Geopark Partners

Using our knowledge of County Down we have crafted the perfect, flexible Self-Guided cycling trips all offering packages including accommodation, luggage transfer, meals and bike rental. USP = off the beaten track.

We organise cycling tours that use environmentally friendly transportation, working with local accommodation providers and restaurants and encourage our clients to visit all that the area has to offer.

Discover Ireland like never before — by road, track, and trail — through the breathtaking Mourne Mountains, Ireland’s newest Global Geopark and outdoor adventure capital.
We are a company based at the foothills of the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland,( 1hr from Belfast & 1.5hrs from Dublin) that provides mountain bike and electric bike rental, guided tours, and support services for exploring the region’s extensive trails and across the island of Ireland

Offering options for all ages and abilities, from beginners to experienced riders, across locations like Castlewellan and Rostrevor. We offer self-guided adventures, professional guided trips, shuttle services, and equipment, focusing on delivering memorable cycling experiences on various terrains, including forest tracks, country roads, and dedicated mountain bike trails.
In essence, Bike Mourne makes exploring the stunning Mourne Mountains by bike easy and exciting for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned cyclists, by providing the gear, expertise, and routes.

What we do:
Bike Rental: Provide top of the range CUBE hardtail, full-suspension, and electric bikes (e-bikes) for hire.
• Guided & Self-Guided Tours: Organize tailored experiences for individuals, couples, families, and groups, covering themes like scenic loops, historic estates (Annesley Estate, Tollymore Park), and brewery tours.
• Support Services: Offer resources, support, and shuttles for a hassle-free adventure.
• Trail Access: Operate as official trailheads at Castlewellan and Rostrevor Mountain Bike Centre.
• Electric Bike Adventures: Specialise in e-bike rentals and tours, making the challenging terrain more accessible.
• Bespoke Adventures: Create custom itineraries for corporate groups or special events e.g ELECTRIC PICNIC and TRAILS & ALES

Acorn is a social enterprise of Bolster Community, where young adults of mixed ability handcraft a wide variety of natural soy candles and home fragrance products. Our Scents of Home collection, inspired by the landscapes of Mourne, Slieve Gullion, Carlingford, and Strangford, features artwork by Kilkeel-based artist Maja Szotkiewicz (Majukooo), created with the support and input of our young makers. All profits are reinvested into Bolster Community, which provides vital services supporting individuals, families, and seniors across our locality. Together, Acorn and Bolster Community celebrate local heritage, promote social inclusion, and make a positive impact on the region.

Acorn, a social enterprise of Bolster Community, is based in Newry, at the heart of the Mourne, Gullion, Strangford Geopark. Our Scents of Home candle collection celebrates the landscapes, heritage, and stories of the Mournes, Slieve Gullion, Carlingford, and Strangford, bringing the Geopark’s essence into people’s homes. By engaging local communities, visitors, and supporters, and reinvesting profits into Bolster Community’s services, we contribute directly to the wellbeing, recognition, and sustainable development of the area.

Camlough Heritage Society founded in 2006 is a village group of history and conservation enthusiasts set up to protect, preserve and promote our natural and built heritage. We have been involved in many successful projects and have received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to assist with this. Establishing 26 bilingual Town-land stones in the village and surrounding district, followed by an informative historical booklet explaining the project and history of the village was hugely successful. This led to the establishment of an historical walking tour of the village with a qualified guide. Our current project is the restoration of an 17th century derelict Church of Ireland, St.Jude’s as a cultural heritage centre. As a grade 2 listed building the bureaucracy and diplomacy has made this project both educational and a way of developing the art of patience with the Society members. The project is still progressing successfully.

The Camlough Heritage is well established locally but would be much better connected globally as a member of the Geopark. We are all retirees and many with no computer skills or knowledge of social media so any assistance from the Geopark website and promotional materials for our members that can use this platform will be hugely beneficial. As an organisation we are both historians and conservationists working for many years very closely with our District Council whom are the custodians of our UNESCO Geopark. We both are here to preserve, protect and promote our natural and built heritage.

Cranfield Alpacas has stunning panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains, Carlingford Lough and Greencastle Castle, with a host of gorgeous fluffy alpacas who call the Ancient Kingdom of Mourne home. Enjoy relaxing walks along the beach or in our paddocks, take in the views & hear tales of Vikings, American GIs, the Mournes, Carlingford Lough, hidden tunnels and much more.

Cranfield Alpacas is located at the entrance to Carlingford Lough with stunning panoramic views of Carlingford Lough, the Mourne Mountains and Greencastle Castle. Our award winning alpaca experiences include tales of heritage, culture and history, such as the Vikings and the ballast they left behind on our shores, history of Greencastle Aerodrome which was the second largest WWII American base in the UK, 13th Century Greencastle Castle, the ancient Kingdom of Mourne, the 200m year old Haulbowline Lighthouse made from Mourne Granite, Carlingford Lough, where Vikings once invaded and lots more.

Passenger, Survey, Research, Dive Support, Crew Transfer, Safety Workboat Operators, Maintenance Contractors including Tidal Installation. Installation and Maintenance of Moorings, Pontoons and Navigational Lights and Electrical Contractors.

Work with QUB and Newry Mourne Down district Council to help maintain various eco mooring projects in Strangford Lough. Bring tourists out and educate them about the area and wildlife within Strangford Lough.

We are a membership organisation that engages the public with the beauty and importance of Castlewellan Arboretum—particularly the Annesley Walled Garden—while helping to protect, develop, and sustain it for the future through conservation, education, and fundraising.

Castlewellan Arboretum covers an area of 40.5 Ha withing Castlewellan Forest Park at the heart of the Geopark. Our organisation has been developed by members of the local community to engage with the public locally and beyond to help promote biodiversity, strengthening the arboretums collection, supporting education, and championing one of Northern Ireland’s most important natural treasures.

We are Harmony Community Trust, a registered charity based at Glebe House, 23 Bishops Court Road. In the last 50 years, we have evolved from solely providing cross-community holidays and programmes for children and young people to offering a range of cross-community activities for all ages in a safe and shared space.

The Glebe is situated on the edge of Kilclief village on the Lecale Peninsula, within the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark and the Strangford & Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our 8.5-acre site occupies a unique position within this landscape, combining significant environmental heritage with a rich social and cultural history. We own a general-purpose conference and activities hall; 7 acres of land including an active gardening and environment project; and a block with office and residential accommodation.

We are re-imagining Glebe as a Green Community Hub, serving our local community and communities of interest further afield.

The Glebe is located within the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark and the Strangford & Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our organisation actively supports the Geopark’s aims of conservation, environmental education, biodiversity enhancement, community engagement and sustainable access to local heritage.

We have worked directly with Geopark staff, Amy Dixon and Darren Rice, to inform the development of our site and future plans regarding habitat and biodiversity surveys, woodland management, habitat connectivity and enhancement of our wildlife pond, helping to shape our conservation approach. Through our community garden, nature-friendly land management, volunteer programmes and heritage projects, we encourage local people to engage directly with the natural and cultural heritage of the Geopark. We also intend to participate in Geopark-led citizen science initiatives, such as wildlife and moth surveys, and to create educational opportunities that increase understanding of biodiversity, climate resilience and local heritage. Our work contributes to the Geopark’s objectives by protecting a unique local environment while helping people connect with it.

Killowen Distillery, nestled in the Mourne Mountains, is Ireland’s Smallest Distillery. We produce a range of award winning Irish whiskies, poitín’s, dark rum, gin and a coffee liqueur. We are the second highest ranking Irish Distillery on the Worlds Most Admired Whiskies 2024 and won the Global Award for Craft Producer of the Year 2025 at the Icons of Whiskey.

We believe our distillery’s location—nestled between mountain and maritime environments—combined with the local ingredients and water we use, infuses a unique flavour profile into the very DNA of our spirits.

Killowen Distillery produces the best in craft spirits straight from the Mourne Mountains – Award Winning Irish Whiskey, Poitín, Dark Rum, Gin and our amazing Gloria Coffee Liqueur.
Using as much as possible locally sourced grain for the production of our whiskey and poitín. We also forage locally around the Mournes and the distillery for the botanicals used in our gins.
The location on the slopes of Knockshee on the south eastern part of the Mournes overlooking Carlingford Lough and the Irish Sea provides us with a unique mini-ecosystem that plays a mayor role we feel in the production of our spirits. When possible we do wild fermentations so the unique yeast and bacteria of the area can become apart of our spirits creating what we like to call the DNA of Killowen. Something that can’t be replicated elsewhere.

The country laneway we are situated on was once a smugglers route from the sea up into the mountains and is said to have had its own illegal distillation happening back in the day. To now be here and legally distilling whilst paying homage to those that came before sits well with us and the neighbours we have.

Duane Fitzsimons is a storyteller and historical interpreter. He has been running Legends of Lecale Peninsula for over 10 years. Offering a range of tours in urban and rural contexts he provides an insight which only a local can. He also shares his extensive local heritage knowledge in short videos across social media which explore the rich history of the Strangford Lough region.

The business explores the cultural heritage of the Geopark in ways such as storytelling, folklore, history and walking ancient paths. Additionally, Duane is also a volunteer in local community associations.

Unique Adventure Experiences –

Whatever your next Mournes adventure, be it simply stand up paddle board hire, mountain bike hire, kayak hire or electric bike hire from our extensive range of equipment, creating your own adventure on a self-guided experience or maximising the adventure on a guided experience with our passionate guides.

Likewise, you could hone your rock climbing skills in the care of our professional coaches, explore more on one of our Coasteering tours in the company of our friendly guides, or you could join like-minded souls at one of our many Hill Walking events, or maybe you’ve something else in mind and want to go bespoke, please do share as we’re always ready for new adventures!

You might be just you, a couple, a family, a group of friends, a hen or stag party, even a corporate group, either way, we’ll tailor the adventure to age, ability & itinerary, ultimately everything we do is by adventurers for you… Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland.

Fuelling Adventure, Backing Local, and Keeping It Real –

After the Peace Process in Northern Ireland, there was a buzz in the air—people were ready for change, ready for something more. And with that vibe came a growing love for the outdoors. Sensing the shift, we knew it was time to break out of our corporate shell and do something different.

So, in 2003, we threw our hat in the ring and decided to make the outdoors our playground, creating experiences that let people breathe, explore, and feel alive.

The first few years were wild—in all the best ways—and we knew we were onto something. So, in 2006, after throwing nearly £500,000 into the dream, we opened our home base at the restored Grange Yard in Castlewellan’s Historic Demesne. Our restoration of the courtyard was guided by a commitment to sustainability, from the use of biomass fuel for heating to energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the site. As custodians of the natural environment, it was important to us that we preserve the historic character of the space while embracing responsible and eco-friendly practices.

Fast forward nearly 20 years, and we’re still here, offering up life-changing adventures across land and water. But it’s never just been about running activities. From the start, our mission has been bigger: inspiring people, reaping the spirit of adventure, and staying true to the places that make Northern Ireland so epic. Along the way, we’ve earned recognition for our efforts, including a Gold Award from Green Tourism for our commitment to sustainable practices.

We’re all about creating memories that stick with you—whether you’re out conquering new heights, getting muddy on the trails, or just soaking in the peace of the outdoors. But there’s more to our story than just good times. We’re also about making a real impact where it matters: in the community. Over the years, we’ve helped create jobs for locals, giving them a chance to work where the outdoors is part of everyday life. And by teaming up with other local businesses—from suppliers to cafes to lodging—we’ve made sure that when we grow, they grow too.

We keep it local whenever we can, from hiring homegrown talent to sourcing our gear and supplies. We know that when the local economy thrives, everyone benefits. Whether it’s bringing in more tourism or just making sure that cash stays in the community, we’re proud to be part of something bigger.

What started as a small, wild idea has grown into something way beyond just outdoor activities. We’re here to keep the adventure going, to back the people and businesses around us, and to always stay real in the process. We’re dedicated to responsible ways of exploring the environment—whether that’s through kayaking, electric bikes, or simply treading lightly on the trails. We’ve got our eyes on the future, but we’re never forgetting where we came from—or the amazing landscape that inspires everything we do.

So, if you’re ready to hit the trails, take to the water, or try something new, we’ve got you covered. The outdoors is waiting, and we’re here to show you just how epic it can be. Ready to join us?

Montalto Estate, a private demesne in County Down, is a natural partner for the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. Its commitment to conservation, education, and community engagement aligns with the Geopark’s mission.

The estate’s conservation efforts are a great fit. It’s home to significant tree-planting projects and a successful program to reintroduce red squirrels. Its restoration of historical areas like the ‘Lost Garden’ also helps preserve the region’s natural heritage.

For education, Montalto offers an outdoor classroom experience. Its trails have interpretive signage, and it hosts school visits and a ‘Beginners Gardening Club.’ These initiatives allow visitors to learn about nature and history in a hands-on way.

Montalto’s role in community engagement is also strong. It provides an accessible space for the public to enjoy and partners with local charities.

Finally, the estate’s focus on sustainable tourism, including the use of local produce, makes it a model of sustainability that contributes positively to the region’s economy while protecting its landscape.

Location: Located just outside the town of Ballynahinch in the heart of County Down, Montalto Estate is a gateway to the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark. We are perfectly situated to serve as a hub for visitors exploring the wider region, with easy access to the majestic Mourne Mountains, the Ring of Gullion, and the tranquil Strangford Lough.

Community: Montalto Estate is deeply rooted in the local community of Ballynahinch and the surrounding area. We are a significant local employer and actively engage with the community by providing a free weekly parkrun event, which brings people together for physical activity and social connection. We are also committed to supporting local businesses by sourcing a wide range of produce for our café from local artisans and our own gardens.

Area of Influence: Our influence extends beyond our immediate location. As a five-star rated visitor attraction, we draw visitors from across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and further afield, serving as a key destination within the wider Mourne Mountains and County Down tourism offering. Our conservation work, has a positive impact on regional biodiversity.

We are a sustainable 4-star, self catering provider with accomodation for 14 tourists for a minimum occupation of 2 nights .
We have extended our facilities to pets, and also for outside leisure activities of hottub or indoor games room. We provide hire of fishing equipment for licenced users of Spelga Dam or local lake & rivers with permitted fishing.

Spelga Dam in high Mourne Mountains – old dam-keepers house built by NI Water Board – renovated keeping features from 1960’s of granite base surrounding property. Maintain green iron metal fence to upkeep area. Litter pick to keep surrounding area tidy.
Work with local businesses to promote their activities to attract tourists to the surrounding Mourne area.

Mrs C’s Home Kitchen offers authentic hands-on baking and cookery experiences that celebrate the traditional food, skills and hospitality of County Down. Guests learn to make local breads, traybakes and seasonal recipes in a welcoming home environment where stories, heritage and good food are shared around the kitchen table.
We welcome visitors from around the world, including cruise guests, independent travellers and local groups. Every experience is small, personal and designed to help people connect with our local food culture, traditions and community. We believe that food tells the story of a place, and our aim is for every guest to leave with new skills, wonderful memories and a genuine appreciation of the area they have visited.

Mrs C’s Home Kitchen is rooted in the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark, where the landscape, farming traditions and seasonal produce inspire the experiences we offer. Through traditional baking and cookery, we help visitors discover the heritage, stories and way of life that have shaped this region for generations.

Where possible, our experiences make use of our outdoor spaces and home-grown produce, helping guests appreciate the connection between the land, the seasons and the food we prepare.

Oceanauts Diving is an award-winning Pro Development Centre and premier marine tourism business based in Warrenpoint, right in the heart of the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark. Led by local SSI Instructor Trainer and XR Instructor Dain McParland, our passionate team specializes in connecting people with the underwater world through high-quality scuba diving, freediving, and snorkeling experiences along the stunning coastline of Carlingford Lough and the Irish Sea.

We provide a full spectrum of marine adventure, from first-time “Discover the Depths” and entry-level experiences to advanced and technical diver training for deeper exploration. As a dedicated local operator, we actively promote the Geopark as a year-round destination for sustainable adventure, offering guided coastal dives and tailored group activities that highlight the region’s unique marine biology, underwater geology, and rich maritime heritage.

While Oceanauts focuses on world-class education, training, and responsible tourism, our sister organization, Shared Seas CIC, leads our community and conservation initiatives. Together, we deliver a joined-up approach to marine stewardship through citizen-science programs, ghost-gear recovery, and cross-border marine engagement, actively contributing to the protection, understanding, and celebration of the Geopark’s unique marine environment.

Currently working as an ecologist, linked with Tyrella conducting lizard surveys for the council. Member to one of the working groups for of the Strangford MPA action plan.

With links from a lottery funded 3 year project Dragons in The Hills – trying to raise the profile and educated communities and landowners on the importance of our native lizard and native amphibians.

Conducting lizard surveys at Tyrella. Apart of the Rangers working group for Strangford’s MPA. Liase for habitat works at various sites throughout the Geopark area. Worked on community and fun days such as ‘reptile rambles’ at Tyrella, Slieve Gullion and Ards.

The Rural Heritage of South Armagh Project is a community-led initiative dedicated to protecting, celebrating, and sharing the rich rural heritage of South Armagh. Based at the Cardinal Ó Fiaich Heritage Centre, the project delivers education programmes, traditional skills workshops, cultural events, and heritage conservation activities that connect local communities, schools, and farm families with the region’s unique landscape, traditions, and history while supporting the long-term sustainability of its heritage.

The Rural Heritage of South Armagh Project is closely connected to the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark through its focus on place-based heritage, community engagement, education, and protection of South Armagh’s unique cultural landscapes. We work with communities, schools, farm families, heritage groups, and volunteers across the Geopark to strengthen connections to local environment, traditions, archaeology, and rural heritage. Through workshops, outreach, events, storytelling, and learning programmes, we promote deeper understanding of the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage. The development of the Cardinal Ó Fiaich Heritage Centre as a hub for interpretation, learning, and community activity further enhances collaboration, visitor engagement, and shared promotion of Geopark values. By supporting traditional skills, local history, and community participation, the project contributes to sustainability, lifelong learning, conservation, responsible tourism, and a strong local identity.

The Whistledown Hotel is an award winning family owned three star hotel situated on the shores of Carlingford Lough in Warrenpoint, within the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark. Offering comfortable accommodation, award winning dining, conference facilities and one of Northern Ireland’s most sought after wedding venues, the hotel welcomes visitors from across Ireland and beyond.

As an established local employer, we are proud of our strong links to the community and our support of local charities, events and initiatives. We actively promote the region through our marketing channels and encourage guests to discover the area’s spectacular scenery, outdoor activities, heritage and culture. Through warm hospitality and a genuine passion for our locality, we strive to create memorable experiences while showcasing the very best of the Geopark.

The Whistledown Hotel is proud to be part of this remarkable region. Located on the shores of Carlingford Lough in Warrenpoint, we encourage guests to explore the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark through hiking, coastal walks and outdoor experiences. We offer hotel packages designed to accommodate visitors wishing to discover the area’s stunning landscapes and natural beauty.

Our marketing team regularly features and supports Geopark related content across our social media channels, promoting local attractions, events and experiences while encouraging responsible enjoyment of the outdoors. As a family owned business, we are passionate about sharing the stories, heritage and hospitality of the place we call home and helping visitors develop a deeper appreciation of this unique landscape.

We are collecting and banking the seeds of each species of Ireland’s native flora.
We have long term storage where the seeds are kept dry and frozen at -20C, and like this they will last for… well we know from research done at Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank and from our own research, that this extends the normal life span of recalcitrant seed (seeds that can withstand being frozen – some can’t), way beyond their natural lifespan.
The reason we do this is to preserve the flora that has survived on this island since the last ice age and even before.
We are a small organisation led by a team of trustees and ceo Debbie and run with the absolutely essential help of our dedicated team of volunteers.
With land owners permission we make seed collections that can be shared with bona fide individuals and organisations for restoration and research. We provide this service for free as part of our commitment to saving our native flora.
To fund our activities, we sell all sorts of seeds on our website, vegetables, herbs, non-native flowers and our own grown native Irish origin wild flower seeds, grown by us here.
We accept donations and hold a membership where people can donate regularly.

Walk the Mournes is owned and operated by Peter Rafferty. Peter holds the following qualifications:

Mountain Leader (ML Award allows holders to guide people on any mountains in the UK or Ireland)
OCN Level 2 Tour Guide
REC 2 Outdoor First Aid Certificate
Geo Ambassador for Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark
Accredited Leave No Trace Trainer

Accredited Expedition Assessor for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for Bronze, Silver & Gold Levels

At Walk the Mournes we are passionate about the outdoors and especially the Mourne Mountains and our aim is to give every client a safe and enjoyable experience on all our events. We have several qualified and experienced colleagues we use for larger groups.