Spring Escapes: The Best Outdoor Adventures for the Season

As daylight stretches and winter loosens its grip, Mourne Gullion Strangford awakens in a quiet burst of springtime beauty. Fresh greens sweep across rolling hills, wildflowers dot ancient paths, and clear open skies with sweeping views in every direction. This remarkable corner of Northern Ireland comes alive with colour, light, and birdsong, offering some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. Whether you’re wandering peaceful trails, soaking in panoramic mountain views, or simply escaping for a restorative weekend surrounded by nature, spring here offers something truly special for everyone

Come meet the Easter Bunny at The Easter Eggspress in Downpatrick

The Easter Bunny is hopping into town at Downpatrick & County Down Railway on Easter Sunday and Monday for his Easter Eggspress. His mission is simple, make sure every child enjoys a fantastic day out and heads home happy and with a chocolate Easter Egg.

There’s fun around every corner for the whole family. Climb aboard the heritage train, take part in the word hunt, meet the Easter Bunny, and stop by the face painter to complete your festive look before collecting your chocolate treat.

Be sure to visit the award-winning carriage gallery and museum, then relax at the beautiful station at Inch Abbey, you might want to linger little longer and catch the next train back.

Easter Egg Hunt at Rowallane Garden, Saintfield

Celebrate Easter with a fun filled family adventure at Rowallane Garden, carved into the County Down landscape and bursting with unusual plants, seasonal colour palettes and striking features. Follow the Easter Trail through the beautiful spring gardens and weave in and out of the grounds around the house and Stable yard, solving puzzles, getting creative with art activities, and racing friends along the way.

The trail costs £3.50 per person (normal admission applies) and includes a chocolate egg, or a vegan and Free From option, both made using cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, suitable for those with allergies.

Make a day of it by enjoying lawn games, crafts, dog friendly events, and browsing local traders at the Easter market. It’s the perfect way to welcome spring and enjoy an Easter day out with the whole family. The activity trails run from March 28 to April 7 inclusive, 10am to 5pm daily.

On April 1, 11.30am-12noon, Rowallane Gardens is hosting a Story telling Sessions. Wrap up warm and snuggle into a story in their second-hand bookshop.

This relaxed session is specially designed for littles ones, making it the perfect mid-morning treat. There’s no need to book and admission is free.

Can’t make this date? Don’t worry, storytelling takes place on the first Wednesday of every month in the morning, so there are plenty of chances to join in the fun.

Celebrate Easter with an Alpaca Field Walk Experience, Kilkeel

Treat the family to a memorable Alpaca Field Walk at Cranfield, perfect for children of all ages. Enjoy a gentle stroll through the paddocks while leading one of the friendly alpacas, taking in stunning views of the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough along the way. After the walk, children will love the chance to hand-feed the alpacas and spend time getting to know these curious, calm animals. This relaxed, hands-on experience combines fresh air, beautiful scenery, and animal fun – ideal for a family day out. Head over to our website and book your slot, it doesn’t just have to be for the Easter break, there are other days to choose from which may suit you better.

Finish off the day with a beautiful coastal drive towards Kilkeel Town and stop off for fish and chips while watching the waves along the harbour. Make your way along the coast into Newcastle and treat yourself to some Award Winning Ice Cream at Nugelto Ice Cream Boutique, while watching the sun setting behind the Mourne Mountains.

Explore the Majestic Mourne Mountains

Spring is the perfect season to experience the beauty of the Mourne Mountains. As wildflowers burst into bloom and the air turns crisp and refreshing, every step feels invigorating. One unmissable adventure is the climb to Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest peak, where you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views across the Irish Sea and far beyond. For those seeking a gentler escape, the tranquil trails of Silent Valley offer equally stunning scenery at a more relaxed pace. Bring your boots and picnic and set off for the day early morning.

Why not embark on a giant cycling adventure with the whole family?

If a faster pace is more your thing, impress your group by hiring bikes onsite from Bike Mourne, or mix things up by opting for one of the electric bikes for a more relaxed ride. A friendly Bike Mourne team member will help you choose the perfect route, tailored to your fitness level and cycling experience, ensuring a scenic loop that brings you back to where you started.

If cycling isn’t quite your thing, no worries, take advantage of the beautiful walking trails around Kilbroney Park, wander into Rostrevor Village, and discover everything this charming area has to offer. With quaint coffee shops and traditional pubs there is a range to choose from.

Easter Monday at Montalto

Spring into Easter with the ultimate family day out at Montalto Estate on 6 April. Set across 400 stunning acres, Montalto will be bursting with colour, music and festive excitement, with full programmer of outdoor adventures, live entertainment and delicious local food to enjoy throughout the day.

From bouncy castles and inflatables, to Little Chicks face painting, the Goosey Grander Hunt and the Meadow Madness outdoor games area, there’s something to keep every member of the family smiling. Tuck into sizzling burgers and hot dogs as you soak up the atmosphere and make a full day of it.

While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the on-site shop, let the kids run free in the play park, and treat your four-legged friends to a visit to the Bark Park. Well behaved dogs are very welcome, provided they always remain on a lead.

Coastal Adventures Along Carlingford Lough

For those drawn to the sea air, Warrenpoint and Rostrevor are not to be missed. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, savour a coffee while soaking up the views, or dive into a range of water-based activities. Kayaking or paddleboarding on Carlingford Lough provides a memorable way to experience the area’s striking coastline and rugged natural beauty from a whole new perspective.

Easter Adventure Camp

Get your kids and teens outdoors this Easter with an action-packed adventure camp inspired by this popular Summer Camp. Join the full week or book selected single days.  Each day is designed to spark a sense of adventure and exploration, with fun, experienced instructors ensuring everyone stays safe, confident and happy throughout.

Activities include wet bouldering, rock climbing and abseiling, bushcraft (Special Forces survival skills), stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, mountain hikes, team games, orienteering and rocky shores scavenger hunt. 

The camp runs Monday 6 to Friday 10 April 2026 and begins from Donard Car Park. Each day last 7 hours and is suitable for ages 8-11 (week one) and 12-15 (week two).

Discover Family Fun at Mountpanther Farm Park

Just 10 minutes from Newcastle, Mountpanther, has been creating memorable days out for visitors of all ages since 2017. Whether you’re planning a fun family outing or a special treat for the kids, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

Get up close with incredible animals from around the world, from cuddly guinea pigs and playful meerkats to fascinating lemurs, llamas, parrots, wallabies, snakes and lizards. Every corner of the park is filled with amazing creatures that captivate adults just as much as children.

With hours of adventure, laughter and hands on experiences, you’re guaranteed a day packed with fun. 

Discover the Enchanting Tollymore Forest Park

Spring brings Tollymore Forest Park to life with blooming flowers, babbling brooks, and lush green woodland. Known for its scenic walking trails and famous filming locations, it’s the perfect setting for a relaxed stroll or family picnic. From the charming stepping stones across the Shimna River to its iconic stone bridges, every corner adds to the park’s timeless appeal.

Discover the hidden corners of the Mourne Mountains and immerse yourself in its rivers on this unique outdoor experience. Combining hiking with the growing craze for cold water and wild swimming, the adventure also incorporates forest bathing and the benefits of cold-water therapy. Led by highly trained Mountain Leaders and cold-water specialists from Mourne Shack, you’ll be guided to some of the Mournes most secluded and beautiful spots, places we know and love. Along the way, you’ll learn how to safely and confidently experience Wild River Dipping and cold-water immersion, with expert guidance through the fundamentals for a refreshing, rewarding adventure.

Step Back in Time at Castle Ward

If you’re looking to blend history with nature, Castle Ward is an ideal choice. This 18^th-century mansion, now a National Trust property, is set within stunning gardens and over 32km of woodland trails, with sweeping views across Strangford Lough. Spend the day cycling, wandering the estate, or simply soaking up the tranquillity of the surroundings. For a touch of fantasy, explore the Georgian farmyard and Lough shore famous filming locations from Game of Thrones®.

Spring Picnic at Slieve Gullion Forest Park

Get ready for a fun filled day out at Slieve Gullion Forest Park, where adventure and fresh air go hand in hand. Little explorers will love stepping into the magical world of Fionn's Giant Adventure (formerly known as The Giant’s Lair), while everyone can enjoy award winning play areas, woodland walks, and scenic trails, it's perfect for a day of laughter, exploring, and outdoor fun for all ages. Be sure to bring your picnic or stop off for a coffee and some breakfast in Newry city before, there are many places to choose from to suit everyone.

Killowen Disillery Tour & Tasting - Whiskey, Poitin & Gin

Step into the stories and spirits of Killowen Distillery, where legend, history, and craft intertwine. Discover tales of St Patrick, warring pagan tribes, and the shadowy world of illicit distillation, all beneath the watchful presence of Knock Shee (the Fairy Mountain). Explore Killowen’s distinctive approach, including its rare in-house malting, before concluding with a lively, informative tasting. Sample a range of unaged new make pot still whiskeys, both peated and unpeated, alongside distinctive gins infused with native botanicals. Book your day out to this amazing local distillery.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Spotting at Murlough Nature Reserve

Spring is an ideal time to explore Murlough Nature Reserve, a haven for wildlife and home to an exceptional variety of bird species.

Follow the network of well-marked trails that wind through the reserve’s stunning yet fragile 6000-year-old sand dune system, offering ever changing perspectives of this projected landscape. These scenic paths lead towards Newcastle Beach, where the sweeping views open and the Mourne mountains rise dramatically to meet the sea.

Nature & Wildlife Encounters at Castlewellan Forest Park

If birdwatching has sparked your interest, why not explore the rich wildlife of Castlewellan Forest Park? Covering an impressive 460 hectares, the park is set within the stunning Mourne and Slieve Croob Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the recently designated Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark.

The park boasts a wealth of biodiverse habitats, including woodland, open parkland, and the lake itself. The lake supports a wide range of aquatic flora and fauna and has been designated and Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

A gentle walking trail of just under 5km circles the lake, offering beautiful view throughout. With its mostly flat terrain, the route is ideal for families, whether you’re walking with young children, pushing a pram, or letting the kids enjoy a bike ride while soaking in the scenery.

Annesley Walled Garden Restoration

If a 5km walk is too much, why not visit the Annesley Walled Garden, set at the heart of the internationally renowned arboretum in Castlewellan Forest Park. The Walled Garden reopened their gates on 7 March 2026 and it is more beautiful than ever. Following almost two years of restoration work and storm damage repairs, it has finally been completed. 

The Annesley family bought the Manor of Castlewellan in 1741 and over generations improved the lands and developed the town. This included planting thousands of trees, developing a unique Arboretum within and beyond the Annesley Walled Garden. 

Spring in Mourne Gullion Strangford is a time of renewal, with vibrant landscapes and countless outdoor adventures waiting to be explored. Whether you’re climbing mountains, strolling through forests, or simply enjoying a coastal coffee, there’s no better time to get outside and experience the beauty of this region.

So, grab your walking boots, pack a picnic, and make the most of the season, adventure is calling!