Family Fun

Visitors of all ages adore the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion’s mountains, waterways and historical towns. Whether you have teens or toddlers, we have a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities for all the family. 

Historical Museums 

Built in 1552 as a fortified house, today Bagenal’s Castle hosts the Newry and Mourne Museum. Since 1986, the museum has guided visitors through the rich history of the region. Learn about Newry’s prehistoric roots, right the way through to the present day, with a strong focus on local folklore, culture and educational materials for children and adults alike. 

A former county gaol which dates back to the 18th century, Downpatrick’s Down County Museum centres around the ‘Down Through Time’ exhibition, which tells the story of 9,000 years of history. The museum is perfect for families with young children, with an onsite gift shop and tea-room. 

Activity Centres 

Set on the banks of Strangford Lough, Clearsky Adventure Centre is a haven for family activities on land and water. Surrounded by the Castle Ward Demesne, the centre offers mountain biking, kayaking, and paintballing, so your family can get out and enjoy nature. 

The Life Adventure Centre in Castlewellan is the perfect chance to enjoy all the thrills the Mournes have to offer. With award winning cycling trails, scenic paddle boarding on Castlewellan lake and even a raft building experience, the Life Adventure Centre allows your family to form strong bonds in the great outdoors. 

Rostrevor’s East Coast Adventure Centre is your family’s gateway to the Mournes and the sea. Your family will adore canoeing on Carlingford Lough, or taking a guided walk through the trails of the Mournes to see the sunrise over the Irish Sea. 

Family Friendly Walking Trails 

Follow in the footsteps of legends on Slieve Gullion’s Giant’s Lair trail. Billed as a magical living storybook, the trail draws heavily on local folklore to create a feast of sights and sounds for children and adults. 

Fantasy lovers from around the world flock to Kilbroney Park. Step through a huge wardrobe into Narnia, in the land which inspired C.S. Lewis’ classic children’s books. Wander among the sights of key scenes, like Mr Tumnus’ lamppost, Aslan’s table and Mr and Mrs Beaver’s house. 

Family Friendly Adventures 

Children and adults with complex sensory needs will love Slieve Gullion’s Sensory Trail. With gentle light and sound, it’s an accessible way for guests to enjoy getting out into nature. The site also hosts an adventure playpark, with swings, slides and ziplines in the heart of the forest. 

Get up close and personal with fluttering beauties at the Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House. The gardens are home to the Moghul Tower. Climb its winding stairs, and enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding area and gardens. 

The Victorian Castlewellan’s grounds are home to one of the largest permanent hedge mazes in the world. Enter the Peace Maze and navigate its dense local shrubbery to make it to the centre. 

Under fourteens won’t want to leave at Coco’s Adventure Playground. This indoor facility includes soft play areas, ball pits, video games and a variety of slides. Older guests will love sitting back in the onsite cafe while their kids play in safety. 

Families are well catered for at the Sheepbridge Entertainment Centre. With bowling, VR gaming, and an onsite bar and restaurant, it’s the perfect day out for all ages. 

Cycling Trails 

Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails offers routes for all abilities, from young children to seasoned experts. Set in the stunning Castlewellan Forest Park, the centre offers incredible trails, as well as scenic views of the surrounding area. 

Explore the grounds of Castle Ward on flat mountain biking trails. Taking in woods, open countryside, and coastal landscapes the trails are the perfect way for families to get some fresh air together. 

Beaches and Watersports 

Tyrella is a large, flat beach, backed by twenty five hectares of unspoiled dunes. Overlooked by the Mourne Mountains, it’s one of the most scenic locations in Northern Ireland for a family day at the beach. 

Set at the mouth of Carlingford Lough, the gently sloping Cranfield Beach is popular with families and watersports enthusiasts alike. With a South facing location, backed by the Mourne Mountains, it’s an incredibly picturesque destination for an unforgettable day out. 

Come rain or shine, during the summer, the Tropicana Outdoor Heated Pool gives children the chance to enjoy watery fun in the shadow of the Mournes. Located in Newcastle, it offers a range of slides, and a dedicated pool for young children. 

Forest Parks and Walking Trails 

Wander the woods of Tollymore Forest Park, on the lower slopes of the Mournes. Home to some of the oldest trees in Ireland, the forest's trails are also replete with bridges, grottos, and rocky outcrops. 

Head to the Montalto Estate and enjoy the wooded adventure play park. With rope bridges, slides and tunnels, your kids will love playing in the great outdoors. The park centres around a massive treehouse and climbing tower. 

Family Days Out in Newcastle 

Set on the shores of the Irish Sea, Newcastle has been a favourite family day trip destination since the Victorian era. Your kids will love the Tropicana Outdoor Heated Pool. With two water slides, and a separate pool for toddlers, it’s the ultimate aquatic experience for children of all ages. 

Newcastle is also home to a number of family friendly parks. Castle Park features swan pedalos, crazy golf and even go karts, all in Newcastle’s incredible seaside setting.