Unforgettable Family Adventures

Families of all ages love exploring Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion, where rugged peaks, shimmering lakes, and heritage towns create the perfect backdrop for memory-making days out. Whether you’re visiting with toddlers, teens or grandparents, you’ll find a wide range of fun, safe and accessible activities - indoors and out - across this spectacular region in Northern Ireland.

Step Back in Time at Local Heritage Museums

Mourne Gullion Strangford is rich in history, and our family-friendly museums make the past come alive. In Newry City, Bagenal’s Castle - originally built in 1552 - now houses Newry and Mourne Museum. Exhibits trace the area’s story from prehistoric times to the present day, including engaging folklore, hands-on learning, and educational resources for all ages. In Downpatrick, the 18th-century Down County Museum brings 9,000 years of local history to life through its ‘Down Through Time’ exhibition. The site features a gift shop and is ideal for family visits.

Thrilling Outdoor Activity Centres for All Ages

Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is an outdoor playground. At Castlewellan, Life Adventure Centre is the perfect chance to enjoy all the thrills the Mournes have to offer. With cycling trails, scenic paddle boarding on Castlewellan Lake and even a raft building experience, Life Adventure Centre allows your family to form strong bonds in the great outdoors. Nearby, Clearsky Adventure Centre in Strangford offers kayaking, mountain biking, and paintballing within the historic Castle Ward Estate on Strangford Lough. Over in Rostrevor, East Coast Adventure provides canoeing on Carlingford Lough and guided hikes through the Mournes for unbeatable views and adventure. East Coast Adventure Centre is your family’s gateway to the Mourne Mountains and the sea in Warrenpoint. Your family will adore canoeing on Carlingford Lough, or taking a guided walk through the trails on the Mournes to see the sunrise over the Irish Sea. 

Let your little adventurers reconnect with nature through exciting bushcraft sessions at Finnebrogue and Red Branch Bushcraft. These hands-on experiences are perfect for kids to learn essential outdoor skills — from fire lighting and shelter building to woodland exploration — all under the guidance of expert instructors. It’s a fun, screen-free way to build confidence, spark curiosity, and create unforgettable memories in the heart of the forest.

Explore Enchanted Trails and Storybook Walks

Follow folklore and fantasy on Slieve Gullion’s Giant’s Adventure Trail, a living storybook walk inspired by Irish legends. This trail in Slieve Gullion Forest Park draws heavily on local folklore to create a feast of sights and sounds for children and adults.  Families with sensory needs will appreciate Slieve Gullion’s Sensory Trail, a calm and inclusive experience, complete with an epic forest play park featuring ziplines, climbing frames, and slides. In Kilbroney Park, step through a wardrobe into the land of Narnia - complete with iconic landmarks like Aslan’s Table and the Beavers’ House, in the landscape that inspired C.S. Lewis.

Unique Family Attractions and Hidden Gems

From tropical butterflies at Seaforde Gardens (seasonal opening hours) to charming alpaca walks at Cranfield Alpacas, the Mourne region is packed with magical moments. Don’t miss the Peace Maze at Castlewellan Forest Park - one of the largest permanent hedge mazes in the world. For indoor fun, under fourteens won’t want to leave Coco’s Adventure Playground in Newcastle, offering soft play, ball pits, arcade games and more. The Sheepbridge Entertainment Centre is another top choice, with bowling, indoor children's play area, VR gaming, and an on-site restaurant.

Escape to Forests and Estate Parks

Nature is everywhere in the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark, and our forest parks are perfect for exploration. Castlewellan, Kilbroney, Slieve Gullion, and Delamont Country Park offer endless play, picnic and walking opportunities. While Tollymore Forest Park is famed for its ancient trees and Gothic-style follies. At Montalto Estate, a sprawling adventure playground awaits, with treehouses, slides, rope bridges, and tunnels nestled in the woods. Find out more here.

Family-Friendly Fun in Newcastle

Newcastle has been a beloved seaside escape since the Victorian era - and it’s easy to see why. The Tropicana Pool, scenic Newcastle Promenade, and Castle Park make it ideal for a full day of fun. Enjoy crazy golf, go karts, and swan pedalos with panoramic sea views and the Mourne Mountains as your backdrop. If you're here in Summer, be sure to check out the Mourne Eye for a bird's eye view of Newcastle and beyond. Click here to find out more about Newcastle. 

Cycling Trails

Cycling in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion region offers unforgettable adventures for families of all ages and abilities. Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails, located in the heart of Castlewellan Forest Park offer something for everyone - from gentle family-friendly loops to adrenaline-fuelled singletrack challenges. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains and Castlewellan Lake, it's the perfect spot to enjoy fresh air and nature together as a family.

Just a short drive away, Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails deliver an exhilarating ride through scenic woodland and rugged terrain in Rostrevor Forest at Kilbroney Park, with panoramic views over Carlingford Lough. Rostrevor is a must-visit destination for cycling enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors.

Whether you're hiring bikes for the first time or bringing your own gear, family cycle trails provide safe, well-marked paths and plenty of stops for rest, snacks, and photos. Find out more here.

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 in Mourne Gullion Strangford

Stretching across Strangford and the South Down coast, Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion boasts some of the most scenic and family-friendly beaches in Northern Ireland. From expansive golden sands to calm coastal waters ideal for paddling and watersports, these stunning beaches offer unforgettable days out for visitors of all ages. Find out more here.