Autumn in Northern Ireland is a season like no other. As the air turns crisp, mist settles over the valleys, and forests burst into shades of amber, russet, and gold, Mourne Gullion Strangford becomes a true autumn wonderland. From forest parks to lakeside trails, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers some of the best autumn walks in Northern Ireland — perfect for families, photographers, or anyone who loves the magic of the outdoors. So, put on your cosy sweaters, go outside and enjoy the satisfying crackle of the fallen leaves beneath your feet!
Top Forest Walks in Mourne Mountains this Autumn
Autumnal walking in the The Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion area is breathtaking! As an area of outstanding natural beauty, set in the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark, we have plenty of choices for a picturesque, leisurely stroll.
Mourne Park, Kilkeel
A must see spot this autumn is the beautiful Mourne Park in Kilkeel, County Down. Mourne Park has a variety of trails through ancient woodlands, which are perfect for a scenic autumn stroll. Take in the burble of the Whitewater River and the tranquillity of the ancient woodland that is decorated with blossoming flowers, colourful towering trees and the native wildlife that thrives here. A visit in the autumn guarantees a chance to see the unique fungi.
Castle Ward Autumn Walks, Strangford
Castle Ward in Strangford, County Down is particularly spectacular in autumn, wrap up warm and enjoy crisp walks around the gardens, they are filled with seasonal colours and exciting changes. Grab yourself a hot drink in the café and explore around the trails, become a tree spotting specialist, and pick the biggest and brightest leaves. A walk along the beautiful shores of Strangford Lough is the place to look out for ripe blackberries growing in the hedgerows.
Best Autumn Trails in Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle
Located at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, a walk in Tollymore Forest Park in Newcastle, County Down is ideal around the autumnal season. Trek along the crunching leaves around the river trail, observing the forestry, bridges, grottos, caves and of course the three sets of stepping stones over the Shimna River. It is also the perfect backdrop for photography on a crisp autumn day. Capture the vibrant leaves, the fallen conkers, or the wild mushrooms.
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Autumn Walks at Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh
Take on the trails this Autumn in Delamont Country Park, County Down. Enjoy a peaceful walk around the misty lough shore and their range of wooded areas, in Autumn they will be a picture of beauty. The park offers beautiful scenery and colourful foliage at this time of year. Appreciate the sound of the rustling leaves, earthy aromas and collect the fallen chestnuts to take them home to prepare for a conker fight.
Scenic Walks in Castlewellan Forest Park
If you want to see some impressive leafage and stunning scenery, walk the trails in Castlewellan Forest Park. A chilly walk around the lake makes for a spectacular autumnal scene, while sipping a coffee, enjoy the crunching of the leaves with each footstep and admire the display of gold and crimson changes all around. To see their collection of many beautiful and rare species of trees and shrubs changing into a variety of vibrant autumnal colours, walk around the stunning Castlewellan Arboretum and Annesley Garden this autumn.
Family Autumn Adventures in Kilbroney Park
Kilbroney Park at this time of year will be perfect for an Autumn walk. It features many trails for you to tackle throughout the park from towering, wooded areas to a short stroll along the Fairy Glen. The woodland is a wonderful place to experience the rainbow of colours, keep the children busy on the trails by collecting brightly coloured fallen leaves, twigs, seeds and conkers for some Autumnal crafts at home. Don't forget to keep an eye out for squirrels foraging for yummy nuts!
Slieve Gullion Forest Park Autumn Colours
In Autumn time we appreciate the gentle breeze that rustles through the trees, carrying the earthy scent of fallen foliage, that displays vibrant colours of golden yellows, orangey reds and rustic browns making each step a beautiful sight. This is the reason that a visit to Slieve Gullion Forest Park in South Armagh is essential this Autumn. Discover the lush forests, beautiful woodland trails, lakes, and mountains.
Footsteps in the Forest
Autumn in Slieve Gullion makes for the perfect setting to celebrate their annual Footsteps in the Forest Halloween event that happens at the end of October. During Autumn, the park's landscape transforms into a mysterious and eerie wonderland, perfect for the Halloween celebrations. So, get your tickets and get ready for fun costumes and tasty treats!
Why Visit Mourne Gullion Strangford in Autumn?
So to sum it up, walking in the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion Region is the perfect place to embrace the beauty of nature and find fun in the simplicity of a leisurely stroll. From the crunch of golden leaves underfoot to the scent of pine and earth, every step on these autumn walks brings you closer to nature. Whether you’re after a peaceful stroll, a family day out, or a hiking adventure, Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough offer unforgettable landscapes at this time of year.
For more walking trails to try this Autumn in Mourne Gullion and Strangford, have a look at our Walking Trails. Go ahead and plan your autum adventure.
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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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
