Three day Foodie Adventure

Savour the Flavours

Explore the rich flavours and scenic beauty of Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion with our carefully curated three-day itinerary, where local cuisine and foodie delights await to tantalise your tastebuds.

This culinary journey through Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark blends foraging, artisanal craftsmanship, and exclusive dining experiences, offering a feast for the palate.

Day 1: From Tide to Table

Morning: Seaweed Foraging and Wild Swim

Begin your gourmet adventure with the Tide to Table Taste Tour. Start your morning along the stunning County Down coastline, where you'll forage for seaweed against the backdrop of breathtaking sights and sounds. Guided by local experts, you'll learn to identify various types of seaweed and gather your own to take home.

For those seeking an extra thrill, a wild swim in the Brinny waters at Crawfords Rock is an invigorating option. Embrace the chilly waters before warming up in the historic Boat House.

After your foraging, indulge in a delicious seafood lunch featuring the freshest catches, accompanied by locally baked artisan breads and cheeses. This experience is not just about food but reconnecting with nature and savouring the bounty of the sea.

Afternoon: NearyNógs Master Craft Chocolate Experience

Post-lunch, satisfy your sweet tooth at NearyNógs, Northern Ireland’s premier bean-to-bar chocolate maker. Located amidst the picturesque countryside of County Down, NearyNógs offers stunning coastal views alongside their delectable chocolates.

During this immersive tour, you’ll discover the chocolate-making process from bean to bar. Learn about their commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and recyclable packaging. Suitable for all chocolate enthusiasts, especially those aged 12 and above, this experience promises to delight with tastings and insights into the world of chocolate.

Evening: Killowen Distillery Tour and Tasting

Wrap up your day at the Killowen Distillery, Northern Ireland’s smallest and most charming distillery. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the resident piper and storyteller, who will regale you with the rich history of the distillery, including tales of smugglers and local legends.

Tour the distillery, built from upcycled materials and powered by renewable energy, and taste spirits straight from the still. Engage with native botanicals and even harvest your own mint or rosemary to garnish your drinks. Enjoy this unique opportunity to learn about the distillation process and sample the local spirits in a beautiful, historic setting.

Day 2: Traditional Baking and Craft Beers

Morning: Bake Traditional Wheaten Bread with Mrs. C

Start your second day in Dundrum at Mrs. C’s Home Kitchen for a traditional baking experience. Nestled within Ireland’s newest Geopark, Mourne Gullion Strangford, Mrs. C’s kitchen offers stunning views of the Mourne Mountains.

Under Mrs. C’s expert guidance, learn to bake wheaten bread, a staple in Northern Irish cuisine. Using her cherished recipe, you’ll create this delicious brown soda bread and enjoy the homemade treats you've baked together. This hands-on culinary session is perfect for food lovers and offers a true taste of local tradition.

Afternoon: Whitewater Brewery Tour and Taste

After your morning of baking, head to the Whitewater Brewery for their award-winning Brewery Tour and Taste. Located in the heart of County Down, this multi-award-winning brewery invites you to discover the inspiring story behind their success.

Get an insider’s view into the brewing process and sample some of their celebrated beers. Opt for the Pizza Experience, where their beers are perfectly paired with signature sourdough pizzas at the Brewery Taproom. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the full flavours of Whitewater’s creations in a casual, convivial setting.

Day 3: Coastal Foraging and Exclusive Dining

Morning: Coastal Foraging with Paul Cunningham

Conclude your culinary journey with an exclusive experience led by celebrity chef Paul Cunningham. Join Paul for a coastal forage along the shores of Dundrum Bay. As you walk, he’ll help you identify and sample local flora and fauna, explaining their benefits and unique flavour profiles.

Afternoon: Coastal Delicacies at Scoper’s

Following your foraging adventure, head to Scoper’s for a three-course dinner crafted by Paul himself. Each dish will feature ingredients you’ve foraged and sourced locally. The meal is prepared in front of you, making it an interactive and educational dining experience.

Enjoy the fresh, unique flavours of Dundrum Bay in a setting that celebrates the connection between food and its natural origins. This exclusive event is a fitting finale to your gourmet getaway, leaving you with unforgettable culinary memories.

This three-day itinerary offers a rich tapestry of food, drink, and adventure in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion. From foraging to artisanal chocolates and exclusive dinners, each day is designed to immerse you in the region’s vibrant culinary scene. Enjoy the tastes and tales of Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark as you explore this summer.

Final Tips for Your Trip

Weather: Be prepared for varying weather conditions; pack accordingly.
Reservations: Book activities and dining in advance to avoid disappointment.
Local Insights: Don’t hesitate to ask locals for additional recommendations or hidden gems.

Getting Here

Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is very well connected by road and rail, so don’t worry if you haven’t hired a car. We have our train and bus station in Newry, bus stations in Downpatrick and Newcastle, all with direct routes from the Europa Bus Station in Belfast. Coming from Dublin? Trains and buses stop in Newry, so there is plenty of transportation to stop by for a visit.

Plan Your Trip

Luckily for visitors, the 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.

Discover the beauty of the Mourne Mountains, the rolling hills of the Ring of Gullion, and the tranquil shores of Strangford Lough. Here, time spent is time well spent.

Start planning your unforgettable summer adventure today!

Share Your Giant Adventures

Feel free to share your own experiences or any tips you might have for fellow travellers using the hashtag #GiantAdventures #MyGiantAdventure. Safe travels and happy exploring!

Experience more

Make your day

Tide to Table Taste Tour Experience "Wild and Free Savour the Seas"

Meet and Greet Kilkeel Harbour Co Down. Forage Nicholsons Strand for a profile of seaweeds from Silk Island along to Home Port. Listen to the endearing call of the Sea Birds Dare to Wild Sea Swim or dip those feet in the brinny waters at Crawfords Rock Gather a Seaweed Spa Bath to take home as a reminder of your day. Enjoy a Coastal Flavours Extravaganza Feast Oysters, Crab, Mussels, all with our Tide To Table Seaweeds, Locally Baked Artisan Breads and Cheeses in the warmth of the Boat House as we return to the Harbour Kilkeel Relax and Sit and Chat a while we ask that you leave nothing behind but footprints in the sand.
Master Craft Chocolate Experience at NearyNógs

Nestled between the Mourne Mountains and the Irish sea along the scenic Mourne Coast sits Ireland's first bean to bar artisan chocolate making studio with a GIANT heart and story. What began as a fundraiser to help the Neary family through personal challenges evolved into a passion that led to the establishment of this family-powered business gem in 2011. Proudly operated by husband-and-wife team Shane and Dot, the business takes its name from stories written and told by Shanes' Dad Johnnie Neary, entitled NearyNógs. With solid core values built on integrity and sustainability, cacao beans are ethically sourced from small farms in Central America, South America and the Caribbean islands thereby fostering close partnerships, prioritising d
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Electric Picnic Experience

Experience the thrill of Electric Biking in the company of our friendly Guides amidst the magic of Tollymore Forest Park, located in the heart of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. Explore a very special landscape, situated at the foot of the iconic Mourne Mountains, with its myths, legends and more recent dramas. Enjoy building up an appetite, before taking a stop with a view to savour a well-earned artisan lunch.
Experience Foraging and Farming Through The Ages

Prepare to step back in time as we explore how our place in the natural word has evolved over the many centuries, from foraging to farming. My name is Brian and I have foraged and farmed this magical landscape for all of my life. The experience lasts about three to 3 and a half hours and you will learn hands on about some of the ancient farming practices, the folklore and how wild food and medicinal plant knowledge co-existed here for milenia. The experience includes a short farm walk tasting the wild hedgerow as we go. Our farm and office is set on the lower slopes of County Armaghs highest mountain, the mystical Slieve Gullion. This magical area is known as the 'Ring of Gullion'. It is a designated AONB, in the heart of South Armagh.
Whitewater Brewery Tours and Tap Room

Join us for a look around our brewery, see how we make some of our award winning brews, then head back to the Tap House where you can try some ales and hear some tales.
Shortcross Gin Discovery & Tour Experience

Art, craft and history blend together at Shortcross Distillery, to create an unforgettable experience on the beautiful grounds of Rademon Estate. Join founders Fiona and David to learn about their award-winning gin, which also happens to be Northern Ireland’s first craft gin.
Two Stacks Whiskey Tour

Discover the unique story of Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and the history of blending and bonding in Ireland. Learn about the true art of blending whiskey and enjoy exclusive access to Two Stacks ultra-rare casks, extracting and tasting the whiskey yourself.
Killowen Distillery Tour & Tasting

Located in the heart of the Mourne Mountains, Killowen Distillery has a ‘Kult’ following and an epic history, due in no small part to its great whiskeys and gins.
YMCA Wild Fire & Jam Experience

Experience the thrill of YMCA Wild Fire and Jam at Greenhill YMCA, nestled beneath Slieve Donard. Join our bushcraft expert, Michael, to master ancient fire-making skills like flint and steel. Indulge in our secret ingredient, YMCA bread, cooked over the fire and paired with homemade berry jam. Sip on lavender or pine needle tea, brewed from ingredients foraged on-site. Set in our stunning geopark status site, this experience offers relaxation, education, and adventure. Join us for an unforgettable journey into nature's embrace.
SUP & Sip Experience

Escape the everyday and experience the relaxing activity of Paddle Boarding under the watchful eye of our friendly Guides amidst the historic Castlewellan Forest Park in the heart of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. Explore the stunning Castlewellan Lake, situated beneath the impressive Castle once renowned for its aristocratic parties while in the hands of Lord & Lady Annesley. Enjoy building up a thirst, before stopping off on Paddy's Island to embrace some traditional heart-warming hospitality and sampling local Gins.

Plan your trip

Make your day

Accommodation

Sleep in towering castles, in quaint cottages, or camp under the stars. The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has plenty of places for you to rest your weary head before going on your next giant adventure. This region boasts incredible stays. Holiday in one of our internationally recognised hotels or stay at one of our acclaimed B&Bs. Be prepared for scenic views, comfortable beds, and service and hospitality you’ll never forget.
Getting To

The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is close to everywhere and the start of your exploration is merely a hop, skip and jump away no matter where on the island of Ireland or further afield you’re starting from. What ever way you travel, an hour or two by plane, train, boat, bus or car is usually all it takes to get you here. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you embrace our giant spirit. So let’s find somewhere to get you started.
Getting Around

It is so easy to get to and around the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion which is famous for its natural beauty, spectacular landscapes, charming villages and towns and the warm welcome from locals.
Offers

We love to welcome visitors and, with plenty of options and places to stay, Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has bargains galore. Let us share them with you and help you find a great offer on your dream visit.