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.
From June 2025 to March 2026, forest parks across the Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough region will be buzzing with activity, while our stunning beaches come alive with fun throughout July and August 2025. Whether you're a curious explorer, a wildlife lover, or a family looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone.
And the best part? All events are free and no booking is required – just turn up and look for the purple flag to join in the action!
Forest Fun and Outdoor Adventures Await
Explore the wild heart of the Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough with an inspiring mix of interactive activities:
🌲 Mountain of Music at Slieve Gullion
Celebrate European Geopark Day in style with this family-friendly music festival. Expect toe-tapping tunes, local talent and a party atmosphere in one of Northern Ireland’s most magical locations.
🛩️ Flying High at Castlewellan Forest Park
Witness jaw-dropping aerial displays as Banbridge Aeromodelling Club brings model planes and helicopters soaring through the sky in a high-flying spectacle for all ages.
🦉 Animal Adventures at Delamont Country Park
Meet incredible creatures big and small! Encounter owls, snakes, spiders and colourful jungle animals up close in this unforgettable wildlife experience, featuring The World of Owls and the Amazon Jungle Show.
🦖 Dino Discovery Day at Kilbroney Park
Calling all young palaeontologists! Travel back in time to the age of the dinosaurs, where you’ll dig, discover and learn through exciting dino-themed games and activities.
Make a Splash This Summer with Beachside Fun
When the sun shines, the beaches of Tyrella and Cranfield offer more than just golden sand and salty air. Throughout July and August, you can enjoy hands-on workshops, storytelling, and nature-inspired fun right beside the waves.
From creative crafts to mythical tales and environmental education, every beach session is designed to celebrate our coastline’s natural beauty and heritage.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to join the adventure? Check out the full schedule of forest and beach events below:
Don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure – and maybe a picnic too!
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.
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'.
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.
Tyrella Beach is a stunning, award-winning sandy beach on Dundrum Bay in County Down. Backed by 25 hectares of protected dunes, it offers scenic walks, safe swimming, and rich wildlife. Recognised with a Blue Flag Award, Tyrella Beach it’s ideal for families, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Cranfield West offers a gently sloping, mainly sandy beach located at the entrance to Carlingford Lough, an area designated as being of Special Scientific Interest.
