Tours, Trails & Experiences

The Mourne Gullion Strangford’s mountains and waterways are home to some of the top food producers in Northern Ireland. To learn the story behind your food and drink, we host a range of experiences and tours, giving you the chance to get up close and personal with the people who prepare your favourite food. 

The Trails and Ales Cycling Tour 

Combine your love of the great outdoors with some of our finest craft beers. Hosted by the Life Adventure Centre and Whitewater Brewery, the Trails and Ales tour is a guided cycling experience through the Mournes. 

Learn the local stories which inspired their brews, as you cascade through one of three cycling routes. Everything is provided in the package, including equipment, and transport.  

Fresh Seafood with the Catch to Cook Experience 

Learn the tricks of the trade from top chefs with the Mourne Seafood Cookery School’s Catch to Cook experience. Discover new professional skills to embolden your home cooking, with the school providing the best of locally caught and sourced ingredients. 

Mourne Seafood School’s mission is to create a relaxed and supportive environment for you to develop your culinary skills, under the watchful guidance of some of the country’s most renowned professionals. 

Award Winning Traditional Food Tours 

The Mourne Gullion Strangford is home to more award winning producers and restaurants than anywhere else in Northern Ireland. NI Food Tours was inspired by this rich talent, with founder, Tracey, seeking to showcase the best that the Mourne Gullion Strangford has to offer. 

Step into Denvir’s Coaching Inn in Downpatrick for a traditional bread making experience. You’re sure to come away with a full stomach, as well as a bag of handmade goodies and recipes to share with your friends and family.

Get back to nature,  join Tracey on her Irish Farm Safari and meet traditional Dexter Cows at Castlescreen Farm. 

Local Seafood and Cider 

Enjoy a taste of luxury on the Deep into the Mournes Tour. The tour’s first stop is Coney Island, where you’ll harvest fresh oysters, and enjoy the fruits of the sea with white wine or local porter. 

Next, meet local cider producer and chef, Andrew. Sample three of his award winning brews, paired with locally sourced recipes. 

Traditionally Distilled Small-Batch Whiskey 

Killowen Distillery is the brainchild of whiskey lover, Brendan Carty. Built around two traditional stills and worm tub condensation, Killowen produces a range of small-batch spirits using ancient methods. 

On a distillery tour, you’ll learn the process for creating craft whiskeys, gins and Poitín, as well as the story of the landscape which inspires Killowen’s award winning tipples. 

Brewery Tours at Whitewater 

Step into a working brewery at the Whitewater tour and taproom. Learn how your favourite brews go from raw ingredients to bottle to glass, and hear personal stories from the brains behind the recipes. 

Each guided tour comes along with a tasting session. Pick your favourite and head back to the taproom for another round. 

Local Delights at the Mourne Seafood Cookery School 

Housed in Kilkeel’s Nautilus Centre, the Mourne Seafood Cookery School is on a mission to bring the best of Visit Mourne’s produce to amateur chefs from around the world. Learn to craft dishes with fresh seafood, Cunningham’s bacon, and Mourne Oyster Stout. 

Afternoon Tea at Montalto Estate 

Step into the grandeur of an 18th century Georgian mansion at Montalto Estate. Furnished with antique period furniture, the tea room is the height of opulence and style. Take a private tour to learn the stories of estate life throughout the centuries. 

With locally sourced pastries, and expertly brewed teas and coffees, you’ll be spoiled for choice at Montalto. 

Electric Bike Guided Tollymore Forest Tour

Enjoy the Buzz of Electric Biking on Bike Mourne's Guided Tollymore Forest Tour. This tour is the perfect adventure for visitors and locals alike, with stunning sights and photo opportunities. 

Meet your guide at the Newcastle Hub, and pick up your electric bike, helmets & accessories before heading for Tollymore.