So What is Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark?

Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark encompasses a vast area of striking natural beauty. Centred around the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Strangford and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this place showcases magnificent mountains, cultural treats, and some of the world’s best produce from our uplands to the bottom of our seas. 

Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

Without a doubt, this region has some of the most unique history and geography in the world.  The Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark region has breathtaking backdrops and unique natural spaces. With three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to explore, you’ll be spoilt for choice and will have plenty of opportunities to delve into the fascinating geological heritage of the area and how it forms the bedrock for the world’s best myths, legends and cultural treats. Come experience our beautiful vistas and create memories of a lifetime.  

Set in ancient lands, the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark has towns, villages, and country houses waiting to be explored. Learn from the locals and explore trails and walks through other worldly landscapes. Come listen to the myths of old, climb our mountains, or dive straight into our crisp waters.  

Not Just One Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty... 

One of the true highlights of your visit will be seeing the spectacular beauty of the Mourne Mountains. Incredible, closely grouped peaks stretch 24 kilometres from Newcastle to Rostrevor - giving you plenty of reasons to dust off your hiking boots.  

Considered one of Ireland’s most beautiful mountain ranges, it has inspired traditional ballads singing of its ethereal allure. Sweeping down to the sea on both ends of the range, the Mourne Mountains incorporate varied landscapes, with craggy hills to deep valleys.  

Embrace the tranquil setting of Carlingford Lough and Dundrum Bay. Along this striking coastline are beautiful sandy beaches that stretch over 40 kilometres.  

Fall in love with the rolling hills and the wild meadows. This diverse but alluring area is just waiting for you to explore it.  

Experience the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a unique geological landform, unparalleled elsewhere in Ireland or the UK.  The Ring of Gullion was the first ring dyke in the world to be geologically mapped. The ring of low, rugged hills forms a ‘rampart’ around the heather-clad Slieve Gullion mountain. Rich semi-wild habitats of heath, bog and woodland contrast with the neatly patterned fields and ladder farms.  

Slieve Gullion’s mysterious reputation arises from its associations with legends and the wider area’s rich archaeological heritage. It was along these roads and fields, and over these hills and mountains, that Cúchulainn and the Red Branch Knights, the O’Neills and the O’Hanlons roamed, battled and died.  

The Ring of Gullion is alive with history, awash in scenic beauty and bursting with culture. 

At the eroded heart of volcanic activity, Slieve Gullion formed over 60 million years ago. Glaciers cut through rocks to erode deep valleys through the Ring of Gullion leaving molten ‘ring dyke’ hills. Encounter history while taking in the panoramic views.  

The granite rocks and low rugged hills have seen figures of myth like Cúchulainn and the Red Branch Knights march over its boulders. The O’Neills and the O’Hanlons also tread the Ring of Gullion stone where they roamed and battled. Become part of the living history by visiting the Ring of Gullion and its ancient mountain.  

Hear the Lapping Shores of the Strangford and Lecale Peninsula  

The ancient shores of the Strangford and Lecale Peninsula are home to medieval monasteries, castles, and tower houses. In recent years, it has become home to many Game of Thrones filming locations. Learn more about Saint Patrick by walking out of the monasteries and along the shores of Strangford Lough.  

Strangford Lough is considered one of the most important marine habitats in Europe. A designated Marine Nature Reserve, it is a conservation zone for an abundance of flora and fauna. A perfect place for bird watchers, it is the home for Brent Geese in the summer. Grab your binoculars and see what birds you can spot.  

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