Discover the hidden treasures right on your doorstep at the Hidden Gems at Home Tourism Showcase Event, taking place at Down County Museum, on Saturday 14 March 2026 from 12.30pm to 4pm. This exciting event is designed to inspire local residents in Newry, Mourne and Down to explore the best of what Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark has to offer, with something for everyone, from thrilling outdoor adventures to relaxing retreats and delicious local flavours.
Whether you’re planning your next staycation at home, looking for a new adventure, or simply curious about the local gems in your area, this event promises a fun-filled day for all ages.
Visitors can explore over 50 local tourism experiences, ranging from dancing and outdoor adventures to unique cultural experiences. This is a chance to discover the hidden gems waiting to be explored in your own district. The event also offers bookable experiences, allowing you to try out exciting activities offered by local Tourism businesses. Whether you're looking for your next local adventure, a relaxing retreat, or a taste of authentic local flavours, this event has something for everyone.
The Hidden Gems at Home Tourism Showcase Event will feature a variety of local tourism businesses showcasing their unique offerings. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts can learn more about experiences from East Coast Aventures, Red Kite Tours NI, Bike Mourne, Walk the Mournes, Sustainable Journeys Ireland, Mourne Shack Limited, Tumbling Paddy, and Oceanauts Diving.
For those seeking unique experiences and wellness, Xhale, Mourne Hot Barrel Sauna, Legends of Lecale, The Clay Project and Whodunit Hunts will be offering a glimpse into their specialised activities. Food lovers can savour local delights from Mrs C’s Home Kitchen, Killowen Distillery and Shortcross Rademon Estate Distillery.
If you’re looking for unique accommodation Pine Tree Hollow Glamping, Willowtree Glamping, Montalto Estate, Killeavy Castle Estate, The Whistledown Hotel, Canal Court Hotel & Spa, Burrendale Hotel Country Club and Spa and An Radhairc will be part of the Showcase Event.
Arts, heritage, and culture enthusiasts can look forward to meeting exhibitors such as Oriel Events, Dancing at the Crossroads (Celtic Storm Irish Dancer), Cardinal O'Fiaich Heritage Centre, Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark, Mourne Geofood and The Saint Patrick Centre.
These are not just names, they are the experiences that make Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark truly unique. From thrilling outdoor adventures and cultural tours to mouth-watering local delicacies and relaxing wellness retreats, each of these exhibitors brings something special. Whether you want to hike the scenic Mourne Mountains, explore historic landmarks, or simply unwind in a cosy glamping spot, you’ll find plenty to inspire your next local adventure.
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Join us for the Hidden Gems at Home Tourism Showcase Event and explore the best of what Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark has to offer! Whether you're looking for your next local adventure, a relaxing retreat, or a taste of authentic local flavours, this event has something for everyone.
Lying within one mile of Tranquil Rostrevor, An Radhairc provides a panoramic view of the splendid Mournes and Cloughmore Stone viewing point. Within walking distance of Carlingford Lough, it overlooks the scenic landscapes of the area.
Experience the Mournes by bike on road, track and trail with the guided and self-guided bike and electric bike tours or do it yourself with bike and electric bike hire. Explore the majestic mountains, dramatic coasts, stunning landscapes, enchanting forests, award winning mountain bike trails and endless year-round cycle adventures.
The Canal Court Hotel & Spa is a fine four star property, with a total of 110 bedrooms & suites, extensive Health & Leisure Complex and stunning Spa, perfectly located in the heart of the City close to both Bus & Rail Stations.
Group Tours of The Cardinal O'Fiaich Heritage Centre For a perfect day out book your guided group tour with Úna Walsh of the O'Fiaich Heritage Centre, along with history and stories of South Armagh. The tour will last 2 hours and includes light lunch, dessert, tea and coffee. Admission is £9 To arrange a group booking please contact Úna Walsh
At Crawford's Rock Ltd, we are proud to produce top quality harvested seaweed, sustainably sourced from the Northern Irish coastline. Our seaweed is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
Get involved in this high-octane experience celebrating the centuries-old traditions of Irish dancing. Join Josephine Brennan King, a former principal Irish dancer for Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, for a fun-filled interactive experience filled with Irish traditions and dancing.
A charming Coaching Inn dating from 1642 providing bed and breakfast with restaurant service daily and entertainment four nights per week. Meals can be served in the restaurant, the bar, and in either of two function rooms, suitable for larger parties.
Escape your busy life with a break in the wonderful Mourne Mountains or Carlingford Lough, we can help you relax and recharge the batteries.
Welcome To Killeavy Castle Estate. As the centrepiece of 365 acres of mixed farm and woodland in County Armagh’s stunning Slieve Gullion, Killeavy Castle Estate provides everything you need, to switch off, rest and recharge.
Discover the beautiful location of Killowen Distillery, its history and why it is ideally suited for making spirits.
Storyteller Duane Fitzsimons’ tours of the Home of Saint Patrick are filled with amazing legends, artefacts, and folklore.
Nestled in the breathtaking County Down countryside, Montalto Estate is an enchanting 18th-century Georgian estate offering a five-star visitor attraction, bespoke weddings and events, a Georgian mansion for private hire, and over 8km of beautifully curated trails and gardens, including a secluded private walled garden. Visitors can enjoy seasonal walks through the estate, relax in The Café at Montalto, browse the estate shop, and make use of the dedicated dog park, creating a welcoming destination for families, walkers and garden lovers alike.
Come along for the day, bring family or friends, or even treat yourself to short break and enjoy the wider experience that the destination has to offer, either way, let’s get you out there and embrace everything the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark has to offer. Check out what's on (see booking link), connect with the organisers and explore the possibilities this Spring with the Mourne Gullion Strangford Outdoor Spring Festival.
Hike to the secret spots and immerse in the rivers of the Mourne Mountains. An activity that explores the trending cold water and wild swimming craze. Including hiking, wild dipping, forest bathing and cold water therapy. Our trained and highly experienced Mountain Leaders and cold water specialists guide you into the hidden landscapes of the Mourne Mountains to the spots we love the most. Visitors will experience how to safely and enjoyable enter the world of cold water therapy and wild swimming, whilst we take you through the fundamentals.
Mrs C’s Home Kitchen is the place to enjoy a wide range of foodie experiences. Under Mrs C’s careful guidance, you might want to learn to make traditional breads, recipes that have endured for hundreds of years. Or perhaps you would like to learn the secrets of our traditional tray bakes. Or you might prefer to enjoy a demonstration experience. Bespoke experiences are tailor made to suit your group/timing/interests. All take place in our home kitchen at the foot of the Mourne Mountains.
Come and share an enjoyable afternoon learning some local songs to South Armagh, with singer and researcher, Colleen Savage.
PineTree Hollow Glamping is an award-winning small, rural glamping site set within the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark in County Down. Guests can enjoy an authentic glamping experience in a choice of 3 cabins, The Yurt, The Beehive or The Wagon, all with differing but unique styles and their own spacious outdoor areas with bbq, fire pit and cooking and dining facilities. The site has shared bathrooms, a shared covered communal space for cooking, children’s play area and is dog friendly
The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s Patron Saint. The History of Ireland starts here in Patrick’s words, which guide you through our amazing multimedia exhibition. Located 2 Hours north of Dublin and 35 minutes south of Belfast beside Saint Patrick’s Grave with a fantastic Craft Store and incredible Garden Cafe. This needs to be your first stop in Ireland.
Immersive, hands-on ancient Irish cultural heritage experience in the Saint Patrick Centre Downpatrick.
The Burrendale Hotel, Country Club & Spa is a leading four-star Hotel in Newcastle nestled beneath the Mountains of Mourne. Located just 45 minutes from Belfast or Newry, The Burrendale Hotel, Country Club & Spa is the ideal location to relax and unwind. Perfect for a Spa Break, Family Retreat, Romantic Getaway or Business Trip.
The Whistledown Hotel in Warrenpoint, nestles, quietly magnificent, on the shores of Carlingford Lough surrounded by the Mourne Mountains and Cooley Peninsula.
If these mountains could speak, they’d tell tales of hermits, smugglers and fugitives... Join Peter for an unforgettable walking experience amongst the most fabulous scenery.
Unplug and unwind in The Goldfinches Retreat or Skylarks Retreat, 2 beautiful hand crafted luxurious Cabins. At the foot of the Mournes you will feel like you are floating above the fields. With a large picture window providing panoramic views for the famous Mourne Mountains and bifold doors out into your own private patio complete with a Hot Tub feel all your stress just disappear.
Deepen your Mindfulness Practice through forest bathing in the magic of the Ring of Gullion.
Oceanauts Diving offers expert-led, immersive diving experiences tailored to all levels, from beginners to seasoned divers. With Dain McParland, an expert instructor at the helm, we ensure every dive is safe, informative, and unforgettable.
Celtic Spirit Tours offers immersive, tours and day experiences that nourish body and mind across the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark.
Down Cathedral, a Cathedral of the Church of Ireland with magnificent stain glass windows, box pews and beautiful organ case was built in 1183 as a Benedictine Monastry. The patron saint, Patrick is believed to be buried in the nearby graveyard.
Travel back to the past with real vintage steam trains through St. Patrick's Country, over the River Quoile and under the graceful Down Cathedral to peaceful ruins of Inch Abbey.
Escape Glamping is Unique Accommodation with a rustic feel set in nature next to Castlewellan Forest Park. An ideal location for relaxing in nature or exploring the Mourne Area.
Epic adventures are on offer all year round at Life Adventure Centre. Their extensive range of activities include mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, wet bouldering, rock climbing, sit on top kayaking, coasteering, electric biking and open canoeing - something for everyone!
NearyNogs is a small family-run business that produces some of Northern Ireland’s finest, most irresistible chocolate, and they’re ready to welcome you in and show you how it’s made.
Art, craft and history blend together at Shortcross Distillery, to create an unforgettable experience on the beautiful grounds of Rademon Estate. Join founders Fiona and David to learn about their award-winning gin, which also happens to be Northern Ireland’s first craft gin.
Modern comfortable holiday home, the perfect family holiday location in this tranquil riverside setting. The wonderfully secluded grounds provide the ideal playground for kids of all ages and the peace and quiet of the river walks offer the chance to unwind in a natural idyll.
Discover fascinating and beautiful places along the Lecale Coast while solving a self-guided, murder mystery driving trail from Whodunit Hunts. Lots of historic sites, nearly 30 clues to solve! Starts Maghera, near Newcastle, ends Ardglass.
A beloved destination for families, golfers, and holiday travellers, Slieve Donard is a local landmark that’s equal parts homey and breath-taking. The resort sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, on the edge of Royal County Down Golf Club, ranked no. 1 in the world by Golf Digest.
SkiffieFest - the Strangford Lough Water Sports Festival returns for 2025! Watch local St Ayle Skiffs compete in the SkiffieFest Regatta, whilst enjoying local food and drink vendors, and other land based activities that promises to be fun for all the family.
