Your First Stop for Exploring the Mourne Mountains has to be Newcastle Visitor Information Centre
Planning a trip to Newcastle, County Down or exploring the spectacular Mourne Gullion Strangford region? Make your first stop the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre, where our friendly team is ready to help you make the most of your visit.
Whether you're staying for a few hours, a weekend, or a longer holiday, our knowledgeable local staff are on hand to help you discover the very best that the area has to offer. From breathtaking mountain walks and scenic drives to hidden gems, family attractions, and award-winning restaurants, we'll help you create an itinerary that's perfect for you.
Plan Your Perfect Visit to the Mourne Mountains
The Newcastle Visitor Information Centre is much more than a place to pick up a leaflet. Think of us as your local travel experts, providing free, up-to-date information to help you experience everything this beautiful part of Northern Ireland has to offer.
Our experienced team can recommend:
- The best things to do in Newcastle and the Mourne Mountains
- Scenic walks and hiking trails for all abilities
- Family-friendly attractions and outdoor adventures
- Historic sites and cultural experiences
- Beautiful beaches, forests and nature reserves
- Where to eat, drink and enjoy local food
- Accommodation to suit every budget
- Seasonal events and festivals across Mourne Gullion Strangford
Scenic driving routes and day-trip ideas
Whether you're hoping to climb Slieve Donard, explore Tollymore Forest Park, discover Castlewellan Forest Park, wander through Murlough National Nature Reserve, or simply enjoy a relaxing stroll along Newcastle Promenade, we'll point you in the right direction.
Local Knowledge You Can Trust
One of the biggest advantages of visiting the centre is our team.
Our friendly staff live and work in the area, giving them invaluable local knowledge that you simply won't find in a guidebook. They're passionate about helping visitors discover both the famous attractions and the hidden gems that make Mourne Gullion Strangford such a special destination.
Looking for:
- the perfect picnic spot?
- a family-friendly walk?
- somewhere to watch the sunset?
- the best café after a mountain hike?
- a rainy-day activity?
Just ask, we're always happy to help.
Discover Beautiful Local Crafts & Unique Gifts
Don't forget to leave time to browse our welcoming gift shop, one of Newcastle's hidden treasures.
We proudly stock an extensive range of traditional and contemporary gifts, many created by talented local artists and makers from across Northern Ireland.
You'll find:
- Handmade jewellery
- Beautiful pottery
- Woodcraft and carvings
- Designer knitwear
- Handcrafted textiles
- Artwork and gifts
- Local food products
- Souvenirs and keepsakes
- Walking guides and local history books
- Road maps and walking maps
- Children's gifts and seasonal collections
Whether you're looking for the perfect souvenir or a thoughtful gift to take home, you'll discover something unique while supporting local businesses and artisans.
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Maps, Walking Guides & Expert Advice
If you're planning to explore the outdoors, we've got you covered.
We stock an excellent selection of walking maps, cycling guides, and visitor publications covering the Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion, Strangford Lough, St Patrick's Country and beyond.
Our team can also advise on:
- walking routes suitable for your ability
- weather conditions
- parking locations
- viewpoints and photography spots
- accessible attractions
- dog-friendly places to visit
It's the perfect place to start your adventure safely and confidently.
Why Visit Newcastle Visitor Information Centre?
Visitors return year after year because they know they'll receive a warm welcome, friendly advice and expert local recommendations.
Whether you're visiting for hiking, sightseeing, shopping, food, heritage, or simply relaxing beside the sea, we're here to help you experience the very best of Newcastle and Mourne Gullion Strangford.
Opening Hours
We're open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 5:00pm throughout the year (excluding the Christmas holiday period).
Start Your Adventure Here
From inspiring ideas and expert advice to beautiful local gifts and detailed walking maps, the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre is your gateway to discovering one of Northern Ireland's most spectacular destinations.
Pop in, say hello, and let our friendly team help you uncover the very best of Newcastle, the Mourne Mountains, and the wider Mourne Gullion Strangford region. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you create memories that will last a lifetime.
Newcastle (An Caisleán Nua) is a seaside resort located in County Down at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne and made famous by the Percy French song "Where the Mountains of Mourne Sweep Down to the Sea".
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.
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.
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.
When is the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre open? The Newcastle Visitor Information Centre is open all year Monday - Saturday 9:30 to 17:00 What services does the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre provide? Our friendly, helpful staff can provide free information on what to do and see in the local area and make suggestion on what to visit, where to eat and where to stay. They can also make suggestions on what else you should visit in Northern Ireland. They have a wealth of local knowledge.
Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark is a UNESCO Global Geopark and recognised Area of Outstanding Beauty that seamlessly blends stunning landscapes, rich geological history, and vibrant cultural heritage.
