle Estate has just launched an Estate Farm Store and Estate Gardens following a further £500,000 investment.