Mother's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the special person in our lives than by indulging in some of the finest experiences that our region has to offer? From delightful afternoon teas to rejuvenating spa days, and from exquisite dining to unique shopping, Mourne Gullion Strangford is brimming with options to make this Mother's Day truly memorable.

Mother's Day Ceramic Painting Experience

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a relaxed and creative afternoon at Art Studio 23. Treat your mum, or someone special to quality time filled with creativity and a little fizz in our beautiful studio setting. Paint, chat, sip, and make lasting memories as you design your own personalised ceramic keepsake to treasure.

Afternoon Tea at Killeavy Castle Estate

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes near Newry, Killeavy Castle Estate offers an afternoon tea experience fit for royalty. Imagine savoring freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and an array of pastries, all while overlooking the estate's serene surroundings. It's the perfect setting to relax and indulge with your mum.

Killeavy Estate, Newry


A Day at the Races, Downpatrick

Give the special person in your life a memorable day at the races! Celebrate Mother's Day with an exciting day of live racing, followed by fantastic live music. At Downpatrick Racecourse, there’s no strict dress code—think ‘Smart Casual’ as a general guide. Some race days feature special themes, so feel free to dress accordingly and embrace the spirit of the day. Whether you go all out or keep it casual, the choice is yours!

Downpatrick Racecourse


Dining at The Cuan, Strangford

If your mum is a foodie, a visit to The Cuan in Strangford is a must. Known for its warm hospitality and delectable dishes, this family-run establishment offers a menu rich in local flavors. Whether it's a hearty lunch or an intimate dinner, The Cuan provides a dining experience that's both comforting and special.

The Cuan Restaurant, Strangford


Saint Patrick's Camino Walk

Gift her an unforgettable journey through history and faith. Discover the story of Saint Patrick at The Saint Patrick Centre, then walk the Pilgrim’s Way through medieval Downpatrick. Explore beautiful countryside, visit key sites in Patrick’s story with expert guides, and enjoy a Pilgrim’s Lunch at The Barn in Saul.


Master Craft Chocolate Experience at Neary Nogs

No Mother's Day is complete without a touch of sweetness. NearyNógs, Northern Ireland's first bean-to-bar chocolate makers, crafts exquisite chocolates that are sure to delight. Consider a tour around the factory taking you through the chocolate making process, you'll be taken on a taste journey experience, tasting expertly crafted chocolate from all over the world! and pick up a selection of their artisanal chocolates as a sweet treat for your mum.

NearyNogs Chocolate Experience, Kilkeel


Afternoon Tea at The Cafe, Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch

Pamper Mum this Mother’s Day with a delicious Afternoon Tea in the cosy surroundings of The Café at Montalto.​​​​​​ Savour a refined selection of delights, including delicate finger sandwiches, homemade savoury pastries, and freshly baked scones, before indulging in a tempting array of decadent sweet treats. For an extra touch of sparkle, elevate your experience with a glass of prosecco.

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch


WildTable by Guy Ritchie

This Mother’s Day, treat her to something truly unforgettable at Quarterland Bay, The WildTable by Guy Ritchie experience, Ireland’s first chef-led, 7 course open fire dining experience set around a signature BBQ table.

Gather together as flame and smoke bring the finest seasonal ingredients to life, with each course prepared and presented by your chef in an immersive, story-filled culinary journey.


A Gift She’ll Never Forget - Weekend Away with Mourne Shack, Newcastle

Swap the usual gift for an unforgettable adventure with Mourne Shack.

Enjoy a Friday–Sunday escape with one cosy bunkhouse stay and one magical night wild camping under the stars. Take on guided hikes, campfires, optional wild dips, and summits of the highest Mourne peaks, with all home cooked meals included. A safe, expertly guided weekend of adventure, connection, and lasting memories she’ll never forget.


Spring Equinox Forest-Bathing Immersion

This Mother’s Day, gift your mum a sacred Forest bathing experience, a beautiful place to deepen her connection with nature. Guided by Forest Therapy Practitioner Ann, she’ll be invited to slow down, rest, and reconnect through Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku), a gentle, evidence-based wellness practice from Japan. Just two hours among the trees can boost immunity for days, while uplifting mood, energy, sleep, and creativity. The experience closes with a peaceful tea ceremony to honour your time in nature together.


An Evening at Revive Saunas

Treat Mum to a truly unforgettable escape at Revive Saunas experience. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Knockbarragh Valley in the stunning Mourne Mountains, this indulgent retreat invites her to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak in nature’s beauty.


This Mother's Day, celebrate by creating cherished memories through these delightful experiences in Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion. Whether it's indulging in gourmet treats, exploring local crafts, or simply spending quality time together, there's something in this beautiful region to make every mum feel special. See Whats On for more.

Killeavy Castle Estate
Hotel
Aerial view of Killeavy Castle Estate. A luxury Hotel Spa destination in Newry, Northern Ireland.

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.

Xhale Mindfulness
Health & Wellbeing
Four attendees to Xhale Mindfulness meditating in the forest.

Ann inherited her great love of the landscape from her mother, who was born on Slieve Gullion Mountain. She has practiced meditation for over 20 years & delivers immersive, mindfulness experiences, courses & retreats using meditation &the landscape.

The Cuan
Inn
Aerial view of Strangford Lough and village

The Cuan is situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, on the Village Green in the beautiful tranquil village of Strangford. The Cuan is the perfect setting for a mid-week break, weekend getaway or an activity led holiday with the family.

NearyNógs Café
Café
hot chocolate

Welcome to NearyNogs Cafe. Ireland's first Bean to Bar Craft Chocolate Company now has a Cafe and tea room space. There is indoor seating and outdoor seating available. Try our range of hot chocolate drinks and flavours and our specialty coffee masterfully made using our state of the art Modbar espresso machine. We also offer tea, cold drinks and even Cacao Juice (while stocks last). Browse and purchase our range of chocolate products in our retail section. Chocolate bars, chocolate truffles, drinking chocolate pouches, Sea salted caramel cups, chocolate fudges, chocolate slates and cacao nibs to name a few. We regularly stock locally made tray bakes. Our facilities can accomodate all ages and physical abilities.

Downpatrick Racecourse
Equestrian
Horses approaching the finish line at Downpatrick Race Course with spectators in the grand stand.

Downpatrick Racecourse is the oldest racecourse in Ireland, dating back to 1685. Today, we host 10 fixtures each year with our feature being the Randox Ulster National which this year takes place on Sunday 2nd April. The Racecourse is a hub of local life and attracts visitors from far and wide

Castle Ward
The National Trust
Castle Ward

Discover a place of contrasts and creativity at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th century mansion and estate looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough in County Down where visitors can explore cultivated gardens, sheltered woodland and the shoreline.

Montalto Estate
Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings
Picture of Montalto House and lake within Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch.

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.

Mourne Shack
Experience Days
Wild River Dipping Hiking

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.

Hillyard House Hotel
Hotel
sign for Hillyard Huse on outside wall with hanging flower basket below.

A wonderful award winning boutique hotel located beside the entrance gates to the stunning Castlewellan Forest Park in the historic market town of Castlewellan, near the seaside resort of Newcastle. Hillyard House Hotel, The Yard Restaurant and Mrs Coleman's Bar have everything to make your stay cosy, culinary and great craic.