Winter is an exciting time for everyone with Christmas on the horizon, the festive atmosphere, chilly days and dark evenings setting the cosy mood. Mourne Gullion Strangford is a stunning area. A December visit allows for crisp winter walks, festive experiences, luxury escapes and unique local activities.
1 A Winter Hike
Mourne Mountains
Experience snow-dusted peaks, stunning views, and a sense of accomplishment as you reach Northern Ireland's highest peaks. Start early, wear layers, sensible footwear and pack hot drinks. December daylight is short, so plan your descent before dark.
Slieve Gullion
Step into a world of legend on the Ring of Gullion, where trails offer views of the rolling hills, ancient sites, volcanic landscapes and unique geological formations. A hike up Slieve Gullion mountain provides sweeping, frosty views over the surrounding countryside. After descent, there is a nearby café where you can warm up with a fireside hot chocolate. Why not make it a full day of adventure with a visit to the forest park’s fairy trail and adventure play area.
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2 Visit a Christmas Craft Fair
Sparkle season is upon us so why not get into the spirit by visiting one of the many local artisan markets that happen each month in Mourne Gullion Strangford and of course the Christmas Craft Fairs that will occur all through December. You’ll find fresh produce, homemade jams, baked goods, hot drinks, artisan crafts and art.
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3 Attend a Festive Event
As the winter nights draw in, Mourne Gullion Strangford comes alive with a host of winter wonders. We have a plethora of events that happen throughout the area, from winter walks, festive events, Christmas crafts and live entertainment. You will find all these in our What's On section for November and December.
Bring your furry friend to meet Santa at Montalto for a paw-sitively magical experience! It's the perfect opportunity for a festive photo with your beloved pet.
4 Get into the Great Outdoors
Mourne Gullion Strangford has lots of options for you to explore and find the perfect Winter Trail. Our forest parks are especially enchanting at this time of year, as snow and frost transform the landscape into a serene winter wonderland. Bundle up in your cosy layers, breathe in the crisp air and enjoy the peaceful beauty that only winter can bring.
Delamont Country Park
Choose from one of the five short walks in Delamont Country Park (walks range from 1km to 7 kms). The park opens daily from 9am - 5pm (excluding Christmas Day) in the winter, giving you off road tracks to explore.
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5 Treat yourself to Festive Afternoon Tea
Book you and a special group of friends/family into a festive afternoon tea, we have a selection of fab venues across our area that provide the perfect setting for a luxurious treat. Indulge in festive-themed delicacies like mince pies, spiced cakes, and Christmas-themed sandwiches, all served in cosy, beautifully decorated surroundings that capture the warmth and joy of the season.
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6 Plan your perfect Winter Getaway in Mourne Gullion Strangford
There is a wide range of cosy cottages, luxurious spa hotels, welcoming B&Bs, and charming glamping pods, you’ll find the ideal place to unwind. A tip to our area in Winter is met with the beautiful landscapes, vibrant local events, and a warm, cheerful atmosphere in our bars and restaurants – everything you need for memorable seasonal retreat.
Check out our Staycation page for more details.
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7 Enjoy seasonal menus at a restaurant
Warm up after a chilly outdoor adventure. Enjoy a hot drink, or maybe a wee cocktail in one of our many pubs and restaurants. Check out the locally sourced ingredients on Christmas dinner and seasonal menus options, enjoy a hearty Irish stew, or seafood chowder by the fire in a pub or restaurant. Our area has a wide selection of delicious restaurants to choose from.
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8 Meet Santa Claus
Attend one of the magical events at a location throughout the region and meet Santa Claus himself, our area has a wide selection of events throughout winter for your little ones to experience the magic of Christmas. Why not book Santa In Oz at The Saint Patrick Centre or Santa at the Castle.
See our Whats On December for more fab events.
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9 Take a Scenic Drive along the Mourne Coastal Route
This coastal route offers dramatic winter views of the Irish Sea on one side and the Mourne Mountains on the other. Pull over at scenic viewpoints to take in snow-capped peaks and frosty beaches.
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10 Go Winter Birdwatching
Strangford Lough, a renowned bird sanctuary, attracts migratory birds during the winter. It’s an ideal spot for birdwatchers, with views over the lough adding to the experience.
Or take part in a tour to see some wildlife with Red Kite Tours NI and enjoy bird watching, from raptors to ravens, whilst discover otters and seals along the coastline.
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Celebrate the magic of Christmas this Winter with a visit to Mourne Gullion Strangford . Keep an eye out for some fantastic events in the region throughout the rest of the winter on our Whats on section and Plan your trip now.
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.
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'.
Strangford Lough is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is almost fully enclosed by land. It is the largest sea water inlet in Ireland and the United Kingdom and an important habitat for wildlife. A regular car ferry links the picturesque towns of Strangford and Portaferry. Strangford Lough is a significant asset in the Aspiring UNESCO global Geopark. The Lough was formed at the end of the last ice age. Strangford Lough is Northern Ireland's first Marine Conservation Zone and is a special area of conservation for wildlife. Strangford Lough is a key destination for winter migration for many wading and sea birds. The lough is home to common seals, basking sharks and brent geese.
"Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea" (Percy French) The popular song has made the Mournes the best known mountains in Ireland. Distinctive and self-contained, they are tucked away in the southeast corner of Northern Ireland, with 12 shapely summits rising about 2,000ft on the eastern side.
The Silent Valley Reservoir was built to gather water from the Mourne Mountains and is the main water supply source for most of County Down and a large part of Belfast. The famous Mourne Wall was constructed to enclose the reservoir's catchment area.
The perfect start to any family trip to Slieve Gullion Forest Park begins with a stop off at the action-packed Adventure Playpark, which is guaranteed to keep kids of all ages delighted and thoroughly entertained.
