Outdoor & Leisure

The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is home to striking scenery, unique flora and fauna, and some of the best outdoor activities. If you like the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, we have plenty of fun ways to enjoy being in nature and to appreciate our incredible landscape. Come and discover some giant experiences with us.  

Take a Walk on the Wild Side 

Walking is one of the best ways to explore new places and you don’t have to do it alone! Want to explore the Mourne Mountains but can’t tell the difference between a peak and a summit? Take a hike with the Men of the Mournes and explore some of the most beautiful mountains on the island of Ireland. Embark on a journey along the Mourne Wall, a 22-mile-long construction that spanned 18 years and maps the expanse of the range. Traverse over Slieve Binnian and uncover the secrets beneath your feet. The Binnian Tunnel, named after the mountain it runs beneath, extends for 2.5 miles under one of the highest peaks in the Mournes.

Fancy coming down from the mountains? Head on a Sustainable Journeys tour of Strangford Lough and discover the area known as the ‘Cradle of Christianity’. This region is brimming with historical sites and wildlife sanctuaries. Led by Brigid Watson, she has a rich education in Geography, History, Sustainability and European Integration. Let her capture your mind, and heart, for this area. 

Many years ago a man started a journey that would shape the course of history in Ireland. Visit the Saint Patrick Centre to explore this story told in a multimedia exhibition drawn from St Patrick’s own words, it really brings his adventures on the Strangford and Lecale Peninsula to life.

Saint Patrick’s Way:The Pilgrim’s Walk is a beautiful hike around this incredible space. The Saint Patrick’s Pilgrimage is a six or ten day signposted walk from Armagh to Downpatrick, taking in popular beauty spots like Tyrella Beach and Kilbroney Park. Inspired by the Irish explorer, Ernest Shackleton, the Pilgrim’s Walk was founded by Alan Graham. Walking the Camino de Santiago, Graham took his idea home and created the Pilgrim’s Walk.

If you want to delve deeper into Saint Patrick's life, try the  St Patrick's Way Camino Walk and Lunch trail. Journey to Saul Church, said to be the first ecclesiastical site in Ireland, where legend has it that Saint Patrick began his missionary journey to convert Ireland to Christianity. Only three miles down the winding country roads brings you to Downpatrick. Here, the magnificent Down Cathedral stands, the final resting place of Saint Patrick.

Hike New Trails  

Every walk tells of our rich culture and heritage. Follow the Lecale Way to discover more about the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion's heritage and landscape. Begin the route metres from where Saint Patrick is buried, travelling by the stunning Strangford Lough to Newcastle. On your way, you might notice two towers. Built in the 15th Century, these were inspired by King Henry VI’s offer of £10 to anyone who built towers to protect the coastline.  

If you are near Newcastle, you can try the Mourne Way, a mostly off-road trail linking Newcastle and Rostrevor. Follow the route through the Mournes Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for fanastic views of this largely granite landscape shaped by ice and man. Like the famous Percy French song, you will be able to see the Mourne Mountains sweep down to the sea.

Celebrated by esteemed geologists, the Ring of Gullion Way takes you through a space of truly unique natural history. The Ring of Gullion is home to primordial burial chambers that date back as far as 3500 BC. Come and experience the rich history and beautiful views.  

Family walks are incredibly special and there is nothing more magical than imagining stepping into a book. Visit the Narnia Trail, bringing to life the famous works of C.S. Lewis. Step into the wardrobe, made famous by Lewis’s tale The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, and look out for Mr Tumnus, the faun in the books! 

Something closer to the city, the Newry Canal Way runs for 20 miles from Newry to Portadown. Having ceased to operate commercially over 60 years ago, it now supports birdlife and other aquatic life. Travel through the city along the greenway, which connects Newry to a number of surrounding towns. 

Get on Your Bike  

Walking is fun, but sometimes you need a little more speed. Head over to Castlewellan Mountain Bike trails or Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails and get your adrenaline pumping. With a Red Trail and a Black Trail to enjoy, you can also go on their Mega Mission and On the Pulse Trails which feature dedicated downhill routes for more experienced riders.  

Bike Mourne has a selection of bicycles to hire in Newcastle, why not take one for a spin over to Tollymore Forest Park and check out some of the famous architectural follies, the arboretum or some of Game of Thrones® filming locations.

Try the Castle Ward Shore Trail for a breathtaking vista of Strangford Lough. Spot landmarks like Audley’s Quay before arriving back at the Castle Ward farmyard. If you fancy staying, there is Game of Thrones® Winterfell to explore here too.  

If you want something more relaxing, take a leisurely cycle on the Newry Canal Towpath. Part of the old canal network, it became redundant after the growth of the railway despite having been active for over 200 years. Experience the wildlife that has found a home in this stunning setting.  

Make Sure to Bring a Towel or a Rod 

We are lucky to have such an incredible coastline at our disposal and there are plenty of ways for you to enjoy the beauty of the region by the water. For those who don’t mind getting a little wet, check out the incredible places you can explore with East Coast Adventure Centre, they can take you bouldering at Bloody Bridge, banana boating in Carlingford lough or mountain biking at Kilbroney Park. 

Prefer to go fishing? Head down to Kilkeel Harbour to see Northern Ireland’s largest fishing fleet and get tips from the professionals. Want to know what it’s like to be a real fisherman? Jump on the Pisces II and experience Sea Angling and Sightseeing on Carlingford Lough. With daily trips departing from both Greencastle and Carlingford, get professional advice from a fully qualified skipper.  

Be Prepared to Get Muddy  

We were born to discover and what better place to do it than an adventure centre? Head to the Life Adventure Centre in the depths of Castlewellan Forest Park. Learn how to hang out on rock faces or discover islands on canoes. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner, Life Adventure offers a flexible approach and provides all the gear you need to explore this beautiful region.  

If you’re with a group of people in Rostrevor, head to Cloughmor Extreme Adventures to get a very hands-on approach to nature around you. Built on promoting self-confidence and team building, Cloughmor Extreme offers a range of packages around extreme sports and water sports. Check out their camp craft and orienteering workshops to learn more about navigating the Mournes.