Blog (family) - Visit Mourne Mountains

May is National Walking Month!

It's time to get the hiking boots out and go explore the wonderful landscape of Mourne, Gullion and Strangford.  It doesn't matter what your preference is this region can cater for every need.  You can explore the coast, head inland to one of the many forest parks, uncover beautiful gardens or if you have the energy, pack your rucksack and head off into the mountains.

Saturday 29 April – Saturday 6 May

The first of May marks the beginning of the ancient festival of Bealtaine,  Féile na Bealtaine, and is the halfway point between the spring equinox and summer solstice.  Bealtaine, translating as month of May, is still used in the Irish language today and is said to derive from Old Irish meaning, bright fire.  

The award winning, five star Montalto Estate, in rural Co. Down, is getting ready to unveil a  significant new tourism experience called The Lost Garden Trail. Made possible through major private investment, with additional support from Tourism NI’s Experience Development Programme,  The Lost Garden Trail will open to the public on 31^st March, 2023.https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/things-to-do/montalto-estate-p728301

Where would you find a better place to go for a brisk stroll, a gentle dander or a family ramble than Delamont Country Park in Killyleagh?  It's time to pack a picnic, put on your walking shoes and get out and explore the various walks in this beautiful Country Park.

Pancake Day is upon us on Tuesday, 13 February so it’s time to get mixing up a good batter!  According to experts, waiting for the bubbles to appear on the upside of your pancake is a sure indication that it is ready to be turned over so it is worth waiting until then before you flip it.  

When you are visiting Delamont Country Park in Killyleagh check out our suggestions of other places you might enjoy.  If you are into history, walking or just want to enjoy some family fun we have a lot to offer.  Dust down your walking shoes, pack a picnic or enjoy lunch or dinner in a nearby restaurant.

In local folklore Fionn Mac Cumhaill was the legendary Irish warrior/hunter who led a small band of warriors known as the Fianna.  There are many legends associated with Fionn, the most widely known is probably the creation of the Giant’s Causeway.

Fionn, however also has strong associations with the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion.

Take a journey back in time and follow in the footsteps of the legendary Fionn Mac Cumhaill (or Finn McCool) of the Fianna warriors where Fionn walked up the slopes of Slieve Gullion to the lake near the summit to find a beautiful young lady sobbing on the water’s edge. 

The White Witch has put a curse on the land. It is always winter and never Christmas in Narnia – be aware, she has the power to turn you into stone.  Don’t eat any “enchanted” Turkish Delight!

From local folklore we are told that there once was a city where Carlingford Lough is now – the beautiful Cahir Linn. The sunken city was supposedly located near Carlingford in Co. Louth overlooked by Slieve Foy, the mountain which was once an active volcano.

The 2022 calendar is bursting with your all-time favourites and a brand new event to look forward to in Newcastle at the end of the summer.

Don’t delay, get these dates into your diary!