Uncover the magic of Mourne Gullion Strangford this Christmas in a truly enchanting region that transforms into a winter wonderland and outdoor adventure playground for the whole family.
From the snow-dusted mountain trails, to glistening lakeside walks, there’s a perfect budget friendly place for everyone to enjoy during the festive time.
A vast and affordable adventure park, perfect for every family.
A magical winter adventure awaits, full of fun, laughter and fresh air that can be treasured long after the decorations and tinsel have been packed away.
Grab your mittens and get ready to explore, there are undoubtedly few places on Earth that rival Mourne Gullion Strangford for outdoor enjoyment, making it a perfect destination that your will kids adore.
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Follow Fionn in Slieve Gullion
Step into a living storybook sprinkled with snowflakes and twinkling lights, where elves giggle beneath the frosty trees and fairies twirl around rooftops spreading the festive cheer. Begin the fun at Fionn's Giant Adventure in Slieve Gullion Forest Park. It's akin to stepping into magical, captivating story trails, expending energy in an expansive play park, complete with a specially crafted toddler area for the tiniest explorers. For families with a bold Christmas spirit, set out on a jolly bear hunt through the whispering winter woods.
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Enter the Enchantment of Narnia
Inspired by the local legend CS Lewis and his legendary tale, the Narnia Trail at Kilbroney Forest Park invites the whole family to the enchanting realm of Aslan and Pevensies.
This gentle, family–friendly trail is perfect for little adventures. It is brimming with vibrant hues, hidden surprises and a sprinkle of Christmas magic captivating young and mature minds every step of the way.
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Hop, Skip and Explore the Stepping Stones in Tollymore
Get ready for some festive fun in the foothills of the mighty Mourne Mountains and dive into the magical world of Tollymore Forest Park, that once set the scene of ‘Game of Thrones®’ mysterious forests – a treat for fans young and old. Tollymore offers an array of outdoor activities guaranteed to keep the kids active and engaged. Pack up a lunch box, some hot chocolate and wrap up to set off on an adventure filled with giggles and wonder. Whether its hopping across the renowned stepping stones, traversing ancient bridges or allowing them to explore the giant deer, castle turrets and folly towers in the Big Deer play area, there’s not shortage of excitement.
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Construct Castles on Newcastle Beach
Who says it must be summer to play on the beach and build sandcastles?
Change up your Christmas and New Year this time and head to beach for some seaside fun! In the charming coastal town of Newcastle, you can swap snow for sand and enjoy some festive seaside fun! Stroll along the promenade or skim stones across the waves, let the kids build their very own ‘Christmas Castles’ on the golden beach. As evening falls, wrap up and treat the family to a hearty dinner at one of Newcastle’s cosy, budget–friendly bars or restaurants. Some of the local establishments even offer free meals for kids, making it an excellent choice of an evening meal.
Follow the scenic boardwalks through Murlough National Nature Reserve, winding over frosty sand dunes to the breathtaking Murlough Beach. Stretching for just under two miles, it’s the perfect place for a brisk winter walk, where the waves and the smell of the sea make you feel merry and bright.
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Navigate Castlewellan Forest Park
Tucked within the heart of Castlewellan Forest Park, is the famous Peace Maze, one of the largest hedge mazes in the world. Originally planted in 2000 with the help of local community, the Peace Maze now invites families to twist and turn through its wintry green corridors, racing to find the centre so they can celebrate with a triumphant cheer. Adjacent to the maze, the Animal Wood play area caters for young children. There is plenty to keep your little explorers occupied for several hours, allowing you time to relax with a coffee from the nearby coffee trailer.
Enjoy a Delightful Day Out in Delamont
Wrap up warm and set off for a sparkling winter adventure at Delamont Country Park. Home to the tallest megalith in Ireland, this enchanting park transforms into a wonderland of crisp air, laughter and family fun during the festive season. The contemporary adventure playground is sure to capture the delight of today’s young visitors. Allow the little ones to climb and play in the adventure playground before hopping aboard the miniature railway, chugging through frosty fields and twinkling trees, a rewarding endeavour after the long walks and great playground fun.
In Mourne Gullion Strangford, you’ll find endless, wholesome ways to celebrate the festive season and New Year together. Best of all, a day or two of festive fun won’t break the bank but will warm your hearts.
Slieve Gullion is Ireland's Mountain of Mystery. Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers walking trails, a scenic drive, an Adventure Playpark, Fionn's Giant Adventure children's story trail and a Courtyard with coffee shop.
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.
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.
Newcastle Beach is a popular seaside resort and tourist destination located on the South Down coast of Northern Ireland. Newcastle Beach comprises of sand, pebbles and larger stones and is approximately 2.5 km in length. The major part of Newcastle Beach is backed by a promenade and the seaside town of Newcastle, which has lots of shops, cafes, restaurants, amusements and other attractions. The beach has a very gentle slope with the Mountains of Mourne in the background. The beach is popular for swimming and sunbathing and there is life saving equipment available with signage on the Promenade. The beach can be accessed via steps or the slipway.
This 5 mile stretch of golden sands is still the essence of the resort and is hugely popular for swimming, sunbathing and other forms of recreation.
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'.
