Blog (2025) - Visit Mourne Gullion Strangford

Downpatrick Railway Saves ‘Extinct’ Bubble Wagon

October is a beautiful time to visit Mourne Gullion Strangford
. The leaves transform from vibrant green to rich, rusty red, and the summer crowds have thinned out, allowing for a more peaceful experience.

Watch out for all sorts of spirits, ghosts and creatures that are said to roam Mourne Gullion Strangford at the most spine-tingling time of the year. Mischievous goblins, wizards and witches are some of the shadowy figures that are believed to break through from the otherworld to torment the people in Mourne Gullion Strangford at Halloween.

The warmth of summer has passed, and autumn’s golden days are here so a quiet stay in a cosy cottage in the UNESCO Global Geopark of Mourne Gullion Strangford, set in Counties Down and Armagh, Northern Ireland, should be on your itinerary this year

As autumn sweeps across the landscapes of  Mourne Gullion Strangford
everything transforms into a tapestry of rich reds, golds, and oranges. This area is known for its breathtaking beauty year-round, but during autumn, it offers an especially stunning spectacle of vibrant foliage and scenery.

From towering trees to mystical trails, the Mourne Gullion Strangford region is home to some of Northern Ireland’s most enchanting forest walks. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape, a family day out, or a scenic adventure, these five forest parks offer something for everyone. Lace up your boots and discover the magic of our woodlands!

Autumn in Northern Ireland is a season like no other. As the air turns crisp, mist settles over the valleys, and forests burst into shades of amber, russet, and gold, Mourne Gullion Strangford becomes a true autumn wonderland. From forest parks to lakeside trails, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers some of the best autumn walks in Northern Ireland — perfect for families, photographers, or anyone who loves the magic of the outdoors. 

We all love switching on the TV after a long day and losing ourselves in a favourite series or movie — but why just watch it when you can live it? Mourne Gullion Strangford has played a starring role in world-famous productions like Game of Thrones®, filmed in iconic locations such as Tollymore Forest Park, Castle Ward, and Inch Abbey. And that’s just the beginning. Instead of watching from the sofa, come walk the very landscapes where these epic stories were brought to life and see the magic of our area of outstanding natural beauty unfold right before your eyes.

It has been known to rain in these parts from time to time and spills from the sky can happen quite suddenly. That said, while you should always prepare for showers, full length rainy days are rare. You will almost always get the chance to get out and into much of the great outdoors that Mourne Gullion Strangford have to offer. But if it does decide to pour down for the day, well we have that covered too.

Take a journey back in time and follow in the footsteps of the legendary Fionn Mac Cumhaill (or Finn McCool) of the Fianna warriors where Fionn walked up the slopes of Slieve Gullion to the lake near the summit to find a beautiful young lady sobbing on the water’s edge. 

Our region is sprinkled with amazing ice cream spots — and we can’t wait to shout about our brilliant artisan makers!