Official tourism website for Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion
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Follow in the Footsteps of Saints and Stories

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Spend time creating the big picture with memorable moments

Make your day

  1. Walking an ancient pilgrim path
    Walk along the coast to Saint Patrick's Well for the traditional pattern day
    1. The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s Patron Saint. The History of Ireland starts here in Patrick’s words, which guide you through our amazing multimedia exhibition. Located 2 Hours north of Dublin and 35 minutes south of Belfast beside Saint Patrick’s Grave with a fantastic Craft Store and incredible Garden Cafe. This needs to be your first stop in Ireland.
      1. 1 Jan 202431 Dec 2024
    2. Struell Wells was built around a stream flowing through a secluded valley. It was a popular place of pilgrimage from the 1600s until the 1840s.
      1. Saint Patrick's Story
        The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is the home of Ireland’s most famous son, Saint Patrick. Patrick spent his adult life preaching around Ireland, based largely in County Down. Follow in Patrick’s footsteps, and learn about the Ireland he inhabited all the way back in the 5th century.
      2. Down Cathedral, a Cathedral of the Church of Ireland with magnificent stain glass windows, box pews and beautiful organ case was built in 1183 as a Benedictine Monastry. The patron saint, Patrick is believed to be buried in the nearby graveyard.
        1. Saint Patrick's Grave

          Saint Brigid was born in the year 451 near Dundalk to a pagan Gaelic Chieftain named Dubtach and a Christian slave mother named Brocca.  She was baptized by Saint Patrick and later became his friend. Brigid's friendship with Saint Patrick was well documented in the "Book of Armagh".

        2. Making a St Brigid Cross
          Immersive, hands-on ancient Irish cultural heritage experience in the Saint Patrick Centre Downpatrick.
        3. Booley and Butter Banner
          Booley and Butter Forgotten Traditions of the past – with Artisan and Foraged Lunch ‘ploughman style’ Awaken the Traditions of a 6000 year old Mountain Community in the Magical Ring of Gullion During this four hour experience, step back in time as 7th generation farmer Brian weaves The Neolithic, The Celts and his own Ancestors into one continuous Epic Saga. “The “Butter and Booley Tour” has it all, beautiful surroundings, informative and friendly hosts and mouth-watering foraged treats to accompany the butter you make along the way! A step back in time to one when everything happened at a slower pace certainly made for a relaxing and enjoyable day, thank you Brian and Lorraine, I can’t wait to go back”! Paula, TripAdvisor
          1. Walk in the footsteps of Saint Patrick on Saint Patrick’s Way and discover his story with our Pilgrim Guides around the beautiful medieval town of Downpatrick.
          2. Long, flat walk around very scenic coastline
          3. Irish Monastic Tours offers expert-led guided tours to some of the most historic and evocative sites on the island of Ireland. From settlements of the earliest inhabitants to the island to the most venerated sites associated with its Saints.
            1. Join a pilgrimage themed around Saint Patrick in Downpatrick, County Down, with your talented guides former Adoration Sisters Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly, for a walk along Ireland's own Camino.
            2. Arts, Culture & Heritage
              We have a rich tradition of the Arts in Northern Ireland and it burns fervently in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion. Our region is filled with monolithic structures, crumbling ruins of castles of old, ravaged monasteries and world-class museums.
            3. Section of a door from the olg gaol, now the Down County Museum. It features metal bars and reinforcing nails  to strengthen it.
              Mary Alice Clancy examines the relationship between Thomas Russell and Mary Ann McCracken in a lunchtime talk at Down County Museum
              1. A modern pen and ink drawing showing Thomas Russell making a public address
                Join Heritage Officer Linda McKenna on a special guided tour to mark the 220th anniversary of Thomas Russell's death.
                1. Monuments
                  With a history dating back thousands of years, the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion’s mountains and valleys are dotted with countless monuments, marking sites of importance throughout the centuries.

                Embark on a Spiritual Journey this Autumn

                Make your day

                1. An epic ride ... is just up the road
                  Cycling has always been a favourite way to get out and about to explore our beautiful region and with so many activity centres available to hire a bike for the day, you don’t even need to have your own wheels!
                2. Awaken another giant tradition
                  There are many ways create memories that will last a lifetime. It might not seem like there is enough time in the day so here are some readymade experiences waiting for you to explore.
                3. Savour the Flavour this Spring
                  Take time to savour the flavour this Autumn in the heartland of fresh produce. Our rolling pastures sweep down to an abundant coastline. The freshest ingredients picked especially for you.
                4. Spend time on the fairways
                  Spend time playing golf in County Down, along our stunning coastline, on some of the most scenic golf courses in the world. Follow in the footsteps of all time greats on challenging greens and fairways.
                5. Surround yourself with natural beauty
                  Spend time explore the natural beauty of Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough. Home to some of the most breathtaking views and interesting country walks in Northern Ireland.
                6. Take a stroll back in time
                  The Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough are home to a variety of amazing heritage trails and historic places; experiences worth spending time on.  Trails will take you to historical monuments and give you a chance to explore the rich and beautiful local landscape. Take time and enjoy the locations and beautiful scenery in the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark.
                7. Enewsletter Sign Up
                  Sign up here to the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion Newsletter. A free monthly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox.
                8. Plan your Trip
                  Luckily for visitors, the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has lots for you to see. Planning ahead can make your visit to our region that little bit easier. We can give you the best advice, maps, and guides to help you get the most out of your trip.
                9. Accommodation
                  Sleep in towering castles, in quaint cottages, or camp under the stars. The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has plenty of places for you to rest your weary head before going on your next giant adventure. This region boasts incredible stays. Holiday in one of our internationally recognised hotels or stay at one of our acclaimed B&Bs. Be prepared for scenic views, comfortable beds, and service and hospitality you’ll never forget.
                View Maps and Visitor Guides
                View what the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has to offer and some of the best things to see and do during a visit.
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