Blog (Outdoors) - Visit Mourne Mountains

As autumn sweeps across the landscapes of  Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion everything transforms into a tapestry of rich reds, golds, and oranges. This area is known for its breathtaking beauty year-round, but during autumn, it offers an especially stunning spectacle of vibrant foliage and scenery.

We all love switching on the TV after a long day and losing ourselves in a favourite series or movie — but why just watch it when you can live it? Mourne Gullion Strangford has played a starring role in world-famous productions like Game of Thrones®, filmed in iconic locations such as Tollymore Forest Park, Castle Ward, and Inch Abbey. And that’s just the beginning. Instead of watching from the sofa, come walk the very landscapes where these epic stories were brought to life and see the magic of our area of outstanding natural beauty unfold right before your eyes.

The Mourne Rambler is a scenic circular bus service, operated by Translink, that begins and ends at Newcastle Bus Station, weaving its way through the breathtaking heart of the Mourne Mountains. Along the route, it stops at key locations that provide easy access to popular walking trails, peaceful reservoirs, picturesque valleys, and charming villages. Designed with walkers, families, and day-trippers in mind, the service offers a relaxed and flexible way to explore this stunning landscape at your own pace.

Get ready for a season of adventure, discovery, and family fun in Mourne Gullion Strangford.  The brand new Visitor Experience Activation Programme has just been launched and it brings the natural beauty, folklore, and vibrant culture of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark to life.

Love all things animal and are searching for unforgettable family-friendly days out in Northern Ireland?  We have you covered.  Mourne Gullion Strangford is packed with hands-on experiences and pet-tastic adventures for all ages. Enjoy some four-legged fun and “pawesome” visitor attractions throughout Mourne, Strangford and Gullion.

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.

Tucked within the serene beauty of Castlewellan Forest Park, a quiet yet important project is unfolding under the evening skies. Each week, in the heart of the Annesley Walled Gardens, Education and Biodiversity Officer Ben Ryan sets up a moth trap—continuing the invaluable work begun by his predecessor, Amy Dixon. This ongoing survey is more than just a scientific endeavour; it’s a window into the hidden world of nocturnal pollinators and an essential part of monitoring biodiversity in the park.

Catherine Fulvio embarks on a Soulful Journey along Northern Ireland’s Saint Patrick’s Way in a new Two-Part Series airing on RTE1 on Thursday 13^th and Friday 14^th March (8pm) in the run up to St Patrick’s Day

Are you planning some day trips for this half term? Great, we have you sorted!  Plan your visit to Mourne Mountains and the Ring of Gullion.

We are home to striking landscapes and lots of fun activities to keep you entertained. Here are some of the things you can get up to during your visit.  

Mountain biking is an incredibly fun sport, but it can also be a daunting one to get into. The assumptions people make about it can be off-putting, and even knowing where to go can be a challenge. In this blog, we aim to lay out the simple things you can do to get into mountain biking.

Don’t let the winter temperatures and dark nights get you down, why not get off the sofa and get moving. 

Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion is a beautiful, fun-filled area that offers plenty of family-friendly activities for children under 5. Whether you're looking for indoor activities to avoid bad weather, or outdoor adventures that let little ones explore nature the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion has it all.