Winter is a magical time in Mourne Gullion Strangford. With Christmas approaching, visitors can enjoy crisp countryside walks, festive experiences, cosy escapes and unique local adventures, all set against a stunning seasonal backdrop.
1. A Winter Hike in the Mourne Mountains
Mourne Mountains
Experience snow dusted peaks, stunning views, and a sense of accomplishment as you reach Northern Ireland's highest peaks. Start early, wear layers, sensible footwear and pack hot drinks. December daylight is short, so plan your descent before dark. Get inspired and discover more about the Mourne Mountains here
Slieve Gullion
Step into a world of legend on the Ring of Gullion, where trails offer views of the rolling hills, ancient sites, volcanic landscapes and unique geological formations. A hike up Slieve Gullion mountain provides sweeping, frosty views over the surrounding countryside. After descent, there is a nearby café where you can warm up with a fireside hot chocolate. Why not make it a full day of adventure with a visit to the forest park’s fairy trail and adventure play area.
2. Visit a Christmas Craft Fair
Sparkle season is upon us so why not get into the spirit by visiting one of the many local artisan markets that happen each month in Mourne Gullion Strangford and of course the Christmas Craft Fairs that will occur all through December.. Like the Newry Christmas Market in Newry City! You’ll find fresh produce, homemade goods, baked goods, hot drinks, artisan crafts and art. Find more Christmas Craft Fairs here
3. Attend a Festive Event
As the winter nights draw in, Mourne Gullion Strangford comes alive with a host of winter wonders. We have a plethora of events that happen throughout Mourne Gullion Strangford, from food experiences, festive events, Christmas crafts and live entertainment. You will find all these in our What's On section, see our Christmas page to find out more here
See here for Christmas at The Wild Table an intimate Christmas evening shaped by open-fire cooking, live music and the winter landscape of Quarterland Bay.
.jpg)
4. Get into the Great Outdoors
Mourne Gullion Strangford has lots of options for you to explore and find the perfect Winter Trail. Our forest parks are especially enchanting at this time of year, as snow and frost transform the landscape into a serene winter wonderland. Bundle up in your cosy layers, breathe in the crisp air and enjoy the peaceful beauty that only winter can bring.
Delamont Country Park
Choose from one of the five short walks in Delamont Country Park (walks range from 1km to 7 kms). The park opens daily from 9am - 5pm (excluding Christmas Day) in the winter, giving you off road tracks to explore.
5. Indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea
Book you and a special group of friends/family into a festive afternoon tea, we have a selection of fab venues across our area that provide the perfect setting for a luxurious treat. Indulge in festive-themed delicacies like mince pies, spiced cakes, and Christmas-themed sandwiches, all served in cosy, beautifully decorated surroundings that capture the warmth and joy of the season.
6. A Winter Getaway in Mourne Gullion Strangford
There is a wide range of cosy cottages, luxurious spa hotels, welcoming B&Bs, and charming glamping pods, you’ll find the ideal place to unwind. A tip to our area in Winter is met with the beautiful landscapes, vibrant local events, and a warm, cheerful atmosphere in our bars and restaurants – everything you need for memorable seasonal retreat.
Check out our Staycation page for more details. Also see our Cosy Cottages blog for inspiration here
7. Enjoy seasonal menus at a restaurant
Warm up after a chilly outdoor adventure. Enjoy a hot drink, or maybe a wee cocktail in one of our many pubs and restaurants. Check out the locally sourced ingredients on Christmas dinner and seasonal menus options, enjoy a hearty Irish stew, or seafood chowder by the fire in a pub or restaurant. Our area has a wide selection of delicious restaurants to choose from.
8. Meet Santa Claus
Attend one of the magical events at a location throughout Mourne Gullion Strangford and meet Santa Claus himself, our area has a wide selection of events throughout winter for your little ones to experience the magic of Christmas. Visit Santa's Grotto at The Saint Patrick Centre or the Lapland Express at the Downpatrick and County Down Railway
See Whats On Christmas Events for more events your little ones can meet Santa!
9. Take a Scenic Drive along the Mourne Coastal Route
This coastal route offers dramatic winter views of the Irish Sea on one side and the Mourne Mountains on the other. Pull over at scenic viewpoints to take in snow-capped peaks and frosty beaches. Read more here
10. Go Winter Birdwatching
Strangford Lough, a renowned bird sanctuary, attracts migratory birds during the winter. It’s an ideal spot for birdwatchers, with views over the lough adding to the experience.
.jpg)
Celebrate the magic of Christmas this Winter with a visit to Mourne Gullion Strangford . Keep an eye out for some fantastic events in the region throughout the rest of the winter on our Whats on section and Plan your trip now.
Nestled in the breathtaking County Down countryside, Montalto Estate is an enchanting 18th-century Georgian estate offering a five-star visitor attraction, bespoke weddings and events, a Georgian mansion for private hire, and over 8km of beautifully curated trails and gardens, including a secluded private walled garden. Visitors can enjoy seasonal walks through the estate, relax in The Café at Montalto, browse the estate shop, and make use of the dedicated dog park, creating a welcoming destination for families, walkers and garden lovers alike.
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'.
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.
"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 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.
The perfect start to any family trip to Slieve Gullion Forest Park begins with a stop off at the action-packed Adventure Playpark, which is guaranteed to keep kids of all ages delighted and thoroughly entertained.
