Blog

Newcastle’s much-loved "Bendy Tree" has been crowned UK Tree of the Year 2026. It is the first tree from Northern Ireland to win the Woodland Trust competition and a memorable landmark to discover in Mourne Gullion Strangford.

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

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.

Think it is time to book a much-needed short break? Enjoy a staycation in the Ring of Gullion, it may be the perfect destination for your romantic getaway. Mourne Gullion Strangford is packed with places just perfect for quality time together. 

Autumn in Northern Ireland is a season like no other.  As the air turns crisp, mist drifts across the valleys and forests glow with rich shades of amber, russet and gold.  Mourne Gullion Strangford is transformed into a breathtaking autumn wonderland. 

If your best friend could pick a destination for that perfect getaway or dog walking weekend break, they’d probably pick the Mourne Gullion Strangford
area. With more great walks than you could throw a stick at, and a veritable doggie perfumery of enticing smells on the wind, this part of the world is sure to have your pooch’s tail wagging like ninety.

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.

Mourne Gullion Strangford offers a tapestry of landscapes waiting to be explored. Whether you're seeking challenging mountain trails, gentle coastal paths, or family-friendly forest walks. This guided list of the top 30 walks in Mourne Gullion Strangford suggested by Walk NI will help you uncover the best routes to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this UNESCO Global Geopark.

With the good weather approaching its time to get outdoors! The three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion feature several coastal paths and coastal walks that give you the opportunity to see and explore the picturesque scenery that hugs the coastline, some that are more accessible than others so make sure to wear sensible footwear!

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

This summer, discover more of what Newry, Mourne and Down has to offer with the new 'Make it Local' campaign.