Blog

The 24th of January 2025 and the name Éowyn will go down in infamy within the Garden’s history, alongside Storm Ophelia (2017) which also took champions from us. Like many areas in County Down Storm Éowyn gave us a devastating battering.

At this stage in the project the capital works is around 50% complete, with most work carried out to date in the first courtyard and car park. The new visitor information centre, formerly the café, has almost completed its renovation and has a beautiful gable wall showing period features. Once the renovation is completed the next step will be installing a range of interpretation to tell the amazing stories of the demesne.

Mountain biking is an incredibly fun sport, but it can also be a daunting one to get into. The assumptions people make about it can be off-putting, and even knowing where to go can be a challenge. In this blog, we aim to lay out the simple things you can do to get into mountain biking.

Give a gift and spend local at the same time in this season for giving.  Whether it's a relaxing mid week break that you've been dreaming of, a day of Giant Adventures full of outdoor activities or a quiet night in a cosy restaurant or pub, this decision is totally up to you! 

Since it’s just a short hop from the south of the island, Newry City has always been a busy centre of activity. Our region's only city may be small in size, but as a regional centre it has plenty of things to offer everyone with the added advantage of being really close to the Ring of Gullion, Carlingford Lough and beautiful surrounding countryside and beaches.

In the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion we have a wide selection of castles and towers that have withstood the test of time, so here we have compiled a list of some of our area's most impressive castles and tower houses.

Alpaca walking, kayaking, e-bike exploring, chocolate factory experiences, numerous amazing restaurants, stunning beaches and all within a short drive of one another, and right on your doorstep in Northern Ireland.

Little did the Haveron family know that when they visited Castlewellan Forest Park today they would play a part in rescuing one of our endangered red squirrels. As they walked along the Crow Road, mum, Mairead, got a shock as a baby squirrel tried to climb up her leg. 

Discover the art hidden among the stunning landscapes of Mourne Gullion Strangford. Did you know that there are over 30 pieces of public art waiting to be admired in this breathtaking region? From sculptures to murals, each piece tells a story, so next time you drive, or walk past, one of these amazing pieces immerse yourself in the artistic side of each town or village.

If you like the idea of camping, connecting to nature, being outdoors, enjoying wildlife and spending quality time together, but sleeping in a tent is just not your cup of tea, then immerse yourself in an authentic glamping experience at one of our picturesque sites within the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark.

Enjoy outdoor fun solving murder mysteries in fascinating and beautiful locations. Be Sherlock Holmes for a day!

Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark has over 400 million years of geological history. It is a treasure trove of natural beauty, geological wonders, and cultural heritage. The Geopark's breathtaking beauty has been shaped by nature, fractured by volcanic activity, and carved by ice, creating a stunning backdrop.

Local cuisine and artisan products play a crucial role in Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark, contributing significantly to the region's cultural identity, economic sustainability, and tourism appeal. This guide will take you on a culinary journey through the region, highlighting the best local eats and artisan delights.