The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is the home of countless musicians and brilliant pubs, so there’s no shortage of entertainment. Whether you want a cold pint by a roaring fire, to catch a classic film, go to a concert, or let off steam on the dance floor, you’ve come to the right place.
Grab a Pint at a Traditional Pub
Nothing beats a well-pulled pint. You can be assured that you will get the best quality at Denvir’s Coaching Inn. Built in 1642, Denvir’s is the oldest surviving coaching inn in Ireland. When you visit Downpatrick, stop in for a pint and learn how a member of the Denvir family founded Denver, Colorado!
Another coaching house, The Primrose Bar and Restaurant is the focal point of Ballynahinch town having served the community for over eighty years. Sit down to one of their traditional Sunday roasts!
The Dufferin Arms, established in 1803, is a traditional pub in Killyleagh serving great food, a unique atmosphere and live music every weekend.
Set in the historic market town of Saintfield, The White Horse Inn dates back over 200 years and is a thriving bar and restaurant. You have to sample a traditional hand pulled real ale in this award winning pub.
Considered one of the finest pubs in the land, The Maghera Inn was awarded Pub of the Year by Hospitality Ulster. Quaint and hospitable, the Maghera Inn is renowned for the quality of their Guinness, so don’t miss an opportunity to taste a pint of the black stuff among the quaint furniture and white stone walls.
On the banks of Strangford Lough, the town of Strangford is home to one of the best restaurants in the country, The Cuan. A top-scoring restaurant in The Taste of Ulster Awards since 2010 and winner of the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2020, pull up a chair beside their roaring fire and enjoy a drink. From one lough to another, The Rostrevor Inn is nestled off Carlingford Lough. See their exhibition on the General who burned down the White House, C.S. Lewis, and many other figures of history.
Continue down the coast to O’Hare’s in Newcastle. Also known as Hugh McCann’s, you can enjoy picturesque views of the Mournes while warming up by the fireplace. If you have a four-legged friend with you, you are able to sit in the beer garden with your dogs and feast on one of their lovely carveries or have a pint while listening to their live music.
For an evening of traditional music, head to The Welcome Inn, Forkhill. Known for its comhaltas sessions every Tuesday, the music is always wonderful and the craic is mighty!
Our Love was Made for Movie Screens
Blockbuster films are better seen on the big screen and you can do that at one of our local cinemas. The Omniplex Newry boasts a ten-screen cinema and is located in the Quays Shopping Centre - a perfect stop-gap in the middle of your shopping. Still want the Omniplex feel but don’t fancy the hurried city atmosphere? The Omniplex Downpatrick has nine screens with reclined seating.
Our region is proud to host local and independent cinema and Newcastle Community Cinema is one of them. Check out the annual Full Moon Film Festival showcasing a marathon of 25 hand-picked movies, so make sure you stock up on popcorn!
Some people prefer the stage to movies, and you can catch them at the Down Arts Centre . Located in the heart of Downpatrick, the Down Arts Centre was originally the Town Hall. Putting on sell-out performances of high class local touring theatre like 'The Bridesmaids of Northern Ireland' and 'Give My Head Peace', this historic building is not one to miss. Don’t forget to swing by the gift shop and peruse arts and crafts by renowned local makers.
Sitting proudly beside Newry Town Hall is the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre. Comprising a 150 seat theatre, it is also home to two art galleries, and a refurbished art studio.
Hear Your Music Live
There is nothing better than relaxing to the sounds of a live music set. Live venues offer entertainment for all genres and we have plenty of them. They’re also the stomping ground of international stars and up and coming artists alike.
Pop down to Newcastle to hear the Newcastle Glee singers angelically sing their repertoire at the Annesley Hall. Built in the 19th century the Annesley Hall is a landmark venue.
From the St Patrick’s Choral Society concerts to international superstars, the Great Hall in Downpatrick is a beloved venue by artists like Van Morrison. Audiophiles will be in heaven, as the acoustics are sublime.
Go from the Great Hall to town halls. Newry Town Hall is one of our local venues that host concerts and conferences. A granite monument sits at the entrance in honour of a local man, Terence Bannon, who became the first citizen of Newry to conquer Mount Everest. Warrenpoint Town Hall was opened in 1884 for public entertainment. With esteemed Irish artists like Percy French performing there, it is a venue of historic note.
Dance the Night Away
Who doesn’t love a good boogie? The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion offers you plenty of places to hit the dance floor.
Warrenpoint has an array of nightlife that can’t be missed. Check out The Marine Tavern or the Whistledown Hotel to name but a few.
For great tunes, head to The Bank, Newry. Built originally as the old Northern Bank, it still has the old architectural layout and vault. A chance to dance into the wee hours, or listen to chill acoustic music on the renowned rooftop beer garden.
Let your hair down and have fun in Quinn’s Bar, in the bustling seaside town of Newcastle. Hear some of the best local bands or one of the biggest DJs in Northern Ireland. Quinn’s is the place to head to for a great night out.
The weekends are a time to party in Fitzpatrick’s in Downpatrick. You could catch a bit of folk music or a Karaoke night there too.
So dance like nobody's watching and have a blast on the dance floor!
In every town and village in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion, traditional pubs echo with music and craic. Whether you want to hear a traditional session, or enjoy a quiet pint beside a roaring fire, the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is your home for warm hospitality.
