Autumn in Northern Ireland is a season like no other. As the air turns crisp, mist drifts across the valleys and forests glow with rich shades of amber russet and gold. Mourne Gullion Strangford is transformed into a breathtaking autumn wonderland. From peaceful lakeside walks to family friendly forest parks, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers some of the best opportunities to get outdoors and experience the beauty of autumn. Pull on your cosiest sweater, head outdoors and enjoy the satisfying crackle of the fallen leaves beneath your feet!
Top Forest Walks in Mourne Mountains this Autumn
Autumnal walking in the The Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion area is breathtaking! As an area of outstanding natural beauty, set in the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark, we have plenty of choices for a picturesque, leisurely stroll.
Mourne Park, Kilkeel
A must see spot this autumn is Mourne Park, a spectacular 156-hectare estate near Kilkeel, County Down, lovingly cared for by the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland. Following extensive restorations to clear invasive species, the trust has opened pristine nature trails that wind through one of the region’s largest expanses of rare, ancient woodland. This flourishing ecosystem serves as a vital sanctuary for native wildlife, allowing quiet visitors to spot nimble red squirrels in the high canopy, glimpse playful otters along the banks of the Whitewater River and discover a forest floor heavily decorated with fascinating, colourful autumn fungi.
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Castle Ward Autumn Walks, Strangford
Castle Ward in Strangford, County Down, is particularly spectacular in autumn, making it the perfect spot to wrap up warm and enjoy a crisp seasonal walk. The expansive National Trust gardens are filled with striking autumn colours, offering a vibrant backdrop as families explore the winding woodland trails to collect the biggest and brightest fallen leaves. After practicing your tree-spotting skills, you can grab a hot drink and cake at the historic Stableyard Tea room before heading out along the beautiful shores of Strangford Lough, where ripe blackberries decorate the shoreline hedgerows.
Best Autumn Trails in Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle
Located at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, Tollymore Forest Park in Newcastle, County Down, offers the quintessential autumn escape. A crisp seasonal trek along the golden leaf lined Shimna River Trail reveals a magical landscape of historic stone bridges, gothic grottos, mystical caves and the iconic stepping stones over the Shimna River. It provides a spectacular backdrop for seasonal photography, where you can capture the vibrant forest canopy, fallen conkers and unique wild mushrooms that thrive on the damp forest floor.
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Autumn Walks at Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh
Nestled on the shores of Strangford Lough near Killyleagh Delamont Country Park, in County Down is a absolute picture of beauty during the autumn months. Taking on the park's diverse network of trails offers a multi-sensory seasonal escape, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk through the misty lough short and vibrant wooded areas filled with colourful foliage. It is the perfect place to slow down, appreciate the earthy forest aromas, listen to the satisfying rustle of fallen leaves and collect the fallen chestnuts to take home for a conker fight.
Scenic Walks in Castlewellan Forest Park
Castlewellan Forest Park is unmatched if you want to experience impressive leafage and stunning scenery this autumn. A crisp walk around the dramatic lake makes for a spectacular seasonal scene, while sipping a hot coffee, enjoy the crunching of the fallen leaves with each footstep and admire the display of gold and crimson changes reflecting of the water. To immerse yourself further, wander through the globally renowned Castlewellan Arboretum and Annesley Garden to see an incredible collection of rare trees, flowers and shrubs transforming into a brilliant tapestry of vibrant autumnal colour.
Family Autumn Adventures in Kilbroney Park
Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor offers the ultimate family friendly autumn escape. From towering woodland trails to the enchanted paths of the Fairy Glen, the park comes alive with a spectacular rainbow of seasonal colours. It is a fantastic spot to keep children busy collecting bright fallen leaves, twigs and conkers for autumn craft at home. Don't forget to keep an eye out for red squirrels busily foraging for yummy nuts ahead of the winter months!
Slieve Gullion Forest Park Autumn Colours
Autumn transforms Slieve Gullion Forest Park into a vibrant display of golden yellows, fiery oranges, deep reds and rustic browns making each step a beautiful sight. This is the reason that a visit to Slieve Gullion Forest Park in South Armagh is essential this Autumn. Discover the lush forests, beautiful woodland trails, lakes, and mountains.
Footsteps in the Forest
Autumn in Slieve Gullion makes for the perfect setting to celebrate their annual Footsteps in the Forest Halloween event that happens at the end of October. During Autumn, the park's landscape transforms into a mysterious and eerie wonderland, perfect for the Halloween celebrations. So, get your tickets and get ready for fun costumes and tasty treats!
Why Visit Mourne Gullion Strangford in Autumn?
So to sum it up, walking in the Mourne Gullion Strangford Region is the perfect place to embrace the beauty of nature and find fun in the simplicity of a leisurely stroll. From the crunch of golden leaves underfoot to the scent of pine and earth, every step on these autumn walks brings you closer to nature. Whether you’re after a peaceful stroll, a family day out, or a hiking adventure, Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough offer unforgettable landscapes at this time of year.
For more walking trails to try this Autumn in Mourne Gullion and Strangford, have a look at our Walking Trails. Go ahead and plan your autum adventure.
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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.
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.
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'.
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.
Kilbroney Park features riverside walks and an arboretum. There is a two-mile forest drive which showcases panoramic views over Carlingford Lough. There is also a Play Park with children's play area and tennis courts, an Information area and a café all on site.
Follow Fionn's Giant Adventure (previously known as the Giant's Lair) at Slieve Gullion Forest Park. Follow the trail, there's so much to explore. Seek out fairies, spells, music and more. Help is at hand as you'll have fairies and warriors to help you follow the trail.
