From bustling urban life, to quiet rural escapes, the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion offers a wide variety of experiences. Our mountains and forests are the setting for towns, villages, beaches and lakes, with each area offering its own unique character.
City Life in Newry
Newry City has been a busy trading centre for almost a thousand years. Today, modern shopping centres sit neatly alongside period buildings from the Victorian era. The architectural jewel in the city’s crown is the Gothic revival Newry Cathedral, built in 1820 by Italian artisans, working with local stone.
Over the centuries, Newry grew and prospered thanks to its canal. Opened in 1742, Newry Canal is the oldest man made waterway in Ireland. Today, it offers tranquil respite from the energy of the city.
The Mourne Mountains
The Mourne Mountains are, without a doubt, the best known area. Northern Ireland’s highest mountain range attracts visitors from around the world to its rugged peaks and unparalleled views.
Trails and paths criss cross the Mournes. Take a stroll along the Brandy Pad track, which has been used to cross the mountains since at least the 18th century. Pause along your journey and enjoy expansive views over the whole of Visit Mourne and beyond.
Crotlieve
To the East of Newry City, the Crotlieve region centres around the mountain of the same name. Crotlieve itself dominates the local landscape, standing at over 347 metres in height, with a 111 metre prominence.
The area is home to the coastal towns of Warrenpoint and Rostrevor, set on the shores of Carlingford Lough. Between the mountains and the Lough, you’ll find Rostrevor Forest, where you can wander amongst the spruce trees and listen for the song of the local chiffchaffs and willow warblers.
The Ring of Gullion
The Ring of Gullion has been inhabited for over 6,000 years. This natural valley was formed by a magma chamber collapse, several millennia ago. Step back in time as you survey countless Pagan and early Christian monuments, including over twenty large stone tombs.
The region is an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its varied landscape comprises the foothills of Slieve Gullion, as well as bogland and heaths and woods, creating the perfect habitat for a wide range of native wildlife.
Slieve Croob
The heart of the Dromara Hills, Slieve Croob stands at 534 metres tall. A short path leads to the summit, where you'll find the remains of an ancient portal tomb. In pre-Christian times, Slieve Croob was the centre of Lughnasadh, where revellers would gather to sing, dance and eat bilberries.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of the surrounding Slieve Croob region, including the Castlewellan Estate to the South, and the village of Dromara to the North.
Tranquil Gardens at Rowallane
Rowallane Gardens is the perfect place to leave behind the stresses of the modern world. These Victorian Gardens offer respite in the form of quiet walks, afternoon tea, or simply basking in the warm sunlight in the walled garden.
Wonder at exotic plant life from all over the world. The Rock Garden Wood is a feast of colour, with beautiful primulas and meconopsis blooming in the Spring.
The Cradle of Christianity in Downpatrick
Named after St. Patrick, Downpatrick and the surrounding region are dotted with centuries of Christian history. The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the world dedicated to Ireland’s most famous son.
On the banks of the River Quoile, you’ll find the ruins of Inch Abbey, an early Cistercian monastery, built in the Gothic style.
Home to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world, Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is at the heart of this. From majestic Mourne Mountains, to sweeping coastal views, the Mourne area is one of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in Northern Ireland.
