Don’t let the winter temperatures and dark nights get you down, why not get off the sofa and get moving. Dogs need plenty of exercise throughout the year and the best way to keep them active in winter is to take them for regular walks.
Even a short walk on a cold day can make a big difference, so why not begin this year with a resolution for better health for you and your dog!
We’ve selected a few favourite trails to get you started.
Quoile River Walk, Downpatrick
A hidden gem, this walk takes you from the busy town of Downpatrick past the historic Mound of Down to quiet trails along the banks of the Quoile River. Dogs must be kept on a lead.
Murlough National Nature Reserve, Newcastle
Explore the natural beauty of Murlough with the three-mile North Point trail to discover this special place. Dogs can run on the beach but must be kept on a lead to avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging whilst in the reserve.
.jpg)
Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch
Lots of routes and trails to explore around the lake or gardens. Tables are available where visitors with dogs are welcome to picnic, plus there are water bowls and spots where dog leads can be attached in the stable yard. There is also a dog exercise area available where dogs can exercise off the lead.
.jpg)
The Montalto Bark Park is a secure off-lead dog area nestled within Montalto Estate’s trails. It’s the perfect spot for dogs to run, play, and socialise freely in a safe, fenced space. With an agility course to challenge their minds and bodies, plus a water station to keep them refreshed, it’s a tail-wagging experience for every pup!
Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor
Situated in a stunning location close to the town of Rostrevor, Kilbroney provides an idyllic and relaxed environment with open parkland, woodland, and riverside walks, the perfect place to unwind. Dogs must be kept on a lead and are welcome in the café outside seating area.
Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle
Covering an area of almost 630 hectares, the park has lots of waymarked trails to choose from, no doubt you’ll sniff them out together. Dogs should be kept on a lead.
.jpg)
Our friends at Mourne Heritage Trust encourage all dog owners to keep their dogs on leads at all times while out in the hills. The presence and scent of dogs will disturb any wildlife in that area, particularly ground nesting birds, and the sheep are now in lamb and back out on the mountain in the usual areas.
Derrymore House, Bessbrook, Newry
A National Trust Property, Derrymore House is an elegant thatched cottage that stands amid a picturesque landscape estate less than 2 miles from Newry. Take your dog for a stroll through acres of picturesque parkland and woodland. Complete with an off-lead area, dog water bowls and additional facilities for dogs.
Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh
Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh, Co Down, 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. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, however, there is a dog exercise field where leads are not required. Dogs are not permitted in the Children's Play Park.
Castlewellan Forest Park
Castlewellan Forest Park offers a dramatic landscape of mountains and sea and is home to one of the finest tree and shrub collections in Europe. The National Arboretum is renowned for the beauty, strength and elegant form of its trees, attracting tree enthusiasts from across the globe, currently closed for refurbishment.
A walk around the forest park’s mile-long lake, with striking modern sculptures along the route, provides a wonderful example of eighteenth-century landscape design. Dogs are welcome but ensure they are kept on a lead at all times.
Ballyhornan Beach, Ardglass
Ballyhornan Beach is located on the Lecale Way and is a sandy beach surrounded by cliffs. Dogs can run off lead, but must be under control.
Castle ward, Strangford
There are 32km of trails to explore on foot, by bike or on horseback, each providing a different view of the surrounding landscape. From beauty spots like Temple Water, a man-made canal, to a tranquil bench in a hidden corner of the boundary trail, there's always more to discover on your journey. Please ensure that dogs remain on leads while on the trail, there is a dedicated exercise field where your dog is free to run safely.
Wild River Dog Park, Ballynahinch
Wild River Dog Park is the ultimate outdoor destination for dogs and their humans!
This fully staffed dog park offers a safe, engaging, and fun-filled experience for pups of all sizes and temperaments. Whether you're looking for supervised, mixed play sessions, led by a professional trainer, private off-lead park rentals, for one-on-one time, or breed-specific meetups, they've got it all. Celebrate your furry friend's special moments with a bespoke doggy birthday party, or join in for seasonal holiday events packed with fun activities.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park
Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers the unmissable opportunity to experience tranquil woodland trails, stunning views across the Ring of Gullion, Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Armagh Drumlins and offers top class facilities for walkers and families. Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the Adventure Playpark.
Tyrella Beach, Downpatrick
Award winning Tyrella beach and dune conservation area is a small, enclosed complex within Dundrum Bay near Downpatrick, County Down. It is a wide, flat, sandy beach two kilometres long and backed by 25 hectares of mature dunes in a conservation area offering scenic walks and an insight into the habitat of local flora and fauna.
Dogs are allowed at Tyrella, however restrictions apply during the bathing season.
-
From 1 June to 15 September dogs are not permitted in the designated bathing area between 10am and 6pm.
As you approach the beach from the car park, the bathing area is located on the left hand side (eastern side) and is clearly marked at both ends by signage and a line of wooden telegraph poles. During the restricted period, dogs are still permitted on the western side of the beach (right hand side from the car park) as well as beyond the bathing area on the eastern side (accessible via the paths in the eastern sand dunes).
-
Please note that dogs are required to be under control at all times and must not disturb local wildlife.
-
Both the beach and dunes at Tyrella are designated as Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and are home to common seals and many species of sea bird so dogs must be kept under control at all times.
-
Staff are on duty daily throughout July and August to advise and assist the public visiting the beach.
Community Walking Trails
Mourne Gullion Strangford offer a diverse selection of scenic walking trails set within some of the area’s most stunning landscapes. From tranquil woodland paths and waterside walks to more demanding hill routes and family-friendly outings, there’s something for everyone looking to reconnect with nature and walk the dog.
Each location has its own character. Explore the forested hillsides of Drumkeeragh Forest, follow peaceful waterside trails at Windmill Hill / Lough Park near Ballynahinch, or enjoy panoramic countryside views along the Aughrim Hill Trail close to Kilkeel. Spot local wildlife at Daisy Hill Wood in Newry, or take a relaxed, family-friendly stroll through Seaforde Plantation Wood.
-
Glendesha Wood, Forkhill
Many sites provide convenient on-site parking, and several trails feature designated picnic areas—ideal for unwinding and enjoying the surroundings with family and friends.
So grab your lead during “Walk Your Dog” month and head for some of Mourne Gullion Strangford's most breath taking walks, it’s the perfect time to blend exercise with bonding time for you and your dog. All our bins now take your dog waste so remember to scoop the poop. Have a great walk!
Click here for more pet friendly places to eat.
If you fancy staying over to experience all these wonderful walks, click here for pet friendly accommodation
Where’s your favourite place to walk with your dog? Share pictures of you and your pooch out on the trail on social media using #VisitMourne, #MourneMountains, #RingofGullion, #StrangfordLough
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.
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.
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.
The Reserve provides a relaxing natural retreat and offers visitors tranquil riverside and woodland walks.
A National Trust Property, Derrymore House is an elegant thatched cottage that stands amid a picturesque landscape estate less than 2 miles from Newry.
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'.
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.
A fully staffed dog park for dogs of all sizes and temperaments with a cafe on site. Celebrate your furry friend's special moments with our bespoke doggy birthday parties, or join us for seasonal holiday events packed with fun activities.
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.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers the unmissable opportunity to experience tranquil woodland trails, stunning views across the Ring of Gullion, Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Armagh Drumlins and is a top class facility for walkers and families.
Tyrella Beach is a stunning, award-winning sandy beach on Dundrum Bay in County Down. Backed by 25 hectares of protected dunes, it offers scenic walks, safe swimming, and rich wildlife. Recognised with a Blue Flag Award, Tyrella Beach it’s ideal for families, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
