As Autumn sweeps across the landscapes of Mourne Gullion Strangford everything transforms into a tapestry of rich reds, golds, and oranges. This area is known for its breathtaking beauty year round, but during Autumn, it offers an especially stunning spectacle of vibrant foliage and scenery.
For nature lovers and photographers alike, this region provides the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of Autumn. Here's your guide to finding the best spots to see Autumn foliage in Mourne Gullion Strangford.
Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle, Co Down
Nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, Tollymore Forest Park is a spectacular autumn destination, where woodland trails burst into colour with golden oak, sweet chestnut, towering giant redwoods, monterey pines and distinctive monkey puzzle trees. The park's enchanting landscape is enhanced by the winding Shimna River, historic stone bridges, three sets of stepping stones over the Shimna River and the picturesque follies creating a magical setting for autumn walks. It is the perfect backdrop for photography and exploring one of Mourne Gullion Strangford's most iconic forests. Don't forget to keep an eye out for squirrels foraging for yummy nuts!
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Castlewellan Forest Park, Castlewellan, Co Down
Castlewellan Forest Park, is a stunning autumn destination, where colourful woodland surrounds the historic castle, tranquil lakes and iconic Peace Maze. Wander beneath a canopy of golden and crimson leaves before discovering the beautifully restored Annesley Walled Garden and Arboretum, reopened in March 2026. Explore its historic gardens, restored fountains, glasshouses and herbaceous borders, alongside rare trees and vibrant seasonal colour make it an unmissable stop this autumn.
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Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Meigh, Newry, Co Armagh
Discover the magic of Autumn at Slieve Gullion Forest Park, where the volcanic landscapes of the Ring of Gullion are transformed by a rich tapestrey of seasonal colour. Woodland trails and the Slieve Gullion Scenic Drive offer stunning views of golden forests, rolling hills and the dramatic countryside beyond. Follow in the footsteps of ancient legends with a walk through Fionn's mythical story trail or climb to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views across one of Northern Ireland's most captivating landscapes.
Silent Valley Reservoir, Kilkeel, Co Down
Nestled between the peaks of the Mourne Mountains, Silent Valley Reservoir offers tranquil views and the autumn foliage is mirrored in the still waters. The reservoir, which supplies water to the surrounding areas, is enveloped by scenic trails perfect for a leisurely autumn walk. The bright autumn leaves create a striking contrast against the dramatic mountain backdrop, making it one of the most peaceful and picturesque spots to witness the changing seasons.
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Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, Co Down
Just beside the village of Rostrevor, Kilbroney Park is a wonderful autumn escape for foliage in the Mournes. The park features a mix of open meadows, woodlands, and riverside paths, all of which come alive in autumn with brilliant colours. The Narnia Trail, inspired by C.S. Lewis’ "The Chronicles of Narnia", offers a whimsical experience as you walk through enchanted woodlands where the foliage adds an extra layer of magic.
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Castle Ward, Strangford, Co Down
Castle Ward in Strangford is a beautiful place to see autumn foliage, offering a blend of striking landscapes, historical charm, and vibrant seasonal colours. The estate offers multiple walking trails, such as the Shore Trail and the Woodland Walk, where visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant autumn hues. The historic 18th-century mansion is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parklands. In autumn, the formal gardens and surrounding landscape offer picturesque views
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Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh, Downpatrick, Co Down
Enjoy a peaceful stroll this autumn at Delamont Country Park, with colourful woodland trails, crisp leaves underfoot and beautiful views across Strangford Lough. Go leaf peeping, enjoy a family friendly walk and gather fallen leaves, conkers and natural treasures for some seasonal craft fun along the way.
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Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, Co Down
A hidden gem in County Down, Rowallane Garden is a beautiful autumn destination with a mix of formal gardens, woodland paths and secret corners to explore. In autumn, the garden comes alive with scarlet and golden tree foliage, colourful berries that attract wild birds and seasonal beauty throughout its diverse plant collections. A peaceful place to enjoy the changing colours of the season.
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Finnebrogue Woods, Downpatrick, Co Down
Discover the autumn beauty of Finnebrogue Woods, where a 30 acre lake is surrounded by mature woodland glowing with seasonal colour. Explore peaceful trails through this stunning landscape, home to 100 Dexter beef cattle across the wider 230-acre estate and enjoy a tranquil countryside escape filled with golden leaves, fresh air and nature.
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Mourne Park, Kilkeel
A must see spot this autumn is the beautiful Mourne Park in Kilkeel. Mourne Park has a variety of trails through ancient woodlands which are perfect for a scenic autumn stroll. Take in the burble of the Whitewater River and the tranquillity of the ancient woodland that is decorated with blossoming flowers, colourful towering trees and the native wildlife that thrives here. A visit in the autumn guarantees a chance to see the unique fungi.
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Photograph credited to Jill Jennings/Woodland Trust Media Library
Mourne Mountains
Pull your hiking boots on and experience the magic of autumn in the Mourne Mountains, where fiery foliage, rugged peaks and sweeping views create the perfect backdrop for a seasonal adventure.
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Enjoy the beauty of Autumn in our area from the comfort of a car or by bike, take on one of the scenic loops or forest drives throughout the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion. You are sure to see striking scenery and vibrant autumn leaves.
Scenic Loops
Slieve Croob Scenic Loop
The Slieve Croob Scenic Loop is a perfect combination of natural beauty, tranquil rural settings, and opportunities for both short hikes, cycling and leisurely drives.
High Mournes Scenic Loop
Take route on the High Mournes Scenic Loop for an autumn drive or a cycle, see the beautiful mountain peaks from the comfort of your car and there are plenty of stopping opportunities for a walk.
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Slieve Gullion Forest Drive
Enjoy the scenic views of the Ring of Gullion at the Slieve Gullion Forest Park Scenic drive, this route takes you through 10 km of beautiful woodland and mountain heath.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
The High Mournes Scenic Loop delves into the very heart of the famous Mourne Mountains offering iconic views of Slieve Commedagh, Bernagh, Meelmore, Meelbeg and beyond. Below the summits, the charming village of Bryansford and Tollymore Forest Park are well worth a stop for walks along the Shimna River and among the wonderfully ornate and quirky stone bridges, gates, and follies of this planted demesne. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a Red Squirrel or two.
Slieve Croob Scenic Loop explores a truly ancient landscape, much older than the high Mournes. The craggy peaks and rolling valleys were formed when an ancient ocean closed about 400 million years ago. The legacy of man's interaction with the landscape across millennia is very visible here.
Slieve Gullion Forest Drive is a magnificent 10km Scenic Forest Drive. A vehicle journey will take 20 minutes (approx.) along a narrow one-way road that brings you up and over the mountain. (Narrow but with plenty of places to pull in and take in the view over South Armagh, over Carlingford Lough, and beyond.)
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.
Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. The stunning views across Strangford Lough and the relaxing atmosphere make Delamont Country Park a place to enjoy that 'away from it all feeling'.
