Things to do

One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the Geopark is by taking a hike or a walk. The Mourne Mountains offer a range of hiking trails that vary in difficulty, from easy walks to challenging climbs. Some of the most popular trails include the Slieve Donard, Slieve Binnian, and Meelmore trails. The Ring of Gullion is home to Ulster highest surviving passage tomb, at 375m; and the shores of Strangford have some of the most impressive coastal walks in the world. Check out our walking and hiking page for more information.

Don’t miss out on the fantastic cycling opportunities within the Geopark. The Mourne Heritage Trust diligently maintains seven well-signposted recreational cycle routes, each featuring a distinctive brown cycle route sign on a wooden bollard adorned with the iconic Mourne Mountains logo and route number. For easy navigation, these routes are expertly mapped on Open Street Map link. Official route maps can be found here.

In addition to these routes, the Geopark proudly hosts well-marked recreational cycle paths aligned with Sustrans’ National Cycle Network route 9, utilizing the scenic Newry Canal towpath. The Carlingford Lough Greenway, currently in the process of extension, promises a delightful cycling experience along the Newry Ship Canal towpath.

For those seeking a more adventurous ride, Castlewellan Forest Park and Rostrevor/Kilbroney Park offer well-marked mountain biking trails.

Adding some cycling to your visit or your regular outdoor recreational routine will undoubtedly enrich your experience of the Geopark.

Happy cycling!

The Geopark is rich in cultural heritage, with many ancient sites and monuments to explore. You can visit the Nendrum Monastic Site, the Downpatrick Head, and the Tullybranigan Stone Circle, among others. Check out our tourism website for more information on how to book.

The Geopark is famous for its local food and drink, with a range of farm shops, local markets, and pubs offering delicious local produce. You can sample traditional Irish dishes, such as colcannon, as well as locally-produced cheeses, meats, and seafood. Check out our tourism website for more information on how to book.

The Geopark is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. Strangford Lough is one of the best places to observe seals, and you can also spot a variety of bird species, such as swans, geese, and wading birds. Check out our gardens and nature reserves page for more information.

Strangford Lough is one of the best places in Ireland for water sports, such as kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing. The lough offers sheltered waters, making it an ideal spot for beginners, as well as experienced sailors. Click here to visit our water activities page

The Strangford Lough is renowned for its fishing opportunities, with a variety of species to be caught, including salmon, sea trout, and pollock. You can take a fishing trip on one of the many boats available for hire or try your luck from the shore. Click here for more information about fishing opportunities across the whole geopark.

The Geopark is home to several golf courses, including the Royal County Down Golf Club, one of the top courses in the world. You can play a round on the stunning links courses, or take a lesson from one of the local golf professionals. Click here for more information of the range of golfing activites in the Geopark