What is Parkrun?
Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5-kilometre walk, jog or run, held every Saturday morning at 9:30am. It is open to all ages and abilities and is organised entirely by volunteers.
There are also Junior Parkruns every Sunday for children aged 4 to 14 years and their families.
Find more information about Junior Parkruns on the official Parkrun UK website.
How to Register for Parkrun
Parkrun is completely free to join, but you must register once before taking part.
Once registered, you can join any Parkrun event in the UK or abroad.
Visit Parkrun UK to register and remember to bring your personal barcode to every event so your time can be recorded.
Parkrun Locations in Mourne Gullion Strangford
1. Newry Greenway Parkrun
- Location: Newry Greenway, William Street, Newry, BT34 2EQ
- Time: Every Saturday at 9:30am
- Post-run coffee: Courtney’s Café basement
- Contact: newrygreenway@parkrun.com
A flat, scenic route following the Newry Greenway. Ideal for beginners or those seeking an easy, urban-style 5k run.
2. Rostrevor Parkrun
- Location: Kilbroney Park, Shore Road, Rostrevor, BT34 3AA
- Time: Every Saturday at 9:30am
- Post-run coffee: Synge and Byrne Café, Kilbroney Park
- Contact: rostrevor@parkrun.com
This course combines tarmac and forest trail paths within Kilbroney Park, offering a moderate route with gentle inclines and forest scenery. Expect some muddy sections after rain.
3. Castlewellan Parkrun
- Location: Castlewellan Forest Park, Main Street, Castlewellan, BT31
- Time: Every Saturday at 9:30am
- Post-run coffee: Synge & Byrne Coffee Cart or Urban Coffee, Castlewellan
- Contact: castlewellan@parkrun.com
A beautiful mixed-terrain route around the Castlewellan Lake and Forest Park trails. Suitable for all levels with a few gradual climbs.
4. Montalto Estate Parkrun
- Location: Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, BT24
- Time: Every Saturday at 9:30am
- Post-run coffee: Montalto Estate Café
- Contact: montalto@parkrun.com
A scenic, private-estate Parkrun offering a gentle route through woodlands and parkland. Please arrive before the event starts, as gates close once the run begins.
5. Dunleath Playing Fields Parkrun
- Location: Dunleath Playing Fields, Market Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6LZ
- Time: Every Saturday at 9:30am
- Post-run coffee: Local café (details shared on the day)
- Contact: dunleathplayingfields@parkrun.com
A flat, accessible route suitable for all ages and fitness levels — perfect for beginners or those aiming for a personal best.
Parkrun Difficulty Guide
|
Difficulty |
Recommended Parkrun |
Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
Easy |
Newry Greenway, Dunleath Playing Fields |
Flat, tarmac routes, ideal for beginners |
|
Medium |
Castlewellan, Montalto Estate |
Gentle inclines and scenic trails |
|
Hard |
Rostrevor |
Trail sections and moderate elevation |
Important Event Information
- Check each event’s official Parkrun page or social media before attending, as weather or local events may cause cancellations.
- All Parkruns use shared public paths. Please be courteous and give way to other park users.
Not Sure You’re Fit Enough for Parkrun?
Parkrun is designed for every fitness level. You can walk, jog, run or volunteer — it’s all about taking part.
If Saturday mornings don’t suit, explore other ways to stay active in Mourne Gullion Strangford with these local scenic routes.
Short Scenic Routes (Easy to Moderate)
- Newcastle Promenade – 2.6km linear route
- Bunkers Hill, Castlewellan – 1.9km loop
- Delamont Country Park Trails – multiple short routes
- Warrenpoint Promenade – flat, coastal walk
Medium Routes (Up to 5km)
- Castle Ward and Castle Trail Circular – 6.3km loop
- Quoile River Trail, Downpatrick – 4km riverside path
- Carlingford Greenway (NI Section) – 5km linear
Challenging Trail Runs
For those seeking more demanding routes in the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion:
- Rostrevor Forest and Slieve Martin Circular – 7.7km (hard)
- Silent Valley Reservoir Loop – 10.5km (moderate)
- Rostrevor Forest and Cloughmore Trail – 4.6km (moderate)
- Slieve Gullion North Cairn Trail – 2.7km (moderate)
- Slieve Meelmore from Happy Valley – 5.5km (hard)
- Slieve Croob Trail – 4.35km (moderate climb, panoramic views)
Local Marathons and Running Events
Keep an eye on these popular running events across Mourne Gullion Strangford
- Run Forest Run Series
- Newcastle Way Marathon and Half Marathon
- Tollymore Extreme Challenge
- Newry City Half Marathon and 10K
- Mourne Mountain Marathon
- Sky Run Mournes
Discover More Outdoor Experiences
Explore more ways to enjoy the great outdoors with walking, hiking, cycling, and adventure activities across Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough.
Click here for more inspiration.
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.
Explore one of Ireland's most scenic greenways, the Carlingford Lough Greenway, stretching from the heart of Newry City to the medieval village of Carlingford. The Carlingford Lough Greenway follows the former railway line along the coast of Carlingford Lough, offering stunning views of the Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula, and tranquil waterscapes. This off-road trail is ideal for walking, running, and cycling, whether you're planning a family day out, a weekend cycle, or a peaceful solo stroll.
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.
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.
Downpatrick (Dún Pádraig) is the County town of Down and is a Cathedral town and Downpatrick is the burial place of Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland. Downpatrick is one of Ireland's most historic towns and the largest town in the Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Newry City is one of the country's foremost shopping destinations with an array of traditional independent traders and multi-national retailers, which combine to provide great shopping opportunities. Newry City is built on its trading traditions and still provides some of the best shopping in Ireland.
Synge and Bryne is situated in the heart of Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor.
We are located on the Main Street in the town of Castlewellan close to the exit of the beautiful Castlewellan forest park & 3 miles outside Newcastle County Down.
