Walking & Hiking

The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is the perfect destination for walking and hiking. Whether you’re an occasional rambler or a seasoned adventurer, the trails are the perfect way to experience the unparalleled natural beauty of Counties Down and Armagh. 

Lace up your walking shoes and pack some warm clothing. Our mountains, cliffs and rivers are waiting for you to discover them. Choose one of our experienced local guides for in-depth knowledge and a taste of our famous craic. 

Experience Local History and Culture in the Great Outdoors 

There’s nothing like an experienced local hand to guide you through our expansive countryside. On a Men of Mournes guided walk, you’ll uncover some of our most famous mountain range’s ancient secrets, including a 2.5 mile tunnel under one of the range’s highest peaks, and the 22 mile granite Mourne Wall, which took 18 years to construct. 

Join the Sustainable Walks Tour for a glimpse of our local nature and heritage. Learn about local sustainability projects with Brigid, an expert in History, Geography and European initiatives. Visit in the Spring, and you might even catch a glimpse of some new born lambs. 

Follow in the footsteps of Ireland’s most famous son on the St. Patrick’s Way. This 82 mile signed trail takes in 10 of the area’s best loved natural and historical beauty spots. Intrepid walkers who complete the trail will even receive a Pilgrim’s Passport and certificate to make your friends green with envy. 

The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is an area steeped in ancient history. The Lecale Peninsula hosts the burial sites of three of Ireland’s patron saints, defended by a ring of medieval castles. 

Walking in the Shadow of the Mournes 

Experienced hikers will adore the Mourne Way. This two-day hike takes you from coast to coast across the heart of the Mourne Mountains. Along the way, you’ll encounter the 3000 year old King’s Grave, a bronze age burial site. 

Experience enclosed forests and open countryside along the circular Ring of Gullion Way. Highlights include ancient burial chambers, dating back over 5,000 years to before 3,500BC. 

Take a journey through time with the Lecale Way. Begin your journey at the site of St. Patrick’s grave, and take in the 15th century stone towers along the shores of Strangford Lough. Legend has it King Henry promised £10 to anyone who built one of these. 

Walking Trails and Day Hikes 

Feel the bracing sea breeze on Annalong Coastal Path. The bays and inlets across the South Down Coast have been used as bases by local fishing fleets for centuries. Today, the route is one of the most photogenic coastal trails in the country. 

Roam The Newry Canal Way, which follows what was once one of the busiest waterways in Ireland. The canal itself hasn’t been used for transport in over 60 years, but it remains a popular rural relief, right on the doorstep of Newry city centre. 

Camlough Mountain is the perfect viewpoint to survey the surrounding Mournes and nearby coast. The ground beneath your feet was formed over 600 millions years ago, by volcanic activity, forming a rocky surface known as granodiorite.  

Gaze at still water high up in the mountains, at the Silent Valley Reservoir. The imposing stone damn contrasts beautifully with the surrounding grazing land. Many native butterfly species also call Silent Valley their home, including the red admiral and painted lady. 

Walking Trails for Young Adventures 

Taking in over a mile of mysterious woodland, Slieve Gullion is the perfect excursion for adventurers of all ages. The site features an ancient convent dating all the way back to the 5th century, while the Giant’s Lair hosts artwork inspired by Ireland’s rich mythology and folklore. 

Kids won’t want to leave the Adventure Playpark and Sensory Trail. The trail is a feast for the senses, guiding visitors through an interactive experience in the heart of nature. The playpark even received the Green Apple Environment Award at the NI Tourism Awards. 

Fans of C.S. Lewis will be spoiled by the Narnia Trail. Readers of all ages can live out their Narnia fantasies, including stepping through a wardrobe door to begin this family friendly adventure. 

Kilbroney Park features sweeping views over the shore of Carlingford Lough, as well as the chance to get up close and personal with Old Homer, a 200 year old oak, once voted Northern Ireland’s tree of the year. 

Excursions Steeped in Heritage 

Journey along the South Down coast and take a trip through time, with the Kilkeel and Dundrum Heritage Trails. Explore the ruins of Dundrum Castle, which was built in the 12th century by John de Courcy, conqueror of Ulster. 

Horror lovers can walk in the footsteps of the notorious Edinburgh grave robber, William Hare, who spent his final days in the nearby Mourne Hospital. 

Hiking in the Mourne Mountains 

Uncover the hidden history of smuggling in the Mournes along the Brandy Pad Trail. The track was created by smugglers over hundreds of years, carving a path across the rugged landscape.  

The trail follows the granite Mourne Wall, which was built over 100 years ago by workers with ‘hands like shovels’. Marvel at this traditional structure as it weaves across 15 peaks. 

The landscape is dominated by Slieve Donard. Standing at over 850 metres, this is the highest mountain in Northern Ireland. It’s also the most famous, having been designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty in 1986. 

The Mourne Mountains offer unrivalled views across Ireland and beyond. On a clear day, you can look out at the Wicklow Mountains, beyond Dublin, as well as across the sea to the Isle of Man. 

Coastal Trails and Seaside Adventures 

This area is home to some of the most spectacular sea views this island has to offer. Murlough Bay Nature Reserve hosts 6000 year old sand dunes, which run down to the Irish sea. 

For a spell of peace and quiet, look no further than the car-free Tyrella Beach.

Wander the Forests 

The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is proud to host some of Ireland’s best preserved forestry. Castlewellan Forest Park is home to myriad popular attractions across 460 hectares of natural beauty. Highlights include the Peace Maze, where you can get lost in one of the world’s largest permanent hedge mazes. 

In the foothills of the Mournes, Tollymore Forest Park’s famed woodlands were the source of the wood which made up the interior of the Titanic.