Things To Do on a Rainy Day in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion
It has been known to rain in these parts from time to time and spills from the sky can happen quite suddenly. That said, while you should always prepare for showers, full length rainy days are rare. You will almost always get the chance to get out and into much of the great outdoors that Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has to offer. But if it does decide to pour down for the day, well we have that covered too.
Take cover in Newcastle
Cocos Adventure Playground is a large indoor adventure playground in Newcastle. Kids under fourteen will have a ‘funbelieveable’ time on the selection of slides, rides and assault courses. Sessions last an hour-and-a-half and tickets are very competitively priced, so you’ll have plenty of time to have the craic without breaking the bank.
Join in the fun at The Clay Project Studio, choose from a selection of pottery and paint your very own design, it is a great way to spend a couple of hours, enjoy being creative! A week later pick up or receive your finished result! What more could you want on a wet day, painting with a beautiful view of the Newcastle seaside.
Don’t let the weather ruin your day, dive into the fun at Kent Amusements. Step inside and enjoy endless arcade action. From classic games to modern favorites, there's something for everyone. Rack up points, beat high scores, and win prizes!
Explore a treasure trove of locally made crafts, pottery, jewellery, and unique handmade gifts that celebrate the creativity of the Mournes in Painted Earth shop . Then head upstairs to discover their small art gallery, showcasing beautiful works by talented local artists
Escape the drizzle and visit the Newcastle Community Cinema. Whether it’s a classic film, indie gem, or a local show, it’s the perfect escape from the rain. Always check their Whats On to see whats on that week or day!
Spa Experiences - Wet Outside, Zen Inside
Enjoy a day of relaxation at the Slieve Donard Spa, your sanctuary to unwind, with a curated menu of expert treatments on offer, seven days a week. Views across the majestic Mountains of Mourne create the perfect backdrop for a blissful treatment, calming swim or bespoke therapeutic experience in our thermal suite.
If the bones and muscles are a wee bit achy why not take a trip to Soak Seaweed Baths and get a soaking you’ll enjoy. Listen to your favourite tunes as you melt all your troubles away in your own personal steam cabinet, before luxuriating in the amber goodness of the mineral-rich seaweed and hot seawater that make up these special seaweed baths.
Why let the weather dampen your day? Treat yourself to a blissful escape with a relaxing spa day at the Burrendale Hotel. Enjoy a refreshing swim, unwind in the serene spa facilities, and indulge in luxurious treatments designed to melt your stress away.
Escape the stress and immerse yourself in pure relaxation at Canal Court Spa, enjoy a range of indulgent therapies, beauty treatments, and medical aesthetics restore balance to body and mind, Or spend a few hours swimming at the pool.
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Rich History and Heritage
Those who want to find out more about spiritual purification can visit the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick where they will discover all they need to know about Ireland’s patron saint. The Ego Patricius – The Story of Saint Patrick exhibition explores the legacy of Patrick and tells the saint’s story in his own words. Using a series of interactive displays, the exhibit allows visitors to explore Patrick's influence on early Christian times and the fabulous artwork and metalwork which was produced during the period.
History and heritage continue at the Down County Museum where you will be taken through 9,000 years of the county’s history and you’ll hear more about the museum’s dark past as a county jail. The museum offers some excellent family days, so be sure to check out if there are any special exhibitions, workshops or events on before you go.
If the museum is the kind of thing that floats your boat then be sure to check out the Nautilus Centre overlooking Kilkeel's picturesque fishing port. This is home to the Mourne Maritime Visitor Centre which tells the story of the town’s fishing and maritime heritage, with touch-screen technology.
Explore the magnificent 18th-century Castle Ward, renowned for its contrasting architectural styles, one side Gothic and the other classical Palladian. During this 45-minute tour, you'll delve into the intriguing history of this beautiful mansion. Afterward, browse the delightful shop or enjoy a coffee in the charming café, something to keep you sheltered a little longer.
For rainy days, the Mourne Archery Centre really hits the spot. Based in a barn in the middle of Maghera, the centre was started in 2009 and today boasts a strong local membership. Sessions run for three hours with a variety of fun games ranging from traditional target shooting to popping balloons.
Why not chill out and enjoy a movie at the Omniplex Cinema Downpatrick. This modern, centrally located 6-screen cinema shows all the latest movies
Sheepbridge Family Entertainment Centre has a lot to offer families of all ages. Young kids can swing to their heart’s content in the Cheeky Monkeys play area with a four-tiered climbing frame and ball pools or get some fun out of the bumper boats and battery-powered go-karts. You can hide in the smoky shadows of the Space Quest Laser Tag arena, a great area for ultimate combat while traditionalists will love the Centre’s ten lane state of the art, glow in the dark bowling alley. When it all gets too much, you can wind down in the Sheepbridge Bar and Restaurant.
Shelter in Newry
When the weather turns wet, head to Tiddly Town in Newry — the perfect indoor adventure for little ones! Kids can explore a fun, mini world made just for them, with imaginative play zones like the café, salon, supermarket, and more.
Spend a rainy day being creative at Art Studio 23 in Newry. They have a busy what's on section that can hopefully tempt you to spend a wet day or evening in the studio creating paintings of people, landscapes, animals or abstract art, how exciting!
Newry and Mourne Museum at Bagenal’s Castle in Newry offers more tales and history and there is always a warm welcome for families who are keen to find out more about the town itself and some of the local folklore of the Mournes & Ring of Gullion.
Why not finish the evening with a movie at the Omniplex Newry This ten-screen cinema in central Newry is sure to have something that everyone can enjoy with all the latest blockbusters and family movies.
Indoor Fun in Kilkeel
Enjoy Trackman Indoor Golfing at Kilkeel, their golf simulators offer the most realistic experience using Trackman ball tracing technology. Elevate your golf game or just for a bit of fun try it out for fun and check your skills, the ideal place for golf enthusiasts on a wet day.
Experience a delightful day tour at the Neary Nogs Chocolate Factory, plan the perfect day out sampling delicious local made chocolate. Learn the process from bean to bar and taste some yummy chocolate treats!
Even when it rains here, it pours with great things to see and do.
It’s all GO GO GO here at Coco’s. Why not join us for a FUN FILLED day out! The kids will love our variety of slides, ball pools and play areas, while the adults can relax in our Cafe stocked full of tasty meals & LOTS of Coffee. No booking necessary for a visit.
Soak offers customers a unique experience, a place to be spoiled or to simply ease the body and soothe the mind. Relax in a silky hot seaweed bath in our award winning bathhouse or Revive with a sensual spa treatment in our bespoke treatment rooms.
The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s Patron Saint. The History of Ireland starts here in Patrick’s words, which guide you through our amazing multimedia exhibition. Located 2 Hours north of Dublin and 35 minutes south of Belfast beside Saint Patrick’s Grave with a fantastic Craft Store and incredible Garden Cafe. This needs to be your first stop in Ireland.
Down County Museum is located in the old county Gaol of Down. It houses fascinating exhibitions on the history of Down as well as restored cells with life-size figures of prisoners and their gaolers.
The Nautilus Centre overlooks Kilkeel's busy and picturesque fishing port and houses the Mourne Maritime Visitor Centre, Kilkeel Visitor Information Centre, Tracing Your Mourne Roots Exhibition and the Mourne Seafood Cookery School.
Bagenal’s Castle located in historic Newry is a 16th century fortified house and adjoining 19th Century warehouse, and has been sympathetically restored to house Newry & Mourne Museum and Newry Visitor Information Centre.
Located close to Newcastle, the Mourne Archery Centre is an activity suitable for individuals, families and private groups. Catering for up to 25 people at a time, the centre provides instruction and appropriate equipment for all ages in a safe and fun focused environment.
Bridge bowling is an excellent venue for birthday Parties, corporate and team building events or simply for a great day/night out with family and friends. We offer discount for large youth groups as well as budget packages with food.
Newry Omniples is Ireland's largest multiplex cinema chain located in The Quays Shopping Centre with 10 screen Cinema, Omniplex MAXX Screen and disabled seating. Showing all the latest films.
