AONB and MPA in the Geopark

The boundaries of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark are on both land and sea. On land the boundary is delimited by the Newry Mourne and Down District Council administrative boundary. This coincides with the Palaeogene Igneous Complexes now seen as the Mourne Mountains and the Ring of Gullion together with elements of the surrounding Silurian metasedimentary rocks: this closely aligns with the AONB designated feasutres. This is intended to create a practical territorial boundary which resonates with local communities and administrative structures, and over which the latter can exert direct influence. The marine part of the Geopark encompasses the Marine Protected Areas bordering the land part of the Geopark: Murlough Bay MPA, Strangford Lough MPA and Carlingford Lough MPA. The Geopark has an active management role in all three MPA and all three AONB.

What are AONB

Explore the Beauty: Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in Northern Ireland Introduction to AONBs Northern Ireland boasts an exceptional landscape that captivates the hearts of both locals and visitors….

What are MPA

The Marine Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 requires DAERA to establish a network of MPAs in the Northern Ireland inshore region that, together with MPAs designated by the other UK administrations,…

Interactive map

Mourne Gullion Strangford Interactive Map Welcome to the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark Interactive Map. This is an external link and opens in a new window / tab. Additional information Should…