Blog (Outdoors) - Visit Mourne Mountains

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.  

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

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.