Spring in the Mourne, Gullion and Strangford area is something out of a fairytale and few sights capture that magic quite like a woodland carpeted in bluebells.These delicate, bell-shaped blooms begin appearing in late April, hitting their stride in early May, turning forests and hillsides into a wash of blue and violet hues.
When bluebells are in full bloom, it’s incredibly tempting to step into the middle of that vibrant carpet for the perfect photo. Just be careful, doing so can cause lasting harm to these fragile flowers.
Tips for Bluebell Walks
- Timing is everything: Late April to mid-May is peak season.
- Respect nature: Stick to paths—bluebells are delicate and protected!
Here are some of the best places to see bluebells in the area to appreciate their beauty!
Narrow Water Forest, Warrenpoint
Take a visit to Narrow Water Wood and get your camera out and capture its fabulous beauty with Bluebells surrounding you, as you wander through this bluebell wonderland, remember to stay on the paths and never pick the flowers.
Photo Credit: Liane Radcliffe
Tollymore Forest Park
In spring, Tollymore Forest Park transforms into a bluebell wonderland. Take a wander along the Arboretum Trail or the Riverside Walk, where clusters of bluebells bloom under ancient oaks and ash trees. The sound of the Shimna River adds a soothing soundtrack to your stroll.
Castle Ward, Strangford
Take a stroll through the enchanting grounds of Castle Ward, where you’re likely to be greeted by a vibrant carpet of bluebells in bloom. This picturesque walking destination is a feast for the senses, offering a rich tapestry of flora throughout its renowned gardens. With two distinct landscapes to explore—elegant Victorian designs and the charm of 17th–18th century pleasure grounds—Castle Ward invites you to step back in time and discover Ireland’s horticultural heritage in all its beauty.
Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor
Kilbroney Park and the Fairy Glen in Rostrevor offer a serene escape into nature's embrace. Just a short stroll from the village centre, the Fairy Glen begins immediately after the stone bridge, adjacent to Kilbroney Park.You may even spot some Bluebells along the river trail.
Photo Credit: Kilbroney River Cottage
Castlewellan Forest Park
This park is a favourite for families and walkers alike, and come spring, the trails that loop around Castlewellan Lake are sprinkled with bluebells. The Lake Trail offers a fairly easy stroll with high bluebell potential, take on the hike of Slievenaslat to see the hillside filled with bluebells.
Delamont Country Park
Delamont Country Park in Killyleagh is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts, offering a serene escape amidst the gentle tranquil shores of Strangford Lough, you may see patches of beautiful Bluebells throughout the park.
1.jpg)
Slieve Gullion Forest Park
Moving into the mystical Ring of Gullion, Slieve Gullion Forest Park is home to myth, magic, and masses of bluebells. The Fionn's Giant Adventure Trail around the base of the mountain winds rich forest with bluebells visble to see.
Murlough Nature Reserve
Murlough Nature Reserve, nestled between Dundrum and Newcastle in County Down, offers a tranquil escape into nature's embrace. As spring unfolds, the reserve's woodlands come alive with a vibrant display of wildflowers you may see some Bluebells on your travels, dont forget to look out for variety of wildlife and birdlife.
Hollymount Nature Reserve, Downpatrick
Hollymount is a small woodland area featuring a mix of coniferous and broadleaved trees, situated on the floodplain of the Quoile River, Ballydugan Road near Downpatrick. The walk is bordered on one side by mature trees and wetlands, with many of the trailsides blanketed in wild garlic and bluebells.
Mourne Park, Kilkeel
This spring, wander through the enchanting Mourne Park and enjoy a peaceful stroll beneath the ancient woodland canopy. In spring you may see some bluebells on your walk, soak in the sweet fragrance of native bluebells nestled among moss-covered granite boulders. The violet glow of a bluebell wood is an incredible wildflower spectacle.
Fodder Finnebrogue Woods
Pop over to Fodder at Finnebrogue Woods, The short trails take you down to the beautiful lakeside, trails are looking extra special with the beautiful bluebells now blooming! A must see if you haven't already
As these stunning flowers come into bloom, please help us protect them by admiring them from the paths and avoiding stepping on them.
Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. The stunning views across Strangford Lough and the relaxing atmosphere make Delamont Country Park a place to enjoy that 'away from it all feeling'.
Located on Forest Park View, Castlewellan, County Down, in a dramatic setting of mountains and sea, Castlewellan Forest Park has one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe. The beauty, vigour and perfect shape of the trees in the National Arboretum attract tree enthusiasts from around the world.
Tollymore Forest Park has panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at Newcastle and is open to the public all year. Tollymore Forest covers an area of almost 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne Mountains.
Discover a place of contrasts and creativity at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th century mansion and estate looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough in County Down where visitors can explore cultivated gardens, sheltered woodland and the shoreline.
Follow Fionn's Giant Adventure (previously known as the Giant's Lair) at Slieve Gullion Forest Park. Follow the trail, there's so much to explore. Seek out fairies, spells, music and more. Help is at hand as you'll have fairies and warriors to help you follow the trail.
Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile 6000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and managed as Ireland’s first Nature Reserve since 1967. It is an excellent area for walking and bird watching.
