We can’t wait to see you
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.
Get your journey off to a flyer
If you’re coming by air, you can come in through either of the two airports in Belfast. Between them, Belfast International Airport, and George Best Belfast City Airport welcome over 8 million visitors every year and many of them head straight from there to the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion. You can also fly into Dublin International Airport and from there make your way north up the M1 which will have you in Newry within an hour.
Belfast International Airport
Belfast International Airport is the larger of the two airports in Belfast. There are regular flights both in and out of many European cities including Paris and Amsterdam and it’s worth remembering that it is less than an hour from London Heathrow. The airport lies just north of Belfast and it should take you little more than an hour to drive to Newry in the heart of Visit Mourne. If your destination is Downpatrick it will take a wee bit longer. At the moment there is no direct bus from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Newry or Downpatrick. However, there are services departing from the airport to both places via the Europa Bus Station in Belfast City Centre. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately two hours and is very straightforward.
George Best Belfast City Airport
George Best Belfast City Airport is small and compact, welcoming daily flights from the UK and from Amsterdam. Its major advantage over its bigger neighbour is its proximity to Belfast city centre and, consequently the main bus station and train station. This means you can get out of the airport, walk to the bus at Adelaide Street and be in Downpatrick before you know it. Newry in this case is that wee bit further on but still easily accessible whether you take the bus or hire a car. You can also jump on the train at Lanyon Place and be in Newry in no time.
Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport is the busiest airport on the island and has a huge amount of direct flights from all over the world. You’ll be just over an hour away from the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion when you land and there are lots of options to get from there to here in no time.
Hop on a boat
Given its long affinity with shipbuilding, it seems apt to start your visit to Northern Ireland by sea. Apart from the spectacular views as you approach either Port of Larne or Belfast Harbour, it is rather convenient. Crossing from Scotland will take you just one hour, while there are also regular sailings from Liverpool and the Isle of Man. You also reach us through the south of course by sailing into Dublin Port and taking the fast and easy drive north up the M1. On a good day you could be in Newry in an hour-and-a-half.
The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion from the south
The Mountains of Mourne, Strangford Lough & Lecale and the Ring of Gullion have been favourite destinations for visitors from the Republic of Ireland for a long time and getting here from there couldn’t be easier. There is a glut of transport options from most major cities in the Republic.
By train, you can leave Dublin and land in Newry in an hour and a half. You’ll be hitting the shops in no time. It is worth keeping in mind that the Dublin Connolly to Belfast Lanyon route is the busiest on the island so do book in advance.
From Dublin
By Train
The Dublin Connolly to Belfast Lanyon route is the busiest on the island. Operating since 1867, it is also one of the oldest and Newry is one of its most popular and most convenient stops. Journey times can vary but you’ll only need an hour-and-a-half to get to this wonderful city at the very heart of the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion so bring a decent book or fully-charged mobile device with you.
By Bus
Several bus operators will have you here nearly as quickly as the train. It’s worth noting that if you are travelling directly from Dublin Airport there is a bus from there to Newry - you will save yourself a lot of time and maybe a few pennies by taking this option. It is quicker, less expensive and you’ll be on the motorway straight away. There are also bus services from Dublin City Centre that will take you to and through various towns, including Newry.
By Car
Travelling by car from Dublin to Newry is a straight drive up the M1 in under two hours and is without doubt the easiest way to get here. Within minutes of leaving Newry you can be at the very heart of the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion enjoying another world.
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.
