Blog

The Mourne Mountains in County Down, Northern Ireland, are a breathtaking destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled within the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark, this area boasts dramatic granite peaks, lush forests, and serene reservoirs—making it a must-visit for hikers, families, and nature lovers.

It’s time to book your tickets and head to the oldest racecourse in Ireland to enjoy a day of horseracing.

Don’t let the winter temperatures and dark nights get you down, why not get off the sofa and get moving. 

There is something enchanting about nature in the winter landscape, if you’re lucky enough get some snow, then appreciate the ultimate beauty of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark in the cold season, admiring glistening snow-covered trees and mountain tops whilst enjoying the crunch of snow beneath your boots.

Uncover the magic of Mourne Gullion Strangford this Christmas in a truly enchanting region that transforms into a winter wonderland and outdoor adventure playground for the whole family.

From the snow-dusted mountain trails, to glistening lakeside walks, there’s a perfect budget friendly place for everyone to enjoy during the festive time.

There is a special kind of magic in Mourne Gullion Strangford, a place where mountain trails melt into forest paths, where every walk seems to end with the promise of a warm cup of coffee in a village café or brew van.

Whether you’re climbing the granite peaks of Mourne, chasing the slopes of Slieve Gullion or wandering the serene shores of Strangford Lough, this corner of Northern Ireland invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and savour the landscape, one sip at a time.

It has been almost a year since the devastation wrought upon the Walled Garden and wider forest park. In those first few weeks all available hands were hard at work with chainsaws and chippers to clear the fallen and damaged trees from critical areas within the park. We were the longest closed park; due to the extent of damage it took us three weeks to get the park back into useable state. Even with that you don’t have to wander far from the main paths to find areas yet to be sorted.

Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in a festive afternoon tea amid the stunning landscapes of Mourne Gullion Strangford. Step away from the hustle and bustle and savour the delightful spread of savoury sandwiches, mince pies, scrumptious scones, rich yule logs or Christmas Cake, all presented to you on tiers of irresistible treats.

Winter is an exciting time for everyone with Christmas on the horizon, the festive atmosphere, chilly days and dark evenings setting the cosy mood. Mourne Gullion Strangford is a stunning area.  A December visit allows for crisp winter walks, festive experiences, cosy escapes and unique local activities.  

If you want to stay active and keep up with your fitness goals while visiting the Mourne Gullion Strangford area, why not take part in one of the friendly local Parkrun events? Whether you prefer to walk, jog, or run, you’ll be warmly welcomed at these community-led 5k events across the region.

A visit to Santa in the picturesque landscapes of Mourne Gullion Strangford is nothing short of magical. 

Escape, Indulge, Reconnect with Nature.

Escape to The Lodge at Quarterland Bay – a luxurious haven on the shores of Strangford Lough, where adventure meets tranquility. Perfect for family getaways, wellness weekends, or celebrations with friends, The Lodge blends comfort, style, and nature-inspired living.

Visit www.quarterlandbay.com to explore our stay packages and plan your exclusive escape.