Cycling around Castlewellan Forest Park

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With everything close by, the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is plentiful in quaint towns, incredible scenery, ancient forests, and stately homes. Explore the vastness of our landscapes and receive a giant welcome from all you encounter here.

Visit the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

Experience the outstanding scenery of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. Discover the majestic mountains, our primordial forests, and the soft shoals of Strangford Lough in this expansive area.

Take Your Breath Away with our AONBs

We are lucky to have three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in our region. Come and climb the Mountains of Mourne, and observe the incredible landscape that surrounds them. Hike the stretch of the range that comes down to the sea.

Discover the Ring of Gullion’s crags where a volcano poured into the valleys, eroding the rock face, and leaving us with a geological wonder.

Trek the lost shores of Strangford and Lecale, and observe the fascinating wildlife that inhabits its coastline.

Walk the path of Ireland’s Patron Saint

Tread where St. Patrick once stood and stand in wonder at the striking landscape where legend says he banished snakes from the island of Ireland. Venture through The Saint Patrick Centre, the only one of its kind, in Downpatrick to hear more of his story. Explore St. Patrick’s legacy on a St. Patrick Camino trek over the same pagan hills he once surveyed.

Walk Through our Gardens and Nature Reserves

Discover the beautiful Murlough National Nature Reserve with a sand dune system over 6000 years old. See if you can spot one of the 23 species of butterfly that have made their home in Dundrum Bay.

Tread quietly around the Quoile Pondage Nature Reserve and Countryside Centre and you will find mute swans, mallards, tufted duck, and other endangered bird species. Find the bird hide and you might be lucky enough to see the rare Gadwall. Listen out for its buzzy call, a lovely sound on ponds and lakes.

Amble around the idyllic Rowallane Gardens. Take a leisurely stroll through the formal gardens and see the impressive design carved from the County Down landscape. The Reverend Moore, who designed Rowallane Gardens, used a more naturalised approach to his grounds. Moore drew great inspiration from the landscape in Tollymore which is reflected in the stunning gardens we have today.

Explore our Ancient Forests

Wander through the 450 hectares that make up Castlewellan Forest Park. Canoe, cycle, horse ride, or walk around the vast lake that sits in the shadow of Castlewellan Castle. Bring your fishing rod if you want to catch dinner.

Explore Slieve Gullion Forest Park

Take the kids to Slieve Gullion Forest Park and let them scout the incredible Fionn's Giant Adventure (also known as Giant's Lair). A magical, living storybook, let the children get lost in their imaginations as they walk through fairy houses and encounter dragons and giants through art. Grab a seat at the Giant’s Table or sneak into the Ladybird House. Inspired by a tapestry made up of local myths and legends, this is something your children won’t forget. Watch them play in the adventure play park while you enjoy a coffee by the wildlife pond.

Climb the Regal Mountains of Mourne

Step outside and experience the magnificence of the Mourne Mountains. Discover the many peaks and hills, the fallen valleys, and the sensational views. Slieve Donard is the highest Mountain in Northern Ireland. Hike on a clear day and you can see the Isle of Man, Scotland, Donegal, Wales, and even Wicklow.

If you are an experienced mountaineer, tackle Slieve Commedagh. A strenuous and challenging walk, be prepared for steep ascents. Explore the Brandy Pad where smugglers stashed and transported their goods.

Make the ascent of Slieve Binnian and be rewarded with unique views of Annalong Forest. Follow the impressive stone Mourne Wall, 22 miles in length, the wall was constructed between 1904 and 1922 and crosses 15 mountains. Trek past the Blue Lough and get your camera ready for the incredible shots of the valley.

Wander Around our Tremendous City, Towns and Villages

Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is brimming with picturesque towns and villages and at its heart is Newry city. Visit the fishing town of Kilkeel and head to The Nautilus Centre and Mourne Maritime Visitor Centre to learn about the local fishing and maritime heritage, and see how nets and boats are mended. You might even get to sample some of Kilkeel’s famous king prawns. Enjoy a scenic pint at the shores of Strangford Lough, the largest sea lough in the UK and Ireland and plan your adventure to its many mini islands. Venture through the wooded glens of Castlewellan and pop by the castle.

Believed to be the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland, stay in Killyleagh Castle and sleep in one of the stone turrets. Breathe in the history of the Lecale Peninsula in Ardglass where St Patrick started his mission. Wander around Ó Fiaich Square, named after Cardinal Tomas O’Fiaich, the Archbishop of Armagh, who hailed from nearby Cullyhanna.

A stop off in Rostrevor Village is a must. Explore the Rostrevor Oak wood, a relic of a much larger forest. The woodland contains Oak, Ash, Sycamore, Hazel to name but a few. There are lots of ferns and flowers like wild garlic, primroses and bluebells. The forest is home to jays and squirrels and it hosts a number of rare plants like wood avens and hard shield fern. Follow the path into Kilbroney Park, the Fairy Glen walk provides varied scenery from gentle riverside to scenic parkland and woodland. The Fairy Glen is located on the left immediately after the bridge beside the entrance to Kilbroney Park. Explore The Narnia Trail and enter this magical world through the wardrobe door.

Order an artisan Nugelato ice cream on a warm day and pick all your toppings before a walk along the promenade of Newcastle and find more things to do in Newcastle here. Stand on the hallowed ground of the cathedral in Downpatrick beside St Patrick's Grave, or party into the wee hours in Newry City.

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Take Your Breath Away with our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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The Mournes

Mourne is home to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world. The Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is at the heart of this. From majestic mountains, to sweeping coastal views, the Mournes area is one of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in Northern Ireland.
Ring of Gullion

The Ring of Gullion Area of Natural Beauty offers contrasting landscapes, diverse landscapes, rich culture and history, and countless opportunities to fall in love with the great outdoors.
Strangford & Lecale

This area hosts three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Strangford and Lecale is named in part for Strangford Lough, but it also offers forested walks, opulent country gardens and beaches.

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So What is Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark?

Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark has breathtaking backdrops and unique natural spaces. With three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to explore including the Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough. You’ll be spoilt for choice and will have plenty of opportunities to delve into the fascinating geological heritage of the area.
Forests & Parks

Visit Mourne is home to expansive woodlands and dedicated parks. Whether you want to escape to the forest, or spend a fun family day out in one of our many adventure play parks, you’ll be well catered for in Down and Armagh.
Mourne Mountains

The Mourne area is synonymous with the peaks and valleys of the Mourne Mountains. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer, or you want a fun family day out against the backdrop of the mountains, there is something for everyone amidst the Mountains of Mourne.
Beaches

Visit Mourne is famous as the land where the mountains sweep down to the sea. Our rugged coastline is home to sweeping views, pristine sands, and the fresh sea air. Towns and villages along the coastline offer a warm welcome to sea lovers from around the world.
Saint Patrick's Story

Visit Mourne is the home of Ireland’s most famous son, Saint Patrick. Patrick spent his adult life preaching around Ireland, based largely in County Down. Follow in Patrick’s footsteps, and learn about the Ireland he inhabited all the way back in the 5th century.
Our Region

From bustling urban life, to quiet rural escapes, the Visit Mourne region 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.
Cities, Towns & Villages

Visit Mourne’s urban centres and rural townlands are spread throughout our mountains, forests and lakes. From bustling economic hubs to quiet rural escapes, our towns and villages are steeped in history, culture and heritage.
Plan your Trip

Luckily for visitors, Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has lots for you to see. Planning ahead can make your visit to our region that little bit easier. We can give you the best advice, maps, and guides to help you get the most out of your trip.
Things to do in Downpatrick

The spiritual centre of our area, Downpatrick is a beautiful and historic town built on the rolling drumlins of Lecale. One of the oldest towns on the island of Ireland, it has a long association with Saint Patrick who spent much of his time in and around the area and died here in the early 5th Century. His legacy remains and whether you come here on pilgrimage or just to simply say hello, there is a unique atmosphere in this small town that you won’t find anywhere else.
Things to do in Newry City

Since it’s just a short hop from the south of the island, Newry City has always been a busy centre of activity. Our region's only city may be small in size, but as a regional centre it has plenty of things to offer everyone with the added advantage of being really close to the Ring of Gullion, Carlingford Lough and beautiful surrounding countryside and beaches.
Family Time Shaped Around Strangford Lough

Family stories are shaped around Strangford Lough. When it comes to eating, drinking, travelling and experiencing, here, we embrace a slower pace. Away from the crowds, carve your path back to nature and create your family’s staycation stories in this unique part of the world.
What's On

There’s very rarely a dull moment in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion. Its calendar is so packed full of family fun, fabulous festivals and vivacious events that you’ll never be stuck when it comes to celebrating life. There’s a whole host of annual events to choose from, all year round. There are festivals for families and festivals for friends, through tracks, trails and windy bends.