The Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark takes in the breathtaking beauty of the Ring of Gullion, the Mourne Mountains and Strangford & Lecale in Northern Ireland. Its spectacular beauty has been forged by nature and provides a stunning backdrop to remarkable people and places. This dramatic and thriving landscape is where people live and work every day, acting as a catalyst for vibrant community tourism with the potential to develop a sustainable future for the region through this world-class tourism designation.
The Geopark Community
UNESCO Global Geoparks are areas of international geological value and are the basis of local sustainable development. These international treasures rely on the dedication of their local champions who work hard to maintain and promote them and make the most of the educational and economic opportunities they offer.
The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is currently made up of 140 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 38 countries across the world. It provides a platform for cooperation and exchange between experts and practitioners in geological heritage and its protection, education, and sustainable development.
Public Transport
The Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark is easy to reach by air, sea, train, and coach.
Use the handy Translink Journey planner to plan your trip by bus or rail within Northern Ireland.
If you are coming from further afield you may use these options:
Airports
Northern Ireland is served by flights into Belfast International Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport, and the City of Derry Airport.
Belfast City Airport is only 45 minutes away with regular flights from Dublin, Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Faro, Paris, London, and the Channel Islands.
If you’re travelling from Dublin, there are regular buses and trains operated by Translink, Ulsterbus Cross Border Services and Bus Eireann.
Bus and train journey times from Dublin to Newry are around an hour, and tickets can be purchased online, as well as through the ticket offices.
Ferry
You can travel coast from Scotland to Northern Ireland in an hour.
Northern Ireland has first-class ferry connections with Scotland, England, and the Isle of Man. New, high-speed vessels, enhanced on-board amenities, entertainment and shopping make the car ferry an extremely attractive way to go.
The Port of Larne and Belfast Harbour are easily accessible by the M1 motorway. You can reach Newry by bus, train or car if you’re travelling from Dublin Port. Journey times range from 1 hour 30 minutes up to two hours 45 minutes, depending on traffic and timetable schedules.
The Geopark Code
Follow these simple rules while enjoying our Geopark.
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Think ahead when planning for your visit, the weather in the geopark can change in the blink of an eye so make sure to take warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy foot ware and something to eat and drink.
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Take your litter home with you to recycle. Litter not only looks awful but can be eaten by wildlife, livestock can end up in our waterways, please help the environment by leaving only footprints behind.
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Keep to the trail. There are important habitats which are very sensitive to footsteps, help conserve them by staying on waymarked trails and keep yourself safe by steering clear of cliffs bog holes and uneven terrain.
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Many of the species and formations in the Geopark are rare and important. Feel free to take pictures of these remarkable landscapes but don’t pick flowers and please leave what you find.
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Respect others who live and work in the area, please refrain from blocking gates, damaging fences and please respect livestock.
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Help prevent fire by not throwing cigarette ends or glass/plastic bottles away which can cause ignition. Uncontrolled fires can destroy hundreds of acres of habitat which take years to recover.
Geopark Partners
Geopark partners are recognised for their excellent standard and sustainable practices. It is the goal of a European Geopark supported by UNESCO to contribute to the positive development of the local community. Through arrangements and tours the Mourne Gullion Strangford aUGG has cooperated with a number of different organizations, from smaller artisans to larger companies.
We are proud to be able to exhibit a region with a lot of local initiative based on the geological heritage, distinctive culture, and traditions. We are in the process of formalising this cooperation further through contracts with other partners. We will continue our collaboration with existing partners at the same time as we welcome new contacts.
Be an ambassador for your local environment! Be a Geopark partner! Get in touch to find out more here.
