Coast & beaches Family-friendly Walking
Where the mountains sweep down to the sea
Percy French wrote a song about the place where “the Mountains o’ Mourne sweep down to the sea”, and when you stand on the prom in Newcastle and look up at Slieve Donard, you’ll see exactly what he meant. The Mournes are a compact range of granite peaks just under two hours from Dublin, with forest parks, a famous stone wall, sandy beaches and some of the best walking on the island.
Newcastle is the natural base: an old-fashioned seaside town with a long promenade, ice cream, chippers and a beach that stretches for miles. Remember you’re in Northern Ireland, so it’s pounds sterling, and your phone may switch networks, although roaming within the UK and Ireland is usually included.
Climbing Slieve Donard
At 850 metres, Slieve Donard is the highest mountain in Northern Ireland, and the climb starts almost on the beach. The usual route follows the Glen River up through Donard Wood to the saddle and the Mourne Wall, then turns steeply to the summit. Allow four to five hours there and back, take proper boots, food and waterproofs, and turn around if the cloud comes down. On a clear day you can see the Isle of Man, Scotland and the Wicklow Mountains.
The Mourne Wall and the Silent Valley
The Mourne Wall is a dry-stone wall that runs for about 35 km over 15 summits, built between 1904 and 1922 to enclose the catchment for Belfast’s water supply. It makes a brilliant handrail for walkers. The easiest way to see it is at the Silent Valley Reservoir, where a level path leads along the water with the mountains all around; there’s a park, café and shuttle bus to the Ben Crom dam in season.
Forest parks and gentle walks
- Tollymore Forest Park: riverside walks along the Shimna, stone bridges, stepping stones and follies, and several Game of Thrones filming locations.
- Castlewellan Forest Park: a lake loop, a grand arboretum and the Peace Maze, one of the largest permanent hedge mazes in the world.
- Murlough National Nature Reserve: sand dunes and a long beach between Newcastle and Dundrum, perfect for a blustery walk.
- Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor: forest trails up to the Cloughmore Stone, with views over Carlingford Lough. C.S. Lewis said this corner of Down was his idea of Narnia.
Beyond the mountains
Head north-east to Strangford Lough for Castle Ward, which played Winterfell in Game of Thrones, and the beautiful gardens of Mount Stewart. Downpatrick is where St Patrick is said to be buried, and the Saint Patrick Centre tells his story. South along the coast, Kilkeel is a working fishing port, and the Mourne coast road between Newcastle and Rostrevor is one of the loveliest drives in the North.
Good to know before you go
- Parking at Donard car park in Newcastle and at Tollymore fills early on sunny weekends, so arrive before 10am or walk from town.
- Tollymore and Castlewellan charge for car parking; Murlough has a National Trust car park in summer.
- The weather on the summits can be very different from the prom. Carry a map and know how to use it, as phone signal is patchy in the high Mournes.
- Dogs are welcome in the forest parks but should be on leads near sheep, which graze freely on the mountains.
When it rains
The Mournes make their own weather, so have a plan B: the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, the house at Castle Ward or Mount Stewart, a long lunch in Newcastle, or the forest parks, whose trees give good shelter in light rain. Don’t attempt the high summits in poor visibility.
Where to eat and drink
Newcastle has cafés and pubs along the prom and a growing number of good restaurants, and it’s hard to beat fish and chips on the sea wall. Look out for local seafood from Kilkeel and Annalong, and Mourne lamb on menus around the area.
Which area to stay in
Newcastle has the most choice and puts Slieve Donard, Tollymore and the beach on your doorstep. Castlewellan and Dundrum are quieter, and Rostrevor and Warrenpoint suit a southern Mournes base close to Carlingford Lough. Self-catering cottages are dotted all over the mountains.
A three-night plan
Friday: arrive in Newcastle, walk the prom and have dinner by the sea.
Saturday: climb Slieve Donard, or walk Tollymore if the weather’s poor, then a well-earned pint.
Sunday: the Silent Valley and the Mourne coast road to Kilbroney Park and Rostrevor.
Monday: Murlough beach or Castlewellan’s maze before the drive home.
The Mournes are at their best for the May and June bank holidays and on crisp autumn weekends. For a cross-border trip, combine them with Carlingford via the Greencastle ferry.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Slieve Donard?
Most people take four to five hours there and back from Newcastle via the Glen River path. It’s a proper mountain, so go prepared and check the forecast.
Do I need sterling in the Mournes?
Yes, Northern Ireland uses pounds sterling, though cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Is the Mournes good for families?
Very. Tollymore and Castlewellan forest parks, Murlough beach, the Silent Valley and Newcastle’s seafront all suit children.
Can I visit the Mournes without a car?
Yes. Buses run from Belfast and Newry to Newcastle, and you can walk to Donard, Tollymore and Murlough from town. You’ll want a car for the Silent Valley and the coast road.
Where we’d stay
A grand Victorian hotel and spa right on the beach at the foot of the mountains.
Family-friendly hotel with a pool, on the edge of Newcastle.
Search Newcastle's guesthouses and B&Bs for cheaper rooms near the prom.
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Getting there
Just under two hours from Dublin by car, or by train and bus via Newry.
- By car: about an hour and 45 minutes to two hours from Dublin via the M1, the A1 and the Castlewellan road.
- By train and bus: the Enterprise from Dublin to Newry, then a bus to Newcastle. Buses also run from Belfast’s bus station, taking about an hour and a quarter.
- From Carlingford: the Greenore to Greencastle car ferry crosses the lough in about 15 minutes.
Timetables change, especially on bank holidays, so check with the operator before you travel.
