Getting Around the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion
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.
With good roads, great public transport and a range of discount passes, we do our best to help you get to as many of our most popular attractions and picturesque landscapes with minimal fuss.
Vehicle Hire
Making your way around the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion by road couldn’t be easier. You can bring your own car by ferry, hire at point of entry, or pick up a rental car in Newry or one of our local towns.
Just be sure to keep in mind which side of the road you’re on. In Northern Ireland, we drive on the same side of the road as the rest of the UK – on the left!
Of course, we appreciate that once you arrive here your stay might just get extended! You can hire a car in Newry or locally for a day, week, month or even longer.
Taking a Taxi
If you’re travelling from Belfast to Newry or in and around the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion, taxis are often the first point of contact for visitors arriving at the airport or local transport hubs. Be warned; the craic will be mighty! Known for their great banter, your local taxi driver will not only provide a warm welcome but they’re what we like to call ‘a fount of knowledge’, so you’ll have your own personal travel guide en route to your destination.
In Northern Ireland, all legal taxis should display taxi licence plates. Taxis and their services generally provide meter-reading fares; if a taxi does not have a meter ask the fare to your destination before setting off. Additional information is available for visitors travelling with Guide Dogs.
Public Transport
The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is well connected by road and rail. Newry train and bus stations are within easy reach of the city centre. The bus stations in Downpatrick and Newcastle, both with direct routes from the Europa Bus Station in Belfast, makes travelling in and around this region all that much easier. If you’re travelling from Dublin airport there’s a direct bus to Newry that takes just over an hour. Travelling to Newry from Belfast City Airport couldn’t be easier too with regular train and bus routes operating daily.
For more information on Translink timetables and fares please visit www.translink.co.uk or call the Contact Centre on (028) 90 66 66 30.
Travelling by Electric Cars
If you’re travelling by electric car, there are several double adaptor charging units situated throughout Newry, Mourne & Down District Council car parking facilities; all electric charge points are controlled by private operators, independent of the Council. For location details www.goultralow.com.
Mournes Shuttle Service
If you’re planning a walking or hiking trip up the Mournes or around Slieve Gullion, the Mourne Shuttle Service offers a drop off and pick up weekend service. The shuttle service can collect you at your designated car park and take you to the starting point of your walking route. The shuttle service operates throughout the year and is available seven days a week in July and August.
Cycle and E-Bike Hire
Prefer to travel by bike? Currently in Northern Ireland, you can use an electrically assisted pedal cycle on public roads, but remember, the vehicle has to be licensed and the user must wear a safety helmet. You will also need to hold a valid provisional or full Driving Licence (Category Q). Full details are provided on the NI Direct website.
Prefer to be guided on your cycle route? You’ll be spoiled for choice for bicycle hire options in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion. We’ve a number of local companies offering bike hire. Bike Mourne provides a professional and friendly bike hire and guided ride service within the Mourne Mountains. Life Adventure Centre, and Clearsky Adventure Centre offer a similar service. Fancy combining your cycle with some delicious local food. Trails and Ales and Mourne Mountains Brewery offer fully guided cycling tours, so you can sample the best of local food while cycling around the Mountains of Mourne. What better way to experience Mourne Gullion and Strangford than on two wheels?
Getting Around on Foot
With three areas of outstanding natural beauty, the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion’s compact range of dizzying peaks, rolling valleys, tranquil forests and golden coastline is ready and waiting to be discovered, enjoyed, experienced and never forgotten. From walking tours and walking trails to hiring a qualified walking guide, the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has lots of options for those who prefer to experience the great outdoors on foot.
