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	Mourne Mountains Cycle Route

Mourne Mountains
Mourne Mountains

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Mourne Mountains

Let the Mourne Mountains inspire you

The mountains that inspired C.S. Lewis’ Narnia chronicles, Game of Thrones® filmmakers, poets and songwriters will not fail to inspire you too.

Go trekking or hiking, take the legendary Six Peak Challenge, a walking tour or a thrilling bike ride. Maybe you’d prefer to drive a golf ball or microlight across them! As surely as they sweep down to the sea, their beauty will sweep you away.

First, let’s get our bearings

Since you ask, these 50 million year-olds are in County Down in the southeast of Northern Ireland. They also go by a few names - Mourne Mountains, or the Mountains of Mourne, or simply the Mournes. But don’t worry, it’s the same place!

If you like your scenery spectacular, this Ice Age granite range is...Read More

Let the Mourne Mountains inspire you

The mountains that inspired C.S. Lewis’ Narnia chronicles, Game of Thrones® filmmakers, poets and songwriters will not fail to inspire you too.

First, let’s get our bearings

If you like your scenery spectacular, this Ice Age granite range is home to the highest mountain in Northern Ireland. The daddy of them all, Slieve Donard is 850m - or 2790 ft, if you like. (By the way, ‘slieve’ is an old Irish word ‘sliabh’ meaning mountain).

Thronies - you’re up first

You’ll be delighted to know you can walk through the stunning locations from the original pilot episode and later seasons.

From Season 1, see the entrance to Vaes Dothrak at Sandy Brae. While in nearby Tollymore Forest, you can relive Theon’s escape plans from Season 3. But there are loads more locations around for you to explore.

If you try the Game of Thrones® : Doors of Thrones experience, you’ll locate some of the 10 intricately crafted doors - carved from the trees of Kingsroad - each telling the story of an episode from Season 6. Or if you download the Game of Thrones® Filming Locations Northern Ireland app, you’ll find out what scenes were filmed nearby. Spoiler alert: you’ll love it.

Get ready for the Six Peak Challenge

Whether you’re looking for a family day out or your next hiking challenge, you’re in the perfect place. The Mournes are blindingly beautiful, so enjoy every moment. If you’re blessed with a clear day, the summits of any of its 15 peaks will reward you with unforgettable panoramas.

For the famous Six Peak Challenge you’ll need higher levels of fitness to last the three days. But the images from the tops of Slieve Donard, Commedagh, Bearnagh, Binnian, Meelmore and Meelbeg will be burned into your memory forever.

Calling all adrenalin junkies

You can turn your adventure-ometer up to ‘11’ in the Mournes. Pick your adrenalin fix - rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, kayaking, bouldering, coasteering – you name it and it’s doable. Just hook up with a local Adventure Provider first. Then, go and dive, jump or drop to your heart’s content in the most fun-filled mountain range around.

Lose and find yourself in Tollymore Forest Park

Whatever you’re into, Tollymore Forest Park delivers in spades. Take a gentle stroll, go on a family picnic by the River Shimna or go horse riding or nature trailing – it’s big enough for everyone. There’s even room for your Game of Thrones® fan to go location spotting. You’ll also see plenty of curiosities to keep your imagination fired. Or discover that oak wood from here was used in the RMS Titanic. Amazing what you’ll find when you lose yourself here!

Discover another enchanted forest

Castlewellan Forest Park is your cycling, walking or horse-riding path to enchantment. Or you could try to solve your way to the centre of one of the world's largest hedge mazes and ring the Peace Maze bell to let everyone know. We’ll even throw in a stunning castle, forest park, nature playzone and activity centre for you.

You won’t find better places to drive – or putt!

Those of you into golf will be in dreamland here. In the Mourne kingdom, you’ll find world-class courses, like Royal County Down or ‘Our Rory’s’ club in Holywood. Treat yourself to a round at the magnificent Ardglass links course or the parkland perfection of Warrenpoint. Or discover what ‘up and down’ really means on the undulating greens at Kilkeel. And with these views, you’ll find the 19th holes spectacular too.

You can really hear the silence in Silent Valley Mountain Park

As its name suggests, Silent Valley Mountain Park is where you can truly get away from it all. As you follow the waterside, breathe in the freshest of mountain air, soak up the tranquillity or be inspired to take a stunning photo. If silence really is golden, discover this 24-karat experience for yourselves.

Boardwalk – definitely not a bored walk

When you walk the unique boardwalks crossing Murlough Nature Reserve, you’re walking among ancient history. This fragile 6,000-year-old dune system backs on to a sensational beach at Murlough Bay. You’ll have the Mournes as your stunning backdrop as you stroll, go wildlife watching or just take in the crispest of sea air. And if that doesn’t whet your appetite for a spot of grub in nearby Dundrum, nothing will.

Microlight your way across the Mournes

If your adrenalin fix still hasn’t been sated, try soaring over the Mournes on a Microlight Flight. As you can imagine, the scenery below will take your breath away. And if that wasn’t mind-blowing enough, you can even take over the controls and become honorary pilot for a while.

Become a lord of the ring – the Ring of Gullion

Reconnect yourself with nature, history and mythology in the beautiful volcanic landscape of the Ring of Gullion. Here, you’ll find a walking route to suit your tastes with Slieve Gullion at its heart. You’ll even get to watch out for the elusive species of red squirrel at two hides on route.

You’re almost there

This land of make believe, stunning scenery and adrenalin-pumping outdoor pursuits is just under a 2-hour drive from Dublin. To save yourself some time, stop off in Carlingford and catch the 15-minute ferry to Greencastle. You’ll be in the heart of things in no time.

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Men of the Mournes

Warrenpoint

Address

56 Burren Road, Warrenpoint, County Down, BT34 3SA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7974768831

peter@walkthemournes.com

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

Join expert mountain guide Peter Rafferty as he stretches your imagination - and your legs - as you discover the sights and sounds of this special mountain range.

More Info
Mourne Trails & Ales Tour

Castlewellan

Address

Main Street, Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9DQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 0714

hello@bikemourne.com

Type

Type:

Food & Drink Courses

Get a taste of the outdoors, local history and the finest craft brews.

More Info
Cranfield Alpacas Experience

Kilkeel

Address

35-37 Cranfield Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4LJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7568 537 779

enquiries@cranfieldalpacas.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Feel the stresses and strains of daily life vanish in the presence of beautiful animals and majestic scenery of the Mourne Mountains.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
223 reviews
Kilbroney Park

Rostrevor

Address

Kilbroney Park, Shore Road, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3AA

Telephone
+44(0)33 0137 4046

kilbroney.park@nmandd.org
Gradings
- Three Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Kilbroney Park Forest 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…
Facilities

Parking & Transport

On site parking

Parking (charge) - Parking Charges apply
More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
804 reviews
Tollymore Forest Park

Newcastle

Address

Bryansford Road, Tollymore Park, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0PR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 2428

customer.forestservice@daera-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Covering an area of almost 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne mountains, Tollymore Forest Park has panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at Newcastle. It's open to the public all year.
Facilities

Parking & Transport

On site parking
More Info
Mourne Mountain Walk

Newcastle

Address

Newcastle Visitor Information Centre, 10-14 Central Promenade, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 2222

newcastle.vic@downdc.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking Holiday

A popular approach to the Mournes. The woods fade away and a granite gravel path runs almost to the great Mourne wall. Look back down the glen to appreciate the elegant sweep of the bay.

More Info
Newcastle Beach

Newcastle

Address

Newcastle Promenade, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AA

Telephone
03301374046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Sand & pebble beach located on the south down coast.
Facilities

Parking & Transport

Car parking

Parking (free)
Price
Free

More Info
Granite Trail (Donard Loop & Bogie Line)

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

The Granite Trail to Thomas’s Mountain is just over 1,100 metres

More Info
Slieve Donard Tour - Mountain Ways Ireland

Newcastle

Address

Slieve Donard, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0GR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3057 0220

info@mountainwaysireland.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

This is the one that everybody wants to do.Let Mountain ways Ireland guide you, 853 m up to the roof of Ulster.For the first part we trace cascading river pools and channels through a fragrant pine forest.
The Mountain rises beyond!

More Info
Walk the Mournes

Warrenpoint

Address

56 Burren Road, Warrenpoint, County Down, BT34 3SA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7974768831

peter@walkthemournes.com

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

If these mountains could speak, they’d tell tales of hermits, smugglers and fugitives... Join Peter for an unforgettable walking experience amongst the most fabulous scenery.

More Info
Mountain Sojourns

Newcastle

Address

195 South Promenade, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0HA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 5433

info@mountainsojourns.co.uk

Type

Type:

Walking Holiday

Fiona is an internationally qualified Mountain Leader,offering informative guided mountain hikes and Nordic Walking for groups in Mourne Mountains & Forest Parks in County Down. Other activities include mountain challenges& team building activities.

More Info
Electric Mountain Biking on the Rostrevor Red Trail – Bike Mourne

Rostrevor

Address

Rostrevor Forest Park, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 0714

hello@bikemourne.com

Type

Type:

Mountain Biking Trails

Experience the exhilaration of the Rostrevor Red Mountain Bike Trail by E-Bike with our Self-Guided Trail Package
Facilities

Parking & Transport

On site parking
More Info
Dundrum Heritage Trail

Newcastle

Address

Newcastle Visitor Information Centre, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

newcastle.vic@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

Dundrum Heritage Trail takes you on a journey through the village and tells the story of the commercial and maritime heritage - Trail map available to download at www.visitmournemountains.co.uk or from Newcastle Visitor Information Centre.

More Info
Kiltybane Lake

Cullyhanna

Address

Kiltybane Road, Cullyhanna, County Down, BT35 0LQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

This is a natural lake, part bog with good clear springs in its centre. Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout.
Facilities

Parking & Transport

On site parking
More Info
Cloughmore Trail via Fiddler's Green

Newry

Address

Newry, Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Cloughmore Trail

More Info
Tollymore Forest Park - River Trail

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Having descended the Azalea Walk to the Shimna River, the trail turns upstream along the attractive tree lined river bank past the Hermitage to cross the river at Parnell's Bridge. The 10 metre cascade fall is most spectacular.
Facilities

Provider Preferences

Free (parking charges may apply)
More Info
Mourne Coastal Route by E-Bike – Bike Mourne

Castlewellan

Address

The Forest Park, Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9BU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 0714

hello@bikemourne.com

Type

Type:

Cycling Tour

The Mourne Coastal Route hosts some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery and what better way to experience it than from the socially acceptable, environmentally sustainable and endlessly exhilarating viewpoint provided by an electric bike!
This…
Facilities

Parking & Transport

On site parking
More Info
Ballyhafry & Beyond by Electric Bike– Bike Mourne

Rostrevor

Address

Rostrevor Forest Park, Rostrevor, County Down, BT33 3AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 0714

hello@bikemourne.com

Type

Type:

Cycling Tour

Experience Mourne by road with our Self-Guided Tour of the townlands of Ballyhafry, Ballymagreehan, Ballymaginaghy & Beyond by Electric Bike.
Facilities

Parking & Transport

On site parking
More Info
Granite Trail (Bogie Line & Drinneevar Loop)

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

The Granite Trail to Thomas’s Mountain is just over 1,100 metres
Facilities

Provider Preferences

Free (parking charges may apply)
More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
257 reviews
Life Adventure Centre

Castlewellan

Address

The Forest Park, Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9BU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 437 70714

iwant@onegreatadventure.com

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

Epic adventures are on offer all year round at Life Adventure Centre. Their extensive range of activities include mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, wet bouldering, rock climbing, sit on top kayaking, coasteering, electric biking and open…
Facilities

Parking & Transport

On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features

Wi-fi available
More Info