Planning half-term trips in Northern Ireland? Look no further than Mourne Gullion Strangford, a destination packed with breathtaking landscapes, family-friendly attractions, and unforgettable outdoor adventures. From forest parks and scenic walking trails to coastal views, historic sites, and hands-on activities for all ages, this region is the perfect place to escape the everyday and make the most of your time off.
Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or simply looking for fresh air and inspiration, Mourne Gullion Strangford offers endless ways to explore, play, and relax. Here are just some of the fantastic things you can enjoy during your half-term visit.
Family-Friendly Forest Parks for Mid-Term Adventures in Mourne Gullion Strangford
Mid-term is the perfect time to get outdoors and explore some of the region’s best-loved forest parks. Castlewellan Forest Park offers something for all ages, from lakeside walks and the famous Peace Maze to mountain bike trails and wide open spaces for kids to run free. Over in Rostrevor, Kilbroney Park is ideal for family adventures, with woodland trails, panoramic views over Carlingford Lough, and plenty of picnic spots to pause and refuel. For a truly magical experience, head to Slieve Gullion Forest Park in the Ring of Gullion, where scenic forest paths, lakeside walks, and the much-loved Fionn’s Giant Adventure make it a standout choice for families looking to mix nature, legend, and outdoor fun. Pack up a picnic and take a trip to Delamont Country Park. Enjoy a day out in the park with the whole family. There's plenty of room for the dog to have fun on your trip to Delamont in the dog play area, let your pup run free, off lead, in a secure enclosure.
Cranfield Alpacas
This half term experience alpaca fun at Cranfield Alpacas whether you want to take a gentle stroll on the beach with the friendly Alpacas or simply relax in their charming company whilst enjoying the most stunning views, Cranfield Alpacas is your must visit day out destination. Meet, greet and fall in love with their family of Alpacas.
Enjoy A Day Out in Newcastle
A trip to the charming seaside town of Newcastle is a fantastic choice for families, offering plenty to see and do year round. Enjoy Newcastle Beach, explore local play parks, browse the shops, and treat the little ones to a delicious ice cream from one of the many local parlors. For a day filled with excitement, visit Joyland Amusements or Kent Amusements, where themed rides and games promise endless fun.
Phil's Farm
At Phil's Farm, you can challenge yourself on their exciting climbing wall, enjoy a horseback ride in the arena, or bounce around on their fun-filled bouncy castle. With a variety of activities and games throughout, your time here will be memorable, no matter what the occasion!
Tyrella Beach
Take a refreshing half term break walk at Tyrella Beach, where golden sands, rolling dunes, and stunning views of the Mourne Mountains create the perfect backdrop for a family adventure, listen to the waves, and let the kids run free while collecting shells along the shore!
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Sheepbridge Family Entertainment Centre
Sheepbridge Family Entertainment Centre is a fantastic destination for families of all ages, offering a wide range of activities to keep everyone entertained. Little ones can climb, slide, and explore in the Cheeky Monkeys play area, featuring a four-tiered climbing frame, ball pools, and soft play zones designed for endless fun. For those seeking a bit more adventure, the excitement continues with bumper boats and battery-powered go-karts, perfect for a thrilling ride. With plenty of space to play, laugh, and make memories, Sheepbridge promises a fun-filled day out for the whole family.
Mourne Archery Centre
Mourne Archery Centre is the perfect place for some indoor excitement. Located in a barn in the heart of Maghera, this center has been a hub for archery enthusiasts since its founding in 2009 and now enjoys a strong local following. Each three-hour session offers a mix of fun challenges, from classic target shooting to popping balloons, ensuring a thrilling experience for beginners and seasoned archers alike.
Newry And Mourne Museum
A visit to Newry and Mourne Museum this half term is the ultimate day out for you if you are hungry for knowledge! Take the journey through the rich history and cultural heritage of interesting and picturesque region. There are also child friendly activities throughout the Museum, including interactives, a comic and costumes that children can try on to bring history to life.
Down County Museum
Situated in Downpatrick, the Down County Museum is a must-visit destination during the break, offering a captivating journey through the rich heritage of County Down. With engaging exhibitions, interactive events, hands-on activities, and award-winning educational programs, the museum brings history to life for visitors of all ages.
There are plenty of things to do this half term. For more options have a look on our What's On section or Things to Do.
Have a great half term break.
Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. The stunning views across Strangford Lough and the relaxing atmosphere make Delamont Country Park a place to enjoy that 'away from it all feeling'.
Tyrella Beach is a stunning, award-winning sandy beach on Dundrum Bay in County Down. Backed by 25 hectares of protected dunes, it offers scenic walks, safe swimming, and rich wildlife. Recognised with a Blue Flag Award, Tyrella Beach it’s ideal for families, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Bagenal’s Castle located in historic Newry is a 16th century fortified house and adjoining 19th Century warehouse, and has been sympathetically restored to house Newry & Mourne Museum and Newry Visitor Information Centre.
Down County Museum is located in the old county Gaol of Down. It houses fascinating exhibitions on the history of Down as well as restored cells with life-size figures of prisoners and their gaolers.
Meet, mingle, feed and herd our charming Alpacas surrounded by panoramic views of the Mournes and Carlingford Lough. Our alpaca adventure trail experience lets you get up close to our family of Alpacas whilst enjoying tales of Vikings, Knights, Emigration, Greencastle Aerodrome and learning about the Mourne Mountains, Carlingford Lough and Greencastle Castle. Children will love our treasure hunt and adults are awarded their alpaca adventure herding certificate – to frame when you get home! ** Awarded Tourism Northern Ireland's Best Visitor Experience 2022**
Phil’s Farm is the biggest and most diverse animal farm in Northern Ireland. We are pleased to announce that, due to overwhelming demand, we are now open for group visits. We are open seven days a week from 09:00 to 18:00.
Follow Fionn's Giant Adventure (previously known as the Giant's Lair) at Slieve Gullion Forest Park. Follow the trail, there's so much to explore. Seek out fairies, spells, music and more. Help is at hand as you'll have fairies and warriors to help you follow the trail.
Kilbroney Park features riverside walks and an arboretum. There is a two-mile forest drive which showcases panoramic views over Carlingford Lough. There is also a Play Park with children's play area and tennis courts, an Information area and a café all on site.
Castlewellan Forest Park is located on Forest Park View, Castlewellan, County Down, in a dramatic setting of mountains and sea. Castlewellan Forest Park has one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe. The beauty, vigour and perfect shape of the trees in the National Arboretum attract tree enthusiasts from around the world.
