A series of rugged mountain peaks overlooking the sea and offering lots of adventure.
Whether you want to take scenic drives, do some serious walking, climbing, or biking, or just admire them from a distance, the rugged granite peaks of the Mourne Mountains will draw you in. With a setting overlooking the Irish Sea and Carlingford Lough, plus a variety of landscapes with rocks, woodlands, and heaths, the 57,000-hectare Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty once inspired author C.S. Lewis, and also starred as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
For climbing, try the 854-metre Slieve Donard, where you’ll be rewarded with views of the sea and Newcastle. Other peaks worth climbing include Slieve Binnian and Slieve Commedagh, and if you’re looking for more adventure, try rock climbing, mountain biking, and abseiling.
For gentler trails, head to the Silent Valley Visitor Centre and its marked walking trails or try the Spelga Dam for great views and a good picnic spot. While there are plenty of walking trails, many of these run through private land, so wild camping is not permitted.
For camping, you’ll find campgrounds at Tollymore Forest Park in the foothills of the mountains and Castlewellan Forest Park to the north, with a 4-kilometre trail to the mountain peaks. There are plenty of camping and holiday parks along the coast from Newcastle around to Rostrevor, with pitches for tents and vehicles.
The best time to visit is during the summer months, which are the warmest and driest. Conditions in winter months can be cold and harsh. Weather in the Mournes can be unpredictable at any time of year, so always be prepared for rain, mist, high winds, and cooler temperatures, especially in higher areas, and don’t rule out hot sun either.