The Irish Sea at the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is fed by loughs, streams and rivers. As well as being picturesque, this makes the region paradise for lovers of aquatic fun. Whether you’re an experienced expert or you want to try your hand at something new, our waterways have something to offer everyone.
Boat Tours and Sailing Experiences
Newcastle Yacht Club offers a range of activities for visitors to get out and cruise the Irish Sea. Whether you want to learn to sail, or simply sit back and enjoy a panoramic view of the Eastern Mournes, the club has something for everyone.
Cruise the waters of Westeros on a Game of Thrones® Boat Tour. This journey across Strangford Lough takes in key filming locations, including the Narrow Sea, Winterfell Castle and the White Harbour.
Get up close and personal with seals, porpoises and even dolphins on a Sea Safari with the Clearsky Adventure Centre. Take in the sights and sounds of Strangford Lough as you look out for local wildlife with family and friends.
Take a Carlingford Lough Ferry Lough and Lighthouse Tour for a chance to learn about the area’s rich mythology and folklore. Cruise past the historic Haulbowline Lighthouse and learn how Carlingford was formed by glacial activity over thousands of years.
Fishing, Angling and Experiences
The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion’s waterways also offer exceptional fishing and angling. With a wide variety of native species and some truly incredible backdrops, our fishing waters are loved by visitors from around the world.
Take a trip on the Pisces II, and try your hand at sea angling, or simply sit back and enjoy the local scenery under the guidance of expert local fishermen on one of their daily departures from Carlingford.
Head to the Mourne Maritime Centre to learn the role the fishing industry has played in local life over the centuries. Housed in Kilkeel, the home of Northern Ireland’s largest fishing fleet, the centre tells the story of how countless generations of local families have built their livelihoods at sea.
Aquatic Adventures
East Coast Adventure Centre offers a range of adventure activities, for both children and adults. Try your hand at bouldering, banana boating or sea kayaking, under the watchful eye of expert instructors.
The East Coast Adventure Centre is the ideal base for your next adventure holiday. With a number of group accommodation options, including glamping and an onsite hostel, it’s the perfect destination for families and larger groups alike.
The multi-award winning Life Adventure Centre is perfect for thrill seekers, as well as those who prefer a more relaxing pace. Families and groups can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, bouldering and coasteering in the stunning Castlewellan Forest Park.
Combine learning and fun at the Geology Rocks Adventure Centre. With a strong focus on inclusivity and environmental friendliness, Geology Rocks is a unique offering. Founded by local adventurer, James Rafferty, it offers wet bouldering, paddle boarding and kayaking to visitors of all ages and experience levels.
Set in the grounds of the Castle Ward Estate, the Clearsky Adventure Centre is your gateway to aquatic adventures on Strangford Lough. Set in the estate’s historic demesne, the centre offers bouldering, coasteering, kayaking and wildlife experiences on the Lough’s waters.
For an adventure with a twist, look no further than Clearsky’s raft building experience. Expert instructors will guide you through creating your own vessel, which you can then test out on the waters of a sheltered bay.
The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is known worldwide as the land where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. On the one hand, this creates a stunning contrast in our landscape. On the other, it creates the perfect conditions for wet bouldering, coasteering, and other extreme sports.
