For the family that likes to get out, about and into nature, Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is among the best places to explore. Not only does the beauty of the diverse natural landscape encourage exploration and inspire wonder, but the normally benign climate and low population density means the air is always clean and fresh. At the end of your walking day, you will always feel great no matter what mountain track or forest trail your kin choose to take.
Newry Canal Way
Why not enjoy a gentle stroll along the peaceful banks of an historic canal? The Newry Canal Way offers families a scenic ten-mile route from the heart of Newry to Portadown. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of lovely spots to pause and appreciate the local wildlife and plants that flourish beside the water. It’s also a great place to stop for a relaxed picnic in the fresh air. Whether you want a short walk or to explore the whole path, the Newry Canal Way makes for a pleasant day out with the family.
The Narnia Trail, Kilbroney Park
Inspired by local man C.S. Lewis’s epic tale, The Narnia Trail in Kilbroney Park brings all the family into the magical world of Aslan and the Pensevies. This gentle trail is short enough for tiny feet and colourful enough to keep little minds engaged throughout but beware of the White Witch of Narnia.
Walking Trails in Tollymore Forest Park
Tollymore Forest Park in the heart of the Mourne Mountains has four designated walking trails. Families who like to keep their walks short can take the half-mile Arboretum Path through mature forest and past some of the largest trees you're likely to see in Ireland or the three-mile River Trail along the Shimna River with its famous steeping stones and dramatic cascades. Families with older kids and teenagers might prefer the bigger challenges of eight-mile Mountain and Drinns Trail through the Mourne Mountains or the mammoth twenty-six-mile Mourne Way. Whichever trail you choose at Tollymore, you are sure to be rewarded with some spectacular scenery.
Family-Friendly Forest and Coastal Walks in Mourne Mountains & Strangford Lough
After you’ve found your way out of the Peace Maze at Castlewellan Forest Park, your family can take the two-mile stroll around the lake or tackle one of the many other trails through the forest. Families who have had their porridge that morning might feel like tackling the Slievenaslat Walk. This is a very steep climb through the forest but every metre gained brings the rewards of the most spectacular views across the Mourne Mountains and the surrounding drumlin landscape.
On the shores of Strangford Lough and close to the historic town of Downpatrick, you’ll find Delamont Country Park which offers stunning, serene views across the Lough. There are five waymarked walks including the one-mile Strangford Walk and the five-mile Longwalk. Whichever path you choose, you’ll pass through an unspoiled countryside of woodlands, open pasture and rolling drumlins with the Lough and the ever-present Mournes never far away.
Family Walks at Slieve Gullion Forest Park – Easy Trails and Mythical Adventures
Slieve Gullion is an ideal spot for a relaxed family walk, with gentle trails and peaceful surroundings that are easy to enjoy at your own pace. Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers well-marked paths through quiet woodland, with lovely views over the Ring of Gullion. Families can follow Fionn's Giant Adventure trail, a charming walk that weaves local legends into the landscape with storyboards and playful sculptures. With a mix of nature, folklore and easy walking, Slieve Gullion makes for a calm and enjoyable day out for all ages.
Easy Scenic Trails for Families at Montalto Estate
If you still have the legs for it then we recommend a day or half-day at the wonderful Montalto Estate. Most of the four trails in this estate are what you might classify as fairly easy going and it might be a place to keep in the back pocket as a kind of recovery walk for the day after your more challenging treks. The short Woodland Walk, for example, is flat and easy but the boathouse, acers and Japanese maples might inspire tired legs to keep going a little further into the estate and seeing what else can be discovered.
All in all, Mourne Gullion Strangford is a true paradise for families who love to walk. With its mix of gentle trails, scenic climbs and breathtaking views, this special corner of the world feels made for outdoor adventures. Whether you're exploring forest parks, lakeside paths or coastal landscapes, there's something here for every age, pace and level of energy. Plan your trip now.
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.
Castlewellan Forest Park is 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.
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'.
An enchanting 18th century Georgian estate in the stunning Down countryside offering a 5 star attraction, bespoke conference and events venue, Georgian mansion for private hire and accommodation, gardens including walled garden and 8km of trails.
Kilbroney Park features riverside walks and an arboretum. There is a two-mile forest drive which showcases panoramic views over Carlingford Lough. There is also a Play Park with children's play area and tennis courts, an Information area and a café all on site.
Slieve Gullion is Ireland's Mountain of Mystery. Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers walking trails, a scenic drive, an Adventure Playpark, Fionn's Giant Adventure children's story trail and a Courtyard with coffee shop.
The Delamont Long walk is approximately 7km. The walk starts and ends in the car park. This is a way marked trail through the woodland and along the shores of Strangford Lough. You will get great views across the Lough.
The Delamont Strangford Walk is a way-marked trail located in Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh, Count Down. It is 2km long and is suitable for wheelchair users. All the walking routes in Delamont Country park are interlinked and can be added to. This walk is on the shores of Strangford Lough with fabulous views to the Mourne Mountains. It is the perfect place for the family to get out into nature.
