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
Rowallane Garden, Saintfield
Enjoy a family adventure at Rowallane Garden, carved into the County Down landscape and bursting with unusual plants, seasonal colour palettes and striking features. Walk through the beautiful spring gardens, around the house and Stable yard.
Cranfield Alpaca Beach Treks - Spring Dates
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Treat the family to a memorable experience at Cranfield Alpaca's Beach Treks, 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.
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.
Trails & Gardens at Montalto
Enjoy the beautiful gardens at Montalto Estate, the perfect way to reconnect with nature, in a natural, historical, and truly relaxing setting.
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.
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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.
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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 18th-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.
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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.
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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!
We are a family run farm park based just outside Newcastle, County Down. Established in 2017, we have been providing families with unforgettable experiences and lasting memories since then
Our play farm offers a huge indoor soft play area with four dragon slides and a massive free-fall slide, Busy-Bee barrel train ride, zipline & outdoor adventure fort including slides, net bridges & climbing walls. Interact with our amazing animals in our nursery & outdoor paddocks where you will be able to cuddle & feed them.
"Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea" (Percy French) The popular song has made the Mournes the best known mountains in Ireland. Distinctive and self-contained, they are tucked away in the southeast corner of Northern Ireland, with 12 shapely summits rising about 2,000ft on the eastern side.
Slieve Donard at 850m (2,789 ft) is the highest of the Mourne Mtns. The views from the summit are extensive and on a clear day the Isle of Man, Wicklow, Donegal, Wales and Scotland may be seen, as well as the long stretch of Newcastle Beach.
The Silent Valley Reservoir was built to gather water from the Mourne Mountains and is the main water supply source for most of County Down and a large part of Belfast. The famous Mourne Wall was constructed to enclose the reservoir's catchment area.
Warrenpoint sits on the shores of Carlingford Lough at the southern approach to the Mourne Mountains and at the point where the Clanrye River and Newry Canal open into Carlingford Lough.
The village has a number of beautiful walks through Rostrevor Forest and Kilbroney Park. Rostrevor is an area of historical interest and has lots of associated folklore. On the slopes of Slieve Martin in Kilbroney Park you will find the ‘Big Stone’. St Bronagh’s 6th Century Church and Bell and Giant Murphy’s Grave are also located in the village.
Tollymore Forest Park has panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at Newcastle and is open to the public all year. Tollymore Forest covers an area of almost 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne Mountains.
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.
Strangford Lough is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is almost fully enclosed by land. It is the largest sea water inlet in Ireland and the United Kingdom and an important habitat for wildlife. A regular car ferry links the picturesque towns of Strangford and Portaferry. Strangford Lough is a significant asset in the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. The Lough was formed at the end of the last ice age. Strangford Lough is Northern Ireland's first Marine Conservation Zone and is a special area of conservation for wildlife. Strangford Lough is a key destination for winter migration for many wading and sea birds. The lough is home to common seals, basking sharks and brent geese.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers the unmissable opportunity to experience tranquil woodland trails, stunning views across the Ring of Gullion, Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Armagh Drumlins and is a top class facility for walkers and families.
Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile 6000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and managed as Ireland’s first Nature Reserve since 1967. It is an excellent area for walking and bird watching.
Newcastle Beach is a popular seaside resort and tourist destination located on the South Down coast of Northern Ireland. Newcastle Beach comprises of sand, pebbles and larger stones and is approximately 2.5 km in length. The major part of Newcastle Beach is backed by a promenade and the seaside town of Newcastle, which has lots of shops, cafes, restaurants, amusements and other attractions. The beach has a very gentle slope with the Mountains of Mourne in the background. The beach is popular for swimming and sunbathing and there is life saving equipment available with signage on the Promenade. The beach can be accessed via steps or the slipway.
This unique garden has grown from the 19th century beginnings of the Reverend John Moore and his nephew Hugh Armytage Moore. Their vision created a place where you can leave the world behind and immerse yourself in nature's beauty.
Located in the heart of the Mourne Mountains, Killowen Distillery has a ‘Kult’ following and an epic history, due in no small part to its great whiskeys and gins.
Feel the stresses and strains of daily life vanish in the presence of beautiful animals and majestic scenery of the Mourne Mountains.
Mourne Park takes on climate change with a fun interactive trail for older children and teenagers.
The Castlewellan Arboretum and Annesley Walled Garden is situated in Castlewellan Forest Park, north of the foothills of the Mourne Mountains in County Down, Northern Ireland.
