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The Glen River Trail follows a popular route leading to the summit of Slieve Donard (850m), Northern Ireland's highest mountain.
PUBLIC NOTICE – Tree Harvesting Works on the Glen River Trail. Please note that throughout November 2024, Forest Service NI will have diversions in place on the Glen river trail to facilitate tree harvesting works. Click here for further information.
From Newcastle the Glen River Trail ascends through the woods along the Glen River and climbs 3km to the head of the river valley, high on the slopes below Slieve Donard ad Slieve Commedagh (765m). From here the path continues to the Saddle (the col between Donard and Commedagh) from which point either summit can be reached.
Glen River Walk
The Glen River Walk area was once owned by the Annesley family, who were largely responsible for the development of Newcastle as a seaside resort in the 1800s. This walk takes you up to the summit of Slieve Donard, passing through woodland and alongside the plunging Glen River and its many waterfalls.
Not far from Donard Bridge, the first of the three bridges across the Glen River, you can see the site of the Annesley’s Newcastle residence, Donard Lodge. Although the building was demolished in 1966, several of the unusual trees the family planted remain, including a giant sequoia from California. Above the third bridge is the 19th century ice-house, which the Annesleys used as an outdoor fridge in the days before electricity.
