Blog (Outdoors) - Visit Mourne Mountains

Think it is time to book a much-needed short break? Enjoy a staycation in the Ring of Gullion, it may be the perfect destination for your romantic getaway. The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is packed with places just perfect for quality time together. 

Ignite your summer adventures and discover Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark alongside 57 other unique UNESCO sites in the UK and crown dependencies thanks to a newly illustrated map, now available to download for free from the UK National Commission for UNESCO.

Isn’t it great to get home after a hard day’s work and switch on the telly to lose yourself in a great series or movie?  Well, how about a series or movie which is based in the beautiful area of Mourne, Gullion and Strangford?  It is a well-known fact that the series Game of Thrones® has used many locations in our area such as Tollymore Forest Park, Castle Ward and Inch Abbey, however, there are a few more places to be added to the list so kick your shoes off and relax while we flick through some of our programmes that have been based in and around our wonderful area of outstanding beauty. 

The Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and Strangford areas are world famous for their outstanding scenery, history and walks. One of the best ways to experience the magic and majesty is with one of our qualified Tour Guides.

Special subjects include: Mourne Mountains, Saint Patrick's Country, Ring of Gullion, Strangford Lough, Local History, Granite Industry, Food & Drink.

Love all things animal?  Enjoy some four-legged fun and “pawesome” visitor attractions throughout Mourne, Strangford and Gullion.

Anglers get your bait, flies and hooks at the ready and plan your perfect fishing trip. We are spoilt for choice here in the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion for fishing destinations. Our beautiful region is abundant in peaceful lakes, challenging rivers and wonderful coastal areas, perfect for your ideal fishing trip, whether it is coarse, game, or even sea fishing in beautiful fishing villages with plenty of history and impressive trawlers! We are here to tell you all about the best fishing spots in the area.

Buckets and spades at the ready, leave it to us to find you the best beaches to build your sandcastle on!

It looks like summer has arrived and long may it last!  There’s nothing like a long day out at the beach with your family or friends.  So, socks off and try dipping your toes into the cool blue waters of one of our many beaches listed below.

We have 3 beaches in our area that have once again been awarded Blue Flag status this year and that is something to be very proud of!  The categories that need to be met for Blue Flag standards are water quality, safety and public environmental education. 

The Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion is home to a variety of amazing heritage trails which are well worth exploring.  The 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 our UNESCO Global Geopark.

The Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough have just gained official Geopark accredition, so if you're looking for a unique and fascinating outdoor experience in Northern Ireland, look no further than the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. This geopark is a designated UNESCO site that showcases the geological wonders of the region, as well as its rich history and culture.

Don’t get hangry when you’re hiking, walking or having fun - grab some grub and pack a picnic!

At last, the weather is starting to turn in our favour and the sun has got his hat on!  We will be spending more time outdoors and what could be better than a beautifully prepared picnic to keep us well fed and watered on our day out?  Don’t feel like making your own?  Why not have a picnic prepared for you? 

It's that time of the year when it’s good to get out, get some fresh air around you and explore the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion and all its natural beauty. Whether you want to visit a forest park, hike a mountain or do an activity, our region is abundant in outdoor happenings.  There is plenty to see and do and lots for you to participate in to ensure a memorable experience.

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.